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September 21, 2019

10 Best Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo Review

Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo

When it comes to purchasing a grill, many people are usually confused. While they want a smoker, they also want a griller, and then they want to taste the rich-flavored aroma that only the charcoal griller can give.

Before now, you could only have one option but not both. However, with the Best Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo, you can get a blend of flavored, smoky, and grilled foods.

In this article, we review the best products available on the market and the buying guide that helps you make the right decision. So, come along as we explore together. Shall we?

 

Image Title Rating Price
Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill Check on Amazon
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Check on Amazon
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill Check on Amazon
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill Check on Amazon
Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker Check on Amazon

Buying Guide – Charcoal Grill Smoker

It’s not ideal to purchase any charcoal grill combo that catches your fancy. To ensure you end up with the right product, there is a need to pay attention to details. Some of the factors to consider before making a buying decision include:

Affordability

Grill smokers can be cheap or expensive depending on what you are going for. But in all, the type of grill smoker to go for should depend on your budget as there are quality products sold at affordable prices. Also, if you don’t plan on using the grill so much, then there might not need to invest so much on an expensive grill when something cheaper could suffice.

Source of Fuel

Which do you prefer, charcoal, pellets, woods, electricity or gas? Each source of fuel comes with its advantages and disadvantages, but if you must choose then I would say charcoal or wood would do just fine as it gives you flavor and authenticity but if you are considering convenience then an electric grill it is.
Quality

When it comes to purchasing the best grill smoker, quality should never be compromised. A grill of superior quality is one that is sturdy, water-resistant, rust-resistant, and constructed with quality materials. If it has an inferior look about it, then the chances are that it won’t last so ensure you look out for this before making a buying decision.

Size

If you are going to be catering for a large number of people, then it’s only wise to go for a grill smoker that is large enough to hold many burgers or meat at once as against going for something small which will take more time to cater for a large number of people. The reverse is also the case if you are going to be using it for a limited number of people.

Versatility

Charcoal grill smoker combo offers the best of grilling and smoking all in one product. However, before purchasing one, ensure it’s made of the best quality and that both features function effectively. That is, ensure that the grill as well as the smoker works efficiently as most products often come with one part less efficient than the other.

Temperature Range and Control

To serve meals on time and not have them burnt or undercooked, purchase a charcoal grill smoker combo which comes with temperature control. Also, check for the temperature range. Ensure the one you are purchasing enables you to set your range to as low as 160oF for smoking and as high as 500oF for grilling.

Thermometer

Although many products claim to come with a thermometer, the reality is that while it’s true they have thermometers, these thermometers are often unreliable. So, it’s best you budget for a thermometer while purchasing a charcoal grill smoker combo.

Even Distribution of Heat and Insulation

There are times you will notice that the level of heat is different in various parts of the smoker. It is therefore necessary that while purchasing a grill, you go for one with dampers that are easy to control and get to. Purchase the ones with tight seals as this helps remove the smoke leakages as well as the heat. Also, it should have thick metals to help absorb the heat and then distribute it equally across the chamber.

Best Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo Available on the Market

There are many products on the market with the same claims of being the best, thereby making it difficult for users to make the best choice. However, this problem has been fixed as we took our time to research and now bring you the best charcoal grill smoker combo. They include:

1. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

We start our list with one of the best charcoal grills on the market. It comes with an easy to operate Touch-N-Go gas ignition technique which ignites the gas briquettes just at by pressing a button. It is 22″ in diameter and is a porcelain bowl which has a lid, and covers a cooking space of 363 square inches.

It also features an LCD countdown cooking timer which has a large surface for easy readability. The timer is attached to the griller but can be removed with ease if you prefer keeping it inside. The griller is also outfitted with a heavy-duty Gourmet BBQ System grate. Its One-Touch cleaning mechanism and ash catcher which has a high capacity makes it easy to clean up the griller.

Also, it comes with a variety of clean up options one of which is its CharBin storage can which shields your charcoal from nature’s elements, there is also a metal table right by the corner as you grill. What’s more, it has a wire bottom shelf with an aluminum vent and a nylon handle which is glass-reinforced.

