As a food enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the art of smoking and grilling. The smoky flavors and tender textures of smoked meats are simply irresistible to me. With the growing popularity of smoker-grill combos, I decided to explore the market and find the best options to buy in 2023. After extensive research and testing, I have compiled a list of the top 5 smoker-grill combos that offer the perfect balance of functionality, versatility, and affordability. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these smoker-grill combos are sure to take your cooking game to the next level. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details of each one.
What to Look for in a Smoker-Grill Combos
When buying a smoker-grill combo, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some things to look for:
- Cooking space: Consider the amount of cooking space you need for your intended use. If you plan to cook for a large group of people, you’ll need a larger cooking surface area.
- Fuel type: Smoker-grill combos can be fueled by charcoal, wood, propane, or electricity. Each type of fuel has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
- Temperature control: Look for a smoker grill combo that allows you to control the temperature easily and accurately. This is important for achieving the desired level of smoke and cooking your food to perfection.
- Durability: A smoker-grill combo is a significant investment, so you want to make sure that it is built to last. Look for high-quality materials and construction to ensure that your smoker-grill combo will withstand the test of time.
- Versatility: Consider the versatility of the smoker-grill combo. Some models can be used for smoking, grilling, roasting, baking, and more. This will give you more options when it comes to cooking different types of food.
- Accessories: Look for a smoker-grill combo that comes with useful accessories such as a temperature gauge, cooking grates, and ash pans. These accessories will make your cooking experience more enjoyable and convenient.
Related Article: 5 Best Electric Grills for Better Grilling Experience in 2023
The Best 5 Smoker Grill Combos
Here are my top picks for smoker-grill combos that are worth considering.
5. Green Mountain Trek Wi-Fi Controlled Portable Smoker-Grill Combo
I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Green Mountain Trek Wi-Fi Controlled Portable Smoker-Grill Combo. It was an amazing experience! The setup process was a breeze and I was able to start grilling in no time. The grill has a sleek design, is lightweight and easy to transport, and has plenty of space for larger meals.
The most impressive feature is the Wi-Fi connectivity. With this grill, you can use your smartphone or tablet to monitor your food from anywhere with internet access. You can check temperatures, adjust settings, and keep an eye on your meal without having to stay next to the smoker for hours. I thought that was really cool and made my grilling experience much more convenient!
The temperature control also worked great. I found it very easy to adjust both the primary heat source and the smoke output for perfect results every time. I never had any issues with flare-ups or uneven heating, which gave me confidence in my cooking ability even when tackling more complicated recipes.
Despite all these advantages, there is a drawback worth noting. I found that during long cooks, replenishing fuel became necessary quite often due to low capacity levels in the hopper, so be prepared for that!
All things considered, however, I would highly recommend this smoker-grill combo if you’re looking for an easy-to-use yet high-quality entry into smoking food at home or on the go.
Dimensions: 16 x 32 x 24 Inches | Weight: 63 Pounds | Fuel Type: Wood | Heating Power: 0.1 Kilowatts
What I Like:
- Easy setup
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Adjustable temperature control
What I Don’t Like:
- Frequent fuel replenishment during long cooks
★★★★★ 4.5 out of 5 | 197 ratings
Promising Review:
“Green mountain grills is the best out there, so you can never go wrong buying one. Very very sturdy and well built. Everything comes out great on it. My favorite is burgers. 450 degrees for 20 mins (10 minutes a side).” – Doug, January 26, 2023, on Amazon
4. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2022 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
This smoker-grill combo is incredibly easy to use and has an intuitive digital controller with plenty of options for different types of cooking. The 450 square-inch cooking area provides ample space for smoking all kinds of foods, from poultry to pork to fish. The smoke feature allows you to cook food at low temperatures for long periods of time, resulting in succulent and flavorful dishes.
The stainless steel construction offers superior durability and heat retention. This was great as it allowed me to keep the temperature consistent while grilling without having to constantly adjust it manually. I also liked that the hopper has a large capacity, allowing me to fill it up with pellets and not worry about running out mid-cooking session.
