Grilling aficionados who also enjoy the use of a smoker for their outdoor cooking endeavors will attest to the luxury of having the ability to tackle both tasks with one dual-purpose machine. Why settle for just a grill when you can have the added benefit of a built-in smoker? There are certainly times when adding the distinctive flavor and aroma of smoke to a steak, ribs, or roast would take your barbecue to the next level. And for those outdoor cooking endeavors that necessitate the use of the grill and a smoker at the same time, the gas grill smoker combo provides the space and means of accomplishing both simultaneously.
Once you have decided on a combination grill and smoker, you are at a crossroads. There are so many options and each delivers something unique. In this article, I will focus specifically on the best gas grill smoker combo in a number of categories.
Grilling with gas has its perks. First of all, it is quick to start with the simple push of the ignite button, making even a weeknight meal attainable. Add to that the fact that it is also rather easy to clean up. Finally, it offers the ease of consistent temperature control which cuts back on the amount of time you need to spend monitoring your grill. Overall, it streamlines some of the work, mess, and maintenance that charcoal grills require.
If you are in the market for a gas grill with the added advantage of a smoker, this article is for you. Whether you are a beginner just looking to try your hand with this type of grill or a true gas grill and smoker combo enthusiast, there is something in this list for you. I will address some of the important considerations you should make purchasing a smoker grill combo before buying one of your own. Beyond that, I will address some questions you may have so that you can make a solid choice that will best suit your outdoor cooking needs.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look For When Buying a Gas Grill Smoker Combo?
- Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Gas Grill Smoker Combos
- #1: Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo (Best Value, All-Purpose)
- #2: Pit Boss PB1230SP Wood Pellet and Gas Combo Grill, Black (Best Gas Grill and Pellet Smoker Combo)
- #3: Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill (Best Expandable Gas Grill Combo)
- #4 Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill + Cover (Best Budget Option)
- Are combo grills worth it?
- How can I get the longest life out of my gas grill and smoker combo?
- How can I create a gas grill smoker combo on my own?
- What are the pros and cons of getting a smoker grill combo?
- What fuel will I need?
- Smoker Grill Combo Accessories
- Verdict: Your Best Gas Grill Smoker Combo
What Should I Look For When Buying a Gas Grill Smoker Combo?
There are a number of factors that you should look at before buying a gas grill smoker combo. Before you head out, it is best to have a look at what they have to offer. I have done some of that work for you, focusing on the following criteria so that you can go out and make a well-informed choice.
Criteria#1: Cooking Space
The amount of actual cooking space in talking about grills is measured in cubic inches. The best choice is the grill that will allow you to cook comfortably for yourself and your guests.
Criteria #2: Versatility
While it is true that all of my choices for best gas grill smoker combos perform as a grill and a smoker, I will highlight the other attributes that give them versatility in terms of roasting, sauteeing, baking, and braising.
Criteria #3: Construction
Some grills are built to last while others are prone to rust or warping if not properly cared for. Expect to pay more for a sturdy, heavy gauge grill, but is it worth the higher price in the end?
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Gas Grill Smoker Combos
I’ve looked at a number of gas grill smoker combos that are available and sorted through a number of reviews. What I have compiled is a list of the best options in a number of categories. Below are my findings for the best gas grill smoker combos for 2021.
#1: Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo (Best Value, All-Purpose)
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For the grilling and smoking enthusiast who is looking for the best value in an all-purpose gas and smoker combo, I have selected the Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo. This is a grill that offers a great deal of versatility at a reasonable price.
With two primary cooking chambers featuring a gas and a charcoal zone, you have a ton of options for cooking at a variety of temperatures that are separated by a wall. The benefit here is that you can easily have a low-temperature zone and a hot temperature zone simultaneously. With 750 square inches of primary cooking surface in the main chamber, you can cook for a large family or a small gathering of friends quite easily.