Pros:

  • Its ignition system is easy to power
  • The cleaning system is very easy to operate
  • Has a cooking timer that can be detached easily
  • Features a built-in thermometer

Cons:

  • Its extra charcoal briquette is not so efficient
  • It can be improved on
Check Price on Amazon

2. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill


From the stables of Weber comes yet another fantastic product. It features a one-touch cleaning system which enables users to clean up debris into the ash catcher that is designed to be rust-resistant. It also lets you regulate the grilling temperature without having to open the lid. All you need do is adjust the damper to a temperature that suits you. These dampers act by controlling the flow of oxygen meant for putting off the coals.

That’s not all; this grill also can withstand very high temperature and can arrange the charcoals on the grate to be used for either direct or indirect grilling. The grate is easy to clean and lasts long; it also retains more heat to ensure consistency and even grilling.

Furthermore, it comes with a heat guard which keeps the handle from getting too hot, while its porcelain-enamel bowl along with its lid also ensures a consistent temperature. This will keep the bowl from cracking, rusting or peeling even at very high temperature. The best part is that it comes with long-lasting wheels.

Pros:

  • It can hold up to 13 burgers at once
  • Has a heat shield and has a lid hook
  • Features even and consistent grilling
  • Durable wheels and sturdy construction

Cons:

  • Sometimes come with damaged body parts
Check Price on Amazon

3. Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill


This griller provides you with ample grill space up to 250 square inch. It comes with cooking grate made of cast iron and a sliding drawer which makes it easy to access the wood chips, coals and ashes thereby ensuring it has hassle-free maintenance. Its side air vents allow for easy dissipation of heat while its double steel bottom along with its wheel makes it easy to move from one place to another.

It is made of heavy-duty stainless steel and comes with a side shelf for an additional preparation space while it also comes with dampers which can be adjusted to allow better airflow. Its grates provide a sturdy base for your vegetables and meat while the warming rack along with its powder-coated black finish gives the grill a complete look.

Furthermore, it has a handle that is always kept cool, thereby allowing you access your grilling space quickly. It is suitable for small patio areas and will serve you well. Although it requires assembling, this doesn’t take away the fact that it is one of the best charcoal grills out there on the market.

Pros:

  • Comes with wheels for easy mobility
  • Has a sturdy construction
  • Provides ample space for grilling
  • It is ideal for small patios

Cons:

  • It requires assembling
Check Price on Amazon

4. Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill


Again Char-Griller continues to prove it’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to producing the best griller. This product is a dual purpose griller as you can enjoy fast gas grilling when you are pressed for time or a slow charcoal grilling when its weekend and you have all the time. It provides a 1,260 square inch of grilling and smoking space.

The griller side also covers up to 438 square inch of cooking area. It comes with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and double smokestacks that ensure uniform heating. It has three burners with 40,800 BTU output, an electronic ignition system, and a 12,000 BTU side burner.

Besides, the charcoal side also covers 580 square inch of the cooking area; it also comes with a warming rack and a fire grate that is easy to adjust. This fire grate comes with a dump ash pan along with a double-lined bottom. It is constructed with steel which ensures durability and has two fuel options for more flavors and convenience.

Pros:

  • Comes with a gas and charcoal grill on the same cart
  • Made with heavy steel construction for durability
  • Features three gas burners and an electronic ignition
  • It has an adjustable charcoal grate and easy to dump ash pan

Cons:

  • If left for a long time unused, it may fall apart
Check Price on Amazon

5. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker


This is another amazing griller. It is a traditional charcoal grill which also features an offset smoker for a dual-styled BBQ. You can use the offset smoker if it’s just for a small grill, but there is a need to fuel it with lump charcoal or briquette, and then small amount of wood chips as this helps increase its flavor.

It has a spacious cooking grate which is coated with porcelain. This grate retains heat evenly and aids in the locking of the juices, thereby making your meat tender. It is also easy to clean. The charcoal and ashes can be removed easily and dumped in the ash pan; it also has an easy power ignition system.

Furthermore, it covers 800 square inch of cooking space in total with 438 square inch for accessible smoking and grilling. It also comes with additional features such as smokestack, temperature control, hot-proof handle, a seamless connection, and a door to the side for easy access to the charcoal. It also comes with a side air vent and can be transported easily as its compact.

Pros:

  • It is portable
  • Quick and easy to clean up
  • Can withstand very high temperature and won’t peel off
  • It is a dual style BBQ griller

Cons:

  • Requires assembling
  • It is costly
Check Price on Amazon

6. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill


Again Weber is here, and this time it’s the Joe Charcoal Grill. This charcoal grill which can hold up to eight burgers at once is very compact griller which can be taken with you on a weekend getaway or a trip to the beach. It is lightweight with a porcelain enamel lid. The bowl which is also porcelain-enameled can retain heat and won’t peel or rust easily.

