Best Smoker Grill Combo Guide [2021]: Top 5 Recommendations

Do you love to grill? Do you enjoy spending time outside with your family and friends? If so, then a smoker grill combo may be the perfect addition to your backyard.

Smoker grills are a great option for those who want to be able to grill and smoke their food at the same time. A smoker grill combo is an outdoor cooking appliance that combines a grilling station with a smoker box. It’s not only great for smoking meat, but also allows you to smoke vegetables, fish, or any other food item that is traditionally smoked.

You can find smoker grill combos that come with both of these features, or you can buy them separately. So, what is the best smoker grill combo on the market? This question may seem simple, but there are many factors to consider before picking one. In this blog post, we will cover what makes the best smoker grill combos stand out from the rest and help you find the right one for your needs!

What is a smoker grill combo?


A smoker grill combo is a cooking appliance that combines grilling and smoking.

The two main components of a smoker grill comb are the metal cooking grate for food preparation and the enclosed box for smoke generation. This second element could be either an electric or gas-powered wood pellet burner or a water pan which creates steam to generate the required smoky flavor in your meat.

Regardless of what you choose as a fuel source, your grill will need to be able to cook over indirect heat from one side of the grates. Foods can also have time with direct heat exposure without getting too much charring because there won’t be any fire directly underneath them.

The second component of a smoker grill combo is the enclosed box for smoke generation. This could be either an electric or gas-powered wood pellet burner or a water pan that creates steam to generate that authentic smoky flavor for your meat.

Smoker Grill Combo: What are some things I should look for?

There are several things you should look for in your smoker grill combo. If you plan to use pellets (which may come included), then make sure the unit has a hopper that holds enough fuel to last for the duration of your cooking session.

You’ll want a grill smoker with great insulation and tightly-fitted doors so you can regulate temperature more easily while also preventing smoke from escaping. This could be dangerous if it’s near something flammable like leaves on the ground or furniture outdoors.

If you plan to use wood instead, then make sure there are plenty of shelves for storage as well as an access area in front where you can load up logs without having to move anything first. You may need two burners if one isn’t sufficient, but electric models require less maintenance than gas ones do because they don’t have tanks beneath them that release emission into the air.

How does a smoker grill combo work?

Smoker Grill

The first component of a smoker grill combo is the metal cooking grates that are used for food preparation.

These will have an area with direct heat exposure as well as another where there isn’t any, and they’ll be on one side only so you can rotate your items while also making sure each section has time to char without burning too much.

The smoker works by cooking the meat on low and slow heat. Moisture causes the smoke to form and, by adding more throughout the process, you can create a smokier flavor for the meat. Woodchips also help induce a smokier flavor, but be careful, as too much smoke, or black smoke, can make the meat taste unpleasant and burnt, as opposed to tasty.

What should you look for in a smoker grill combo?

There are several things to consider when choosing a smoker grill combo.

The first is whether or not you want an electric model. An electric model will cost more but also be easier to maintain. This is because there won’t be any gas tanks beneath it that need properly maintaining and replacing.

Another thing is how much space you have available in your yard. If you don’t have much room, then opting for a smaller unit may save you a lot of money.

But, if you do end up cooking for a larger crowd, it may get full quickly, whereas larger units are ideal for large gatherings with room to spare. You’ll also need somewhere stable where the legs could remain rooted without moving or being uneven, while still being able to withstand high-voltage cooking temperatures.

The other thing you’ll have to decide is whether or not it has a stainless steel finish, as this will make it easier for cleanup. It’s also good if the unit comes with a cover so that when you’re using it outside there won’t be any incidences where rainwater could seep through and get into the electronics of your smoker grill combo.

Finally, ask yourself what kind of smoke flavor you want. The electric model doesn’t have many fuel-related emissions being released but doesn’t produce quite the same flavor as an authentic gas smoker grill. Gas models are also better because they provide more heat without requiring as many refueling sessions throughout the day.