Beyond that, you will have the opportunity to experiment with the flavor or charcoal and the expediency of gas grilling. When time allows, you can fire up the smoker without disrupting the rest of your grilling, giving you the option to cook for a crowd.
This grill features six porcelain-coated, cast-iron grates and an additional 12,000 BTU side burner which can be used to saute or simmer your sauces, though perhaps most ingeniously, you can use it to fire up your charcoal with the use of a charcoal chimney starter. Both cooking chambers are equipped with separate temperature gauges so that you can accurately monitor your grilling.
Reviewers were largely very satisfied with this grill combo. Most felt the gauge of the metal felt heavy and substantial, resisting rust if proper care was taken to maintain it. Purchasing a cover is advisable, especially if it will be exposed to rain. With adequate cleaning, seasoning, and removal of ashes, you can expect to get many years out of this grill.
#2: Pit Boss PB1230SP Wood Pellet and Gas Combo Grill, Black (Best Gas Grill and Pellet Smoker Combo)
The Pit Boss PB1230 Wood Pellet and Gas Combo Grill is a fine machine that will make grilling a lot of fun. In the end, you will look forward to using it, and your family and friends will think you’re a pro. With a wide temperature range of 180 to 5oo degrees, this multitasker will allow you to grill, smoke, roast, barbeque, char-grill, sear, and bake with ease and accuracy.
At a price that is almost a third higher than my choice for the best value, I do think it is a solid contender if you can afford it. Here are a few things that really set it apart from the rest.
Reason #1: Quick and Easy to Use
This pellet smoker grill is really easy to use. It is as simple as plugging it in, turning it on, and turning it to smoke in order for it to ignite. Once it is lit, it will burn pellets to continually create smoke. This grill smoker combo will allow you to set a temperature giving you a lot more control over your food which frees you up a bit. Less monitoring translates to a more relaxed cooking experience.
Reason #2: Consistency (Temperature Probes)
The Pit Boss 1230 is equipped with temperature probes that you can insert into your food which will ensure that you don’t over or undercook your food. I love this feature because it takes a lot of the guesswork out of smoking and grilling meat and fish. Simply insert the probe into your steak, set the program dial to the desired temperature, and wait for the machine to tell you when its done.
Gone are the days of overcooked steak. The result is a grill smoker combo that makes you look like a champion grill master in your own backyard.
Reason #3: Cool Features
The people at Pit Boss have gone the extra mile with this pellet grill and smoker combo. It boasts a number of really nice features that make it a lot of fun to use.
First of all, the pellet chamber is equipped with a clear hopper window that lets you monitor the number of wood pellets that are left. This is a great way to keep an eye on your fuel well in advance of running out so there are no gaps in your smoke time.
They have also added a number of small gadgets like an attached bottle opener, a handy foldable shelf, and a spice rack to keep things within reach as you season your food.
All of these things add up to a smoker grill combo that is really fun to use. After all, you should enjoy your time cooking in the great outdoors. This grill will have you looking forward to your next grilling and smoking adventure.
#3: Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill (Best Expandable Gas Grill Combo)
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My choice for the best expandable gas grill and smoker combo is the Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill. This is a nice grill with a lot of flexibility at a very reasonable price. For those looking for something that is more entry-level, I think it is a good place to start, as it offers a substantial cooking space of 1260 square inches between the two separate sides – one gas and the other charcoal or smoke.
For those occasions when you are looking to fire up your grill quickly, the gas zone will certainly come in handy. The 40,800 BTU gas grill starts easily with electronic ignition and three burners for ample cooking capability. You could handily manage to grill dinner on any given weeknight for your family. The porcelain-coated, cast-iron grates transfer heat efficiently and evenly and the heat gauge will give you the control you need to achieve a nice even temperature without constant opening and checking.
The charcoal portion of this combo grill is perfect for those occasions when you have a little more time to spend preheating your coals or wood for that smokey flavor that can only be achieved with a slow and low process that smoking requires. The charcoal portion of this grill also has its own temperature gauge so you can keep an eye of that zone, paying attention to spikes in temperature for a nice even smoke.
Another really nice feature that this grill combo brings to the table is a 12,000 BTU propane side burner which is perfect for sauteeing vegetables, keeping sauces warm, or cooking bacon. This feature is something you would expect out of a higher-end model, and it makes this unit a great multi-use grill.
One could stop here and feel that they were getting a lot of grilling and smoking flexibility for your money. Those who are interested in taking their smoking to the next level can do so with the addition of the Char-Griller E82424 Side Fire Box which attaches to the side of the grill with a few bolts that keep it in place quite securely. With this attachment in place, you can really fire up this grill and smoker to its full capacity.
Reviews of this smoker grill combo are quite favorable. It is worth mentioning that assembly is required, and it is probably a job for a couple of people, according to users. A few mentioned that the unit began to rust or warp after several months of repeated use, while others were still using their Char-Griller 5050 after many years of use. I have to say that this tells me that it isn’t the type of grill that you can expect to abuse and still get a long life out of it. With proper seasoning, maintenance, and cleaning this grill will serve you well with its surprising range of cooking capabilities and ample cooking space.
#4 Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill + Cover (Best Budget Option)
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My choice for the best budget gas grill smoker combo is the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill. This unit is unique in design as it is more of a vertical smoker which takes up far less space than my other selections, making it ideal for small spaces.
Unlike the previous selections, this model is more of a gas smoker with grilling capabilities. With the capacity to roast or smoke up to 25 pounds, it can handle cooking for a large group of people. However, the grilling surface is only 180 square inches which is considerably smaller than the others. If you were hoping to grill more than a couple of steaks or several burgers at a time, this may not be the grill and smoker combo for you. However, for those looking for a smoker with the added perk of occasional grilling options, this is a reasonably priced choice.
This smoker utilizes something called TRU-Infrared technology which cooks your food evenly with no flare-ups. It is designed so that food can’t fall between the cooking grates, making it easy to use. It has a stainless steel smoker box that allows access to the wood chips without having to open the lid. Simply remove, refill, and replace for continual smoke.
Weighing in at just 50 pounds, this is a rather portable smoker. Carrying handles on either side of the unit makes it easy to move, making it perfect for picnics, tailgating, or just cooking in your own backyard.
What this smoker and grill combo lacks is a thermostat that allows you to regulate the temperature. This is a problem for those who may be looking for a hands-off smoker that does a lot of the work for you. In this case, you should plan to keep an eye on your food as it cooks. It does come with a metal meat thermometer, but don’t count on that to save you from over or undercooking your food. With a bit of monitoring, you can get some great smoke flavor into your food, though experience and practice will be essential.
Considering the small price tag, this gas smoker grill combo has a lot to offer. If you are planning to smoke large cuts of meat, ribs, or poultry, it is a nice little machine.
Are combo grills worth it?
Absolutely! I am a big fan of the flexibility these models have to offer. The gas-fueled zones are perfect for those times when you need something quick and easy without the mess, while the smoker and charcoal components add the capacity to bring authentic barbeque flavor to your outoor cooking experience.
Add to this the reliability of cooking with gas. Provided you are equipped with enough fuel, you can achieve a consistent temperature without interruptions due to power outages.
As far as I’m concerned, it is really the best of both worlds which translates to a better grilling experience.
How can I get the longest life out of my gas grill and smoker combo?
You can expect to get about 15 years out of your gas grill with proper maintenance and care. There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your grill and smoker.
- Limit its exposure to moisture and rain.
- Remove any ashes after use that may lead to rust or deterioration.
- Season it properly before use, according to the owner’s manual.
How can I create a gas grill smoker combo on my own?
Perhaps you are already own a gas grill and are looking to add some smokey flavor to your repertoire on occasion. There happens to be a way to bypass the purchase of a whole grill smoker combo.
