Everyone knows charcoal grills are the best, and when you have a charcoal smoker grill combo, you will end up grilling every weekend. So we had to compile the best charcoal smoker grill combo for the year!
Charcoal grills use charcoal as th fuel type(obvious, but I had to say it) and are the classic types of grills that are used for cooking and barbecuing any recipe that you have.
While they are great, they are. not that flavourful when compared to their smoked counterparts.
You can easily get a traditional charcoal grill for under $200, and this post does have some inexpensive, affordable recommendations.
They can cook at high temperatures, so if you want to sear some steak, burgers, or any cut of meat on the grill, you can get some nice sear marks on your food.
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If you love authentic cooking, I suggest you get a great charcoal grill.
Some high-quality grills are sold reasonably, so they would not be hard to find.
Smokers, on the other hand, are better at cooking meat and other foods in another method.
You can make the best meat recipe in them and add more flavors to the food you cook.
See, the best feature of a smoker is adding that smokey flavor to the food and creating a unique combination of both the spices in the seasonings you use and the wood that cooks the food.
There are many charcoal grills to turn into a smoker with a little bit of adjusting and assembly.
However, there are others that you do not need to edit too much to create a smoker.
A grill and smoker combo is a great way to cook at high and low temperatures.
This not only gives your food the perfect temperature but will also add flavors from the wood fuel.
You no longer need to find two different items as you can grill and smoke in these grills.
So if you plan buying a grill and smoker combo, you can select from this list.
1. PK Grills PK360 Outdoor Charcoal Grill And Smoker Combo
This grill is the true definition of the term smoker grill combo. It was designed to have the power of a charcoal grill and the features that make it milder yet hot like a smoker.
What I Liked
- There Are Four Vents For More Control
- Durable Built Materials Used
- Portable
- Great Design
Cons
- A Little Difficult To Move
- Has A Learning Curve
There are great grills and great smokers, but you rarely find those in one grill.
This grill has features that will make your food better and will help you be a better cook.
The first thing that caught my attention was the cast aluminum build of the grill. It is durable so if you are a little careless, and a beginner, it will last long as it is durable.
It is very durable and you can be sure that it is made with the good quality materials so it stays durable for a long time. This is one of the best grills for the money.
The aluminum construction on this charcoal smoker grill combo not only helps in making the grill durable but also helps with the heat.
They absorb heat faster than stainless steel grills while also distributing heat in the grill.
Aluminum is also more durable compared to porcelain grills. It is also not that expensive so it is a budget smoker grill combo.
That means that if you accidentally push it down or if it bumps somewhere, it will not shatter to pieces like ceramic or porcelain.
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Along with the great material used with this grill, there are also features that help in cooking. The four vents, for example, will help you get accurate temperatures in the grill.
This is where you can easily set it as your smoker.
You can control the temperature and airflow with two vents at the bottom and two vents at the top of the cooking chamber for more accuracy.
Some features help with the convenience of cooking. The Tel-Tru thermometer, two side shelves for preparing food, and this grill have its stand included.
2. Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill And Smoker Combo
This is one of our top picks as it is all about heat retention and ensuring that you use only the right amount of fuel.
There are no overcooked foods in this grill.
What I Liked
- Made From Ceramic
- Has Unique Features
- Can Cook A Lot Of Foods
- Has Safety Features
Cons
- Heavy
Kamado Joe has proven in the past years that they can provide high-quality grills and smokers.
This Kamado-style charcoal smoker grill combo is made from ceramic which means that it can absorb heat from the inside.
This material helps balance the heat inside and ensures that it is distributed. It is a bit challenging to control the temperature and may not be the great option for a newbie.
Just make sure you learn how to regulate temperature on a Kamado, and you are good to go.
It is a great insulation material that helps the grill reach high enough temperatures to sear food even when cold outside. You do not have to worry about the weather outdoors.
This is also one of the most advanced high quality grill, as it has unique and very helpful features.
The SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber insert is one of the many features of this grill.
This is a heat shield that blocks the flames if you need to cook with indirect heat making.
This makes it perfect for smoking as it makes sure that the smoke rolls at least twice on the food.
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There is also the Divide And Conquer feature on the cast iron grates, which is a feature that almost doubles the cooking space.
This is a good idea and ensures you can expand your cooking space any time you like.
The hinge also allows you to lift the heavy cover easily.
Since the overall build of this grill is made from ceramic, the lid is also pretty heavy.
However, a spring-loaded hinge allows you to lift the heavy lid even with only two fingers.
Kamado grills are relatively expensive so you will need to look at a smoker grill combo for cheaper options if you have a limited budget.
3. Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Charcoal Grill And Smoker Combo
Most models on the list are grills that can be modified as a charcoal smoker grill combo.
This one from Dyna-Glo is a little bit different as it was made initially as a smoker that can be used as a grill. It can smoke better than most making it a top-rated smoker grill combo.
What I Liked
- Has A Large Cooking Space
- Great Features For Ease Of Cooking
- Durable Construction And Beautiful Design
Cons
- Has A Learning Curve
If you are about to cook for many people at a party, you should get this a good option for beginners from Dyna-Glo.
One of the unique thing about this grill is that it provides a lot of space for you to cook in to cook as much as you want and for a smoker grill combo this large, it is the good option for large crowds.
This smoker provided a total of 1,382 square inches of cooking space.
This is enough for you to cook multiple steaks, burgers, whole chicken, and other recipes that you want to smoke.
There are a total of six racks in the main smoking chamber, which means that it is enough for you to cook up to six whole chickens in one go so you can serve up to 20 people at once.
There are also features such as the integrated temperature gauge that allows you to keep an eye on the food and make sure that it is not overcooked and gets that perfect finish.
This smoker also has easy access to the fuel chamber as you can easily pull it out from the offset chamber.
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That means that you can load more fuel without losing too much heat inside this budget smoker grill combo.
You can cook at a higher temperature by using the offset cooker placed right on top of the firebox.
There is a space of up to 284 square inches to get some sear marks on your burgers.
4. PK Grills PKTX Outdoor Charcoal Grill And Smoker Combo
This charcoal smoker grill combo is another model from PK Grills that will surely impress you in how well it cooks with both high and low temperatures.
It has a heavy gauge steel body making it durable and simple grill, perhaps a top rated charcoal smoker grill that you can use anywhere.
What I Liked
- Functions Truly Like A Smoker And A Grill
- Durable Construction
- Portable
- Award-Winning Charcoal Grill And Smoker
Cons
- Pretty Small Cooking Space
This charcoal grill truly defines what the combo means.
This charcoal smoker grill combo is made initially as a grill, and it does look like the typical charcoal grill, but it is more than that.
Its cast aluminum construction ensures that the cooking chamber’s heat remains stable and evenly distributed. You can cook on any side and get the same finish.
This also means that the material used in making the budget smoker grill combo is rust-proof.
It also makes it lighter than the other grills on the market, which means that you can transport it anywhere you want.
This comes with its very own stand that can be folded so you can use it as a handle and roll the grill/smoker away.
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You can use it on camping or tailgating trips. Since it teaches both cooking methods it is versatile.
There are only 300 square inches of cooking space available which means that you cannot cook a lot with this grill, but then again, that is also what makes it perfect for trips outside the house.
This grill has received multiple awards suggesting that it is not only liked by professionals, but it has also proven that it can be used by home cooks that just want to enjoy cooking their food.
5. Kamado Joe Big Joe Charcoal Grill And Smoker Combo
This charcoal smoker grill combo model from Kamado Joe is something that you can use to cook simple yet amazing meals for your family or cook food for many people at parties or other occasions with many guests.
What I Liked
- Premium Build
- Great Insulation
- Large Cooking Space
- Unique Features
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
This Kamado Joe grill is made for people who love to try new recipes.
While it is made as a Kamado-style grill, you can also cook other recipes in this one with other cooking methods.
You can grill, smoke, and even bake with this Kamado charcoal smoker grill combo. It is made with durable materials, which means that you can cook anywhere with it although that would be difficult.
This smoker grill combo is very heavy, and although it has its stand and wheels, you cannot lift this grill alone.
You will need some help to carry it if you want to bring it somewhere else and cook.
The charcoal smoker grill combo is made from ceramic which is also the material that gives it the ability to maintain the temperature inside the cooking chamber and allows heat to be locked inside the grill itself.
There are many accessories that you can use with this grill making it the good for beginners as you do not need too many edits for it.
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The cast-iron vent allows you to easily control the temperature, heat deflectors, and more.
You can cook a lot of food on this grill and you can even switch the cooking grates with the Divide And Conquer feature so you can cook two different types of recipes at the same time.
This grill has a great cleaning system, so there is no hassle in cooking with it and not cleaning. The slide-out tray underneath easily takes the ashes out for you.
6. Char-Griller 06620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill And Smoker Combo
This relatively small grill is the perfect grill for cooking and BBQ anything you want. While it is small, it is one of our top picks as is the best charcoal smoker grill for its size.
It is a great grill that can cook any food you want, and you can also bring it anywhere to cook. So you can teach your friends as this is a good smoker grill combo.
What I Liked
- Light And Portable
- Great Design And Construction
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- It Is Pretty Small
This grill is something that you can bring to your picnics, campaign trips, tailgating, and even beach vacations to cook the best food while you relax and have fun.
Kamado is one of the unique types of charcoal grill, and you will find them a great option with large cooking space.
This Kamado grill is built with stainless steel, which means it is light and durable.
You can easily carry it to your truck and cook the best foods while in your vacation spot.
The stainless steel build is good for cooking at high temperatures, but this material does not cook well at low temperatures, so the company made adjustments.
The Akorn Kamado is made with triple-walled stainless steel insulation.
This means that it stays light while retaining and distributing the heat inside the cooking chamber.
It is very easy to use with the help of dampers so you can control the temperature.
This grill includes side shelves, so you can use them to prepare your food anywhere.
The small and portable Kamado grill has its stand and wheels, which means you can easily move it anywhere you want.
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This also helps you in moving it into a safe storage area.
There is an ash pan included in this Kamado grill, so after smoking the food or cleaning the ashes, you can easily pull it out, discard the ashes, fold the shelves and store it.
7. Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Grill, And Smoker Combo
Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain is a unique smoker to grill the best foods with sear marks, this is the one for you.
This Weber grill is an amazing cooker you can use almost anywhere with any recipe. You can also afford it with even a small budget, making it the best budget smoker grill combo.
This product from Weber is way under $500, so if you are looking for something in that range, surely check out this product.
What I Liked
- Great Heat Retention
- Easy To Use And Control
- Extra Cooking Space
- Efficient Fuel Usage
Cons
- Could improve Insulation
This product from Weber is the best charcoal smoker grill and it is made with a standing cooking chamber.
That means that even if you put your food on the top rack, it will still get enough heat and smoke to be cooked perfectly inside it.
This smoker grill combo has great heat retention with the help of the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl.
This makes it great for low and slow cooking as it can balance the heat in the chamber.
You can also easily adjust the vents or dampers to get a precise temperature on your cooking food.
This can be hard for beginners, but you will be able to adjust to it after a few uses.
There is also extra space for cooking in this smoker as the standing cooking chamber provides two racks for cooking.
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You can cook two whole chickens in this smoker at the same time.
One unique feature of this smoker is the water pan that helps in controlling the temperature inside the chamber.
This also makes sure that the food you cook in it stays moist and tender.
The firebox of this smoker is also made so that the charcoal you use will stick together.
This means that there is a continued connection between the two to prevent the stoppage of the fire.
8. PK Grills Original Charcoal Grill And Smoker Combo
This smoke and grill combo is a great way to cook your food with accuracy, efficiency, and ease of control.
You can make the best foods with this, and it is very easy to perfect any recipe. If you want a budget grill under $500, then this is definitely a grill you should look out for!
What I Liked
- Unique Design And Capsule
- Durable Materials
- Portable
- Has Its Stand
Cons
- Can Be tricky to use if you are a newbie
This charcoal smoker grill combo is truly made for any cook that wants to make their restaurant-quality foods at home.
PK Grills Original is very easy to use, but it does have some learning curves.
It is made from cast aluminum which means that it can retain heat. Compared to stainless steel, this material has a faster rate when absorbing and distributing heat inside.
The specialty of this smoker and grill combo is the 2-zone cooking which is made possible by the vents.
You can control four vents at a time to get the precise temperature and flow of heat.
You can set the fuel on one side of the grill and open the vent on the other side so that the smoke travels throughout the full length of the grill.
This means it gets the flavor to the food.
While that seems simple, you might need a little bit of practice to learn and master how you can adjust the temperature.
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Aside from that, you can easily cook anything you want in the best budget smoker grill combo as it is under $500.
This smoker includes its very own stand that has a shelf underneath, so when you are cooking outside, you can bring with you your tools and store them under the grill for ease of access.
9. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin’ Pro Charcoal Grill
This grill is something that you should add to your outdoor kitchen.
Along with beauty, it is also versatile enough to cook the best foods and recipes for your family. Even the kids can be taught how to cook in this best smoker grill combo for beginners
What I Liked
- Great And Beautiful Design
- Large Cooking Surface
- Portable Enough
- Adds Flavor To The Food
Cons
- Pretty Messy Cleanup Process
This smoker and grill combo from Char-Griller is something that you should get into as it is also relatively cheap(under $500) for its functions and is one of the best budget smoker grill combos.
It has a beautiful design with materials that are durable enough to last for years outdoors.
Made with heavy-duty stainless steel construction, this smoker and grill combo is perfect for the outdoors.
It also has a black powder-coated finish which means that it is very durable and beautiful.
The handles, side shelves, and tables are made with wood which means that it is aesthetically pleasing.
It has the perfect color combination with the vegetation in your backyard. We do consider the looks a little when we choose the best charcoal smoker grill
It is made with cast-iron cooking grates, so aside from the chamber itself, the cooking grates are also helpful in absorbing heat and distributing it all over the cooking chamber when you cook.
Aside from the shelves and the table where you can prepare your food, the stand has a stainless steel shelf where you can put your tools in or a bag of charcoal for fuel.
While it is large enough to cater to a whole family, it is also portable with two wheels on the stand.
This means that you can move it around or easily transport it anywhere to cook with it.
10. Vision Grills Ceramic Kamado Charcoal
Another aesthetically pleasing grill is the ceramic Kamado grill from VISION Grills.
It is not only good at retaining heat, but it also has advanced features that make it easier to cook with.
What I Liked
- Superior Heat Retention
- Very Durable
- Efficient Fuel Consumption
- Large Cooking Space
Cons
- It Is Heavy
This Kamado grill is the perfect companion for making the best foods at home.
It can get up to temperatures as low as 200 degrees Fahrenheit and as hot as 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because of the ceramic build, this grill can retain heat better than aluminum and stainless steel grills.
This also translates to better fuel efficiency and consumption.
Since the grill is completely closed aside from the vents and dampers, the heat inside the cooking chamber is evenly distributed so there are no hot spots or cold spots inside the grill.
With a total of 596 square inches of cooking space, you can make the best steaks, smoked ribs, and many other recipes in this grill is enough to feed a small group of people.
Unlike the other grills that need complete manual control to adjust the temperature, this grill has guides on the controls so you can easily set the temperature you want it at.
Although the ceramic build is durable, it can be sensitive and subject to breaking if you are not careful.
Make sure that it is always placed on a sturdy and balanced surface to prevent it from falling.
11. Lifesmart Kamado Charcoal Grill
This is another Kamado grill that you can cook with to get the best results, whether you go with high temperatures to sear food or go for a milder, tender, and juicy finish on your food.
What I Liked
- Durable Construction
- Portable
- Easy Assembly
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Small Cooking Space
- Heavy For Its Size
Although this grill is portable, you will have a hard time lifting it onto the back of your truck if you want to travel with it. You will need some help to get it up there.
The great thing about this is that it has an included stand that has wheels.
You can easily roll it into the storage area when needed or reposition it on the patio if it is rainy when you cook.
This grill can cook up to 4 steaks at once, which means that it is enough for a nice meal with your family.
I would not recommend using this grill to serve a large group of people.
The ceramic construction of this grill is perfect for retaining heat.
That means that even if it is cold outside, the heat inside the grill will remain hot and even while you are cooking.
The top and bottom vents of this grill are pretty straightforward.
These vents are where you can adjust the temperature and regulate it according to the recipe you want to cook.
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There are also two side tables that you can use to prepare your food.
The thermometer on the lid is also perfect, so you can see the temperature inside without opening the grill lid itself.
12. Kamado Joe Jr Charcoal
If you want a smaller version of the Kamado Joe grills that we have mentioned on the list, then look no further as the Kamado Joe Jr. has got you covered with this amazing portable grill.
What I Liked
- Portable
- Has Its Stand
- Very Easy To Use
- Thick Walls
Cons
- It Can Be Too Small For Gatherings
This Kamado Joe Jr. grill can be easily turned into a smoker and get the best flavors from the wood chips of your choice.
It is very easy and straightforward so you can cook any time with it.
It is made with ceramic construction, which means that it can retain the heat inside for a long time.
The thick walls of the Kamado Joe Jr. also help it in keeping the temperature in check.
There are no heat fluctuations with this Kamado grill so you can evenly cook your food in it.
This also helps in locking in the flavor and moisture inside the grill itself.
That means that no matter how long you cook in it, the food will stay tender and juicy.
The stand that comes with this grill is made from cast iron which means that it is very durable.
It also ensures that the grill does not get any scratches. It is not affordable, but it a good backyard grill option.
There are two vents where you can control the temperature,, and the built-in thermometer helps ensure that you see the right temperature for the food you are cooking.
13. Royal Gourmet Charcoal
This is perfect for outdoor cooking on your patio or in the backyard.
It is durable, and with its elegant black color, it is sure to fit into the backyard colors.
What I Liked
- Large Cooking Space
- Adjustable Charcoal Pan
- Exceptional Temperature Control
- Easy Cleanup
Cons
- Has Difficulties In Cooking In Cold Weather
This grill is large enough for your parties as you can cook so many foods with its generous cooking space.
It has a total of 1,188 square inches of cooking space.
This cooking space includes the side box for grilling and cooking food at higher temperatures, the warming rack to keep your food fresh, and the large main cooking area.
Controlling the temperature in this offset smoker is very unique, but it is easy.
Aside from the vents you usually find in grills, there are also lifting handles to adjust the charcoal pan.
With that feature, you will control how much heat gets into the cooking chamber and how close the heat is to the food.
So here, you can put sear marks on your food or just mild finishes.
There is also a pull-out feature on the firebox, which means that you can tend to the fuel without affecting the temperature inside the cooking chamber and continuing cooking.
This grill has a stand that you can use to store your tools or the bag of charcoal so the fuel is always ready when you need it.
You can also move it with the wheels on the stand.
What Is The Best Charcoal Smoker Grill Combo?
There is no clear winner when you compare these grills on the list. Instead, to determine which is a good charcoal grill for the money, you have to look into the features.
The features of the grills tell you what they can do to help you cook in both methods.
Several features stood out to me when I reviewed all these grill and smoker combos.
You can look for features such as vent and damper controls.
Some indications allow you to see how much fire or flames are in the grill without actually opening the lid.
Some have built-in thermometers, so you should look for those. Stands and side tables are also helpful in preparing food and storing fuel or tools.
Specific features that I liked are the SloRoller Hyperbolic Insert from Kamado Joe.
It is a heat deflector designed to roll the smoke on the food to get more smokey flavor.
There is also the pull-out feature on multiple grills and smokers, which is a feature that allows you to add more fuel without opening the main lid or cover so that the temperature is maintained.
It is actually up to you which grill is great. You might have personal preferences you want to satisfy, and I am sure you will find the right grill from the list above.
What Is The Best Smoker For Beginners?
I think the Kamado Joe Jr. is the perfect choice for beginners as it is very easy to use.
It has one of the most straightforward features on any smoker and grill combo that you can find.
The vents are pretty easy to use as you only need to slide them to get to the temperature you want. In terms of usage, it is the easiest to use and is very convenient.
Some other grills and smokers have features that are fairly easier to use.
However, if you are a beginner and want to learn how to use dampers and vents, this is the one for you.
It is also small so you can only cook small portions of food, so you will not waste too much food just in case you went wrong with the process.
So start small to learn the bigger smokers.
Are Smoker Grills Worth It?
Yes, very much so.
Smoker grills are great for cooking in low and high temperatures, which means you can learn how to cook different recipes you want.
There are some foods you cannot cook in grills since they can be too hot, while there are also recipes you cannot cook in smokers because they need more heat to be cooked.
That is why combining a smoker and a grill in one is the perfect way to cook any food you want.
Remember, the wider the temperature range, the better the grill or smoker is.
Charcoal grills can produce the right temperature for your recipe and adding some wood chips into the firebox will help give your food more flavors than other appliances.
What Should I Look For In A Smoker?
You should look for many things in a smoker to get the best out of your budget. First, look for the smoker that has a fairly authentic look and feel that it uses.
Electric and gas smokers are effective, but I prefer the wood or charcoal options.
You can add more flavor to your food, and you will better understand the process.
With wood or charcoal, you will need to manually adjust the temperature.
That means you will learn how much fire or flames you allow to get to the cooking grates.
Look for a smoker that is made from durable materials.
Materials such as cast aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel, heavy-duty steel, and ceramic are common.
These materials are perfect for protecting the grill itself.
They also ensure that the fuel you use does not waste by retaining heat and allowing the grill to use as little fuel as possible.
If you want to go with insulation, then I suggest you look for a ceramic smoker.
Double or triple-walled stainless steel smokers are great but do not retain heat as much as ceramic.
You should look for the other features in a smoker: the vents, water pans, ash catcher, stand, shelves, side tables, warming racks, and other accessories that can help you cook easier.
Is A Vertical Or Horizontal Smoker Better?
There has been a long debate on whether or not you should get a vertical smoker over a horizontal one.
This, of course, depends on your preferences and how you would use them.
If you plan to use the smoker as a smoker alone and not have to grill in it, you should get a vertical smoker. It allows you to cook more food and it requires less space.
Vertical smokers are the best choice for people who already own a grill.
However, if you want a more versatile option, you should get a horizontal smoker as it can grill food as well.
See, vertical smokers can use to grill, but they need to have an offset smoker feature.
It is a feature that separates the firebox and the cooking chamber from each other.
Right on top of the firebox is a grill grate where you can cook with more direct heat.
So if it is only for smoking food, vertical smokers are the ideal, but you should get horizontal smokers for smoking and grilling.
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