Best Smoker Grill Combos
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Smoking and grilling are two of the most popular methods for backyard barbecues.
It’s not for everyone to own both a smoker and a gas grill, especially when a smoker grill combo can handle both tasks while saving you money and time.
This article will go through some of the best smoker grill combos and help you make an informed decision.
Best Smoker Grill Combos: Quick Summary
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 (Best Charcoal Smoker Grill Combo)
- Z GRILLS ZPG-450A (Best Pellet Smoker Grill Combo)
- PK Grills PKTX (Best Portable Charcoal Smoker Grill Combo)
- Traeger Grills Ranger (Best Portable Pellet Smoker Grill Combo)
- Kamado Joe Classic Joe II KJ23RHC (Best Kamado Smoker Grill Combo)
Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker
Last update on 2024-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re just getting started with BBQ grilling, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 would be an excellent grill to consider.
It has a digital control panel like pellet grills, but it uses charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal instead of wood pellets. This grill is ideal for those who enjoy the taste of charcoal but dislike dealing with charcoal or are unfamiliar with charcoal grill temperature control.
Set the temperature, place the firelighter starter cube, close the door, and watch as the grill heats up to your preferred temperature and automatically manages it without lifting a finger.
A fan inside the fireplace controls the rate at which the coals burn. In addition, as the coals burn and ash forms in the hopper, new coals fall and ignite in the ash drawer, ensuring that the fire never goes out.
For smoking ribs, you may set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and for searing steaks, you can select the temperature to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using a smartphone app and Wi-Fi access, you can keep tabs on the temperature and adjust the settings from anywhere you are. As a result, you can spend more time with your family and less time on the grill.
Also included are meat thermometer probes and a cooking chamber, so you don’t have to buy a separate thermometer to use with this model.
If you want a long-term investment, you can’t go wrong here. Moving and locking it in position is simple, thanks to the two fixed wheels and two rotating lockable castors.
As long as you’re using lump charcoal, the hopper can hold up to 10 pounds of the fuel, enough for 12 to 16 hours of smoking without refueling.
After cooking, the ash drawer may be removed and dumped, and the grease pan can be easily removed and cleaned.
The natural flavor of charcoal can not be replicated by even the best gas grills or pellet grills, yet you can conduct both low and slow smoking and high heat grilling with this grill, depending on the temperature you set.
Overall, it’s a decent value for the money and a multifunctional charcoal smoker grill combo.
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
Last update on 2024-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is a great wood pellet smoker and grill combo. It has many great features that make the grill more valuable and efficient. It is an excellent choice because of its versatility in grilling, smoking, and cooking space.
This grill is constructed from stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion. It ensures that the exterior is built to withstand heavy use for many years to come. Attractive polishing adds to the sleek modern look of the overall design.
It provides 450 square inches of cooking area, including 324 square inches of primary cooking area and 128 square inches of warming rack.
It is enough room for 18 hamburgers, four racks of ribs, or three whole chickens when cooking. As a result, it is small enough to cook for the family regularly but still has enough room to accommodate friends.
The ZPG-450A has a great, smoky flavor that will likely impress meat lovers. Thanks to this model’s cutting-edge wood fire technology, you’ll get a fantastic taste.
Compared to charcoal, pellets are easier to clean and more convenient. Because the wood pellets are all the same size, they burn more evenly and maintain a more consistent cooking temperature.
A benefit of this grill is that it’s simple to operate. You can monitor your food’s temperature with an LED display.
There are many pellet smoker grill combos on the market, but this one from Z Grills is one of the more affordable options.
PK Grills PKTX Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The PK Grills PKTX is one of the best portable charcoal smoker grill combos for those looking for a backyard grill that is convenient, portable, and easy to use.
Its key selling feature is low-maintenance, but it has a large cooking capacity. In addition to being virtually rustproof, it’s also surprisingly light for its size and weight. There aren’t a lot of small pieces that can break or wear out, so it folds down effortlessly.