So, let’s take a deeper look at what to look for in your smoker grill combo:


What size smoker grill combo do you need? If your yard is big then a larger one might be more appropriate, but this also means it’ll take up more space and have less room to spare if guests come over. Smaller models are great for those who live in an apartment or condo unit because they’re not as bulky and can be stored away more easily. How many people you’ll be cooking for on a regular basis will also help to determine the size.

Fuel Source

Grill Smoker Combo

Is it an electric model or do you want a gas-powered one instead? The primary difference is that the former doesn’t release emissions and requires less maintenance, but they’re also pricier and don’t produce quite as authentic a smoker flavor. However, if there’s not enough room for a larger unit then opting for something smaller may be a better option.


If you’re using your smoker grill combo outside then having one available to protect the unit from rainwater is important because otherwise it could seep into the electronics and cause some harm.

Smoke Flavor

Some of us prefer gas models on account of how they provide more heat in a small space and a more classic smokey flavor. If the flavor is a key factor for you then this will definitely affect your decision.


It’s also important to consider the efficiency of the combo. It’s important to buy something you can afford and that will be able to cook your meat properly, but also something that doesn’t waste fuel and provides its money’s worth in value.

Ease of cleaning

Considering how easy your smoker grill combi is to clean should be one of the most important factors for your decision. Stainless steel models are easier to keep clean and don’t take as much effort from a maintenance perspective. They can simply be wiped down after use with soap and water without having any issues arising. As such, a lot of people prefer this type because it requires less work to maintain.


You’ll need to consider the price as well. Some smoker grills are cheaper than others and if money is tight then opting for a lower-priced model might be advantageous in that sense. But, on the other hand, a cheaper model may not last as long or have all of the features you desire.


Some people might opt for a cheaper smoker grill combo because the performance isn’t as important, but this means that it may not last as long or have all of the features you want. Ultimately, the performance of the machine will be a strong reflection of the quality and value of your purchase.



You’ll need to evaluate the materials that have been used in the manufacturing process and decide if they’re of good quality. Quality construction is important because it’ll affect the longevity of your purchase.


There is a myriad of features that you’ll want to consider when looking for what smoker grill combo is best for your lifestyle. For example, some models have infrared burners which provide an even cooking surface and don’t need to be lit by hand.

Others may include additional racks on the side as well as space in between them so large cuts can be placed there. Many come with additional accessories such as BBQ tongs, or a digital thermometer to check the temperature, and some even come with an inclusive cover.

Ease of use

It’s also important to consider the ease with which you can assemble, clean, and, most importantly, use your smoker grill unit. This will have a great impact on how much time it takes for you to prepare meals, but also, if spills occur then, they may be easier to wipe down as well. It’s always better when something is easy to use because it makes things much simpler and cuts down on the amount of time you spend fretting over a manual.


People generally buy accessories like wire racks, cutting boards, and other items depending on what they’ll be doing with their smoker grill combo. This is why this can also be a factor in one’s decision because some actually come with some of those items included.


Lastly, you’ll need to consider the temperature that a smoker grill combo can reach – it’s important because not all models will have the ability to go up as high in terms of heat. The higher the heat of your model, the more quickly it will cook your food.

What’s the difference between a grill and a smoker?


There are several differences between a grill and a smoker. A grill is designed to cook over direct heat while a smoker heats indirectly with the aid of either wood or charcoal. This means that meat smoked on a grill will be less flavorful than meat cooked in a smoker because there’s no time for the natural juices to penetrate as deeply into the muscle fibers.

A good analogy would be that grilling works like sautéing. It cooks primarily by exposing food quickly to high-heat drying out the surface so that it seals in flavor before cooking through at lower temperatures.

Smoking, in comparison, takes more time but gets better results from infusing deep flavors into meats and cooking them slowly at controlled temperatures well below what’s used for grilling – a little like slow cooking. A smoker is designed to have a large surface area for even cooking and the ability to use heat sources that are more difficult (and expensive) to control than direct grilling.

