Buying a new grill can be a daunting task, given the plethora of choices available.
If you are looking for something that does it all without breaking the bank, we suggest you start hunting for the best smoker grill combo.
We look into the top five smoker grill combos that will surely make your BBQ parties at home a lot more fun.
Best Smoker Grill Combos: Reviews
1. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
This good-looking smoker grill combo packs plenty of features that make outdoor cooking convenient.
Though, that’s not surprising, as Camp Chef is among the market leaders in the industry.
Product Highlights
The SmokePro DLX is a versatile piece of cooking equipment that lets you grill, barbecue, smoke, bake, braise, and roast.
Let’s see what it offers that you won’t find in other grills.
- Large Capacity Hopper
The Camp Chef SmokerPro DLX features a large hopper that lets you store up to 18 pounds of wood pellets.
This is a super convenient feature, especially if you’re smoking or grilling large quantities of meat.
What makes it even more impressive is the hopper automatically dispenses pellets into the firebox to maintain a consistent temperature.
Aside from adding pellets to produce heat and smoke, the hopper also shuts itself automatically.
The automatic auger is very impressive. It controls the temperature by delivering the right quantity of wood pellets, taking out a lot of the guesswork.
Thus, it’s completely easy to get the temperature you want. All you need to do is dial the number you desire, and the grill will do the rest.
- Large Cooking Area
Another nice feature of the Camp Chef SmokerPro is its sheer size.
It gives you a total of 573 square inches of cooking space, which is big enough to grill meat and vegetables for a large crowd.
If you like to keep some dishes warm, you can use the warming rack that sits on top of the main rack.
- Two Meat Probes
The grill comes with a meat probe accessory that gives you control over the temperature of your food.
The included meat probe slides into different types of meat so that you can keep an eye on their internal temperatures.
There’s also an easy-to-use menu dial and POD controller that maintains a consistent temperature between 160 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Side Shelf
When it comes to grilling, a side shelf is a real lifesaver because it gives you extra space for condiments and utensils.
You can even set down a tray of meat on it.
- Ash Collection System
Another thing to love about this grill is the ash collection system that collects debris in a removable bucket.
Simply pull the knob, and the hopper will empty from the bottom.
Not only does the pellet purge system is great for taking out unused pellets, but it also gives you the option to change pellets while you are smoking.
The Good
This Camp Chef grill comes with available upgrades.
If you have an additional budget, you can purchase accessories like a sear box or the Sidekick, where you can cook pizza, boil a pan, and more.
By the way, the SmokePro DLX is backed with three years of warranty.
The Bad
Not all the ash will end up going into the bucket, which means you still have to vacuum out the smoker. It’s still better than nothing, though.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Very user-friendly
- Versatile
- Comes with additional storage
Con:
- Doesn’t produce much smoke when on a lower temperature
Read also: Best Camp Chef Grills
2. Green Mountain Trek Tailgating Grill
Green Mountain Grills is a popular brand for outdoor cookware, but they aren’t usually the top choice of people looking for portable pellet smokers.
That’s until they launched the Trek. This smoker grill combo features a portable construction made of powder-coated steel.
Even the lid and cooking grates are made of stainless steel, so you can be sure that it’s pretty sturdy.
Product Highlights
Below are the main features of the Green Mountain Trek smoker grill combo:
- Perfect Size for Portability
The Trek is a pellet grill you can plug into an AC power source or directly to your vehicle’s battery.
It is small and light enough for tailgating but also large to be useful in your backyard.
If you enjoy road-tripping on your RV, the Green Mountain Trek grill fits like a glove.
The convenient size, features, and price of this smoker grill combo make it a top choice for small homes, apartments, and travel.
Its dimensions are 24 X 32 X 16 inches, and it only weighs 63 pounds, which is impressive considering the features it offers.
There are handles on each side for the convenience of transporting or moving.
- PID Controller
The grill comes with a user-friendly dial that lets you control the temperature between 160 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also has a separate set of controllers for the smoke.
- Two Meat Probes
The Trek includes a meat probe accessory with a digital display for temperature monitoring.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
More interestingly, it packs cool features, like a Wi-Fi-enabled digital controller that lets you monitor cooking temperatures through an app.
The smoker grill’s Wi-Fi connectivity lets you monitor and control the unit through your smartphone app.
Thus, you can stay and chill inside your RV or camper while the Trek does its thing.
