Best Smoker Grill Combo – Comprehensive Buying Guide
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The Best Smoker Grill Combo of 2020
A capable smoker and grill combo may seem like an unachievable dream, but this is far from the truth. We’ve searched far and wide for the best smoker grill combo models on the market and narrowed down our picks to five of the best. These cookers take out the tediousness of grilling and smoking using separate units. Instead, you essentially get two devices in one, saving a lot in terms of space and cost.
On top of this, using a smoker grill combo saves a lot of time, as well as allowing you to go above and beyond your average baking and roasting. This reason alone is enough for any grilling enthusiast to check out these budget-saving smoker and grill combos, that work just as well as two individual units.
In our review, we’ve broken down five different models that we’ve chosen as the best in terms of functionality, durability, construction, power, size, cook quality, temperature control, price, warranty, and availability.
If you’ve already had a head start looking for the right unit, you’ve probably seen just how many types there are. In case you’re having trouble with your purchasing decisions, we’ve created a guide to help you go through the process of making the right purchase.
These smoker grill combo cookers are a relatively new technology, so read up on their specs and see what they have to offer. Here’s our comprehensive list and breakdown of the top 5 best smoker grill combos on the market today.
Top 5 Best Smoker Grill Combos
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1. Traeger Grills TFB38TOD Renegade Pro Pellet Grill and Smoke
The Traeger Renegade Pro gives you the biggest cooking surface on our list of models at 380 square inches (that’s about 2 chickens, 3 racks of ribs, or 12 burgers), making it a solid choice if you love to host large outdoor gatherings. Its design makes it intuitive and easy to use even if you’re a smoking and grilling beginner.
Since the grill is powered with electrical heat and additional support in the form of wood pellets, lighting it up requires zero effort. Most importantly, using wood pellets gives you that highly desired wood-fired taste. Whether you want to cook quickly at high temperatures or slow cook at a low temperature, the Renegade Pro offers full versatility. It’s essentially a 6-in-1, allowing you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ to perfection.
By using the Digital Pro Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic, you can control the temperature at a precise level, with the ability to increase or decrease the temperature at intervals of 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
The grill is coated in porcelain and uses rolled steel that’s easy to maintain and lasts a long time. The exterior is powder-coated protecting it from all weather conditions. The brand offers you a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty if you buy their combo grill and smoker.
2. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker
We recommend this unit if you’re planning to feed big numbers and don’t want the hassle of cooking in multiple batches. It’s durable stainless steel material also guarantees that you won’t have any trouble with rusting and corrosion.
The cooker uses a drum (with a 30-gallon capacity) coated in porcelain to resist wear and tear. It provides consistent temperatures that typically hover around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. With this excellent design, you get a smoker grill combo that guarantees even cooking and excellent flavor retention.
Another thing we love about the unit is its solid 1-year warranty. So on top of its affordable cost and high-quality build, you get the assurance that you’re covered if anything was to happen.
3. Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker with Sear Box
Many of the wood pellet grills we’ve tested have a problem of inconsistent cooking quality, but you won’t experience any of that with this model as the PID controller helps regulate smoke levels and temperature. From your mobile device, you can control exactly how much smoke you incorporate into your cook by adjusting the Smoke Number. As well as being able to precisely control the grill temperature.
Also, you get an efficient sear box that’s versatile in terms of its temperature range, capable of reaching 900 degrees Fahrenheit for the perfect sear and restaurant-style grill marks.
It’s also built in a way that makes it easy to clean. So it doesn’t take a lot to maintain it properly. The grates themselves are durable, and they leave their signature grill marks that are aesthetically pleasing.
Along with this, the Ash Kickin’ Cleanout system allows you to dump the ash from the burned pellets after every cook.
4. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker
Additionally, top and bottom adjustable dampers maintain even airflow into and out of the grill while cooking or smoking. They also allow you to maintain cooking temperatures ranging from 200-700 degrees Fahrenheit.
This unit features a slightly smaller size than its similarly built units, so it’s a perfect choice if you’re not into bulk producing your food and tight on space.
The grill provides a 314 square inch space for you to cook on as well as a 133 square inch warming rack. Among all the features we’ve listed, the Kamado grill also comes with an external thermometer, folding side shelf, and easy dump ash pan making for quick and easy clean up.
5. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
With this smoker grill combo, you get a three-function device of roasting, grilling, and smoking. It might seem complicated at first glance, but it’s pretty intuitive once you run through the steps. We love this unit because you consistently get evenly cooked food without the need for oil or charcoal.
This smoker rests above three grate layers. It can cook 25 pounds of food in one go with its infrared heating. This form of heat sears your food efficiently inside and out while retaining its juiciness. The stainless steel smoker box is heated using wood chips and allows you to add wood chips without having to open the lid.
What we love about this product is its TRU Infrared cooking surface and anti-flare design. So you don’t have to worry about food burns and accidents with proper use. Overall, you’re getting an affordable smoker grill combo that offers excellent performance. Its size is perfect for small families and individual use.
Buyer’s Guide: Picking Out The Best Combo Grill With Smoker
Now that you’re done with our comprehensive buying guide, you’re probably wondering which one to buy?
Overall, we recommend the Traeger Renegade Pro
It satisfies a wide range of uses and sports the largest cooking area. It also comes first in terms of durability and ease of use. With this budget-friendly device, you’re getting the best smoker grill combo that will last you many years to come.
Why Should I Get A Smoker Grill Combo?
Before we get into the components of a smoker and grill combo, you’re probably wondering what benefits you’ll get out of these units. Many tend to assume that the only advantage they provide is that you get two types of cookers in one. But they offer much much more…
- They Offer Multiple Cooking Types
Roasting, smoking, and grilling are standard methods of cooking nowadays. So having all of these functions in a single device offers a lot of conveniences. You won’t have to look for different types of cookers if you want to use trial different cooking techniques. So why go through the trouble of buying individual cookers one by one instead of getting a unit that does practically the same thing?
- They Are Budget Friendly
Apart from the obvious savings that you’ll get from buying one device over multiple ones, these smoker grill combo cookers on their own are fairly affordable. High-quality models will last you a long time and most reputable brands offer a generous warranty for their products. I recommend that you invest in a pricier unit that’s made with better materials, so you save more in the long-run.
- They Save You Space
With a single cooker, you won’t have to trouble yourself with storing multiple pieces of equipment. These multifunctional devices are not just cost-saving; they’re also space-saving. And it’s for this very reason that it’s especially convenient if you don’t have a lot of storage space.
- They Encourage You To Learn New Cooking Methods
If you’re new to the world of grilling or smoking, a smoker grill combo is a good way to start learning. With these devices, you’re encouraged to try out different cooking methods you might not have tried before. Who knows, you might discover your favorite way of making your everyday dishes.
- They Make Party Prep Easier
Anyone who’s had a hand at planning a large gathering knows how stressful food prep can be. Unless you want to spend big bucks on catering, going homemade is the only option. Luckily, modern pieces of equipment like these smoker grill combo cookers let you grill and smoke large batches of food in one go.
Combo Grill And Smoker Components You Need To Consider
Function
This factor is the main thing you want to look for in a smoker grill combo. Some units do more than a grill and smoke your food. The more different functions you get out of a single unit, the more convenient it will be to use.
However, you should also make sure that each of these functions performs well. Some products in the market trick you into thinking that they’re of high quality because of the number of features that they offer, but this is not always the case.
Batch Size
If you live alone or have a smaller household, then you don’t need a big device. Get a model that makes a good fit for your needs, so you don’t have to spend any more than you need to.
Pricing
Budget is a significant factor everyone needs to consider. After all, a unit might be perfect for you, but it’s still useless if you can’t afford it. Generally speaking, we recommend that you invest in a higher-quality smoker grill combo over getting one that probably won’t last you a long time.
Temperature Control
Without the right temperature control, you can’t cook your food correctly. Choose a unit that lets you adjust the temperature accurately and with ease. The cooker should have ample dampers or vents to release any excess heat. Also, decide if you’d like to be able to digitally control the temperature from a mobile device.
Availability and Warranty
An easy way of checking a product’s availability is to go online. A few brands will only sell in a select few retailers. Or maybe they might not ship in your area. In the case of damage, you want a manufacturer that offers parts for repair and replacement. Otherwise, you’re only left with the option of buying a new unit.
If you want to completely bypass the hassle of looking for repairs or replacements on your own, pick a unit that comes with a warranty. Most reputable brands will offer at least a 1-year warranty that potentially saves you a lot of time and money.
