10 Best Combination Grill-Smokers Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Combination Grill-Smoker?
Isn’t smoky grilled food something to die for? A regular grill can make good food but all those who crave the smoky taste will know that grilled food isn’t enough. As a barbeque lover, you cannot compromise on the quality of food you are serving your guests. Once you know this, you also know that the next thing to do is invest in a grill and smoker combination.
Having this piece of appliance can change the whole cooking game at every party. Sure it would take longer to cook as compared to the regular grill. However, the smoke flavor is worth all the time and money. Plus you also get a 2 in 1 product with a small investment. In this article, we will take a look at the top combination grill-smokers available in the market and review them in detail. We hope it would let you pick the one that meets your requirements.
Quick Summary
- Best for all kinds of cooking: Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- Best digital pellet grill: Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
- Comfortable grill and smoker combo: Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Best for direct and indirect cooking: PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker Combo
- Durable grill and smoker: PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill
- Best Kamado grill: Primo Grills and Smokers 773 All-in-One Kamado Round Grill
- Pro performance at a small price: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
- Best Wi-Fi enabled smart combination grill: Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Designer grill: Outsunny 48″ Steel Portable Backyard Charcoal BBQ Grill and Offset Smoker Combo
- Best Gas based grill and smoker combo: Char-Griller E16620 AkornKamado
The Best Combination Grill-Smokers – Detailed Reviews
1. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
This grill from Z grill is the ultimate model from Z Grills. Let us begin by looking at what this model can do. The wood pellet grill will let you bake, braise, barbeque, roast, grill, sear, smoke, and char-grill. Is there anything that this machine cannot do?
The pellet grill technology is the easiest technology available that can infuse the wood-smoke flavor in your food. Only tasting it will let you know the difference between a charcoal/gas grilled flavor and the smoky flavor this machine can give you.
To get the grilling started, all you need to do is set the temperature and sit back. Starting this machine does not take a lot of work and constant checking. Cooking will be a very easy and seamless process once it is fired up. It runs with the PID technology that maintains a constant temperature throughout the cooking. It maintains a temperature range of 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit which is how it can easily offer 8 different cooking ways.
The machine is essentially designed for a small family. It offers a cooking area of 452 sq. inches which is not small by any means. Many customers may feel this is not too big. The flavors that are infused in the food are second to none.
The steel construction gives it a sturdy make that will last for years together. It is also coated with high-temperature powder which enhances its life.
Pros:
- Consistent performance
- Easy to clean
- PID technology
- Sturdy build
- Comes with a waterproof cover
Cons:
- Does not easily reach the high temperature
- Unused pellets are difficult to separate
2. Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
Another model from Z grills is a tech geek’s top pick. If you are looking for a modern age digital-friendly grill then choose none other than the Z Grill Wood Pellet grill with the newest digital controls. It makes use of smart smoke technology which ensures that the temperature within the smoker always stays between 140 and 450 degrees. It does this using an electric feed system and a smart controller that lets you know when the temperature changes by +/- 20 degrees.
Just like the above model from Z grill, this one too is an 8 in 1 grill smoker. However, it offers 700 square inches of space for grilling. To give you an idea of how much that is imagine 30 burgers put together on a surface. So no matter the occasion this grill is perfect for a family gathering, party, tailgating, and much more.
The grill comes with wheels which makes moving it around easy. Assembling and setting up this giant is also a quick task. Built from steel, this grill also comes with a high-temperature powder coating on the outside that enhances its life further.
Pros:
- Smart technology
- Huge cooking area
- Comes with a warming space and rack
- Stainless steel build
- Wheels for easy movement
Cons:
- Expensive
- Cleaning is difficult
3. Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill and Smoker
Cuisinart CPG-4000 is a convenient and comfortable pellet grill and smoker. Unlike the traditional combos, this one is easy to place anywhere due to its compact size. Be it the outdoor family get-together or tailgating, the CPG-4000 is made for ease of use. It has a unique 2-tiered cooking grate that lets you cook more in the same space. Now that is something no other grill offers at the moment. Pop in all the food you want to grill at once and enjoy it together.
It also comes with a folding shelf that lets you store other things needed during cooking. With this product, keeping the spices, cookware, and tools handy while grilling is very convenient. The portable design of the grill blows away our mind from the design aspect as well. It is comfortable to move around too, thanks to its innovative design.
The smoke emission from this product is at the minimum due to the technology being used. This is great news for environment lovers. It also comes with smart temperature control capabilities. You no longer have to compromise on the quality of cooking due to unstable temperatures. You can cook, bake, smoke, and barbeque with this one product at home.