Simple to understand and utilize, PK’s four-point vent system is easy to use.
Because of its small size, it’s an excellent barbecue for a small backyard. The aluminum body of a charcoal grill retains temperatures significantly better than that of steel material, making it ideal for most high-heat cooking tasks.
Only 300 square inches of grilling surface are available on this model. You have enough grill space to cook roughly 15 burgers (and it doesn’t include half of it for smoking). You can raise and lower the grill grate to cook certain meats directly over the flame, while other foods require the reverse.
It’s neat that the grill chamber is made up of two sections, but the cover and base aren’t formally joined. The lid is held in place by hinges but isn’t attached to the base.
PK Grills is well-known for its high-quality, long-lasting products and excellent customer service. This grill is no different. Besides that, it even comes with a 20-year limited warranty.
You can rely on this portable charcoal grill and smoker combo to last for years.
Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With the Traeger Grills Ranger, you can enjoy a wood pellet grill’s convenience and rich flavor anywhere.
The Ranger’s Digital Arc Controller and 36,000 BTU output allow you to customize grill settings in 5-degree increments, making it even easier to cook food to perfection.
In addition to the meat probe and built-in cook timer, Advance Grilling Logic assures perfect temperature performance and allows you to keep an eye on your meal. Using a built-in Keep Warm Mode, you can ensure your food is ready when you are.
Thanks to this portable pellet grill, grilling on the go has never been easy. A standard 110-volt outlet is all that is needed to power this grill. You can achieve excellent sear marks thanks to the 184-square-inch porcelain-coated grilling surface.
Convection cooking is possible because of the grill’s natural airflow, allowing you to bake pizza and cook meat at lower temperatures without flipping. Use the integrated cast iron griddle for cooking breakfast on the go and sear steaks to perfection.
For safety and convenience, Traeger grills have an auto-start mechanism. There’s plenty of room in the 8-pound capacity hopper for on-the-go cooking.
Rubber feet and latches on the grill’s hood keep it in place while it’s in transit.
The Traeger Grills Ranger is one of the best portable pellet smoker grill combos. You can make quality smoked meats in the comfort of your own home or campsite.
It is also a game-changer for the simple home griller who is looking for something simple to use and clean up.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe II KJ23RHC Charcoal Grill
Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Despite its high price tag, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II is one of the most versatile kamado smoker grill combos because of its ability to do anything from low-temperature smoking to high-heat grilling with ease.
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe II is entirely constructed of solid ceramic, from the thick walls to the inside firebox that retains the coals. Adjusting the bottom and top vents allows users to regulate the quantity of air flowing into and out of the firebox and hence how hot the grill gets during cooking.
With the grill’s vents wide open, the grill worked exceptionally well at high temperatures. You don’t need to use as much charcoal to keep the grill at the appropriate temperature because of the ceramic’s ability to retain heat.
The Classic Joe II’s 18-inch-diameter cooking surface was adequate for your grilling needs.
Like other kamado-style grills, it has an egg-shaped lid with a built-in thermometer. It has a robust welded metal platform with locking wheels and plastic side shelves. Moreover, there are hooks on the brackets for storing grilling tools.
The Kamado Joe Classic II has ample cooking space for a typical family of four to cook various foods.
As a result, you may cook low and slow for hours without having to replace the coals in freezing temperatures. Searing meats and cooking pizza are a breeze with this ceramic grill’s ability to reach temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Kamado Joe Classic II is one of the best kamado smoker grill combos with excellent heat retention.
What Makes a Grill and a Smoker Different?
Grills use high temperatures (up to 700°F) to sear food, whereas smokers use lower temperatures (225-300°F) for simmering food.
A smoker is used to prepare traditional slow-cooked barbecue, such as pork ribs or smoked brisket.
Grills are the best for getting food hot and fast. The best are grilled meats and veggies such as steaks, salmon, chops, etc.
What Is a Smoker Grill Combo?
