If you want to up your “Grilling Game,” any of these best Smoker Grill combo options would be the ultimate way. Incorporating a smoker into your grill setup allows you to cook an enormous array of meats and even create new takes on your favorite cuts.
To help you pick out the best model for your needs, we’ve compiled our review of the eight best smoker grill combos for 2023, including the sizes and features for each model.
In our Smoker Grill Buyers Guide, you’ll find the best smoker grills on the market and different smokers for various uses. We also include Tips, Helpful Specs, and a list of FAQs to help you make the best possible purchase.
First, a bit about “Types” of Smoker Grills
The two most common types of smoker grills are wood pellets and charcoal. Wood pellet grills use small pieces of wood called pellets to cook meat, while charcoal is a familiar fuel to any grilling enthusiast.
Here’s the general principle on How a “pellet” smoker grill works – Courtesy of Traeger:
If you’re looking for the best “Gas” Smoker Grill combo, the options are a little more limited – as gas grills rarely come with smoker boxes built-in.
The 8 Best Smoker Grill Combo For 2023
Editor’s Choice – Traeger TFB57PZBO Pro Series 22 – Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Why We Like It
What is the best smoker-grill combo? Topping our list of one of the best smoker grill combos is the Traeger Pro-Series 22, a pellet grill that is both functional and versatile. If you’re looking for a grill that can do it all and one that throws a lot of heat, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better model than this pellet smoker grill.
Combining a smoker feature with the already superior flavor qualities of wood pellets when compared with gas or charcoal, this grill can bring out incredible flavors in any cut of meat.
At the same time, the Traeger also offers more functionality than almost any other grill on the market. This best pellet smoker grill combo can roast, smoke, braise, or even bake, depending on how it is set up.
Specs
- 572 square inch cooking surface
- Digital Elite temperature control – keeps temp @20 degrees +/-
- Porcelain grates
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Electronic auto-start ignition
Our Takeaway
The Traeger Pro-Series 22 is an excellent choice for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, or braising. The built-in temperature control makes it easy to keep meat from drying out, and its relatively small size makes it perfect for portable grilling. This one “does it all.”
See How a “Traeger Grill” Works:
Runner Up: Z Grills ZPG 7002E – Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Why We Like It
The second-best smoker grill combo comes from Z Grills. A close runner-up to the Traeger, this grill features the same temperature control feature and a similar level of versatility to the model listed above.
If you’re grilling large amounts of meat, this grill may even be a better fit for you than the Traeger, as it has a larger overall cooking surface.
Specs
- Large 700 square inch cooking surface
- Digital temperature control
- LED temperature display
- Electronic switch ignition
- Cover included
Our Takeaway
We find the Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker to be a well-built, easy-to-use grill perfect for upping your barbecue game. Even for those not used to pellet grilling, this model is user-friendly and will allow you to prepare great dishes consistently.
The one challenge that keeps this grill in second place is that it is a little more difficult to remove spent pellets, adding a bit of a maintenance chore after grilling. And it is a bit more expensive than the Traeger Junior Elite.
“Best Value” – “Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker – Charcoal Smoker”
Why We Like It
While the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is technically considered a smoker more than a grill, this excellent charcoal or wood-fueled Smoker is a prevalent model.
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker provides two (2) grates for smoking meat. The Porcelain lid, bowl, and center section retain heat but won’t rust. The silicone grommet meat probe measures internal temps for perfect cooking time.
The fuel door lets you add charcoal or wood easily and has adjustable dampers. It’s also one of the most portable smoker grill models we reviewed.
Specs
- Built-in Thermometer
- Rust-resistant legs, lid, bowl, and center section
- Uses Wood or Charcoal as fuel
- Sturdy construction
- Two Cooking Grates for extra capacity
Check out the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker in this Video:
Our Takeaway
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker adds fantastic flavor to meat and is an outstanding addition to any grilling enthusiast’s collection. Assembly is relatively easy, and the smoker is remarkably simple to use. Two generous-sized grates offer plenty of room to smoke various types of meat.
We like the mid-size 18″ model featured here; however, if you need something bigger there is a 22″ smoker. Either way, the Weber Smoker will allow you to cook just about anything you want – and at a great price – as one of the cheapest smoker types you can buy.
“Camp Chef Stainless Steel – SmokePro DLX”
Why We Like It
We love this grill for many reasons: its stainless steel cover, large cooking surface area, LED temperature display, and auto electronic start. We’re not the only ones impressed with the Camp.
Chef Smoke PRO DLX smoker grill combo, based on some fantastic user reviews. While a pellet fire feeds the main cooking surface, this sear box can quickly put a high-temperature sear on your meat to lock in the juices.