Pros:
- Accurate and efficient temperature control
- Sleek design
- Convenient to move around
Cons:
- Initial assembly is hard
- Does not come with a reusable dripping cup
4. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker Combo
A vibrant red BBQ grill and smoker combo are what you need if you are looking to grill outside. This chic model from PK Grills is a great outdoor grill that takes little space. It comes with a 300 sq. inch cooking area giving you enough space for cooking multiple items. The outer covering of this grill is made of cast aluminum which makes it resistant to rust. Even though the whole model is lightweight it is sturdy and conducts more heat than stainless steel.
With its capsule-shaped grill, a side stand, and long legs, its dimensions measure 48 x 19.2 x 38 inches. The foldable legs make it easier to carry around and easily transport to your picnic spots. It uses charcoal to fuel the heat and this is what distinguishes it from most other products. The charcoal fuel gives it a unique taste and smoky flavor.
The model comes with a 4-point vent system that helps in enhancing the airflow. That makes it perfect for direct as well as indirect cooking. Cooking quick hot grilled food or a smoky flavored one is not difficult anymore.
One of the challenges with this grill is while cleaning. Since it doesn’t come with a removable tray, you will have to scoop the ash from the grill.
Pros:
- Can cook directly or indirectly
- Durable make
- 4 times powerful
- The smoke flavor is very strong
- Can be used easily and quick setup
Cons:
- Cleaning is not easy
- Heat retention is low
5. PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill
PIT BOSS PB440D2 pellet grill comes with a 50.2 x 24.02 x 39.8 inches cooking space. It comes with porcelain-coated iron grids, a digital burn control system, and a cart with locking wheels. This pellet grill comes with an upgraded cart than its previous versions which makes moving the grill around much easy. The grill is coated with high-temperature powder in a steel blue color.
With the grilling space available in this product, it can easily cook for 6 to 7 people in one go. The grill maintains a temperature between 180 – 500 degrees Fahrenheit; this means cooking a variety of food is an easy job. Searing, broiling, cooking, grilling, baking, barbeque are all possible with this multi-purpose grill. All you need to do is put the food into the grill, set the right temperature, use the right plate, and wait for your delicious meal to get ready.
There are 2 options available in this model: one with a side shelf and another one without it. The entire machine is made of high-density steel that gives it enormous strength and enhanced durability. All of this makes it a high-value grill for a small price. Even if you try to find a problem with this grill after months of use, you won’t have a single complaint. Use it every week for years and the grill will work just as new. This is feedback straight from direct customers and we are not making it up.
Pros:
- Iron grids coated in porcelain make cooking nonstick
- Burn system that can be controlled digitally
- Movable cart with wheels
Cons:
- Works well only with Pit boss pellets
6. Primo Grills and Smokers 773 All-in-One Kamado Round Grill
Once you get used to cooking on the regular grill, moving to a round grill can be an issue. But once start cooking on a Kamado there is no looking back. The grill area becomes lesser given the shape but it is easier to create different heating zones. The oval shape lets you use the extra width and make the heating zones distinct. It will sear and grill the ribs perfectly.
It is a ceramic kamado weighing 250 pounds and made of cast iron. The cooking space is a decent 300 square inches. It can be stretched to almost 500 square inches with an additional rack system. Apart from the grill, the kamado doesn’t come with any additional attachments. But if you pick their all-in-one package, the kit comes with a card, cradle, side tables, lifter, and an ash tool.
It also comes with an expandable attachment and a separately available firebox divider.
Pros:
- The strong and heavy ceramic build
- Dual-sided grill that lasts longer
- Comes with an extra cooking area
Cons:
- Too heavy
7. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
Camp chef has been a famous brand among a majority of outdoor grillers. Their products are reliable and they offer excellent support to their customers. Since they manufacture all their products themselves, they have built a strong follower base by personalizing every product. Their DLX pellet grill is not an exception.
At the price it is available in the market it is easy on the pocket. The low price doesn’t mean it lacks any features. It is built of high-quality stainless steel material. It comes with a stainless steel lid and handles too. The entire set is built to last long.
It offers 573 sq. inches of space which is enough for a large gathering. You can cook a variety and number of items at once. The hopper has an 18-pound capacity which makes cooking for a longer duration an easy task. You don’t have to keep checking the pellet and adding them while grilling your smoky meat.
A dual-LED thermometer attached to the product helps in managing the temperature accurately. With the push of a button, you will know the exact temperature. For that delicious juicy meat, you get the ideal temperature range of 160 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a removable tray to collect ash making cleaning a simple job.