- Cleanout Knob
By simply pulling the knob, the ashes from the wood pellets will drop into the removable cup. This is an easy way to dispose of the ashes.
- Attachment Capability
You can attach a griddle, oven, stockpot, and other cookware to the Trek so that you can prepare other dishes while grilling and smoking.
The Good
The best thing about the Trek is it is very user-friendly. There’s a wide close-fitting stainless-steel hood that makes it easy to reposition food while cooking.
Moreover, it allows for less messy cooking. Aside from the ash knob, a gutter channels grease into a stainless-steel bucket for easy disposal.
The Bad
One drawback of the machine is it lacks an easy way to change the pellet type.
No door or chute lets you empty the hopper. Thus, you have to go into the hopper and scoop or vacuum it, which can be messy and tiring.
Pros:
- Portable size
- User-friendly
- Versatile use
- Connects to Wi-Fi
Con:
- Clearing the pellet is difficult
3. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker Grill
Z Grills might be a new name in the industry, but it has been manufacturing grills for companies like Traeger for over 30 years.
However, it was not until 2017 that it started offering its products directly to consumers.
Product Highlights
Z Grills makes three types of grills.
The Z GRILLS Wood Pellet smoker grill 700D boasts 700 square inches of grilling space, letting you cook a lot of food in one go.
Let’s discuss the major features of the Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Smoker Grill.
- 8-in-1 Grill and Smoker
In terms of versatility, this grill is on top of the game. With it, you can smoke, bake, sear, roast, braise, barbecue, and char-grill food.
The huge cooking space will help you prepare food for a large crowd without making anyone wait.
- Smart Temperature Control
The grill is equipped with a smart digital controller that lets you control the temperature.
In addition, it features an automated electric feed system that maintains the temp at 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stainless-Steel Construction
The Z Grill 700 has a body made of stainless steel and high-temperature powder coating, so it’s very durable. It is also backed with a three-year warranty.
The Good
The huge cooking surface is a great plus, especially if you love entertaining at home.
You will also love that the warm-up time is roughly under 10 minutes, which is pretty fast for a pellet smoker.
At this timeframe, expect your grill to have reached 400 degrees.
Moreover, the grill doesn’t seem to have any “hot spots,” which means there’s an even distribution of heat throughout the cooking surface.
The Bad
The 700D has a very small LED screen, making it hard to see the temperature reading in direct sunlight.
Pros:
- Excellent grill for the price
- Large grilling/cooking space
- Even heat distribution
Con:
- Small display screen
4. SUNLIFER Charcoal Smoker Combination Grill
The SUNLIFER Charcoal Smoker Combination Grill is a drum smoker you can use as a full-set charcoal smoker.
This grill comes in a very interesting vertical design. It is compact, portable, and can be disassembled for travel or journey through the woods.
Product Highlights
Here’s what you can expect to enjoy with the SUNLIFER Charcoal Smoker and Grill combo:
- Easy Assembly
The SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill has a modular drum shape with an adjustable height. Thus, it is more compact and portable than other drum smokers.
As mentioned, you can separate the parts into four pieces and put them into your car trunk for camping trips.
- Double Access Panels
The grill has two doors. One lets you look over the fire and add charcoal, wood, or pellets. The other lets you check on the food without losing extra heat.
- Decent Capacity
The SUNLIFER grill features two heavy-duty chrome-plated grates. This smoker grill combo provides up to 453 square inches of cooking space.
The Good
The grill comes in a very interesting design, and the three-tier construction allows you to make use of it in all of its capacity.
Along with being highly versatile, this smoker grill combo is very portable.
Moreover, it has an excellent smoking system, and the grill itself performs well. Plus, it has impressive temperature control, allowing you to cook food thoroughly.
Another advantage of this smoker grill is its superior construction.
The exterior of the SUNLIFER smoker grill combo might look flimsy at first glance.
When you look closer, you’ll find that it’s made of heavy-duty steel and coated with heat-resistant paint for maximum protection.
The Bad
This grill lacks electronic ignition, so it can be a bit tedious to operate at first.
Pros:
- Highly portable
- Very durable
- Budget-friendly
Con:
- Lacks electronic ignition
5. Captiva Designs 28-Inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker Combo
Captiva Designs’ smoker grill combo is a great choice for grilling newbies who want an affordable set.
It features a unique design, wherein the offset smoker firebox is seamlessly attached to the main fire chamber, allowing good circulation of heat and smoke.
