The Best Smoker Grill Combo Guide (2023)

Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by Anne-Marie

Here’s a guide to the best smoker grill combos. We've included information on features such as size and fuel type, and their pros and cons.

Brushing BBQ sauce on racks of pork ribs during grilling.

The type of smoker grill combo you choose will be dependent on personal preference, such as your price point, ease of use, and the features you may want.

What is a smoker grill combo?

The best thing about a smoker grill is the convenience of having both in one product. It can grill and smoke foods, so you don't have to buy two pieces of equipment. It also helps save you space.

A smoker grill combo is charcoal, electric, or propane-powered barbecue, some with a built-in smoke box. It can be used as either direct heat or indirect cooker.

The most common types include charcoal smokers, pellet smokers, or kettle-style smokers.

Types of smoker grill combos

There are several types of smoker grill combos. The primary difference between these grills is the fuel source. Here are the four main types of smoker grill combos:

  • Charcoal grill smoker combos are charcoal grills with a side smoker box attached. They produce outstanding results and are the least expensive combo smokers. An example of this is the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Pro Drum Smoker.
  • Charcoal grill smokers use charcoal with wood chips. An example is a ceramic grill like the Kamado Joe.
  • Electric pellet smoker grill combo These pellet grills are more expensive since they use an electric heating element to fuel the smoker. I enjoy using pellet smokers since they’re easy to use and provide a stable cooking temperature. A notable example is the Weber SmokeFire EX6 Wood Fired Pellet Grill.
  • Hybrid charcoal and gas grills Can’t decide if you want gas or electric? Then try a hybrid! An example is the very popular Z GRILLS Z Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker. These models deliver the ability to cook with different types of fuels and wood pellets.

10 Best Smoker Grill Combos in 2022

  1. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original Smoker Grill
  2. Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill
  3. Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
  4. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker
  5. Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill
  6. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
  7. Oklahoma Joe’s 19202100 Bronco Pro Drum Smoker
  8. PIT BOSS 500SP Wood Pellet Grill
  9. Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill and Smoker
  10. Green Mountain Trek WiFi Controlled Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill

Here's the Top Picks on Amazon:

1. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original Smoker Grill

A silver PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original Smoker Grill on a wheeled cart.

PK Grills Original Smoker Grill features:

Fuel type: charcoal
Smoke with: wood chips
Size: 300 square inches of cooking area
Color: silver (cast aluminum)
Weight: 45 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 6x35x35.5 inches
Accessories: a bottom coal grate, top grilling grate, rolling cart, side table

Why choose PK Grills Original Smoker Grill?

  • PK Grills are built tough and are heavy duty. They have a lifetime warranty against defects in material or craftsmanship. PK cast aluminum charcoal grills are guaranteed not to break, burn out, or rust for 10 years.
  • PK’s unique capsule shape and four vents make it easy to grill hot and fast or low and slow. Their grill features an airflow system that allows plenty of airflow over the firebox. There will be fewer flare ups and cleaner-burning fires.
  • Aluminum is rustproof, durable, lightweight, and conducts heat more efficiently than steel grills.
  • Made from 100% American-made parts.
  • You won’t find better quality at any other price. Their cast aluminum design makes this grill lighter and stronger than traditional stainless steel models.
  • The included side table gives you plenty of room for cooking utensils, sauces, and rubs.
  • The PK Grill & Smoker is easily removed from its stand. As a portable smoker grill, it’s great for tailgating, bringing to your cabin, or camping.
  • This grill can cook everything: steaks, ribs, brisket, wings, and even enough space for a (smallish) turkey.
  • Awards: Consumers Digest Best Buy 2017, AmazingRibs Pitmaster Best Value Pitmaster Award 2015-2018, and 2018 Official Grill of Steak Cookoff Association.

Amazon reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

  • The best grill for your money.
  • Well built and rust-proof with a top-notch guarantee.
  • Portable.
  • All the features of a traditional charcoal grill with smoking capabilities. It's the ideal choice for a beginner.

Cons:

  • No built-in thermometer.
  • The grill is low, which can be a problem for tall people.
  • There is no ash catcher or drawer, so you have to wait for it to cool down to dump out all the ash.
  • Some PK grill users wanted more shelving, so they bought it from PK.
  • Several buyers experienced problems with the quality of manufacturing. The hinge mechanism on the lid required some tweaking. People were able to fix this themselves after consulting other buyers on the PK Facebook Fanatics page. A PK rep actually assured them this would not void the warranty. If you have this issue, PK will fix it for you.

2. Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill

A red Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill with shelving, cart and grilling accessories.

Kamado Joe Classic I features:

Fuel type: charcoal
Smoking with: wood chips
Color: red and black
Weight: 188 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 46.5x28x48 inches
Accessories: cart with two side tables, ash drawer, stainless steel cooking grates, built-in thermometer

Why choose a Kamado Joe Classic I

My husband's favorite kamado-style grill. We believe the Classic I is the best ceramic smoker grill combo since you don’t have to worry about any failing electrical parts. Breakage was a problem with other smoker grills we’ve owned.

It has all of the features you need to get started. Watch a few videos, and you’ll find it’s easy to use with little setup time.

  • The Kamado Joe Classic I charcoal grill comes with a cast iron Control Tower Top Vent that gives you precision temperature control. It lets you set your desired cooking temperature from a low and slow 225°F up to 750°F for searing.
  • The ash drawer slides out for easy cleaning. Remove the ash drawer, dump your ashes, and keep on cooking!
  • Furthermore, the stainless steel grates won’t rust and are easier to clean than traditional grates.
  • The Kamado Joe’s multi-level, half-moon grill grate design allows you to cook foods at different temperatures.
  • The thick, heat-resistant walls lock in smoke and moisture. Plus, the felt gasket gives you an air-tight seal.
  • The multi-piece AMP firebox retains heat and prevents breakage.
  • Comes with a variety of fabulous accessories for all your grilling and smoking needs.

Amazon reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Pros:

  • Best ceramic grill on the market today.
  • Much better than the Green Egg because of features like the ash drawer.
  • Terrific accessories that you'll love like like rotisseries and pizza stones.
  • Once you make a steak on this, you'll never go to a fancy steak house again, trust me.

Cons:

  • Expensive. However, buying the older model Classic I instead of the newer Classic II can save you $400-500.
  • It can take two to three people to assemble since ceramic a grill-smoker combo is heavy.
  • Some people weren’t too crazy about Kamado’s customer service.

3. Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

A Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker.

Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 features:

Fuel type: electric
Smoke with: wood pellets (18-pound hopper capacity)
Size: 572 square inches of cooking space
Color: bronze
Weight: 136 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 41x27x49 inches
Accessories: two meat probes

Why choose the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill and Smoker?

This model includes everything I love about Traeger, including its easy setup, large cooking surface area, and ability to use both hardwood and softwoods. It's a terrific combo grill.

  • The Digital Pro Controller’s Advanced Grilling Logic keeps the temperature within 15 degrees F for guaranteed precision grilling. You’ll get reliable results every time you grill and smoke.
  • This Traeger pellet grill gives you 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, braise, roast, and BBQ food to juicy perfection. Make everything from Thanksgiving turkey and apple pie to brisket and beer can chicken.
  • There’s no need to lift the lid when you have two meat probes monitoring your grilling. No need for an additional digital thermometer either.

Amazon reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Pros:

  • Terrific features.
  • Affordable price range.

Cons:

  • No cover.
  • Some people weren’t happy with the temperature control and felt it wasn’t consistent.
  • Some buyers experience damaged shipments or broken parts.

4. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker

A black and silver Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker with rolling cart.

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker features:

Fuel type: charcoal
Smoke with: wood briquettes (16-pound capacity)
Size: 1050 inches of cooking surface
Color: black
Weight: pounds 202.9 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 33.07x61.02x52.17 inches
Accessories: folding stainless steel shelf and side shelf, WiFi and Bluetooth digital control panel, foldaway and smoking racks, reversible cast-iron grates

Why choose a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker

Need a smoker grill with a large amount of cooking space? Try the Masterbuilt Gravity Series. It quickly reaches 225°F in 10 minutes or 700°F in only 15 minutes. It’s also versatile since you can bake, roast, smoke, grill, and sear.

  • The gravity fed charcoal hopper holds 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes for up to 8 hours of cooking time. No need to remove charcoal after each use.
  • Uses WiFi or Bluetooth, control temperature and cook time with a smart device app or the digital control panel.
  • The Digital Fan maintains the desired cooking temperature.
  • Enhance your smoking and grilling experience with accessories like rotisserie and cover.

