Do you like to grill and smoke food frequently but don't have the space or the budget to buy both a good grill and a good smoker?
For those of you that must have the best of both worlds, picking and buying the best grill smoker combo is the way to go. However, they can be quite expensive so finding the right one can be tough.
With dozens of designs and material types, having an expert review your options is a good idea. In this article we will review seven of the most popular grill smoker combinations to help with your decision.
Note: If you are in a hurry, you can check our quick product consideration list down below or read our quick comparison table.
Table of Contents (Quick Navigation)
In a Rush? Here's Our Winner!
Quick Comparison Table
Grill Name | Cooking Area (in2) | Dimensions (in) | Price Range | Our Rating | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 254 | 27 x 18 x 18 | $ | ||||
| | 447 | 22 x 29 x 25 | $$ | ||||
 | 429 | 51 x 21 x 45 | $$$ | ||||
 | 860 | 54 x 23 x 82 | $$$ | ||||
| | 301 | 35 x 21 x 36 | $$ | ||||
| | 324 | 21 x 21 x 32 | $$ | ||||
| | 605 | 55 x 23 x 44 | $ | ||||
Best Grill Smoker Combos To Consider
#1 - The Old Smokey Grill Smoker is an inexpensive but effective option. Many people have used their Smokey products for decades due to the aluminum body and the high quality of meat it produces. If you are on a budget and need a basic grill which can be used as a smoker that will last, this may be your choice.
#2 - The Char-Griller 16620 Akorn Kamado is an egg shaped grill that is highly efficient and can excellently perform like a smoker too. It is not true indirect heat, but with a few adjustments, it can do low and slow or sear at very high temperatures. It is also very easy to assemble.
#3 - Pit Barrel Classic is the best option if you want a simple and effective combo. It has a classic vertical barrel design, with tons of cooking space and comes with additional attachments to fit your needs. And, in addition to that, it doesn't require any assembly at all, making it ready to go just after unboxing.
#4 - The Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP Model PS9900 is the only model we reviewed with both a built in gas grill and a built in infra-red sear burner. This huge grill has an impressive appearance and can cook for the whole neighborhood by using the preferred grill type: Liquid Propane Grill, Charcoal Grill or the Smoker. For users who like an all in one product, this can be a good choice even though it is a bit pricey.
#5 - The Camp Chef PG24 Pellet Combination is the most hassle-free version of the smoker grill combo that you can find. With its digital controls and internal temperature readout, it keeps your temperature within a couple degrees of where you set it. This attractive and effective option is a bit pricey but worth it.
#6 - The PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Smoker Grill is another simple classic. This wide cast aluminum grill can last for the rest of your grilling career and allows for both direct and indirect heat. It is also portable so you can have a quality grill at your tailgate party. If you are looking for a basic but effective combo, with a simple aluminum design, then this may be a good option for you.
#6 - The last product in this list is the Char Broil American Gourmet combo grill. It is an offset smoker with the ability to grill whenever you want. It has a huge cooking space, porcelain coated grates and lid-mounted thermometer but the overall construction is thin and you need to be careful on windy days.
How We Choose the Featured Products?
60 Hours of Research
30 Products Considered
7 Top Picks
When you are looking for a combo grill, it is easy to get over-whelmed by the huge selection of models available on the market. You don't know what to consider and what are the most important factors on such grills.
We based our picks and reviews on three main characteristics that we think would make a quality smoker-grill combo:
These are the three factors we have mainly considered when we picked our products. We spent about 60 hours on researching, reviewed about 30 Models and decided to feature only 7 products in total:
Reviews of the Best Smoker Grill Combo
Technical Details:
The Old Smokey is about a simple as a smoker grill combo can get, and sometimes that is what works best. This is a Texas classic and has been a favorite for decades. However, if you do not live in Texas you will probably be the only one on your block that owns one.
It is entirely made of aluminum so rust is not an issue. It is made in the USA, and many owners say they have used theirs for over 30 years.
This is the least expensive option by far, and you can get it for ¼ the cost of the most combo products out there.
