The Best Smoker Grill Combos for 2024: Reviews & Buying Guide

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.

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.

• Multi-chamber designs for smoking and grilling
• Precise temperature control systems
• Versatile cooking surfaces
• Multiple fuel options (gas, charcoal, pellets)
• Advanced venting systems for smoke control

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.

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Highlights

• Porcelain coated steel construction
• Hook-and-hang cooking system
• 18.5-inch diameter cooking chamber
• 8 stainless steel hooks included
• Standard grill grate included

Specifications

• Cooking Area: 240 square inches (grate)
• Material: Porcelain coated steel
• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Includes: 8 hooks, 2 hanging rods, grill grate
• Temperature Range: 225°F-375°F

Customer Reviews for Pit Barrel Cooker Classic

1. “The simplicity is amazing – fill the charcoal basket, light it, and it maintains 260°F for the entire cook. Best ribs and chicken I’ve ever had!”
2. “Incredible capacity for its footprint. Can easily handle 8 racks of ribs at once with the hanging method.”
3. “Set it and forget it operation with perfect results every time. The build quality is exceptional.”

Camp Chef Woodwind 24 with Sidekick – Best Premium

The Camp Chef Woodwind 24 with Sidekick represents the pinnacle of smoking and grilling technology, offering incredible versatility and precision control through its WiFi connectivity.

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Highlights

• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
• 811 square inches of total cooking space
• Sidekick attachment for high-heat searing
• Smoke control settings from 1-10
• Stainless steel construction

Specifications

• Total Cooking Area: 811 square inches
• Temperature Range: 160°F to 500°F
• Hopper Capacity: 22 lbs
• Fuel Type: Wood pellets
• WiFi Enabled: Yes

Customer Reviews for Camp Chef Woodwind

1. “Three years later and this smoker is still my workhorse. Perfect for quick smokes or long overnight cooks.”
2. “The WiFi connectivity and app make monitoring your cook incredibly easy. The Sidekick is perfect for searing.”
3. “Outstanding flavor and temperature control. The convenience of pellet cooking with real wood-fired taste.”

PK Grills PK360 – Best Professional

The PK Grills PK360 is a premium cast aluminum grill that excels in both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking. Its unique capsule design and four-vent system provide unmatched temperature control.

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Highlights

• Cast aluminum construction
• Four-point venting system
• Premium marine-grade stainless steel grates
• Removable shelves with tool railings
• Durabilium side tables

Specifications

• Material: Cast aluminum
• Cooking Surface: Premium stainless steel
• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Temperature Range: 180°F-700°F+
• Warranty: Industry-leading coverage

Customer Reviews for PK Grills PK360

1. “This grill reeks quality. The temperature control and versatility are unmatched in its class.”
2. “No gasket to maintain like a kamado, and the air control is intuitive and effective.”
3. “Excellent for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking. Built to last generations.”

Char-Griller AKORN Kamado – Best Value

The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado delivers premium kamado-style cooking at a fraction of the price of ceramic units. Its triple-wall steel construction provides excellent heat retention and efficiency.

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Highlights

• Triple-wall steel construction
• 447 square inches total cooking space
• Cast iron cooking grates
• Insulated design for efficiency
• Easy-dump ash pan

Specifications

• Cooking Area: 445 square inches with warming rack
• Material: Triple-wall insulated steel
• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Temperature Range: 200°F-700°F
• Weight: Lighter than ceramic kamados

Customer Reviews for Char-Griller AKORN

1. “Incredible value compared to ceramic kamados. Maintains temperature perfectly and uses very little charcoal.”
2. “Perfect for everything from smoking to high-heat searing. Temperature control is exceptional.”
3. “Built tough and performs beautifully. A fraction of the cost of comparable kamado grills.”

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.

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Highlights

• Dual fuel capability
• WiFi and Bluetooth enabled
• Large cooking capacity
• Digital control board
• Heavy-duty construction

Specifications

• Multiple cooking chambers
• Temperature Range: 180°F-500°F
• Fuel Types: Wood pellets and gas
• WiFi Enabled: Yes
• Construction: Heavy-duty steel

Customer Reviews for Pit Boss PB1230SP

1. “Outstanding smoker/grill combo! The convenience of gas with the flavor of wood pellets.”
2. “Cooks great and smokes meat easily. WiFi monitoring makes it even better.”
3. “Well built and delivers consistent results. Perfect for any outdoor cooking style.”

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

• Cast aluminum offers excellent heat distribution and rust resistance
• Triple-wall steel provides great insulation and durability
• Porcelain-coated steel resists rust and maintains heat well
• Stainless steel components resist corrosion and are easy to clean
• Heavy-duty hardware ensures long-term stability

2. Temperature Control Features

• Adjustable dampers or vents for airflow control
• Digital controllers for precise temperature settings
• Multi-zone cooking capabilities for versatility
• Built-in temperature gauges should be accurate and easy to read
• WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring and control

3. Cooking Space and Versatility

• Primary cooking surface area for regular grilling
• Secondary racks for smoking or warming
• Multiple cooking zones for different temperatures
• Ability to add accessories like rotisserie kits
• Storage space for tools and fuel

4. Fuel Type and Efficiency

Each fuel type offers distinct advantages:

• Wood Pellets: Consistent temperature, automated feeding, excellent flavor
• Charcoal: Traditional smoky flavor, high heat capability, lower fuel cost
• Gas: Convenient, quick startup, precise temperature control
• Dual Fuel: Maximum versatility but higher initial cost

5. Maintenance and Cleaning

• Easy-access ash removal systems
• Grease management systems
• Removable components for cleaning
• Weather-resistant materials
• Tool storage solutions

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?

• Start with clean vents and grates.
• Use quality fuel appropriate for your unit.
• Make small adjustments to vents/controls.
• Allow 15-20 minutes between adjustments.
• Use reliable temperature monitoring tools.
• Consider weather conditions.

How often should I clean my smoker grill combo?

Maintain a regular cleaning schedule:

• After each use: Brush grates and empty ash.
• Every 3-5 uses: Deep clean all surfaces.
• Monthly: Check and clean grease traps.
• Seasonally: Inspect all parts and connections.
• Annually: Professional inspection if heavily used.

Can I use my smoker grill combo year-round?

Yes, but consider these factors in different seasons:

• Use an insulation blanket in cold weather.
• Account for increased fuel consumption in winter.
• Protect from rain and extreme weather.
• Position away from strong winds.
• Allow extra time for preheating in cold conditions.

How long does it take to smoke different meats?

Approximate smoking times at 225-250°F:

• Chicken: 2-3 hours
• Ribs: 5-6 hours
• Pork Shoulder: 1-1.5 hours per pound
• Brisket: 1-1.5 hours per pound
• Turkey: 30-40 minutes per pound

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.

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.

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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