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Grill lovers know that a grill is more than just an outdoor cooking appliance. It’s the place where people hang out and have fun. That’s why many grill owners want a versatile device that can both cook dinner and keep the party going all at once – it’s time to get a smoker! Let’s find out which is the Best Gas Grill Smoker Combo.
Many grill manufacturers are now offering smoker box attachments available for both charcoal and propane grills. But even so, not all smokers are created equal. They come in many different sizes, shapes, price ranges, BTUs, etc., so it can be challenging to choose the best smoker grill combo that suits your lifestyle.
Smokers take up more space than a standard grill. That can be a problem if you have a small patio or deck. But there are also some great space-saving smokers on the market, including pellet smokers and vertical water smokers.
A smoker box is an easy DIY project, but if the idea of DIY doesn’t appeal to you, then your best option might be a gas grill with a built-in smoker. I’ve also seen some small smokers that can be mounted on a standard kettle grill – these are good options for tailgating!
Smoke isn’t the only thing you need to consider – you’ll also want to consider BTUs, features, and price. Smokers typically have lower BTUs than standard grills, but if you’re looking for a smoker grill combo that packs the same punch as standard grills, then you’ll need to spend more money. If your goal is to save some cash and smoke like a pro, then these budget smokers are for you!
Best Gas Grill Smoker Combo Reviews
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas & Charcoal Grill Review
The Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas and Charcoal Grill is the perfect grill for those who want the flavour of charcoal with the convenience of gas.
The gas grill features 40,800 BTUs of cooking power and a stainless-steel heat gauge, while the charcoal grill offers 12,000 BTUs of side burner power.
The cast-iron grates are coated in porcelain for easy cleaning, and with 1260 square inches of cooking space, there’s plenty of room to cook up your favourite meals.
The gas side has a 438-square-inch cooking space, dual smoke stacks for uniform heating, and a temperature-controlling adjustable grate height. Your meal will stay warm until you’re ready to eat, thanks to the chrome-plated warming rack.
The charcoal side has a 580-square-inch cooking space, an adjustable fire grate, an easy-to-drain ash pan, and a double-lined bottom. The heavy steel construction means this grill is durable and built to last. And with two fuel options, you can choose what’s best for you.
Pros
- Two fuel options
- Ample cook space
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- The quality of the smoker isn’t that great
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster & Grill Review
The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster & Grill is the perfect appliance for anyone who loves to cook!
This all-in-one smoker, roaster, and grill can handle anything from turkey to ribs to roast. The unique design fits perfectly in any yard or patio, so you can smoke, roast, and grill all your favourite foods right at home.
This innovative product features TRU-Infrared technology, which eliminates flare-ups and ensures perfectly consistent results every time.
With a cooking area of 180 square inches, it’s perfect for cookouts with family and friends. Plus, the smoker can hold up to 25 lbs., making it ideal for roasts and large cuts of meat.
This versatile product gives you temperature control from 9,000 to 18,000 BTUs, making it perfect for smoking, roasting, or grilling a wide variety of foods.
The side-mounted smoker box provides delicious smoke flavour infusion, while the removable grease tray makes clean-up a breeze. Plus, its compact and portable design makes it perfect for taking on the go.
This smoker is equipped with steel legs for stability and two half shelves for cooking all of your favourite recipes.
The hose with regulator ensures that your food will be cooked perfectly every time, and the metal thermometer allows you to keep track of the temperature inside the cooking chamber.
Best of all, this smoker comes with a cover to protect it from the elements when not in use.
Pros
- 3 in 1 functionality
- eliminates flare-ups
- Easy to clean
- compact and portable
- Includes metal thermometer & cover
- Ideal for small families
Cons
- The smoker’s construction could have been better
PIT BOSS PB1230G Gas & Wood Pellet Combo Grill Review
The PIT BOSS PB1230G Gas & Wood Pellet Combo Grill offers 8-in-1 cooking versatility, to smoke, braise, roast, bake, barbecue, char-grill, grill, and sear – all in one.
The gas grill with a wood pellet grill and smoker combined produces an unbeatable smoky flavour that will make your next cookout a success. With more than 1,000 sq. in. of cooking space, this is the perfect grill for large families or groups of friends.
The porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates provide even heat distribution, while the digital control board ensures precise temperature control.
The pellet cooking temperature range of 180° to 500°F makes it easy to find the perfect cooking temperature for your food, and the simple slide-plate flame broiler lets you easily cook up burgers and dogs on the grill.
It sears meats at up to 1,000° F using 100% hardwood pellets or liquid propane gas, and the 16-pound hopper capacity means you’ll be able to cook without worrying about refuelling. The included meat probes make sure your food is cooked perfectly every time.
This amazing grill features a high-temp powder coat finish, reinforced legs, and a folding front shelf to give you extra space when needed.
The built-in tool hooks and locking caster wheels make it easy to transport your grill wherever you go. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty, so you know it’s built to last.
Pros
- 8-in-1 cooking versatility
- Even heat distribution
- Precise temperature control
- Large hopper capacity
- Includes meat probes
- Durable
- 5 years warranty
Cons
- It may not be very easy to clean
Summerset Alturi Natural Gas Grill with Rotisserie Review
Summerset Alturi is the perfect grill for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.
With a stainless steel construction and two U-shaped burners, this grill is built to last. The 550 square inch cooking area means you can cook up a storm!
The ceramic briquette trays minimize flare-ups and create even heat across the grilling surface, while the heat zone separators let you customize your cooking experience.
The control panel LED lighting makes it easy to check on your food no matter what time of day it is, and the rotisserie adds an extra level of flavour to your meals.
With its double-lined grill hood, 15,000 BTU rear infrared rotisserie burner, and interior halogen lighting, it’s sure to make your next cookout a success.
The spring-assisted hood makes opening and closing the grill a breeze, so you can focus on the food. Add this grill to your backyard and start enjoying barbecues like never before!
Pros
- Durable
- Even heat distribution
- Includes rotisserie burner
- LED control panel
- Interior halogen lighting
- Spring-assisted hood
Cons
- Does not include meat probes
BLOSSOMZ Charcoal/Gas Grill Review
The BLOSSOMZ Charcoal/Gas Grill is perfect for your next cookout!
With 557 sq. in. of cooking space and 188 sq in of warming rack space, you’ll be able to cook up a storm!
The cast-iron cooking grids give your food a delicious charbroiled flavor, while the chrome-plated warming racks keep everything nice and warm.
The propane gas side has 3 stainless steel tube burners offering a total of 24,000 BTUs. Plus, the integrated ignition system with rubber grip control knobs makes starting your grill easy and breezy.
The porcelain-coated heat plates reduce flare-ups, while the height-adjustable charcoal tray and removable ashtray make it easy to keep your grill clean.
The two spacious side shelves provide plenty of space for grilling tools or ingredients, and the two temperature gauges help you cook food perfectly every time.
Best of all, the integrated tool holders and bottle opener make it easy to keep your grill organized and ready for use.
Pros
- Good cooking surface
- Warming rack
- Easy to operate
- Two temperature gauges
- Integrated tool holders
Cons
- It may not be easy to assemble
Features to Consider when Buying Gas Grill Smoker Combo
When you are looking to buy a gas grill smoker combo, there are so many factors that need careful consideration. This is because there are so many different gas grill smoker combos available to choose from. There are so many numerous features, prices, and types of smokers to choose from that it can become incredibly confusing.
When you are looking to buy a gas grill smoker combo, you need to consider:
Price
Price is always an important consideration if you are looking to buy anything. You need to make sure that your budget will stretch to buying the best gas grill combo smoker you can afford. There are also things that need to be considered, such as if it is a purchase that you will need to replace in a few years. If so, then spending extra money on the best quality smoker that you can afford is essential.
Cooking Space
Cooking space is really essential if you are looking to buy a gas grill smoker combo. This is because you need to have sufficient cooking space to accommodate all the food that you are going to cook at any one time. You also need to consider if you are able to get sufficient distance between the cooking grates so that you can be able to easily access your food.
Ease of Cleaning
This is another important consideration when you are looking to buy a gas grill smoker combo. You need to make sure that it is easy to clean, to ensure that it will remain in good condition for a long time. Without easy-to-clean features, you are going to find yourself struggling with your smoker, which will mean that you are not able to enjoy using it as much, which is why it is essential.
Quality of the Grates
The quality of the grates is an important consideration when you are looking to buy a gas grill smoker combo. You need to make sure that the grates are high quality enough to last a long time. You also need to consider how easy it is to be able to clean the grates after you have used them.
Temperature Controls
Temperature controls need to be considered when you are looking to buy a gas grill smoker combo. You need something that has easy-to-use and simple temperature control features. You also need to make sure that you can easily read the temperature so that you can monitor the cooking process.
Temperature Range
You need to consider what temperature range you need for your gas grill smoker combo. You need to ensure that you can cook different types of food at any one time. If you have a lower range, it may mean that you have to cook some food separately from other types of food.
Material Used
You need to consider what type of material is used to make your gas grill smoker combo. You need something that is made from strong, durable materials. This will ensure that your smoker is able to stay standing for a long period of time.
Ease of Assembly
To ensure that you are going to have a good experience buying a gas grill smoker combo, it is essential that you are able to assemble it easily. Without being able to easily assemble your smoker, you are going to find yourself struggling with it, which may cause some frustration. You need something that is easy to assemble so that you can use it for your barbecue with ease.
Ease of Use
You need something easy to use when you are looking to buy a gas grill smoker combo. Various features need to be considered, such as the temperature, ignition features, and other controls. You need something user-friendly so that you can use it with ease.
Warranty
If you are looking to buy a gas grill smoker combo, you should look for something that offers you peace of mind. This means that you should look for a product that has a warranty to cover all possible malfunctions and defects in the product. You may also want to look for a gas grill smoker combo that has replacement parts in case you need to replace anything.
Benefits of Gas Grill Smoker Combo
Versatility of the Grill Smoker
You can use this grill smoker combo for both gas grilling and smoking. This means that you will be able to smoke and grill almost all types of meat, vegetables, and any other food that you love. You can use the gas grill smoker combo indoor as well as outdoor.
Cleaning the Gas Grill Smoker Combo
When you grill and smoke on a regular basis, it is normal to get smoke particles all over the burner and grill grids. The good thing is that cleaning up this gas grill smoker combo will not be a problem because it is not hard to clean. You can either remove the grids and were them or simply wipe the gas grill smoker combo using a damp cloth.
Easy to Maintain
You need to maintain this grill smoker combo if you want it to remain in good condition for a long time. The good thing is that it does not take much effort to clean and maintain the grill smoker combo. When you have a gas grill smoker combo, all you have to do is to follow the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning and maintenance recommendations.
Low Maintenance Cost
One of the benefits of using a gas grill is that you will not have to bear high maintenance costs. You can use the gas grill smoker combo without spending much money on repairs and replacement parts all the time.
Reasonably Priced
Most gas grill smokers are reasonably priced, thanks to the economy of scale that is brought about by high sales. When you have a large market for the grill smoker combo, product development becomes much easier, and so do production costs. You can now purchase a good grill smoker combo at an affordable price.
Good Performance
You will love the performance of a gas grill smoker combo. It is very reliable, and you can use it for many years to come. In fact, it will cost you a lot of money to buy a replacement.
Great for Beginners
The gas grill smoker combo is a good grill smoker for beginners. You can use it to learn different grilling and smoking techniques on a small scale before using a bigger smoker. The smoker can be used to learn how you can produce good-tasting meat before investing in an expensive smoker.
Versatility in Fuel Source
You can use a gas grill smoker combo to smoke meat if you want. You can also decide to use charcoal or wood chips instead of gas. This gives you great versatility in fuel sources, which means that you can experiment with different smoke flavours.
Free from Flare-ups
Flare-ups are common when using charcoal smokers. However, you will not have to worry about flare-ups with this smoker.
Easy to Use
Using the gas grill smoker combo is very easy because you can use it just like how you would use a regular gas grill. You won’t even notice the difference when you are smoking with the smoker.
Produces Less Smoke
Compared to charcoal or wood smokers, this grill smoker produces less smoke when using gas. You can use it even in your neighbourhood without worrying about nuisance complaints.
Disadvantages of Gas Grill Smoker Combo
Initial Setup
One of the cons of having a gas grill smoker combo is that it takes time to set up. You need to be patient when assembling the grill smoker combo because it takes time before you can start smoking and grilling.
Inconsistency
Another con of this gas grill smoker combo is that it does not produce consistent heat. You may experience hot and cold spots in the grill smoker because it takes some time before the whole grill gets hot.
Energy Consumption
Since this grill smoker combo uses gas, it consumes a lot of energy. This may be an issue if you are thinking about the long-term cost of using this grill smoker. A lot of people also cannot stand getting burnt because of high temperatures.
Some Tips on Using Gas Grill Smoker Combo
How and where to place the wood chunks
The first thing you need to do is find some chunks of wood. They can be pecan, cherry, or hickory and must be soaked in water for at least 1 hour. Next, you need to find a place inside the grill to put them.
You must place them in the smoke box if you have it or inside the cooking chamber. If there is no smoke box, dig a small hole in the centre of one side or place them at the same level where you will be placing the food. If you are cooking meat, put them under the grate.
How to better manage the smoke box or cooking chamber
There are several ways to manage the smokebox or the cooking chamber. First, you can use aluminium foil and create a small shelf to put your wood chunks on. Then fold the edges of the foil until they are secure.
Another method is to use a disposable pan or tray and place your wood chunks on it. You can use an old cookie sheet or tray. Just place them on the cooking surface and leave some space underneath so they can drip their juices on your food.
How to start the fire
The first thing you need to do is read your instruction manual. It will tell you how to turn on the gas supply and how to ignite it. However, if you do not have an instruction manual and must use a lighter or match, make sure you hold the lighter outside the lid. Open the lid and leave it open until the gas has ignited itself. If there is no gas, you should wait about 10 minutes before you apply the second method.