A smoker grill combo is a combination of these two types of cooking built into one appliance. It combines the features and benefits of both grills and smokers to give you even more versatility in your kitchen. This makes it much easier on the cook when he or she wants different flavor profiles in order to prepare several dishes at once.

These machines can utilize gas, wood, or charcoal as fuel sources for their heat source which allows them to be used all year round for anything from smoking fresh fish during colder months to barbecuing with friends on hot summer days.

Smoker grill combo best use tips

Here are some top tips for using your new smoker grill combo:

  • Keep an eye on the temperature of your combo – if this drops, then your food will also cool down, which will affect the overall flavor.
  • If you’re cooking a large cut of meat, be sure to let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes before carving so that all the cook’s tasteful juices are still contained inside.
  • Be careful not to use too much wood or charcoal as this could cause smoke from fat dripping on it.
  • Always wait until your smoker grill combo has completely cooled off before refilling any empty racks with more fuel sources in order to avoid any potential damage related to heat exposure.
  • Keep checking up on your food regularly because every cook differs and may take less time than what is recommended by recipes.
  • Remember that most smoker grill combos will have a temperature gauge on the front of them. This is because it’s very important to know what your cooking device has reached and the gauge can be a useful tool if you’re trying to reach different temperatures. Nonetheless, the temperature gauge can be incarnate, so it’s best to use a couple to ensure that your combo is at the desired temperature.
  • Cooking with your smoker grill combo should take considerable time and effort, but the result will be worth it.
  • Keep in mind that the smoker grill combo is capable of reaching higher temperatures than a regular gas or charcoal grill which means you’ll need to be careful when cooking and make sure your food doesn’t burn.
  • It also has an effect on timing. For example, beef brisket will take much longer to smoke as opposed to grilling it. The temperature difference can also affect what types of meat are best suited for smoking with these appliances. Generally speaking, because they cook at lower temps over a short period of time, tender cuts like tuna steaks won’t work. Whereas meats such as pork shoulders and ribs come out beautifully once smoked.
  • Cold meat will absorb smoke better than room-temperature meat.
  • Use wood as a supplement to coals as opposed to the entire fuel. This will allow for a more natural smoke flavor. Plus, wood fires can be tricky to manage and produce a lot of ash and soot, which can ruin your meat.
  • Add moisture to the smoke. Use water or apple juice to keep the smoke moist and not as harsh.
  • Smoking slowly on low heat will produce the best flavor.
  • Use both the intake and chimney baffles to adjust the temperature.
  • Black smoke is bad and white smoke is good. Black smoke means your meat is burning or the wrong types of wood are being used and can lead to a very unpleasant taste.

My Top Smoker Grill Combo Recommendations

Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic Charcoal Grill

Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic Charcoal Grill

Kamado grills are some of the most versatile grills on the market, and they come with a range of features that make them perfect for every type of grilling enthusiast.

The Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill is good for both grilling and smoking, but it’s best for smoking when you purchase an additional heat deflector accessory. Fueled by charcoal, Kamado grills are very well insulated and maintain a stable temperature even with no outside monitoring.

The 18-inch model is the best option for most people, but you can choose a larger size if you want to grill more food. The 18-inch model has 406 square inches of grilling area and can reach the smoker temperature range from 225°F to 750°F

It also features a number of advanced cooking methods, for example, divide and conquers, which allow multiple food items to be cooked at different heights. Keep in mind though, that this is a large grill and it will be difficult to store if you’re lacking space.


  • High quality, well-built smoker grill
  • Range of advanced cooking methods for a wide variety of dishes


  • It’s larger, so the model takes up more space
  • Quite expensive

Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill

Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill

If you are a tech-savvy type, this grill is your best bet. This Weber Grill is one of the best available, with a range of technological features (such as WIFI) that you won’t find in traditional smokers. If versatility and a modern design are important to you, this wood pellet grill will be perfect for you.