Pros:
- Strong and long-lasting
- Large hopper capacity
- Easy setup and cleaning
- Maintains ideal temperature and comes with a dual led thermometer
Cons:
- Collects a lot of ash
- Temperature readings are not accurate in cold weather
8. Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Traeger grill and smoker is the one that can sell out just by its name. Traeger has created terrific products in the past and this Pro Series 575 is no different. It is a smart grill with built-in Wi-Fi that connects with the Traeger app on your phone. How easy is it to control a grill from the comfort of your couch? Setting a timer, measuring the temperature, and much more can be done with this grill at the click of a button.
This tiny pellet grill comes with two 22 inches of grilling racks stacked one above the other. The top grill is 7 inches in depth while the lower one is 19 inches. It comes with a 2-pound pellet hopper right on the side making it easy to clean. A digital PID controller at the front gives it a remarkable edge over other products.
Keep warm mode is an additional feature available that can be used to pause the current cooking cycle or just to keep the food warm once cooked. This option is however only available on the app.
One of the downsides of this grill is that it is entirely coated with powder-coated steel. The inner grates are porcelain-coated which makes cleaning and chipping easier. Overall we can easily say that the Traeger grill comes with a lot of added functionality.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi and app-enabled
- Warm-up feature
- Strong and durable build
Cons:
- The cooking area is smaller compared to the price
- Comes with one food temperature probe
9. Outsunny 48″ Steel Portable Backyard Charcoal BBQ Grill and Offset Smoker Combo
This sleek modern looking smoker grill is a complete package. It comes with different settings and attachments that let you use it as a grill, smoker, and barbeque. A piece of perfect equipment for your family gatherings and late-night parties, this charcoal grill gives you the much-needed smoky flavor.
It comes with a firebox at one side that lets you start the heat and on the back is a vent that supplies air. The 2 shelves placed at the side and front of the grill give you a lot of space for comfortably storing your accessories and essentials. A thermometer directly connected to the main lid eliminates the need to open the grill for checking the temperature.
The construction of this grill is strong enough to last long and the angled legs make it stable on any surface. The steel make is resistant to rust which enhances its life throughout every season. The grill has 2 wheels on one side that lets you move the grill around very easily.
Pros:
- Separate opening for grilling and wood
- 2 racks for grilling
- Portable
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Wheels on 4 legs would have been helpful in moving around
- Many users have complained that the grill was unstable during use
10. Char-Griller E16620 AkornKamado
Made of 22 gauge steel the Char-griller E16620 AkornKamado is a heavy-duty grill. It is one of the top charcoal grill kamado available currently in the market. If unique styled possessions are your thing, then this egg-shaped grill needs to be in your kitchen to impress the next guest. The cooking surface is made of cast iron which gives it a longer life. With a 447 square inch cooking surface combined it is big enough for its shape. It comes with a 314 square inch surface for main cooking and another 133 square inches rack for warming.
The outer part of the entire grill is coated in powder steel which also enhances its durability. The grill can maintain a consistent temperature between 200 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking area is triple-walled that retains the heat within. The adjustable dampers are present at the top and bottom to maintain airflow and heat.
When it comes to movement, this grill comes with an 8-inches wheel which is extra-large. The wheels are made of tubular steel and rubber that do not wear easily. A temperature gauge is connected to the cooking area eliminates the need to open the lid and constantly check food conditions. It comes with a locking lid, ash pan, heat gauge, and foldable shelves. A complete workstation on both sides with hooks lets you assemble all the cooking utensils in one place. No more moving and running around to find the spatula or tray. It also comes with a bottom rack for storing food.
Pros:
- The design is unique and attractive
- Cast iron plates for cooking
- Constructed from 22-gauge steel
- Preinstalled thermometer to maintain effective temperature
Cons:
- Handles could have been of a better quality
What Is A Combination Grill Smoker?
Combination grill smokers are significantly the highest-selling grillers around the globe and are loved by many. Their multipurpose functionality makes them a favorite amongst all generations. These combination Grill Smokers are versatile and have huge storage space. It is a complete value for your money and a great combination.
The temperature control feature makes sure that your food is cooked at the right temperature. Whether it’s your favorite steak or vegetables, anything can be cooked with perfect taste. These grills are pretty easy to assemble and detach. These grills can use fuel as charcoal and even can be attached to a Propane gas cylinder. The structure is sturdy and solid and at the same time, they are convenient to move around.