The only issue I had with this smoker was that the hopper does not come with an airtight lid. As a result, pellets can sometimes get wet or clump together if left exposed outside overnight or during humid weather. Additionally, since the leaver-style igniter is located near the hopper and gets hot quickly during use, it can be a bit tricky to insert pellets into the hopper without burning your hands.
Overall, I’d still recommend this smoker-grill combo. It is one of the best smokers on the market today due to excellent features such as its large cooking area, advanced digital controller, stainless steel construction, and significant pellet hopper capacity.
Dimensions: 45 x 28 x 49 Inches | Weight: 84 Pounds | Power Source: Wood Pellet | Fuel Type: Electric, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
What I Like:
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Large capacity
What I Don’t Like:
- Lack of an airtight lid
- The igniter gets hot during use
★★★★★ 4.4 out of 5 | 4,811 ratings
Promising Review:
“If you let your spouse buy the smoker on their wish list, you won’t have to cook dinner for days! (Speaking from experience). Salmon tastes so much better when I don’t have to cook it.” Luke Offerman, February 13, 2023, on Amazon
3. Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker
This smoker-grill combo was relatively easy to assemble, and it provides ample cooking space with four adjustable, removable racks. It also includes a built-in thermometer for precise temperature control. In addition, the double wall insulation helps keep heat and smoke in very effectively, allowing for perfect smoking every time.
Overall, this is an excellent smoker-grill combo that has produced some delicious results.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider before committing to this purchase. Firstly, the water supply tray can be hard to take out and clean. It would have been better if it had a handle or something similar to make it easier to get to.
Secondly, although the digital LED display is useful for monitoring temperatures, you cannot adjust them on it—only on the main knob. Finally, due to its tall design (75″/190cm), you will need a relatively large outdoor space or deck area in order to use and store this smoker comfortably.
All in all, I highly recommend the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker if you are looking for an easy-to-use solution with great results every time. Just remember to check your available outdoor space first!
Dimensions: 19.3 x 18.1 x 38.6 Inches | Weight: 69.5 Pounds | Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
What I Like:
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable and removable racks
- The double-wall insulation
What I Don’t Like:
- Unadjustable temperatures on the LED display
- The tall design might not be suitable for small spaces
★★★★★ 4.4 out of 5 | 9,029 ratings
Promising Review:
“Another reasonably priced, quality product from Cuisinart. The rack is well made, is easy to store (folds), and is easy to clean (dishwasher safe). It fit perfectly in my Cuisinart CPG-700 pellet grill and triples it’s capacity.” – Trusted Reviewer, February 22, 2023, on Amazon
2. Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
I have been using my Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker for the past few months and I have to say, I’m really impressed.
This smoker-grill combo is incredibly easy to use and yields great results every time. It offers many different cooking options including smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and grilling which makes it perfect for any type of food.
The digital temperature control provides accurate cooking temperatures, which gives you consistent results every time. The hopper size is large enough that I can fit a good amount of pellets in it without having to refill too often.
The design of this grill is sleek yet sturdy, with a beautiful stainless steel finish that looks great on my patio. Cleanup is also very easy as the porcelain-coated grate can be taken out in just a few minutes and wiped down quickly after each use.
One small drawback I noticed when using this grill was that it took longer than expected to heat up initially when compared to other grills I’ve used in the past, although once it’s heated up it maintains the desired temperature with no issue.
Additionally, since this is an electric pellet grill, there’s no way to adjust the flame height, which doesn’t allow me to get a great sear on my steaks like with charcoal or gas grills unless I opt for the direct heat setting.
Overall, I’m really happy with my Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker—it makes grilling effortless and produces delicious results every time!