Amazon reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Pros:

  • If you're looking for a large cooking chamber that lets you smoke meats for a long time, this may be an excellent choice.

Cons:

  • Pricey and large.
  • Assembly takes a lot of steps, and sometimes they don’t make sense.
  • Several buyers mentioned that the glue they use to stick the signage to the grill is tough to remove. (Maybe try acetone, Goo Be Gone, or even a light sandpapering.)
  • App loses connectivity to the grill.

5. Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill

A large black Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill with wheels.

Weber SmokeFire EX6 features:

Fuel type: electric
Smoke with: wood pellets (20-pound hopper capacity)
Size: 1,008 square inches of cooking space
Color: black
Weight: 204 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 30.3x55.5x31.3 inches
Accessories: two meat probes (with four-probe capacity), remote WiFi access with Weber Connect smart features, 2 cooking shelves, and an ash drawer.

Why choose a Weber SmokeFire Ex6?

The Weber SmokeFire EX6 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill is an all-in-one grill that can indeed do it all. With its 200-600° temperature range, you can sear steaks, cook pizza, or smoke your Thanksgiving turkey.

With the Weber Connect app, you have a step-by-step grilling assistant built right into the grill that lets you know when it’s time to flip or when your food is ready.

  • Porcelain-enamel finish prevents cracking and rust.
  • The DC-powered engine prevents auger jams.
  • The Weber Connect app gives you remote temperature control and grill shut down.
  • Using SmokeBoost gives you extra wood fired flavor.
  • Unlike other grills that use diffuser plates that block the flame, the SmokeFire’s Flavorizer Bars distribute heat evenly across the cooking area.
  • The large capacity hopper holds 20 pounds of pellets, making it perfect for all day low and slow smoking without any refills.
  • The SmokeFire’s easy-clean system directs ash and grease down into a removable drawer.

Amazon reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Pros:

  • Electrical smokers are easy to use and offer consistent results.
  • You don't have to babysit the smoker with phone app connectivity.
  • Large cooking area and hopper capacity allows you to cook large amounts of foods all day.

Cons:

  • Grill fires can be a problem if you don’t have the pellet shoot adequately installed.
  • Several reviewers had technical issues and damaged parts. However, they were able to get help from Weber’s customer service.

6. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

A bronze Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker on wheels with a smaller picture showing smoker cover.

Z Grills 2020 Upgrade features:

Fuel type: electric and propane gas
Smoke with: wood pellets (15-pound hopper capacity)
Size: 450 square inches of cooking surface
Color: bronze
Weight: 84 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 45x28x49 inches
Accessories: foldable working shelf, heavy-duty wheels, rustproof cover and racks, cover included

Why choose Z Grills 2020 Upgrade?

  • Z Grills wood pellet technology gives you wood fire flavor with the convenience of propane and electric.
  • With its 180° to 450° F temperature range, this pellet grill has 8-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill with incredible hardwood flavor.
  • There isn’t an easier way to get wood-smoked flavors than with a pellet grill. Try it, and you’ll taste the difference.
  • Z Grills do all the work for you once you set the temperature. Easy setup and no need to babysit the grill.
  • The tightest temperature possible can be achieved with the help of PID technology.
  • Cooking stays within 10 degrees of the set temperature. The convection heat distribution technology ensures your food gets cooked to perfection.
  • The digital temperature control automatically adds pellets as needed.
  • With 15 pounds of pellets, you can cook for up to 15 hours.
  • It’s the perfect grill for small families, yet it’s big on flavor.
  • This pellet grill is designed to last. Its sturdy steel construction and high-temperature powder coating finish will give you years of enjoyment.
  • The 15 pounds large-capacity pellet hopper offers a longer cooking time and eliminates the need for multiple refills.

Amazon reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

  • Most people said that it was easy to install and loved the price.
  • Smaller grill for those limited on space.

Cons:

  • Several reviewers said their smoker grill heats up and then promptly shuts off.
  • Several buyers said their smoker died after six months.

7. Oklahoma Joe’s 19202100 Bronco Pro Drum Smoker

An orange barrel shaped Oklahoma Joe’s 19202100 Bronco Pro Drum Smoker.

Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Pro Drum Smoker features:

Fuel type: charcoal
Smoke with: wood pellets (17-pound hopper capacity)
Size: 21.5 inches of cooking surface
Color: orange
Weight: pounds 187.39 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 40x28.8x48 inches
Accessories: cooking grate, 3 meat hangers, 9 meat hooks, heat diffuser, large ash pan

Why choose an Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Pro Drum Smoker

  • This grill’s airflow control system gives you precise control over smoking temps for consistent results.
  • Holds enough fuel for 15 hours of smoking.
  • The hinged lid with a gasket provides a tight seal on the smoker.
  • Its heavy-gauge steel construction is built to last.
  • A large ash pan, porcelain-coated components, and drain cap allow for easy clean-up.
  • The side shelf is perfect for holding your cooking tools and supplies like BBQ sauces and rubs. Its rubber handle grip stays cool to the touch no matter how hot the grill gets.
  • The Barrel-mounted temperature gauge features glow-in-the-dark accents.
  • The Bronco Pro also comes with large, wagon-style wheels making it easy to roll out onto your deck, patio, or driveway.

Amazon reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble.
  • Holds temperatures well.
  • People who like barrel or drum style smokers, love this smoker.

Cons:

  • Hard to keep the smoker dialed in at low temperatures.
  • Difficult to add more wood chips when doing a long smoke.
  • Firebox design is inefficient.
  • Too small for full slabs of pork ribs or brisket. Your food ends up touching the coals.

8. PIT BOSS 500SP Wood Pellet Grill

A compact PIT BOSS 500SP Wood Pellet Grill with wheels and drip bucket.

Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill features:

Fuel type: electric
Smoke with: wood pellets (15-pound hopper capacity)
Size: 542 square inches of cooking space
Color: black
Weight: 121.5 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 48.57x31.73x46.73 inches
Accessories: stainless steel side shelf, removable tray, built-in spice rack

Why choose a Pit Boss Sportsman 500SP Wood Pellet Grill?

The Pit Boss Sportsman 500SP Wood Pellet Grill’s cooking range of 180°F to 500°F, and its 8-in-1 versatility allows you to grill, smoke, roast, bake, braise, BBQ, char-grill, and sear.

  • The dial-in digital control board and Pit Boss meat probes allow you to monitor meat doneness, adjust cooking temperatures, and track fuel without ever having to open the lid.

Amazon reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Pros:

  • While you need two people to assemble this smoker (per the directions), putting it together was easy to do.
  • Compact size. Perfect for small decks and patios.
  • People found that the Pit Boss was easy to use and liked the results.

Cons:

  • No cover.
  • One reviewer experienced peeling paint after using the grill a few times.
  • Another reviewer’s auger rusted.

9. Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill and Smoker

A bronze Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill and Smoker with wheels and side chimney.

Cuisinart Wood BBQ Grill features:

Fuel type: electric
Smoke with: wood pellets (15-pound hopper capacity)
Size: 450 square inches of cooking surface
Color: black and bronze
Weight: 103.6 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 39.4 x 18.1x 22.8 inches
Accessories: grill cover, stationary side shelf, collapsible front shelf

Why choose a Cuisinart Wood Pellet BBQ Grill and Smoker?

The Cuisinart Wood Pellet BBQ Grill and Smoker is incredibly versatile, allowing you to grill, smoke, braise, and even bake. Make traditional BBQ like racks of ribs, smoke a chicken or Thanksgiving turkey, or grill steaks. Or use it as an oven to bake foods like pizza, cornbread, and pie.

  • Once you fill the wood pellet hopper, the Cuisinart Wood Pellet BBQ Grill and Smoker automatically manages how much fuel it needs. The low-temperature setting allows the wood pellets to smolder and produce more smoke.
  • Cuisinart Wood Pellet BBQ Grill and Smoker is thermostatically controlled like a kitchen oven with an LED temperature display. The automatic heat function adds pellets to the fire as needed to maintain a constant temperature allowing you to cook foods hot and fast or low and slow.
  • The two-tiered cooking grate gives you more grilling room.
  • A handy folding shelf gives you plenty of storage space for cooking tools, sauces, and rubs.
  • With the handy grease bucket holder, clean up is more manageable. A spigot drains hot grease into a cup (not included) instead of accumulating in the bottom of the grill.
  • The Cuisinart Wood Pellet BBQ Grill and Smoker comes with all-terrain wheels and a sturdy handle. Easy to roll it onto your deck or patio when grilling or put away when not in use.