This is a feature very few smoker grills offer. Using this feature, you can take quick-cooking cuts like steaks and pork chops to the next level.
Specs
- 429 square inch Lower cooking grate and 140 square inches Upper grate
- Cooking temperatures up to 500 degrees
- Patented easy ash and grease removal systems
- LED temperature display
- Electronic switch ignition
- Stainless Steel cover prevents rust
Our Takeaway
The Camp Chef Smoke Pro DLX is a great all-purpose choice for outdoor cooking. While you’re still getting the flavor from wood pellet grilling, the sear box is a very convenient feature that will make it easy to finish your meat perfectly.
The Camp Chef smoker is also quite versatile, easily handling anything from a few burgers for a weeknight dinner to whole briskets and roasts for special occasions.
“Best Propane Gas Smoker Grill”- “Cuisinart 36 Vertical Smoker”
Why We Like It
Top on our list of the best Propane smoker and grill combo is the Cuisinart 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker. This charcoal-fueled grill offers a large cooking surface and sturdy construction at a very reasonable price point.
While many people prefer pellet grilling, this propane grill and smoker combination is an excellent option if you use LP gas for your barbecue.
Specs
- Over 5 Feet of interior Grill space
- Four (4) stainless steel grates
- Total temperature control
- Built-In thermometer
- Porcelain tray for wood and water (smoking)
- 40-inch Propane Hose and Regulator (to attach to Your LP tank)
Our Takeaway
For folks partial to the convenience of propane gas for grilling, The Cuisinart Vertical Smoker is most likely the perfect option. With tons of cooking space and a high-capacity smoker box, this grill can easily handle significant cuts of meat or a large volume of smaller amounts.
Thanks to its 36″ Height, it is perfect for handling four large racks of ribs simultaneously. This model isn’t a little tricky to assemble, but it makes up for that inconvenience when completed.
Best “Portable” Electric Smoker Grill Combo: Green Mountain “Ledge Prime”
Why We Like It
This Premium Smoker Drill Combo from Green Mountain is everything you could possibly want from your Grill and Smoker experience.
The Ledge Prime from Green Mountain is loaded with features. Oh, and did we mention the Ledge is Wi-Fi enabled and Electric?
Yes, you can use the 12-volt adapter and plug it into a cigarette lighter, or use the (supplied jumper cable) and connect it to your 12V car battery, or plug it into an electrical outlet and use standard 110-volt power.
That’s Three (3) Electric Power Options for use anywhere in the Globe!
We’re particularly impressed by its temperature sensing probe feature, WIFI compatibility, and a huge cooking area because it comes with a 12-volt adapter. This grill is also great for traveling, tailgating, or any other portable use.
Specs
- Automatic thermal sensor – Sense Mate – Monitors/Adjusts for Outside Temperature
- Pellet Auger, Variable Speed Fan
- 458 Square Inch Cooking Area
- Collapsible Front Shelf
- Interior Grill LIGHT
- Rotisserie Enabled
- USB Port
- Grill Window To View without opening Lid
- Steel construction
- 110-volt AC or 12-volt DC power options
- WIFI-enabled controller
Green Mountain Prime Smoker Grill Combo Series Video
Our Takeaway
If you’re looking for one of the best smoker grills for tailgating, this should make the top of your list. This model provides supreme convenience, ease of use, portability, and high-quality construction in a relatively affordable package.
Just plug the smoker grill combo into your electric power and start smoking or grilling!
One issue we know with this grill is that the grease catch pan is a little tricky to keep in place. Beyond that, this model is an excellent option for any grilling on the go.
“Best Offset Charcoal Smoker Grill”- “Char-Broil 30”
Why We Like It
Rounding out our list of the best smoker and grill combo options is the Char-Broil offset smoker. This charcoal-fueled grill offers a large cooking surface and sturdy construction at a very reasonable price point.
While many people prefer pellet grilling, this grill and smoker combination is a great option if you use charcoal for your barbecue.
Specs
- 605 square inch cooking surface
- 30-inch offset smoker box
- Porcelain grates
- Steel construction
- The easy ash removal system
Our Takeaway
For charcoal users, the Charbroil Smoker Grill combo is a perfect option. With lots of cooking space and a high-capacity smoker box, this grill can easily handle large cuts of meat or a large volume of smaller amounts.
Thanks to its length, it is perfect for simultaneously handling several large racks of ribs. This model isn’t the easiest to assemble, but it will compensate for the difficulty once you have it together.
“Best Upgrade: Traeger Elite – Pellet Grill & Smoker”
Why We Like It
Rounding out the list of the best smoker and grill combo options is our pick for the Best Upgrade Smoker And Grill you can buy: the Traeger Elite pellet smoker and grill. This charcoal-fueled grill offers a large cooking surface and sturdy construction at a very reasonable price point.