These grillers come with good design, a big griller area that can cater to a crowd, and mostly with a digital temperature indication. They also have a heat-resistant handle to move and a nice ventilation flow system. There is absolutely no way that your friends won’t get impressed by its elegance.
Convenience and functionality should be your top priority while buying a combination smoker grill. A separate grill and smoke chambers enable multipurpose activity with efficient time management.
How Does Combination Grill Smokers Work?
Combination grill smokers are efficient and convenient to use. Their multipurpose task efficiency makes them among the favorites.
This combination provides the best of both worlds wherein smokers can cook your meat slowly and efficiently and at the same time, you can grill your fish or vegetables faster. You can simply set the temperature digitally and then smoke, grill, bake or roast whatever you like. The grill can easily reach a temperature of up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit in no time. This combination grill smoker is easy to use. Simply fill the hopper with charcoal. Ignite the grill and let the temperature reach your setting.
To add the smoky flavor it is recommended to place wood chunks or charcoal in the ashtray. You should always make sure that the griller is cool before adding anything to it.
Cleaning in storage is an important factor to keep your combination griller smoker in good shape. You should always keep it in a dry place to avoid rust. It is also recommended that children should be asked to maintain distance from the setup due to smoke and heat coming out of the griller.
At any time you feel that the griller smoker is not working as per your expectations then you should halt the cooking instantly. Always check that the lid is closed properly and everything is in place before igniting the whole setup to avoid any malfunctioning. Using protective gloves to remove any leftover charcoal is a good practice.
Also, you should clean the whole setup only once it’s cold and dry. The griller also has a dedicated space to attach a propane cylinder which is a safe domestic gas. Whenever you transport the griller smoker make sure that the propane gas cylinder is detached completely to avoid any leakage.
What Are the Benefits of Combination Grill Smoker?
Let’s bake, roast, smoke, grill, broil, and sear for foods together without any hitch. This is how these combination grill smokers benefit us. We can sit and enjoy our meals without any worries to set different units up for a party. This all-in-one grill unit is amazing and versatile.
1. Safety
These combos are safe and easy to use. Temperature control makes the work easier and safer. You don’t have to use charcoal for cooking everything and most of the things can be done safely on the griller as well.
2. Value For Money
It is a complete value for money. Buying a combination saves you a lot of money. Even if you compare the individual prices of smoke and griller with the same features then it will be way beyond what you expect. A little analysis of products before buying can give you a clear idea of what you want to buy.
3. Healthy Cooking
This combo of grill and smoke makes sure that the food is not undercooked and you get a proper taste and your steaks are juicier and tender at the same time. The temperature control function also makes sure the food doesn’t get burnt while cooking.
4. Easy To Clean
Modern-day grills and smoker combinations come with clear instructions for cleaning. They can be cleaner with a dry cloth after the whole setup is cool. Even they are easy to assemble and store.
5. Multipurpose Usage
As the name goes these setups leave no mark in pleasing you. Your food can be grilled and cooked at the same time with perfection. No way that the taste diminishes as the charcoal-induced flavor is fantastic and mouth-watering. Baking and roasting can also be done with convenience.
6. Wide Cooking Surface
The cooking surface for these combos is large and can cater to more guests. Whether you want to grill steaks or heat buns, anything is quick and easy with these combo setups.
7. Portability
These smoker grills can weigh extremely heavy and are portable. In case you are planning to use this equipment at different locations then keeping the weight in mind will be very useful before buying. Make sure that you have the equipment with moving wheels with brakes under the legs so that movement is easy and comfortable
8. Advanced Technology
These combos come with innovative technology that supports efficient cooking. Temperature gauges help in maintaining constant heat for better taste and perfection. These temperature gauges are also helpful when you want to smoke the meat for several hours. Similarly, Bluetooth and wireless connectivity enable controlling your combo setup from a distance. you can simply sit inside your home and let the combo smoke griller do the magic for you.
You can also use a meat probe thermometer to check the internal temperature of steaks and other meats to make sure they are not cold or undercooked.
You can expect elegant cooking and a joyful time with this technology-based combo smoke grillers. It is always great to have an elegant set up at your home that impresses your friends and family and creates the food that nobody has expected before. Let’s also be considerate about the pricing and we recommend that you do good market research to find the best product in the future at a reasonable price.
How to Choose a Combination Grill Smoker?
Having a simple combination grill smoker is nice but never stop looking for extra comforts. They will certainly make your BBQ experience fun and comfortable. It is important that as a consumer you realize your budget, needs, and desires in a unit as wanted.