Product Highlights
If you’re new to BBQ, you will find these features extra helpful in your journey:
- Heavy-Duty Build
This smoker grill combo is made of metal iron, which is thicker than most materials but not as sturdy as stainless steel.
In addition, the grilling rack is all wrapped with the same enamel materials, which are acid-proof and high-temperature resistant.
- Decent Cooking Space
The Captiva Designs smoker grill boasts up to 512 square inches of cooking space so that you can cook a huge batch in one go.
By the way, the cooking space is divided into two. You’ve got 366 square inches of grilling area and another 146 square inches in the offset smoker.
The grill also comes with a removable front table where you can put condiments and cooking utensils.
Underneath the grill is another large storage where you can store food containers and other stuff.
- Anti-Rust Technology
The entire body of the grill is coated with an all-around electronic resin ion that offers maximum protection from rust.
- Integrated Fire Chamber
Another interesting feature of the Captiva Designs grill is the integrated fire chamber that keeps more smoke in.
In addition, the lid is grooved and well-sealed, so the heat inside is maintained.
The Good
The Captiva Designs grill is a high-quality unit with a size that’s just right for a big family or even home parties with friends.
It is easy to assemble and has great temperature control.
A huge plus of this grill is that it has wheels, so it’s very easy to move around. In addition, it comes with multiple grill nets, which are very convenient for outdoor grilling.
The Bad
While metal is highly resilient, stainless-steel grills have much smoother surfaces and are highly resistant to sticking. They also take far longer to rust.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large cooking space
- Plenty of storage areas
Con:
- May not last longer than stainless-steel grills
Buyer’s Guide
If you love good food and outdoor entertaining, a smoker grill set is a good investment.
Unfortunately, with the huge number of options available, choosing the best one can confuse those new to this hobby.
If it’s your first time buying a smoker grill, here are a few things you should consider:
1. Type of smoker grill
There are different types of grills, but the most popular are charcoal grills and pellet grills. If you are wondering which is better, the answer is “it depends.”
Some people prefer a charcoal grill because, aside from the robust smokey flavor, you can always get higher temps and give your meat a good sear.
However, a pellet grill is a lot easier to use. You simply fill the hopper with pellets and set your desired cooking temperature.
Meanwhile, there is a little more work involved in cooking on a charcoal grill. Also, it can be difficult to control the temperature in a charcoal grill.
To keep the temp stable, you may need to open or close the air vents on the top and bottom of the grill.
However, with the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you will be able to flip a few burgers and steak on a charcoal grill.
Aside from pellet and charcoal grills, you will also find gas grills and electric grills.
Operating these two is very easy, but they don’t let you achieve that one-of-a-kind smoky flavor.
2. Capacity
Another important factor to consider when buying a smoker grill combo is the cooking surface size and capacity.
The cooking surface size determines the amount of food you can prepare on the smoker grill. They can range from 150 square inches to over 800 square inches.
If you are the type who loves throwing backyard parties for friends and family, you should go for a unit with a bigger capacity.
Moreover, if you only need a smoker for preparing meals for your family or something you can bring during camping trips, buy a more compact and portable model.
By the way, cooking surfaces may come in one level or multiple tiers that allow simultaneous grilling and smoking.
3. Size
The size of the smoker grill combo is also an important consideration, especially if you have limited outdoor space.
Before you start shopping, measure the area where you plan to set up the grill. You should also consider the size for storage and winterizing.
Make sure your unit fits in your garage, shed, or somewhere inside your home.
A smoker grill with wheels is easier to maneuver and store.
However, portable models are more compact, and feature handles for easy lifting and packing into your car. Thus, they make a great choice for camping or tailgating.
That said, choosing a smaller grill isn’t always the solution to portability.
Some models come with wheels and handles, so even if they are heavy, you can easily move them around in your patio or backyard.
4. Build Quality
The best smoker grill combos have bodies made from either stainless steel, ceramic, or metal.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the gold standard for outdoor cookware. That’s because it is thicker, more durable, and long-lasting.
It is also resistant to water damage, UV radiation, and damage from impact.
Ceramic
Smoker grill combos made of ceramic materials don’t rust, so they are the best option if you live in a humid area or a rain-prone location.
Ceramic also heats up and cools down slowly, making them ideal for long, slow cooking.
The only downside is that this material is fragile and chips easily, so grills made of ceramic should be handled with care.
Aside from the body, you should also check the type of material used for the grids.
