Are you searching for the best smoker grill combos?
You’re in the right place.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- How combo grills work
- What to look for when choosing one
- Top 5 smoker grill combos and why they stand out
- Practical tips for buying and using a combo
Read on for a detailed breakdown and recommendations to help you choose the right smoker-grill combo for your needs.
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Masterbuilt Gravity Series — Our Top Pick
Our top recommendation is the Masterbuilt Gravity Series. It combines quality construction with user-friendly features and a design that makes it easy to switch between smoking and grilling. Its gravity-fed hopper holds enough charcoal for long cooks while a built-in fan precisely controls airflow and temperature, giving you consistent results whether you’re searing steaks or smoking brisket.
The Masterbuilt unit is versatile, reliable, and one of the most refined smoker-grill combos available.
Top 5 Best Smoker Grill Combos
In a hurry? Here are our top five picks. Read the full reviews below to decide which one fits you best.
- Best Overall: Masterbuilt
- Best on a Budget: Char-Broil / Oklahoma Joe’s
- Best High-End: Pit Boss
- Best for Beginners: Weber
- Best Offset: Royal Gourmet
Comparison of the Best Smoker Grill Combos
| Smoker/Grill Combo | Separate Grilling/Smoking Space? | Cooking Space (sq in) | Wi‑Fi Enabled? | Price |
| Masterbuilt 1050 | No | 1050 | Yes | $1,149.00 |
| Char-Broil / Oklahoma Joe’s | Yes | 1060 | No | $649.00 |
| Pit Boss | Yes | 1261 | No | $1,049.00 |
| Weber | No | 701 | No | $549.00 |
| Royal Gourmet | No | 800 | No | $128.05 |
Our Reviews Of The Best 5 Smoker Grill Combos
Below are concise reviews of the best smoker-grill combos currently available, including the main pros and cons for each model.
Best Overall: Masterbuilt
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series is a flagship model known for its ease of use and consistent temperature control. It uses a gravity-fed hopper for charcoal and wood and an electronic fan to maintain steady heat, making it excellent for both searing and low-and-slow smoking.
Pros
- Foldaway racks and storage shelf
- Authentic charcoal and wood-smoke flavor
- Precise temperature control
- Capable of true searing in addition to smoking
Cons
- Built-in app and connectivity can be glitchy at times
Masterbuilt offers multiple sizes (560, 800, and 1050 square inches) to match how much cooking space you need. The Gravity Series is particularly appealing for those who want the flavor of charcoal with the convenience of automatic temperature control.
Best On a Budget: Char-Broil / Oklahoma Joe’s
Char-Broil and Oklahoma Joe’s deliver solid, budget‑friendly combo units. These models provide the flexibility of charcoal smoking and propane grilling at a lower price point than many high-end units.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Convenient clean-out door
- Multiple dampers for manual temperature control
Cons
- Thin sheet-steel exterior that can show heat marks
- No automated temperature control — requires active monitoring
If you want a capable smoker and grill without spending a lot, these units are great backyard workhorses—just expect to manage the fire manually and accept some cosmetic wear over time.
Best High-End: Pit Boss
Pit Boss offers large, durable combos that blend pellet smoking with a separate grilling area. Their offset/pellet combos are especially good for cooks who want to smoke low and slow while still having a dedicated area for searing.
Pros
- Can smoke and grill simultaneously
- Capable of very high searing temperatures
- Robust, long-lasting construction
Cons
- Large footprint — requires ample outdoor space
Pit Boss represents strong value for the size and features, making it a top pick for ambitious backyard chefs who want a heavy-duty combo.
Best Smoker for Beginners: Weber
The Weber Smokey Mountain is a classic charcoal smoker prized for its simplicity and durability. It’s very reliable for producing deep, smoky flavor and is straightforward to operate once you understand basic temperature management.
Pros
- Simple and dependable
- Very portable
- Solid build quality
- Excellent smoke flavor
Cons
- Not designed primarily for high-temp grilling or searing
- No automated temperature control — you’ll need to manage the fire
While not a traditional combo with separate grill/sear zones, the Smokey Mountain excels at pure smoking and is ideal for beginners who want consistent smoked results.
Best Offset: Royal Gourmet
Royal Gourmet’s offset smoker-grill combo provides a practical, budget-friendly option with an adjustable charcoal pan and included cover. It’s built to be sturdy and to handle both smoking and conventional grilling.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable charcoal pan for heat control
- Often ships with a grill cover
Cons
- No automated temperature control — requires attention while cooking
- Not ideal for grilling and smoking at exactly the same time on separate zones
The primary chamber typically offers around 800 square inches of cooking surface on enamel-coated grates—ample for most family gatherings.
What’s the Difference Between a Grill and a Smoker?
A grill cooks food quickly at high temperatures, often reaching 700°F or higher, which is ideal for searing steaks. A smoker cooks at lower temperatures—typically up to about 300°F—for a longer time to develop tender, flavorful results like brisket. A combo gives you the flexibility to do both without buying separate appliances.
