5 Best Smoker Grill Combos (2025): Reviews & Buying Guide

By Chris Johns •  Updated: March 11, 2025 •  10 min read

Best Smoker Grill Combo Reviews

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Looking to combine the convenience of grilling with authentic smoke flavor? A smoker grill combo lets you do both without needing separate appliances. We’ve spent months testing and researching the best smoker grill combos to help you find the perfect model for your needs and budget.

Quick Roundup List

What is a Smoker Grill Combo?

A smoker grill combo is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that combines the functionality of both a traditional grill and a smoker in a single unit. These innovative devices allow you to switch between high-heat grilling for steaks and burgers and low-and-slow smoking for items like brisket and pulled pork.

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package – Best Overall

The Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package stands out as our top pick for its exceptional versatility and remarkable simplicity. This vertical drum smoker design offers outstanding temperature stability and cooking capacity.

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package - 18.5 Inch Drum Smoker

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

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Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill – Best Premium

The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill offers premium performance and versatility for the discerning griller, combining smoking, grilling, and more in one well-built package.

Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker with PID V2.1 Controller, 450 Sq in Cook Area, Meat Probe, 8 in 1 BBQ Grill Outdoor Auto Temperature Control, Black

Highlights

Specifications

This premium pellet grill from Z GRILLS offers exceptional temperature stability and versatility. Its PID V2.1 controller maintains your selected temperature with remarkable precision, allowing for perfect results whether you’re smoking a brisket low and slow or grilling steaks at higher temperatures. The included meat probe lets you monitor your food without lifting the lid, ensuring perfectly cooked meats every time.

Customer Reviews for Z GRILLS ZPG-450A

  1. “I’ve never had a pellet smoker before. It’s always been something I’ve wanted to try. This grill is fantastic – it maintains temperature perfectly and produces amazing flavor.”
  2. “The assembly was straightforward, and it performs beyond my expectations. The temperature control is precise and reliable.”
  3. “So far I’ve used basic pellets without any problems. The quality of the build is impressive, and it’s very user-friendly even for beginners.”

The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill offers exceptional value for a premium pellet grill, delivering consistent results and versatile cooking options. From smoking and grilling to baking and roasting, this 8-in-1 cooker handles it all with ease.

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Char-Griller® AKORN® Kamado – Best Egg Style

The Char-Griller® AKORN® Kamado is a versatile kamado-style charcoal grill and smoker designed for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow cooking. Featuring a robust Graphite finish and 445 square inches of cooking surface, it delivers authentic BBQ flavor with an egg-style design.

Char-Griller® AKORN® Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates, Warming Rack and Locking Lid with 445 Cooking Square Inches in Graphite, Model E16620

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

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Traeger Tailgater 20 – Best Professional

The Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill combines professional-grade performance with portability, making it the perfect companion for outdoor cooking adventures or limited space.

Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill

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Specifications

The Traeger Tailgater 20 delivers professional-quality results in a compact, portable package. Its 300 square inches of cooking space can handle up to 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs, or 2 whole chickens at once, making it perfect for gatherings of any size. The Digital Elite Controller maintains precise temperatures, while the foldable legs make it easy to transport for tailgating, camping, or any outdoor adventure.

Customer Reviews for Traeger Tailgater 20

  1. “Yes, I like this grill so much that I bought 2. Big enough for 40 wings or 6 steaks! Small enough to remove the legs and take it camping with you. Buy it, you won’t regret it!”
  2. “This is my second Traeger. It delivers a better quality cook without any of the hassle. Perfect for when you want to set it and forget it while enjoying time with friends and family.”
  3. “A friend has this tailgater and loves it so we decided to try it for ourselves. We love it – perfect size and easy to use. Cooks in the time and heat you need every time.”

For those seeking professional-grade performance in a portable package, the Traeger Tailgater 20 is the perfect solution. Its combination of portability, versatility, and Traeger’s legendary wood-fired flavor makes it an excellent choice for any grilling enthusiast.

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Pit Boss PB1230SP – Best Dual Fuel

The Pit Boss PB1230SP combines the precision of wood pellet smoking with the convenience of gas grilling in one impressive unit.

Pit Boss PB1230SP Wood Pellet and Gas Combo Grill

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Smoker Grill Combo

When selecting the best smoker grill combo, consider the following factors to ensure you get the right model for your needs:

1. Construction Quality and Materials

2. Temperature Control Features

3. Cooking Space and Versatility

4. Fuel Type and Efficiency

Each fuel type offers distinct advantages:

5. Maintenance and Cleaning

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I season my new smoker grill combo?

  1. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with warm soapy water.
  2. Dry completely and coat the interior with high-heat cooking oil.
  3. Run the unit at 250°F for 2-3 hours.
  4. Let cool completely.
  5. Repeat if necessary for better seasoning.

What’s the best way to control temperature?

How often should I clean my smoker grill combo?

Maintain a regular cleaning schedule:

Can I use my smoker grill combo year-round?

Yes, but consider these factors in different seasons:

How long does it take to smoke different meats?

Conclusion

After extensive testing and research, the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic stands out as our best overall choice for its exceptional versatility, durability, and value. Its simple yet effective design produces consistently excellent results for both smoking and grilling.

If you’re looking for a premium option with advanced technology, the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is an excellent choice with its PID controller and versatile 8-in-1 functionality.

For a unique egg-style grilling experience, the Char-Griller® AKORN® Kamado delivers robust performance and authentic kamado flavor.

For those seeking professional-grade performance in a portable package, the Traeger Tailgater 20 offers exceptional results on the go.

And for maximum versatility with dual-fuel capability, the Pit Boss PB1230SP combines the convenience of gas grilling with the rich flavor of wood pellet smoking.

Remember to consider your specific needs, including cooking capacity, fuel preference, and available space when making your final decision. With proper care and maintenance, a quality smoker grill combo can provide years of enjoyable outdoor cooking experiences.

Happy grilling and smoking!

4.7/5 - (24 votes)

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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