Weber also claims to have solved the problem many pellet grills have of not being able to reach an optimum temperature to sear. Pellet smokers typically max out around 500°F, but this model can reach 600°F.

If that wasn’t enough, one of the great features of this smoker grill is its patented stainless steel flavorizer bars. These allow the heat from the firepot to specifically target the certain grill which gives improve searing and better results.


  • Modern features such as WIFI connectivity and smart grill features
  • Can reach up to 600°F
  • Unique flavorizer bars improve the flavor of the smoke


  • Small food prep area of just a single shelf

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill and Smoker

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill and Smoker

This is one of the best grills on the market in general. Even without the smoker. You have a very good 700 square inches of cooking space (with the main rack of 513 square inches and a sub-rack of 187 inches) arranged in a nice wide area. As the hopper can hold up to 20lbs of pellets, you will have plenty of smoking time with the smoker grill combo before refilling.

The smoker grill combo is an all-in package that cooks pretty much anything. You can do any of the following things with your smoker grill combo: roast, smoke, grill, and barbecue. It is also good for pizza, which can be surprisingly tasty when cooked properly.

One of the things that makes this smoker grill such a good buy is the digital controller with its easy-to-use interface. It can be set at any temperature between 180 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and will consistently stay within 20 degrees of the target. Overall, it’s one of the best smoker grill combinations out there.


  • 700 square inches of cooking space
  • Can roast, smoke, grill, and barbecue
  • Good for pizza
  • The digital controller has an easy-to-use interface


  • Only has a one-year warranty

The Original PK Grill & Smoker

The Original PK Grill & Smoker

The PK Grill & Smoker is surprisingly literal, with its simple, no-frills design. There are no buttons and knobs, and the skill lies in mastering the technique.

This grill is made of durable cast aluminum that retains heat well and distributes it evenly across the entire grill.

It is capable of withstanding high temperatures, from 180 degrees to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features intuitive 4-point venting system technology. Two vents are located on the top of the lid and two more at the bottom. The system is designed to improve airflow for better smoking and flavor.

The large 300 square inches of cooking space is enough to fit two spatchcock chickens, and the thick, rustproof hinges are more or less impossible to break. As such, it comes with a super long 10-year warranty which covers rust, burnout, or breakage.

Unfortunately, there is a downside. The simple design also excludes any modern cleaning features – there’s no way to catch the ash at all. So, it can be a bit tricky to clean.


  • Durable cast aluminum retains heat well and distributes it evenly
  • Large 300 square inches of cooking space
  • Rustproof hinges are nearly impossible to break
  • Comes with a super long warranty to cover rust, burnout, and breakage


  • No modern cleaning features – ash can be difficult to clean

Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill And Offset Smoker

Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill And Offset Smoker

This heavy-duty grill delivers 800 square inches of cooking surface, which includes a side smoker portion space for smoking.

The grill is made out of stainless steel with a black coating that prevents corrosion and withstands heat up to 400 degrees. While the grill can’t sear or char meat (best done at 450 degrees), it can be an economical way to get a smoker combo.

The offset smoker is a small but powerful grill that can maintain high heat even when just cooking for one person. It’s great for outdoor cooking, as the table running around the front side of it is perfect for preparing food.

There are some disadvantages to this smoker grill combo. For instance, the legs are cheaply welded to the main grill body and could bend during transit.


  • Stainless steel prevents corrosion and withstands heat up to 400 degrees
  • The offset smoker is a small but powerful grill that can maintain high heat
  • Table running around the grill is perfect for preparing food


  • Cheaply welded legs can bend during transit
  • Can’t sear or char meat at 450 degrees


Question: What are the best smoker grills?

Answer: The three most popular brands for smokers right now are Kamado and Weber. Both of these have their own different features to advertise like reliable control systems or special racks that make cooking easier. Weber is one of the more popular brands because it has a reputation for quality products and environmental sustainability.