While many people prefer pellet grilling, this grill and smoker combination is an excellent option if you use charcoal for your barbecue.
Specs
- 589 square inch cooking surface
- Digital Elite Controller
- Stainless Steel Side Shelves
- Dual Storage Cart With Doors
- Increased Pellet Hopper Capacity
- Porcelain grates
- Casters for easy mobility
- The easy ash removal system
Our Takeaway
Not your portable grill, this one is for the patio, as the Traeger Select Elite grill is large and boasts enough room to cook for the whole family and even invite the neighbors. The manufacturer claims enough grilling space to fit up to 20 burgers, five whole chickens, 28 hot dogs, or six racks of delicious smoked ribs.
Thanks to this grill’s roomy interior, you can quickly cook an entire whole meal at one time, including the main course and sides, and even dessert. And because of the grill’s length, it’s perfect for simultaneously handling several large racks of ribs.
This Traeger model isn’t the easiest to assemble, but it will make up for the difficulty once you have it completed and you’re grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are the Best Pellets to Use in a Pellet Grill?
As you can see, most of our picks for the best smoker grill combos are pellet smoker grills. This begs the question of what pellets you should use for optimal flavor and heating.
Generally, it’s best to stick with a hardwood pellet, preferably using wood that will add some extra flavor to the meat.
For most meats, most consider the best option to be hardwood hickory pellets like the hardwood pellets Sold by Traeger on Amazon.
Hickory adds a great flavor to the meat and nicely complements rubs, glazes, and sauces, but you can also use pellets made from other hardwoods to add different dimensions of flavor to your grilling.
Other types of wood pellets include apple, pecan, and cherry, each with its unique smoke flavor.
What’s the Best Smoker Grill Under $500?
The Traeger Junior Elite is the best smoker grill under $500. The Z-Grills Wood Pellet Grill is a very close runner-up in this budget-friendly price range – but slightly more than $500. In the final balance, we must nod to Traeger’s junior elite.
Why Should You Buy a Smoker Grill?
Having a smoker grill opens up an entirely new world of grilling possibilities. While still allowing you to tackle simple grilling projects like steaks, brats, and pork chops, the added smoker function will massively expand your cooking horizons.
Excellent ribs, brisket, turkey, and smoked fish can be cooked on a smoker grill.
If you’re also looking to enhance your grill capabilities, check out these outdoor griddles
What Type of Safety Precautions For Smoker Grills?
Most Smoker Grills will have a Wood Pellet or LP Gas fuel source. While it is imperative to check the manufacturer’s safety manual, here are a few additional Safety Tips for Propane tank Storage and Grilling
Do Smoker Grills Require Special Maintenance?
Not especially. While you must clean out the spent pellets or ashes from the attached smoker box, this task is no different than removing ashes from a charcoal grill.
Why Are Pellet Grills the Best Option for Grilling Meat?
Smoking uses hardwood pellets to provide additional flavor to the meat. While smoking can also be accomplished in charcoal grills by placing wood chips or chunks over the coals, a pellet grill uses hardwood pellets to supply the flavor and heat needed to cook the meat.
For this reason, the best smoker grill combos are usually considered pellet-type grills. That being said, many folks buy the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker – Partly because of the familiarity of cooking with charcoal.
What’s Better, an Electric or Propane Smoker?
Propane smokers run hotter and quicker, providing a smokier flavor for meat than electric smokers. In addition, Propane smokers, like natural Gas Grills, are also more convenient to use than pellets or charcoal briquet smokers.
Gas grills, as well as Propane Grills And Smokers, also include push-button ignition.
Conclusion
While Grills are fine and well for grilling meat, a combination Grill and Smoker is a game-changer for most backyard barbeque masters.
While providing ample grilling space – the additional smoker adds an enhanced flavor you can’t get from traditional grilling.
After completing our review of the eight best smoker grill combos for 2019 – We chose the Traeger Tex Elite Smoker Grill as our #1 choice. First, Traeger provides great grill and smoker technology. Secondly, this smoker grill offers all of the best bells and whistles, and finally, Traeger does it all at an affordable price.
If you’re on a tighter budget, inclined to save some money – and are especially partial to charcoal grilling, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker easily tops our “Best Value” list of smoker grills.
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Additional Reading & Resources:
The Proper Way How to Store a Propane Tank from “WikiHow.”
The Best Outdoor Wood Fire Pits for Home or Camping – Besthomegear
Clear Branches Away From Your Home With a “Cordless” Pole Saw!