However, there are a few downfalls. There is no temperature gauge and you cannot see the bottom vent, making it tough to adjust. One of the biggest issues is that you will likely have to add coals at some point, but to do so you must remove the grate and the food. It also has the smallest cooking surface we reviewed at 254 square inches.
The grill is fairly easy to assemble but you have to be careful. The legs in particular have sharp edges, and it is easy to cut your hands while assembly this product. In addition, the normal assembly puts the grill at knee height. To get it to waist height like other grills you have to buy extensions for the legs.
Pros
Cons
2. Char-Griller 16620 Akorn Kamado - Best Ceramic Smoker Grill Combo
Technical Details:
The Akorn Kamado is a cheaper version of the Big Green Egg in its design. This is a very good thing considering how well Green Eggs cook meat, and how expensive they are. I should know as I own their XL model. Many people feel that the Kamado is similar in the quality of meat that is produced, yet it is about 1/3 the cost.
This grill has 314 square inches of cooking area and a warming rack of 133 square inches for a total of 447 square inches.
This combo product is insulated to keep the heat consistent. The real key to this design is the shape. As heat rises it hits the top and then rolls down the sides back to the bottom. This air movement makes the grill act like a convection oven.
The grill will get up to 700 °F and has a built in temperature gauge to help you monitor your cooking process. It is very efficient so you will not need to add coals even after eight to ten hours of cooking. In fact you may have some unburned charcoal left in the bottom when you are done.
This grill is the easiest to assemble of our five, and you can probably get it done in about 40 minutes. It is a little narrow for indirect heat, so you might want to add a cooking stone to protect your meat from the heat.
Pros
Cons
Technical Details:
If you are looking for a simple to use and a classic model, then the Pit Barrel Cooking Package may be the perfect option for you.
It has a great cooking capacity, with 346 square inches in total and 8 hanging hooks, which when are combined with the unique vertical design of the chamber, allows you to fit up to 8 racks of ribs or two huge chickens and still, there is a bit room to spare.
The vertical design allows this model to easily maintain low and consistent heat. If you want to adjust the temperature, you can do so by moving the bottom vents.
Also, this type of design is very good at maintaining natural moisture for the food, without you needing to add a water pan, so this is a great set and forget model.
The Pit Barrel Cooking packages include the porcelain coated steel drum, 8 stainless steel hooks, 2 steel hanging rods, one charcoal basket, one grill grate, and wooden hook remover. So, in a few words, everything you could possibly want from an outdoor cooking device.
And, what is more important for some people, from unboxing to starting the grill will take you no more than a couple of minutes of assembly.
Pros
Cons
4. Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 PS9900 - Best Propane Smoker Grill Combo
Technical Details:
This thing is a beast. The Smoke Hollow has 860 square inches of cooking area and includes a three burner gas grill, a charcoal grill, an offset firebox for smoking, and an infra-red side burner for searing. It is also by far the most expensive model we considered in this list.
If you need to feed 20 plus people, this could be a good fit. It is the only unit that provides a completely separate chamber for two different temperatures. The infra-red burner allows you to sear your meat before or after smoking it without using any of your propane. It has dual temperature gauges and porcelain coated cast iron grates for easy cleanup.
However, this unit has some issues. It is not as air-tight as it should be and It is a bit difficult grill to assemble. So if you are assembling it alone, allow yourself two to two and a half hours to fully complete it.
The biggest issue is that some owners have indicated that rust starts after about two years. As this issue progresses, you may see the grill completely rusted out after about four-five years. So, if this is a good fit for you, you should make sure to regularly clean it and protect it from the rust.
Pros
Cons
5. Camp Chef PG24 - Best Pellet Grill Smoker Combo
Technical Details:
This grill is designed for those that want to set it and forget it. It has the most precise temperature control of the five grills we reviewed in this list and is one of the best pellet grill smoker combo. The modern design and digital display really make this unit stand out.
For those that are not familiar with pellet smokers, they are nice. They automatically feed the right amount of wood pellets into the grill to maintain smoke and temperature.
The Camp Chef has a respectable 429 square inches of cooking space. The digital controls let you set your desired temperature or setting, and the grill does the rest. You can set it up to also check the internal temperature of your meat with the push of a button. It also has built in convection fans to keep the air moving and give you an even heat distribution.