With the use of a smoker box and some wood chips, you can create your own smoker right inside of your grill. Simply soak your wood chips and allow them to smolder inside of your grill on top of a burner. As the chips catch fire they will create a smokey environment that will permeate your food with amazing flavor and aroma.
Below are a few small accessories that will allow you to do just that.
Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box
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I like this smoker box for its durability. Cast iron is known for its longevity, so you can expect this one to serve you well for years. Definitely worth its price tag!
Western BBQ Smoking Wood Chips Variety Pack Bundle
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This is a great way to try a variety of wood chips in a smoker box. Included are apple, mesquite, cherry, and hickory.
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This stainless steel smoker box has a unique shape that allows it to distribute smoke from all sides. Reviewers loved this, especially for cold smoking. Try it with the use of wood cherry, hickory, apple, or mesquite.
What are the pros and cons of getting a smoker grill combo?
There are benefits of getting one smoker grill combo, rather than having separate units. At the same time, there are a few drawbacks. I’ve laid it out here for you.
Pros
- Allows you to multitask, using the grill and smoker simultaneously
- May less expensive in the end
- Allows you to experiment with a variety of cooking techniques at once
Cons
- May sacrifice quality in some cases
- Tend to take up a lot of space
- Limited selection
What fuel will I need?
These gas grill and smoker combos all require liquid propane. Available for purchase at many hardware or grill stores, liquid propane comes in small refillable tanks that easily attach to your grill through a hose with a regulator.
If you have ever been hosting a backyard barbeque or picnic and had the misfortune of running out of fuel before you have finished cooking on your propane grill, you can attest to the frustration. My advice is to keep an extra full propane tank on hand. A quick swap out for a full tank will save the day, for sure.
Smoker Grill Combo Accessories
Once you have gotten your hands on that smoker grill combo you have been looking for, it is time to gear up with some tools and accessories that will take your outdoor grilling experience to new heights. After all, the cooking part should be enjoyable, right?
Grill Heat Aid BBQ Gloves
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The key to having fun while grilling and smoking is safety first. That is why I recommend these heat-resistant gloves that protect you from burning your hands. An added bonus is that they will protect from cuts, as well, so go ahead and fire up your smoker grill and cook with confidence in these gloves!
ThermoPro TP19H Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer
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While some of these smoker grill combos come equipped with digital probe thermometers, I am a huge advocate of having a reliable digital thermometer on hand for the added confidence it gives me in my meat temperatures. This one offers a quick response time and a long proper and handle which will help keep you from burning yourself.
Miso 18 Inch Grill Basting Mop
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Slather on sauces and marinades as you use your smoker for optimal moisture retention with this basting mop. It comes with an extra long handle and four replacement heads. Reviewers suggest using this basting mop with thinner sauces for best results and recommend washing the replacement heads in the dishwasher.
Alpha Grillers Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Tools Set
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Every grill and smoke master needs a handy set of tools for the task. I like the Alpha Grillers Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Tools Set. It is nice set of tools made of heavy gauge stainless steel. Included are a pair of tongs, a silicone brush, a flipper, and a long fork. These are the only tools you really need to get started. They are super easy to clean and maintain which means you can expect to have them around for years to come.
Verdict: Your Best Gas Grill Smoker Combo
There is a wide range of choices in the realm of gas grill smoker combo cookers. Here is a breakdown of my recommendations for the best for 2021.
If you want the best value for money, check out the Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo.
If you need a gas grill and pellet smoker combo, pick PIT BOSS PB1230SP Wood Pellet and Gas Combo Grill.
If you want to keep the spend under $250, try the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill.
Gas grill and smoker combos are multitaskers in the realm of backyard cookery. With the quickness and ease of a propane grill and the technology of a smoker, you can have the best of both worlds, opening up a world of possibilities that will delight you and your guests.