Amazon reviews: 4 out of 5 stars

Pros:

  • Easy to use, especially for beginners.
  • People liked the handy shelf in the front.
  • Easy assembly.
  • Comes with a cover.
  • Great price point.

Cons:

  • Some buyers experienced electrical design issues after assembly.

10. Green Mountain Trek WiFi Controlled Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill

A black and silver Green Mountain Trek WiFi Controlled Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill with side smoker box and chimney.

Green Mountain Trek features:

Fuel type: electric
Smoke with: wood pellets (9-pound hopper capacity)
Size: 219 square inches of cooking space
Color: stainless steel and green
Weight: 63 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 16x32x24 inches
Accessories: Digital WiFi Smart Controller, grease tray, igniter, peaked lid for rib racks, convenience tray with utensil hooks, Sense-Mate, thermal sensor which monitors grill temperature
Optional accessories: Cart, extension legs, and cover

Why choose a Green Mountain Trek?

  • The design of the burn pot creates a cyclone of air for maximum heat distribution and complete burning of the wood pellets.
  • The grill can run on 12V or 120AC, so it’s ideal for home or on the go. Take it camping or hunting. Or bring it with you on your houseboat, tailgating, or to music festivals.
  • The digital controller gives you precise temperature management with a range of 150° to 540° F.
  • With the GMG iOS or Android mobile app, you can control and monitor your grill and internal food temp on the go.

Amazon reviews: 3.9 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

  • WiFi control means you don't have to babysit your grill.
  • Portable.

Cons:

  • This is a squat grill with no wheels. Buy a cart and add extension legs to make it portable and easier to use.
  • Small hopper capacity means you have to fill it up regularly during a long cook.

Already have a terrific grill? Here's a good smoker for beginners

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker, 30”, Black

A black 30-inch Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker cabinet.

Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker Features

Fuel type: electric
Smokes with: wood pellets
Size: 21.5 inches of cooking surface
Color: black
Weight: 45.9 pounds
Item dimensions (LxWxH): 20.47x19.88x33.26 inches
Accessories: 4 grilling shelves

Why choose a Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker?

While not a smoker grill combo, it’s a terrific smoker if you already have a grill you love.

It’s incredibly affordable and easy to use. Perfect for you smoking newbies.

Amazon reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Read my Why you should buy a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker review to learn more.

Flipping a grilled steak with tongs on a round ceramic smoker grill combo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of smoker grill: charcoal, gas or electric?

If you're after convenience, buy an electric smoker grill.

If you love a smoky flavor, then try a charcoal model.

If you want convenience and taste, then buy one that runs on propane gas

What is the difference between wood chips and wood pellets?

What you use will depend on your smoker grill. Pellet smokers and grills use wood pellets. Other smokers and grills work with wood chips.

Both types have different flavors, such as pecan, apple, hickory, and mesquite. Different flavors work with varying types of foods, such as hickory for turkey or apple for pork.

Pellets usually start burning within seconds after being lit. The amount of heat produced by pellets depends on how many pellets there are in the chamber.

What food can I prepare in my smoker grill?

You can cook just about any food in your smoker grill:

Don't forget the BBQ sauce and the Alabama White BBQ Sauce!

Check out the 30+ Best Side Dishes to Serve with Smoked Brisket.

How often should I clean my grill?

Clean your grill after every use.

  1. Use a bottle of white vinegar and water and some shop towels to remove grease.
  2. Clean the cooled cooking racks and water pan in hot soapy water.
  3. Make sure to dump out the ashes, too.

You should also deep clean it two times a year.

Keeping your grill covered or out of the weather in the garage (after it's cooled!) is also a smart idea.

Properly maintaining your grill will prolong its life and keep it in good working order.

What are your favorite grilling accessories?

In conclusion

Choosing the best smoker grill combo depends on what you want in a smoker grill. It should fit needs and lifestyle.

The best smoker grill combos are those that offer good value for money, are easy to use, and have good reviews.

One thought on “The Best Smoker Grill Combo Guide (2023)

  1. Chance Cook

    I’d like a pellet smoker because of how stable it is. The cooking temperature is important when smoking. So keeping it at the same temperature the whole time is a great idea.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Chance Cook Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *