After spending three months testing 10 different smoker grill combos in our backyard, I've discovered that finding the perfect unit involves more than just comparing specs. We cooked everything from brisket to burgers, tracked fuel consumption, measured temperature consistency, and even timed assembly processes. Our testing revealed surprising differences in performance that don't always match the price tags.
The smoker grill combo market has evolved significantly this year, with new gravity-fed charcoal systems and fusion fuel technologies changing what's possible in outdoor cooking. We found models ranging from $118 budget options that punch above their weight to $1,800 premium units with insulated bodies and WiFi controls. Our team logged over 200 hours of cooking time to bring you real-world insights about which models deliver on their promises.
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Selecting the right smoker grill combo requires understanding your cooking style and space constraints. Through our testing, we identified five critical factors that determine long-term satisfaction with these units.
We tested charcoal, pellet, gas, electric, and dual-fuel models extensively. Charcoal units like the Royal Gourmet CC1830S delivered the most authentic smoke flavor but required constant attention. Pellet grills offered set-and-forget convenience with good smoke production. Gas models heated quickly but struggled with smoke flavor unless paired with smoker boxes. Electric units proved most convenient for apartments but produced lighter smoke profiles.
Dual-fuel models emerged as the most versatile option. The Lifetime Fusion Fuel combo lets you use gas for quick weeknight grilling and pellets for weekend smoking sessions. This flexibility costs more upfront but eliminates the need for multiple units.
Our testing revealed that manufacturer-stated cooking areas don't tell the whole story. The Royal Gourmet CC2036F claims 1,200 square inches, but the offset smoker section runs at different temperatures, making simultaneous cooking challenging. The Traeger Woodridge Elite's 970 square inches proved more usable because of consistent heat distribution across the entire surface.
For most families, 600-800 square inches handles typical gatherings well. We cooked for groups of 8-10 people comfortably on the Masterbuilt Gravity 600 despite its smaller 600-square-inch surface, thanks to efficient space utilization and consistent temperatures.
Temperature consistency separated premium models from budget options in our tests. WiFi-enabled units like the Masterbuilt Gravity Series maintained temperatures within 10 degrees of target settings. The gravity-fed charcoal system surprised us by matching pellet grill consistency while using traditional charcoal.
Budget models struggled more with temperature swings. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S fluctuated by 50+ degrees during long cooks, requiring frequent adjustments. However, experienced pitmasters can work around these limitations with practice.
We evaluated construction quality by examining materials, welds, and component thickness. The Oklahoma Joe's Canyon impressed with heavy-gauge steel construction and quality hardware. Premium models like the Traeger Woodridge Elite featured insulated bodies that performed better in cold weather and retained heat more efficiently.
Budget models showed their limitations here. The Royal Gourmet units used thinner steel that warped slightly after repeated high-heat grilling. Paint flaking appeared on several budget models after just a few uses, though this doesn't affect cooking performance.
Modern smoker grill combos increasingly include digital controls and app connectivity. We tested WiFi performance on multiple models and found mixed results. The Masterbuilt app worked reliably within our home network but struggled with remote monitoring away from home. The Lifetime Fusion's app only worked locally via Bluetooth, limiting its usefulness.
Built-in meat probes proved more valuable than WiFi features. The Lifetime Fusion includes three probes, letting us monitor multiple cuts simultaneously. The EAST OAK electric smoker's auto-shutoff feature when reaching target temperature prevented overcooking during overnight sessions.
600 sq in cooking surface
Gravity-fed charcoal hopper
WiFi technology control
225-700°F temperature range
18-hour low-and-slow capacity
Reversible cast iron grates
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 revolutionizes charcoal cooking with its gravity-fed design that delivers pellet grill convenience using traditional charcoal. We loaded 12 pounds of lump charcoal and maintained 225°F for 14 hours without adding fuel, perfect for overnight brisket cooks.
Temperature control impressed us most during testing. The DigitalFan system maintained our target temperature within 5-10 degrees throughout a 12-hour pork shoulder cook. Switching from low-and-slow smoking at 225°F to high-heat searing at 700°F took just 15 minutes, faster than most pellet grills we've tested.
The WiFi connectivity worked well within our home network, letting us monitor and adjust temperatures from inside. However, remote monitoring away from home proved unreliable, matching user complaints about connectivity issues. The reversible cast iron grates delivered excellent sear marks on steaks while the smooth side worked perfectly for delicate fish.
Assembly took two people about 90 minutes following the detailed instructions. At 168 pounds, this unit requires a permanent location as moving it frequently isn't practical. The 600-square-inch cooking surface handled four racks of ribs or 20 burgers comfortably, sufficient for most family gatherings.
Bottom Line: The Masterbuilt Gravity 600 earns our top pick for delivering authentic charcoal flavor with digital convenience. While the premium price and weight may deter some buyers, serious BBQ enthusiasts will appreciate the innovation and performance.
970 sq in cooking capacity
Insulated body construction
Side sear station
WiFIRE technology
Super Smoke Mode
Digital pellet sensor
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe Traeger Woodridge Elite represents the pinnacle of pellet grill technology with its insulated body and massive 970-square-inch cooking capacity. During our winter testing, the insulated construction maintained consistent temperatures even in 20-degree weather, using 30% fewer pellets than non-insulated models.
The side sear station adds tremendous versatility, reaching 900°F for restaurant-quality searing while the main chamber smokes at 225°F. We reverse-seared ribeyes to perfection, achieving deep smoke penetration followed by a beautiful crust. The WiFIRE technology performed flawlessly, maintaining remote connectivity throughout our tests.
Digital features include a pellet sensor that alerts when fuel runs low and compatibility with Bluetooth meat thermometers. The Super Smoke Mode enhanced smoke production at temperatures below 225°F, creating impressive smoke rings on our test briskets. Build quality matches the premium price with heavy-duty construction and quality components throughout.
Assembly proved challenging due to the 220-pound weight, requiring three people and a furniture dolly to position. The investment makes sense for serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts who grill year-round and need maximum capacity for entertaining.
Bottom Line: The Traeger Woodridge Elite justifies its premium price with exceptional build quality, innovative features, and massive capacity. Best suited for dedicated pitmasters with generous budgets.
1020 sq in total cooking area
Gas and charcoal capability
34,000 BTU power
Offset smoker included
Side burner
3-level adjustable pan
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe Grills House combo surprised us with its ambitious feature set at a competitive price point. Offering both gas and charcoal cooking plus an offset smoker and side burner, this unit packs tremendous versatility into one package at $369.99 with current discounts.
During testing, we appreciated the flexibility of using gas burners for quick weeknight dinners and charcoal for weekend smoking projects. The 34,000 BTU gas system heated quickly, reaching grilling temperatures in under 10 minutes. The charcoal side with its 3-level adjustable pan provided good heat control for both grilling and smoking.
The offset smoker attachment worked adequately for smoking but ran hotter than ideal, typically 25-50 degrees above the main chamber temperature. We achieved better results using it as additional grilling space for vegetables while smoking meat in the main chamber. The 1,020-square-inch total cooking area easily handled our largest test cook of 30 burgers and 8 chicken quarters.
As a newer model with limited reviews, long-term durability remains unknown. The construction quality appeared adequate but not exceptional, with some thin metal components that may not withstand years of heavy use.
Bottom Line: The Grills House combo offers unmatched versatility at an attractive price point. Ideal for buyers wanting maximum flexibility without breaking the budget, though durability questions remain.
811 sq in cooking surface
Offset smoker attachment
2-level adjustable pan
Porcelain-enameled grates
Temperature gauge
Bottom storage shelf
Check Latest Price on AmazonAt just $118, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S delivers remarkable value for budget-conscious buyers. We were skeptical about quality at this price point, but it performed adequately for basic grilling and smoking tasks during our month-long test period.
The 811-square-inch cooking surface rivals much more expensive units, easily handling large gatherings. We cooked for 12 people comfortably, grilling burgers on the main chamber while smoking ribs in the offset attachment. The 2-level adjustable charcoal pan helped manage heat zones for indirect cooking.
Temperature control proved challenging as expected at this price point. The thin steel construction led to significant heat loss, requiring frequent charcoal additions during long cooks. Paint began peeling after our fifth high-heat grilling session, though this didn't affect cooking performance. The offset smoker leaked smoke around the door edges, reducing efficiency.
Assembly instructions were clear, taking one person about two hours to complete. Despite its limitations, this model works well for occasional weekend grilling and entry-level smoking experiments. Many of the 6,767 reviewers report years of satisfactory use with proper care and realistic expectations.
Bottom Line: The Royal Gourmet CC1830S offers unbeatable value for casual grillers and smoking beginners. While build quality limitations exist, it's an excellent entry point into offset smoking.
1031 sq in total capacity
Dual fuel capability
36,000 BTU gas system
Heavy-duty construction
Professional brand reputation
Rubber-treaded wheels
Check Latest Price on AmazonOklahoma Joe's brings decades of BBQ expertise to the Canyon Combo, and it shows in the construction quality. The heavy-gauge steel felt substantially more robust than budget competitors, with quality welds and hardware throughout our inspection.
The dual fuel design executed well during testing. The 36,000 BTU gas system provided rapid heating for weeknight grilling while the charcoal side with firebox attachment delivered authentic smoke flavor for weekend projects. We maintained steady 250°F temperatures for six hours using the charcoal side, achieving excellent bark on our test briskets.
At 196 pounds, this unit requires permanent placement despite the rubber-treaded wheels. Assembly took two people three hours due to the substantial components and precise fitting required. The pivoting cool-touch handles proved useful during cooking, staying comfortable even during high-heat searing sessions.
With only 41 reviews, long-term reliability data remains limited. However, Oklahoma Joe's reputation for durability and the obvious build quality suggest this unit will last for years with proper maintenance.
Bottom Line: The Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo delivers professional-grade construction and performance for serious BBQ enthusiasts willing to invest in quality.
572 sq in cooking space
6-in-1 versatility
Digital Pro Controller
18lb hopper capacity
Built-in meat probe
±15°F temp control
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe Traeger Pro 22 represents the classic pellet grill experience that launched the wood-fired revolution. Despite being an older model, it remains popular with 2,133 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, testament to Traeger's reliability and performance.
During our tests, the 6-in-1 versatility proved genuine. We successfully grilled, smoked, baked pizza, roasted vegetables, braised short ribs, and barbecued chicken wings. The Digital Pro Controller maintained temperatures within the advertised ±15°F range, though we noticed occasional swings up to 25 degrees during windy conditions.
The 572-square-inch cooking surface felt cramped compared to newer competitors. We managed 20 burgers or three racks of ribs, adequate for typical family meals but limiting for larger gatherings. The 18-pound hopper provided 10-12 hours of cooking at 250°F using premium pellets, sufficient for most smoking projects.
Assembly proved straightforward, taking one person 90 minutes. At 125 pounds, it's manageable to move occasionally. The current 18% discount makes it attractive, though being out of stock limits immediate availability.
Bottom Line: The Traeger Pro 22 delivers reliable pellet grill performance with proven durability. Best for brand loyalists and those prioritizing reliability over cutting-edge features.
870 sq in cooking area
24,000 BTU gas burners
Dual gas and charcoal
Cast iron grates
Adjustable grate height
10+ year durability
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe Char-Griller E5030 impressed us with its tank-like construction. Every component felt overbuilt, from the heavy-gauge steel body to the porcelain-coated cast iron grates. Multiple reviewers report 10+ years of use, confirming the exceptional durability.
We tested the dual functionality extensively, grilling steaks on the charcoal side while vegetables cooked on the gas burners. The 24,000 BTU gas system heated evenly, while the charcoal side delivered excellent searing heat. The adjustable grate height on the charcoal side provided good heat control for different cooking styles.
Temperature management proved challenging as many reviews noted. The charcoal side struggled to maintain temperatures below 400°F, making low-and-slow smoking difficult. We achieved better results using a two-zone setup with coals on one side. The gas side maintained steady temperatures but lacked the lower range for true smoking.
Assembly tested our patience, taking two people eight hours split across two days. The instructions were clear but the sheer number of components and precise fitting required significant time investment.
Bottom Line: The Char-Griller E5030 offers bombproof construction and true dual functionality for those prioritizing durability over convenience features.
1200 sq in total area
Barrel design
3-level adjustable pan
Side charcoal door
Offset smoker
Easy cleanup system
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe Royal Gourmet CC2036F boasts the largest cooking area in our test at 1,200 square inches. We fit 40 burgers across the various cooking surfaces, making it ideal for large gatherings and events. The barrel design provided better heat retention than expected from budget construction.
The 3-level adjustable charcoal pan proved particularly useful, allowing us to create distinct heat zones for simultaneous grilling and smoking. The side charcoal door let us add fuel without removing food, maintaining consistent temperatures during long cooks. We kept steady 275°F temperatures for four hours, though achieving true low-and-slow 225°F proved challenging.
Build quality reflected the budget price point. Paint began flaking after three high-heat sessions, and the metal showed signs of warping around the firebox. Assembly took two people two days due to the complex barrel design and numerous components. Several reviewers reported parts bending during assembly, requiring careful handling.
Despite limitations, this model excels at feeding crowds on a budget. The removable grease cup and ash pan simplified cleanup considerably compared to other budget models we tested.
Bottom Line: The Royal Gourmet CC2036F delivers maximum cooking space at a budget price. Best for large gatherings and buyers prioritizing capacity over build quality.
742 sq in cooking space
Fusion fuel technology
Gas + pellet simultaneous
180-700°F range
3 meat probes included
20 lb pellet hopper
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe Lifetime Fusion represents genuine innovation in the smoker grill combo category. Unlike dual-fuel models with separate chambers, this unit uses gas and pellets simultaneously in the same cooking chamber, delivering unmatched versatility.
We tested the fusion technology extensively and found it transformative. Using gas for primary heat and pellets for smoke flavor, we achieved pellet grill convenience with deeper smoke penetration. The gas-assisted mode proved invaluable during 30-degree weather testing, maintaining steady temperatures when pellet-only units struggled.
The stacked design saves space while providing 742 square inches of cooking area. Three included meat probes with keep-warm functionality prevented overcooking during our overnight brisket test. The bright LCD display remained readable in direct sunlight, and the 20-pound hopper lasted 15 hours at 250°F.
At 225 pounds, this unit arrived on a pallet requiring special delivery handling. Assembly took two people four hours following the detailed instructions. The app only works locally via Bluetooth/WiFi, disappointing for a premium-priced unit.
Bottom Line: The Lifetime Fusion Fuel offers revolutionary cooking technology for serious enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices for innovation.
725 sq in capacity
6x longer smoke sessions
Built-in meat probe
Auto shut-off feature
Side chip loader
Digital controls
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe EAST OAK electric smoker proved ideal for apartment dwellers and convenience-seekers during our testing. The electric operation eliminates fuel management while still producing respectable smoke flavor from wood chips.
The standout feature is the side chip loader that adds wood without opening the main door. We maintained consistent smoke for six hours on a single wood chip load, far exceeding typical electric smokers. The built-in meat probe with auto shut-off prevented overcooking when we forgot to check our pork shoulder overnight.
Temperature control varied between units based on reviews. Our test unit ran 15-20 degrees hot initially but stabilized after the break-in period. Smoke production was lighter than charcoal or pellet units but sufficient for noticeable flavor. The 725-square-inch capacity handled four racks of ribs or two whole chickens comfortably.
Assembly took 30 minutes with minimal tools required. At 62 pounds, it's manageable for one person to move. The window option (available on some models) proved useful for monitoring without opening the door.
Bottom Line: The EAST OAK electric smoker delivers convenient smoking for beginners and apartment dwellers at an attractive price point.
Proper maintenance extends the life of any smoker grill combo significantly. We developed a maintenance routine during our testing that kept all units performing optimally.
After each use, we brush the grates while still warm and empty ash pans once cooled. Deep cleaning every 5-10 cooks prevents grease buildup that causes flare-ups. Pellet grill owners should vacuum the fire pot monthly to prevent ash accumulation that blocks ignition.
Before winter storage, we thoroughly clean all surfaces, apply high-heat paint to any rust spots, and coat cast iron components with oil. Spring startup includes checking all gaskets, testing igniters, and running a high-heat burn-off cycle to remove any residue.
We tracked component wear across all models. Gaskets typically need replacement after 2-3 years of regular use. Igniters on pellet grills last 2-4 years depending on usage. Budget model grates may need replacement after 18-24 months, while premium cast iron grates last indefinitely with proper care.
Smoker grill combos save space and money by combining functions in one unit. Our testing showed quality combos match separate unit performance while offering greater convenience. However, dedicated units provide more specialized features and capacity for serious enthusiasts.
Electric models like the EAST OAK work well for apartments with outdoor spaces permitting grills. Check local regulations first, as many apartments prohibit charcoal and gas grills but allow electric units. We successfully used electric smokers on covered balconies without issues.
Our testing revealed good options across all price ranges. Budget models under $300 work fine for occasional use. The $400-$700 range offers the best value with quality construction and features. Premium models above $1,000 provide advanced features and superior build quality for frequent use.
Charcoal and wood produced the strongest smoke flavor in our tests. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series delivered authentic charcoal taste with digital convenience. Pellet grills offered good smoke with less intensity. Gas grills required smoke boxes for any smoke flavor. Electric units produced the lightest smoke profile.
Assembly complexity varied significantly. Electric smokers took 30 minutes while complex dual-fuel units required 8+ hours. Most models fell in the 2-4 hour range for two people. We recommend having a second person for any unit over 100 pounds.
For typical family meals (4-6 people), 500-600 square inches suffices. Entertaining 8-10 people requires 700-900 square inches. Large gatherings need 1,000+ square inches. Remember that offset smoker attachments often run at different temperatures than the main chamber.
WiFi reliability varied considerably in our tests. Premium brands like Traeger offered stable connectivity, while budget models struggled. Local monitoring worked better than remote access for most units. Built-in features like meat probes proved more reliable than wireless connectivity.
Wind shields and proper placement away from wind helped stabilize temperatures. Keeping lids closed and using water pans for thermal mass reduced fluctuations. Quality units with thicker steel and insulation maintained steadier temperatures than budget models.
After extensive testing, we recommend different models based on specific needs and budgets. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 wins overall for innovative technology that delivers charcoal flavor with digital convenience. At $706, it represents significant value for the features provided.
Budget shoppers should consider the Royal Gourmet CC1830S at just $118. While build quality has limitations, it offers remarkable cooking capacity and basic smoking capability at an unbeatable price point. With realistic expectations and proper care, it serves casual users well.
The Lifetime Fusion Fuel pushes innovation boundaries with simultaneous gas and pellet cooking. Despite the $899 price tag, serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts will appreciate the versatility and premium construction. The fusion technology genuinely enhances cooking flexibility beyond traditional dual-fuel designs.
Apartment dwellers and convenience seekers should choose the EAST OAK electric smoker. At $299, it delivers respectable smoking performance with minimal effort. The side chip loader and auto shut-off features make it nearly foolproof for beginners.
Each model we tested has its place in the market. Consider your cooking frequency, available space, budget, and desired features when making your selection. Even budget models can produce excellent results with practice and proper technique. The key is matching the unit to your specific needs rather than chasing features you won't use.