This grill has a patented cleanout system that collects all the grease and ashes in one cup. Just dump it out and you are ready for your next grilling session. Camp Chef has also an opening at the bottom of the pellet hopper so you can empty unused pellets. Most pellet smokers force you to scoop them out of the top.
The main downside is its cost which is towards the upper end of our range. It can perform good as a grill and as a smoker too and maxes out at about 500 °F, so high temperature cooking like pizza crusts could be tough. It is also lacking table space to set down your utensils and other items.
Pros
Cons
Technical Details:
The PK 99740 Grill Smoker Combo is a unique design that has been around for decades. The entire grill-box structure is made of thick cast aluminum including the hinges. Because aluminum does not rust, this grill can actually last a lifetime. It is also make in the USA.
The grill has 301 square inches of cooking surface which is not huge, but is still plenty large to cook for a group of people. It also has a rectangular grill shape allowing for true indirect heat if you pile your coals on one side and put your meat on the other.
Aluminum conducts heat better than steel, so you will get a steady temperature when you cook. The seal on the lid is tight enough that you need not worry about flare-ups. The grate is also hinged so you can add coals any time you like without removing the grate and food. The grill is priced right in the middle of the group we reviewed.
This grill is portable allowing you to remove the grill-box from the stand. This makes it easier to fit in your vehicle for transport. This model has a bit of a cult following with many owners using their grill for over 40 years with no issues. If a simple, reliable design is what you crave this may be a good fit.
Pros
Cons
Technical Details:
The other model we decided to include in this grill smoker combo list is the Char-Broil American Gourmet.
It is an offset smoker and can be used as a grill at the same time and is a versatile option for those who are just starting out and are a little bit short on budget.
With that being said, don’t expect the highest quality materials or incredible features. You have to take care of a couple of things if you want to have great results.
It features porcelain coated grill grates and has a total of 477 square inches of cooking space, which is more than enough for an average family. In addition to that, a built-in temperature gauge for quick readings and adjustable top chimney vents, for managing the temperature are also included.
The outside is made of thin steel, so a grill cover would be a great option to protect from rusting and weather conditions. And, if you want to properly maintain it, you can line the bottom with heavy duty aluminum foil for a longer lifespan.
The assembly requires about 45 minutes and a pre-season process should be done to help seal it and prevent future damage.
Other worth mentioning features are the easy access ash damper and a small side table for more extra preparation and cooking space.
Pros
Cons
Why you Should Buy a Smoker Grill Combo?
Before we jump into conclusion and decide which is the best smoker grill combo, you might wonder what are the benefits of these cooking devices. These types of equipment are a combination of a griller, a smoker, a roaster etc. and in most cases, offer a lot more benefits:
Budget Friendly
The combination of two cooking devices into one can save you a lot of money. Most the people, especially people who like to grill often, have a smoker and a grill separate from each other. Picking a multi-purpose combo grill will save you a lot of money in the long term.
Space
Another great benefit of these devices is space saving. If you have two separate devices you will waste a lot of space on your house and if you don’t have a lot of space, you will be forced to only go for either a grill or a smoker.
Getting a multi-purpose combo grill will give you the ability to use two different cooking devices into a single one and save a lot of space on your backyard.
Keeping Up with Trend
BBQ and grilling are actually becoming very popular, not only in the USA but all around the world. Grilled food is healthier and a lot of people are starting to use it instead of pan-fried food.
As a result, almost every house or family has a small grill on their patio to try and cook new recipes when they want. Also, these devices can help you keeping up with your friends as more barbecue parties will follow as soon as you start grilling and smoking food.
Learning New Things
Grilling is already popular and almost everyone knows how to grill a steak, even though only the real masters know to properly cook it.
When it comes to smoking, not everyone is familiar with it. If you like trying new recipes and learning new things, getting a combo grill will allow you to occasionally try new recipes and cooking techniques when you are in the mood.