A smoker grill combo is a cooking appliance that you can use for both grilling and smoking at the same time. You can replace two single-use pieces of equipment with this multipurpose kit.
The Advantages of Smoker Grill Combos
Smoker grill combos are more versatile. It’s up to you how you want to cook your meats and other foods. You can bake, roast, grill, smoke, or sear them.
All of them can be done on the same grill or smoker, or you can smoke and sear simultaneously.
Moreover, the advantages are related to space and cost.
Purchasing a smoker grill combo instead of a standalone unit can save you money in the long run. If you’re camping or tailgating, think about how much more room you’ll have on your patio or truck.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Smoker Grill Combos
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, you should look for a grill smoker combo that can do both jobs well. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Fuel Type
Some prefer cooking with charcoal, and some find it unpleasant. So, think about your grill smoker combo’s type of fuel.
Budget
When it comes to smoker grill combos, the price can quickly rise depending on the style of grill and smoker. To limit your selections and stay under your budget, develop a plan and adhere to it.
Grilling and smoking with charcoal tend to be less expensive, while a pellet grill with all the bells and whistles can be more costly but is still a terrific grill and smoker combination.
The most versatile grills are Kamados. Although they’re a terrific alternative for charcoal grilling, they’re also expensive. Remember that kamados can cook, bake, and smoke; they’re built to last long.
Quality
The importance of quality and durability cannot be overstated. Some combo models are made with heavy-gauge steel, while others employ thinner metals that are more likely to warp, degrade, and lose heat quickly.
Make an effort to achieve a reasonable balance between cost and quality. Kamado-style barbecues are known for their durability, but you can get a grill and smoker combo for less if you’re willing to compromise.
Materials
Heavy-duty stainless steel is suitable for the grill’s materials, although it will inevitably rust. Always use a grill cover if you plan to leave it outside.
Paints and ceramics that have been powder-coated may not rust, but they can be very fragile.
Features
A grill’s primary cooking area, cooking surface space, temperature control features, and other elements are all essential considerations. As a bonus, search for grills with warming racks and an accurate temperature gauge.
Also, keep in mind that grills with more bells and whistles will cost more.
Versatility
For a grill and smoker combo to be worth the money, it must provide various cooking options. With the best smoker grill combo, you’ll be able to prepare a wide variety of dishes, meats, and other ingredients.
For some, a combination grill is a fantastic investment because it allows you to cook more in less time. With a smoker grill combo, you’ll have enough cooking space and heat output to grill or smoke any food.
Temperature Control
If you want to sear your steaks on the surface and simmer your brisket, you’ll need a product with a wide temperature range.
A temperature of at least 500°F, preferably 600°F or higher, is required for efficient grilling. Compact smoker grill combos may have difficulty reaching more elevated temperatures.
Generally, it would help keep the temperature between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit for slow cookouts like pork ribs. The meat will be challenging and dry if the temperature is set too high; if it is too low, the cooking time will be excessive.
It’s tough to control the temperature of charcoal grill combos. Opening and close vents, adjusting charcoal shelves, or using chimney stack control to keep the correct temperature may be necessary.
On the other hand, pellet smoker grill combos offer the optimum balance of temperature control and flavor. Meat cooked over wood has a distinct flavor, and you can easily use a digital controller to set a temperature.
Easy to Clean
Removable ash pans and grease management systems make cleaning a product a breeze. Porcelain-coated grates are more durable and less likely to get food stuck to them.
Warranty
Your new smoker grill combo is an investment, and you’ll want to protect it as much as possible. Some pricey products come with a 10-year or 20-year guarantee and the standard three-year warranty offered by most manufacturers.
Although repair costs can be substantially lower, a 12-month warranty may be standard on cheap smoker grills that combine smoking and grilling functions.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new way to cook outdoors, smoking meat can be a great option.
With a smoker grill combo, you can save both rooms in your backyard and money by only needing one piece of equipment, rather than two, to cook your food.
We hope this buying guide will help you choose the best smoker grill combos.