Grids can be made of porcelain-coated material, cast iron, and stainless steel.
Porcelain and cast-iron grids retain heat extremely well and are easy to clean. They are also rust-resistant and last longer than other grids.
In comparison, grates made from genuine stainless steel have a smoother surface and are highly resistant to corrosion.
Powder-Coated Steel
Smoker grill combos made from powder-coated steel are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, rusting, and water damage.
For these reasons, they make a good choice for unsheltered outdoor spaces.
5. Temperature Range and Control
Getting the right temperature is key to the best barbecues, burgers, and steaks.
Needless to say, you want a smoker grill combo that lets you easily control and monitor the temperature.
Different grills use different methods for controlling the heat. Some have simple dials, while others use digital controllers.
More sophisticated models feature automatic augers to ensure that the temperature remains constant.
Others have adjustable vents or dampers to adjust the heat and achieve the desired smokiness.
The heat in charcoal or wood smoker grill combos is controlled by cutting the oxygen supply.
For this reason, your grill needs to have a damper on the chimney and another on the firebox. So, look for a unit with a damper that’s easy to use and reach.
6. Features
The best smoker grills have a few bells and whistles worth considering.
For example, some models have LCD screens that display the temperature. Temperature gauges are also important for maintaining constant heat when smoking.
Another extra feature that’s nice to have is a meat probe thermometer.
This device is used to take the internal temperature of the steak, roast, and other meat, so you get to achieve the ideal cooking outcome.
Furthermore, some smoker grill combos come with wireless connectivity, letting you monitor temperatures remotely through your phone.
Storage is also a good feature to have.
Some smoker grill combos have detachable tables and underneath storage where you can conveniently store utensils, seasonings, condiments, and food.
7. Warranty
Good manufacturers back their products with a good warranty.
You will want to look for a smoker grill combo that provides at least three years of warranty.
The warranty should cover all the grill’s working parts, like the ignition system, gas burner, and grates, as these are usually the first things to break.
Smoker Grill Combo FAQs
1. How do smoker grill combos work?
A smoker grill combines smoking and grilling in one.
If you enjoy smoking meats and grilling frequently, a smoker grill combo is what you need.
This equipment usually provides slower, gentler cooking over a longer period, giving you perfectly cooked meat that is so tender that it falls off the bone.
2. Are combination grills worth it?
Smoker grill combos are surely worth the investment because they allow you to cook different types of food in one package.
Thus, you are not only saving money but also saving a lot of space in your patio or backyard.
However, combo grills are not without their drawbacks. These units tend to fall into two categories: poor quality or very expensive.
Thus, it’s important to take your time to research so you end up buying the best smoker grill for your outdoor cooking needs.
3. How do you clean grill grates?
Whether you have cast-iron or stainless-steel grates, you have to clean them right after use.
Not only will this help maintain a smooth surface, but it will also prevent oil from building up and creating unappetizing smoke that affects the flavor of your food.
To clean grill grates, brush them with a high-quality cleaning brush. Do this while the grates are still hot to dislodge food from the surface easily.
To deep-clean grates, remove them from the grill and set them in your kitchen sink. Sprinkle baking soda all over them and spray some white vinegar.
Once it foams up, clean the grate using a wire brush to remove residue that has solidified.
Lastly, rinse the grate well with water, and let it dry before setting it back on your grill.
4. Do you need special pellets for a pellet grill?
Wood pellets come in so many types and price points, but they are not made equally.
For the best outcome, select high-quality wood pellets that don’t contain fillers, bark, or any binding agents.
These pellets offer a clean and healthy fuel source that will last longer and brings you favorable results.
While it can be tempting to buy low-quality pellets, they are generally lower in density.
Plus, they often have high moisture content, which means they tend to produce inconsistent heat.
What’s more, low-quality pellets produce more ash that can float inside your grill and potentially contaminate your food.
Which Smoker Grill Combo Tops the List?
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill earns the top spot in our reviews of the best smoker grill combinations.
Its advanced features, like the automatic auger and digital controls, remove all the guesswork, so you can grill and smoke a variety of food easily.
It also features a large cooking space, perfect for home parties with friends and family.
The side shelf makes for a useful addition when you need extra space for utensils and cooking must-haves.
However, if you are looking for a more portable smoker grill you can take into the woods, we recommend the SUNLIFER Charcoal Smoker.
You can conveniently disassemble this unit for easy packing into your vehicle.