Family/Friend Gatherings
Grilling parties and barbecue serve as a party starter for a lot of people. They invite a lot of friends over and spend a couple of hours catching up with them while enjoying some nice grilled burger and a cold beverage.
Outdoor parties are very nice and even if you are an introvert, you will eventually start practicing these more and more.
What to Consider when Buying a Smoker Grill Combo?
Here are a couple of things to consider before deciding which model you should go for:
Versatility
Is the device versatile? In the end, this is what these devices are all about: the ability to grill, smoke, roast etc.
Anything that does offer at least two options, cannot be considered a smoker-grill combo.
Size
Keep in mind the number of people you will cook for. It will serve as a factor when choosing a model. If you plan to cook for a lot of people, better go for a bigger size model, so you can actually cook a lot of food in one go and don’t have to wait a lot.
Price
Price probably is a very important factor to look for. These combo grills start from around one hundred dollars and can go up to thousands of dollars. It all depends on your needs and preferences.
It doesn’t mean that the expensive one is always the best. There are models at the cheapest rate which will offer the same functionality as the big-name brands, only that you have to give up on features like fancy built-in thermometers or temperature controls. If you can live without them, a cheaper or average price option is always a good idea.
Portability & Additional Features
Portability is another thing to have in mind. Does the model come with handles or wheels to easily move around? What are its weight and dimensions? Keep in mind to go for a product which fits your garden or patio space.
Also, does it offer additional features, like thermometer or temperature control?
Additional vents/dampers will help you to easily control airflow and temperatures, especially during smoking. Anything that doesn’t fit these factors will need more manual work and probably is not a good option for a beginner.
Warranty & Parts
Just like anything, these products can be faulty or may need replacement parts, especially if you don’t properly maintain them.
Usually, there are grilling communities everywhere and finding parts, especially for popular brands, will not be difficult.
Also, check the manufacturer’s warranty. I recommend going for products who come with 1 year or more of warranty. One year is more than enough to test and see if the product is durable and not faulty.
How To Choose The Best Smoker Grill Combo
A grill is designed for cooking at higher temperatures (anywhere from 275°F to 700°F) with your food directly over the heat. This is often used for food like steaks, burgers, pork chops, or kabobs.
A smoker is designed for cooking low and slow (anywhere from 175°F to 250°F) to break down tougher cuts of meat like briskets, pork butts, and ribs. This is typically done with indirect heat (meat not directly over heat source), and heat is produced with charcoal along with wood chips or chunks providing smoke for flavor.
Of course there are exceptions to the rule. There are smokers that use no charcoal. There are pit-masters that use their smoker to cook chicken thighs hot and fast at 375°F. There are people that rig up their gas grills to smoke meats at lower temperatures.
So why have both? If you are a culinary perfectionist then you will not be happy without both. There are meats that are best cooked over direct heat and meats that are best cooked over indirect heat. Ask anybody that owns both and they will tell you what a huge difference direct-heat and indirect-heat grilling makes.
Answering these questions in advance will help narrow your selection. In fact, it is likely that it would trim your choices down to just one or two models.
Pitfalls To Avoid When Buying The Best Smoker Grill Combo
When it comes to buying the best combo, your decision really comes down to cost versus consistency. If you are smoking meat, keeping your temperature the same through the whole process directly impacts the quality of the finished product. Sometimes technology controls the temperature, and sometimes quality craftsmanship is good enough.
Watch out for these errors that other buyers have made in the past:
If you look at your needs and priorities in advance, the right grill smoker combo can lead to some of the best meat you have ever produced. It will truly allow you to perfect your skills, and will give you the right tools to impress even the toughest critic.
Conclusion
After reviewing all of our options, I found the PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Grill/Smoker to be the clear winner. This grill cannot rust out like the Smoke Hollow and is much less expensive than the Camp Chef.
It has indirect heat unlike the Char-Griller and is waist height unlike the Old Smokey. With this grill you are purchasing a cast aluminum unit that can last the rest of your grilling days. It is easy to use and cooks evenly. In the end simple is often best.
After the PK
We hope you will take the time to provide feedback on this article and on your best smoker grill combo selection. Thank you from FuriousGrill.com and Happy Grilling!
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