Question: How do I know if a smoker grill is working?

Answer: The best way to tell if a smoker grill is working is by looking at the temperature gauge on the outside of it. If no flame or heat is coming from inside, then something might have gone wrong with your electric feature and needs some repairs. Smoke will also show up when the smoker grill is working and should be coming out from all around it.

Question: What’s the difference between wood chips and wood pellets?

Answer: Both wood chips and pellets can be used to fuel a smoker grill. They’re both made from compressed sawdust, but the difference is in their size. Chips are larger than pellets so they take longer for them to burn down, which means that they’ll produce less smoke during the cooking time—but it’s also easier to find out when you need to add more wood.

Question: What are the best smoker grill features?

Answer: There are many different smoker grills features to look out for when you’re buying one. What matters the most is what kind of cooking space and tools you need. If there are no transportation or storage problems then it might be best to buy a larger grill that can cook large amounts of food at a time. But if the smoker grill will be moved around frequently then it might be best to buy one with small wheels for easier transportation.

Question: What is better: charcoal, wood, or gas?

Answer: Charcoal can create a more smoky flavor, while gas doesn’t produce any smoke at all. Wood is great for smoking but it’s hard to control the temperature and will likely result in some unappetizing flavors if you don’t use enough water as well. Gas is the more convenient choice, but if you’re looking for the most authentic flavor then charcoal or wood is the best option.

Question: What is the healthiest way to smoke meats?

Answer: The healthiest way to smoke meats is by doing it over indirect heat. Indirect cooking means that the food doesn’t get direct contact with flames or hot air, which can lead to carcinogens being produced when grilling meat at a high temperature.

Question: What is a smoker?

Answer: A smoker is a device that can be used to cook meat slowly at low temperatures while smoking with wood chips for flavor. Smoking food helps preserve its natural juices and creates a nice barbecue flavor that’s different than grilling.

Question: What is spatchcocking?

Answer: Spatchcock chicken is when you remove the backbone from a whole bird and flatten it out. It’s done so that the chicken cooks faster and evenly, as well as being much easier to grill or roast in an oven.

Question: How long should I cook ribs?

Answer: Ribs take at least four hours to fully cook. The first hour of cooking will consist mostly of the ribs being smoked at a low temperature, and then they’ll be baked for an additional three hours at 300 degrees Fahrenheit with foil covering them in order to keep all moisture inside. They’ll come out beautiful, with a rich, smokey flavor.

Question: Which is healthier grilling or smoking?

Answer: Smoking is healthier than grilling. Grilled food can have a higher risk of carcinogens which come from the charring and burning process, but smoking meat doesn’t create these chemicals because it’s cooked at lower temperatures with smoke instead of direct heat.

Question: How do I clean my smoker grill?

Answer: To properly maintain a smoker grill, use a wire brush to clean the grill grates and ash from inside. Use a damp paper towel to wipe down any areas that need it, like around controls or underneath the lid.

Question: Is smoked meat is bad for you?

Answer: Smoked meat is not bad for you as long it’s done right. Too much salt or sugar can make the smoked meat unhealthy, but if the process doesn’t contain too many additives then there should be no problem with eating it.

Question: What is the best smoker and grill combo?

Answer: There are many great smokers and grill combos out there, so the best smoker grill combo depends on the person. However, one of the best smoker grill combos is definitely the Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic Charcoal Grill.


Regardless of the style, size, or features you’re looking for there are many different smoker grill combos to choose from. The list we’ve provided has recommendations based on our research and personal experience cooking meat over the years. No matter your choice, a smoker grill combo is a perfect way to get a variety of flavors in one meal, and smoking meat is a simple way to make a delicious dinner– when it’s done right!

Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for you in your quest for the perfect smoker grill combo. We hope you have a great time catering for parties, family reunions, and even just grilling with friends on Saturdays! Good luck with finding the best smoker grill combo for you!

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