Buying a new grill, be that simple or a combination smoker involves some investments. So, let’s be wise with our options to purchase. Indeed, both grilling and smoking are amazing cooking styles. They demand skill, passion, experience, and the right grill unit.
Many models are available in the market that offers you a lot in terms of comfort and vogue. It is you who has to make the right and last decision on what is best suited for you.
1. Fuel Type
These combo grills can use different types of fuel with a lot of ease. In case you are not comfortable with handling hot charcoal buns then a propane gas or a natural gas cylinder attachment can do all the magic for you. Charcoal grills are altogether different to handle as the temperature changes instantly with high smoke. A propane or natural gas cylinder base combo is great for beginners to get hands-on with this style of cooking.
2. Cooking Area
It is recommended that you choose the size of your combo grill smoker concerning the cooking area available at your place. Also, it is important to consider the size of your family before making decisions on what size you wish to buy. A big cooking area means comfortable cooking and if you would like to place the combo grill smoker in your garden or backyard then that would be the best place to cook. In case you are short of space then a smaller size combo smoke grill will do. Read your needs first, vouch for ion how often you think this unit can be used and for how much gathering. This will help you with making the right decision.
3. Size And Portability
Are you a party person? Do you love celebrating social events at your home and using your combo grills smoker that often? If not, then a smaller size Unit will be the best for you. In case you go camping and love taking your grill with you then you should select a lightweight combo smoke grill for yourself. Always remember that good cooking can only happen when you are comfortable with your equipment and that is what makes the whole difference in flavors. In case you want to hold a social gathering with friends in your backyard then a big-size combo grill can make all the difference. It’s an add-on to have side shelves and a foldable structure. The presence of hooks helps further to keep the cooking tools organized. Moreover, enclosed storage space is another important feature.
4. Temperature Gauge
Modern combo grill smokers come with a temperature gauge that indicates the temperature inside the grill. However, they might be inaccurate at times and the meat might be cold from the inside. It is always recommended to track your food temperature several times before taking it off the grill. The temperature gauge constantly checks the food temperature and lets you know the zone-wise temperature inside the unit. You can easily set up the temperature for perfection as well. Adjustable thermostats are another feature to catch up on. Also, make sure you find a perfect lid for your cooking area. This helps to retain heat and quick heating. It will further add on saving your fuel as well.
5. Structure and Built
You need a strong and sturdy combo grill smoker that can hold the entire unit efficiently. The stainless-steel nonstick surface can support cooking without food getting burnt to an extent. A lightweight, portable, and of course durable built is what anyone wants from their purchase. Therefore, work closely and understand what exactly the grill combo body is made of. It should be rust-resistant for sure. Castor wheels are a great bonus. These add to the mobility of your unit. Make sure the handles are properly insulated and so is the overall structure. Stability is what as a consumer we should vouch on.
6. Budget
Your whole experience depends upon the money you spent on the combo Grill smoker. In the market, you will find the combo grill smokers in every segment that might range from low to high prices. It is always recommended to do a market analysis before buying the product as this can give you a clear picture of what you desire and how much money you have to spend on your purchase. A little homework on your product will save you some money for sure.
7. Heat
The thumb rule says a grill should generally throw out approximately 100 BTU heat capacity per square inch. Moreover, make sure your grill smoker works well utilizing lesser heat with the same ability. Saving on fuel is our priority. It is important to note the time your combination grill smoker takes to heat up and also its heat retention capability.
8. Performance/ Airflow
No grill falls complete without having multiple airflow controls for easy and comfortable functioning. This is helpful to achieve desired variable settings for all kinds of smoking effects. It further adds to the longevity and efficiency of the grill smoker.
9. Ashtray/ drip tray
This is another important feature. It adds to the easy cleaning ability of your combination grill smoker. Removable trays are always a good option to have. They ensure an easy cleaning system. The post BBQ care is also an essential part. This should never be ignored if you wish for a long-lasting grill life.
Conclusion
Everyone has a different requirement and budget. There are different models available in the market which could suit you. We hope that our guide will help you look at the top combination grill and smoker and purchase the one which fits your needs. Here are our top 3 choices that you can pick from without hesitation:
- PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill – If you need a durable and long-lasting grill with all-in-one features, you can buy the pit boss pellet grill without a doubt.
- Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill – For a budget customer, this makes an excellent choice given the wide features available with the grill.
- Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker – If you are looking for a grill that is easy to control and monitor, this Wi-Fi enable grill from Traeger can be a good choice.
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