Dimensions: 24 x 41 x 49 Inches | Weight: 102.3 pounds Pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Pellet
What I Like:
- Easy to assemble
- Digital temperature control
- Easy cleanup
What I Don’t Like:
- It takes longer to heat up
- Unadjustable flame height
★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5 | 1,611 ratings
Promising Review:
“The smoker was delivered in perfect condition, and I have used it numerous times since I’ve had it. I love it.” – jace5616, February 12, 2023, on Amazon
1. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoke
This unit is well-built, sturdy, and comes with plenty of cooking space to accommodate large meals for a small family or gathering of friends. The charcoal grill and offset smoker combo allows me to experiment with a wide range of cooking techniques, from grilling to smoking and everything in between.
One thing that I appreciate about this smoke-grill combo is its versatility. The grill grates are adjustable, and I can easily move them up or down depending on the type of food that I’m cooking. The offset smoker allows me to smoke meats at low temperatures for extended periods, which results in tender, juicy meat with a smoky flavor that my family loves.
Another feature that I like is the temperature gauge. It’s easy to read, accurate, and helps me maintain the desired temperature throughout the cooking process. The built-in thermometer is a nice touch, and it eliminates the need for me to use a separate thermometer to monitor the temperature.
However, there are a few drawbacks to this unit that I’ve noticed. Firstly, the assembly process was quite challenging, and it took me a couple of hours to put it together. Additionally, the unit is quite heavy, so it’s not easy to move around. Finally, the paint on the exterior of the unit tends to chip easily, so I have to be careful when cleaning it.
Overall, I enjoyed using the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality unit that can handle a variety of cooking techniques.
Dimensions: 24 x 41 x 49 Inches | Weight: 102.3 pounds Pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Pellet
What I Like:
- Well-built and sturdy
- Versatile
- Great temperature gauge
What I Don’t Like:
- Quite challenging to assemble
- Heavy
★★★★★ 4.4 out of 5 | 3,436 ratings
Promising Review:
“Bought this for Husbands birthday about half a year ago and it has been great for having friends over. We grill probably 2-3 times a month and we still love it.” – Taylor Willis, February 11, 2023, on Amazon
Conclusion
Overall, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker has exceeded my expectations and stands out as a winner among other smoker-grill combos in the market. Its versatility, sturdy design, and ability to deliver mouth-watering smoked and grilled dishes make it a great investment for any backyard cook. However, it’s important to note that each of the other top smoker-grill combos has its own unique features that make it worth considering as well.
FAQs Related to Smoker-Grill Combos
Can you have a smoker and grill at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to have both a smoker and grill at the same time. This is because smokers and grills are two different types of outdoor cooking equipment that can be used together for different types of meals. Combining the two gives you more versatility when it comes to outdoor cooking, allowing you to smoke and grill your food simultaneously.
For instance, if you wanted to cook burgers, you could use the grill to quickly cook them while using the smoker to give them an intense smoky flavor. Similarly, if you were slow-cooking ribs or brisket, you could use the smoker to provide a depth of flavor while also using the grill for a nicely seared finish. Ultimately, having both a smoker and grill offers a much wider range of possibilities when it comes to outdoor cooking.
Are smoker-grill combos worth it?
Smoker-grill combos can certainly be worth it for those who want to both smoke and grill their food. These types of grills are great for those who want to achieve the flavor that only comes from slow smoking, as well as the convenience of quickly grilling their food.
Smoker-grill combos offer a wide range of temperature settings, allowing users to customize the heat depending on what type of food they are cooking. This makes it easy to get different levels of smokey flavor and different cooking times.
Additionally, because these grills have both smoking and grilling capabilities, they often have larger grilling surfaces than traditional smokers, meaning that you can cook larger meals with ease. All in all, smoker grill combos can be an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy smoked foods alongside grilled dishes.
Should I smoke or grill first?
The decision of whether to smoke or grill first ultimately comes down to the type of food being cooked and the desired outcome. For example, smoking foods over lower temperatures for longer periods of time helps to tenderize meats, while grilling over higher heats creates those delicious charred edges.
Both cooking methods are necessary to create a balanced flavor profile and texture. Depending on the recipe, you may need to smoke your food first in order to break down tougher cuts or infuse it with smoky flavor before it is grilled for a few minutes to create that beautiful char. Ultimately, plan out your meal ahead of time so you can determine which cooking method should come first.