What Does It Mean To Be A Combination?
A smoker-grill combo can mean different things depending on the design. Some combos have separate chambers—one optimized for grilling and one for smoking—allowing simultaneous cooking styles. Other combos use a single chamber designed to perform well for both searing and low-and-slow smoking. Either approach offers versatility for different meals and gatherings.
Are Smoker Grill Combos Worth It?
For many home cooks they are. A combo can save space and money versus purchasing separate units and offers flexibility for varying menus and guests. They’re particularly useful if you want to smoke some items while grilling others at the same time.
Benefits include:
- Lower energy use compared to indoor cooking appliances
- Healthier cooking options since grilling uses little or no added oil
- Less hands-on cooking with some automated models
- Choice and flexibility to cook for different tastes simultaneously
- Space savings compared to owning separate grill and smoker units
Save On Electricity Bill
Except for electrically powered pellet combos, most charcoal and propane options require little or no household electricity, helping reduce kitchen energy use.
Healthier Food
Grilling and smoking often require less added fat than frying. Cooking over coals or wood brings flavor without heavy oils, which can be a healthier way to enjoy meat and vegetables.
Hassle-Free Cooking
Higher-end pellet combos and some charcoal designs include temperature controls and fans that simplify long cooks. With the right model you can set a temperature and focus on other tasks while the unit maintains consistent heat.
Flexibility and Choice
A combo allows you to prepare a variety of dishes at once—smoke a brisket while grilling vegetables or searing steaks—making it ideal for entertaining and households with varied preferences.
Save Space
Combining functions into one unit saves yard or patio space compared to owning separate grills and smokers. That’s helpful if you have limited outdoor space.
What Are the Different Types of Fuel Options?
Combo units commonly use one of three fuel systems:
- Propane: Easy to control and popular for quick heat-up and steady temperatures.
- Pellet: Electric auger-fed pellets with fans offer true “set it and forget it” control and consistent smoke flavor.
- Charcoal: Traditional, often the most budget-friendly option that delivers high heat and classic smoke flavor.
How Does a Smoker and Grill Combo Work?
Designs vary, but most combos include a firebox (where fuel burns), cooking grates or racks, a main cooking chamber, and vents or a smokestack. Heat and smoke from the firebox travel into the cooking chamber, providing the temperature and smoke needed for cooking. Closing or opening vents and stack lids adjusts how much smoke remains in the chamber vs. escapes, letting you emphasize smoking or direct grilling as desired.
What Do You Look for in the Best Smoker Grill Combo?
Key factors to consider:
Cooking Surface Area
Choose a size that fits your typical group. Consider at least 100 square inches per household member, plus extra room for guests.
Price
Balance features and budget—don’t overspend on features you won’t use.
Maintenance
Think about how easy the unit is to clean. Pellet and gas combos often require less ash cleanup than charcoal models.
Ergonomic Design
Look for comfortable working height, good access to grills and firebox, and wheels if you’ll move the unit frequently.
Why Are Charcoal Smoker Grill Combos So Popular?
Charcoal combos remain extremely popular because they deliver strong heat for searing, deep smoky flavor, and tend to be more affordable. Many home cooks prefer the taste that charcoal and wood provide, and the straightforward design keeps costs down.
Common advantages:
- Higher potential temperatures and strong searing capability
- Distinct smoky flavor many cooks prefer
- Lower purchase price compared with many pellet and gas combos
When Would You Want to Upgrade to a Dedicated Smoker?
If you primarily smoke and rarely grill, or if you want to compete at barbecue events, a dedicated smoker may be worth the upgrade. After owning a combo for a while, evaluate how you use it: if smoking dominates your usage, a dedicated smoker will deliver better specialized performance.
How Much Cooking Surface Area Do You Really Need?
For most families, plan about 100 square inches per person. A family of four will typically find 600 square inches sufficient, with extra space added if you host frequently.
Benefits of a Smoker Grill Combo, Instead of Separate Units
- Cost savings from buying a single unit
- Space savings on the patio or deck
- Ability to try both cooking styles before committing to a dedicated unit
- More menu flexibility for families and guests
- Ability to cook different foods simultaneously if the unit has separate zones
What are the Downsides of a Combined Grill and Smoker?
- Temperature ranges may be more limited than with dedicated single-purpose units
- Cooking space can be constrained if the unit is split between grill and smoker areas
- Combined chambers may not perform as differently as separate dedicated units
Final Thoughts on Grill and Smoker Combos
A combo grill and smoker is a smart choice for many home cooks. It offers versatility, saves space, and can be a single, economical solution for both searing and smoking. Choose the fuel type and size that match your cooking habits, prioritize build quality and temperature control, and always follow safety guidelines when operating your unit.
Experiment, learn from a few cooks, and enjoy the process—great barbecue comes from practice and curiosity.
Learn More About Grilling
Explore more resources and guides to improve your grilling and smoking techniques, pick the right accessories, and discover new recipes to enjoy on your smoker-grill combo.