How to keep the fire lit
Once you have ignited your grill, you need to let it preheat for at least 15 minutes. At this point, you need to close the lid and adjust the temperature knob to create more or less heat, depending on your cooking needs. If you are using a gas grill with igniters, you will have to push the knob every 2 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.
How to adjust the heat
If you are cooking something that takes a longer time, you need to reduce the heat. For example, you would not want to reduce the heat if you are grilling a steak. However, for a smoking cooking session, it is best to turn the heat down.
How to monitor the cooking process
A common mistake is not checking your food often enough. If you are cooking meat, you must check its temperature every time the lid is open using a good digital instant-read thermometer. Start checking it after you have closed the lid the first time.
How to add more smoke
If you want your meat to look and taste as it has come straight off a barbecue pit, you need to add more smoke. For this process, you will want to open the lid every 30 minutes and leave it open for about 5 minutes. Do not worry because the temperature will still be high enough to cook your meat.
How to keep the temperature steady
If you are cooking something that takes a shorter time, you need to make sure the temperature is higher. For example, you would not want to reduce the heat if you are grilling a steak. However, for a smoking cooking session, it is best to turn the heat up.
How to know if your meat is ready
The best way to tell if your meat is ready is by using a good digital instant-read thermometer. You want the internal temperature of your meat to be between 160°F and 180°F. The best cuts of meat to smoke are ribs, pork shoulder, beef brisket, and chicken.
How to enjoy the result
When cooking your meat, you must let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This is called “The resting period” and must not be skipped.
Accessories that you can Purchase for your Gas Grill Smoker Combo
Charcoal Basket
If you plan on using your gas grill smoker combo with mostly charcoal, then a charcoal basket might be helpful. It’s a great addition to the gas grill smoker combo as you can place the charcoal basket on top of your gas grill and use it as a smoker box.
Electric Smoker Box
This is a little bit on the expensive side, but if you want an electric smoker box for your gas grill, there are options. There are different types of electric smoker boxes that you can insert into your gas grill. Just make sure to get the right size, so it fits in your gas grill properly.
Automatic Temperature Control Module
If you want to maximize the overall potential of your gas grill smoker combo, an automatic temperature control module is a must. These modules will allow you to turn your grill into a smoker whenever you want with precise temperature settings.
Auto-start
The Auto-start is a great addition to the gas grill smoker combo for several reasons. It’s perfect for those who have busy schedules and don’t have time to monitor the smoker box. This module will take over the job for you and make sure your smoker is always running without any problems.
Side Fire Box
If you want to make your gas grill smoker combo a little more versatile, then a side firebox is your best option. It looks similar to a charcoal basket, but it’s much more versatile.
Water Smoker Box
Just like the electric smoker box, you can also find water smoker boxes that are designed to be inserted into your gas grill. It’s a great addition for those who are looking for an easy way to add moisture without spending too much time with their smoker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are combo grills worth it?
A. We believe so, but only if the smoker is a real smoker and not just a fancy “smoke box”. If it’s real, then you will get the flavour and smoke into your food that you expect from a smoker.
Q. How do I maintain a grill smoker combo?
A. Cleaning a grill, in general, is an important part of maintenance in order to ensure it is able to give you a great cooking experience. You should also remember to replace the grill grates and smoker box occasionally for best results.
Q. Can you get a barbeque and smoker in one?
A. Yes, there are some units that have both in one. If you think about it, it is logical because they have the same job.
Q. Can a smoker be used indoors?
A. No, you cannot use a smoker inside. You need to have plenty of ventilation and no heat sources around the grill while it is in use for safety reasons.
Q. What is a flare-up, and does it pose any threats?
A. A flare-up occurs when grease and oil hit the heat source, causing it to burn and smoke. This can be annoying and cause problems, but it isn’t a threat unless you leave the grill unattended. Some of these grills have safety features that prevent flare-ups from starting.
Q. Are there any alternatives to having a combo grill?
A. You could buy two separate appliances, but that would be expensive and space-consuming. A second option would be to purchase a grill box that you could use in your current appliance.
Q. Is there a warranty on combo grills?
A. Most of the products we found to offer a one-year warranty for defects and another year if you register the product. The warranties usually cover propane burners and not the other parts.
Conclusion
We hope that the information we shared will help you pick out an option that will meet your needs. As long as you know what to look for in a grill smoker combo, you should find it easy to pick one out.
Just remember that some are better than others and may offer more value than the rest while also having some additional features that put them above the competition.
What are you waiting for? Pick the grill smoker combo that will give you the performance and value you are looking for, and enjoy your grilling experience. You can also check our article on the Best Gas Charcoal Smoker Grill Combo.