What’s more, it has a Tuck-N-Carry lid lock which also functions as a lid holder and prevents the griller from being placed on the bare floor. It comes with dampers which allow for easy control of the temperature in your grill.

However, it should be noted that this product can expose you to some poisonous chemical such as nickel which is known to cause cancer according to the State of California. You can get more information on www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. This is to help you protect yourself, and it does not, in any way, reduce the value of this fantastic product.

Pros:

  • It can hold up to eight burgers at once
  • It is compact and can be taken for trips and adventure
  • It is lightweight
  • Dampers allow for easy control of the temperature

Cons:

  • It can expose users to poisonous chemicals
  • Can only be used for small production
Check Price on Amazon

7. Char-Griller E1224 Smoking Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill


It’s already a fact that the Char-Griller is one of the best brands of grills we have, and so this product expectedly does not disappoint. It is another traditional charcoal grill which has a side firebox that gives you a Texas styled BBQ.

Its grill barrel along with its side firebox gives a heavy-gauge steel construction which is powder-coated; they are designed to endure very high temperature and are durable. It also has a non-sticky cooking iron which is made of cast iron and is used for uniform heating. With its temperature gauge and storage rack, grilling is more fun and easy while its double wheel enables it to be easily transportable.

This grill covers 580 square inch of cooking surface with 250 square inch out covering the side firebox, which is used for either smoking or cooking. This gives it a total coverage of 830 square inch. It also features detachable charcoal drawers which users make use of to add charcoal as well as dump ashes with ease. It comes with a one year warranty.

Pros:

  • It features a heat gauge and an easy to dump ash pan
  • Design with heavy steel to ensure sturdiness
  • Its cast-iron provides even heating
  • It is durable

Cons:

  • The paints peel off with time
  • Has a lot of bent pieces and dents
Check Price on Amazon

8. BEAU JARDIN Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Grilling


This portable grill can be carried on the go whether it’s to the beach or while traveling. With its rust-resistant air vent damper which is made of aluminum, the heat can be controlled without the need to open the lid. It comes with two handles which makes it easy to lift the cooking grate for easy addition or adjustment of charcoal. This grate is also designed to withstand high heat for direct or indirect grilling. Its porcelain-enameled bowl along with the lid is also designed to retain heat for even grilling.

It has ash catcher along with an ash leak located under the bowl which makes it easy for a one-touch cleaning system. The only thing you need do is rotate the ash leak to move the ash into the ash catcher for easy cleanup and disposal. It also has a durable and sturdy wheel for easy transportation of the grill.

Its thick bowl and lid which is porcelain-enamel coated retain heat enough to give the meat a more delicious taste. You only need to the adjust air vent damper to your most preferred condition. Furthermore, it is constructed with high-quality material for durability and sturdiness and also comes with a 90 days warranty.

Pros:

  • It is durable and sturdy
  • Comes with a 90 days warranty
  • It’s easy to assemble
  • It is portable and easy to clean

Cons:

  • It is expensive
Check Price on Amazon

9. Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill


This grill can be interchanged from a grill to a smoker but once interchanged cannot go back to its original form. It has a cooking surface that covers about 250 square inch while the grates are made of cast iron. It also comes with a side drawer which enables users to access coals and/or ashes easily.

It features a detachable ash pan which makes clean up easy and swift. It is well suited to the Pro Deluxe, Outlaw, Wrangler as well as Duo; it functions as a side firebox in these products. It is constructed with the best quality material which is heavy steel for sturdiness and durability. The cooking grates are made of cast iron which can withstand very high temperature.

The handle is made to be cool at all times and features Offset for a Texas styled smoking. It is ideal for hosting your friends and family to a BBQ at your home’s backyard and will last for many years to come.

Pros:

  • It is designed with high-quality materials
  • Can be changed from a griller to a smoker
  • It has adjustable dampers and easy to dump ash pans
  • It’s easy to clean up and also assemble

Cons:

  • Once switched it cannot be reversed
  • Not so nice customer service
Check Price on Amazon

10. Camp Chef SmokePro Stainless DLX Pellet Grill


With this grill, you get to enjoy the delicious flavor of BBQ with all your meats. It has a digital heat control which feeds pellets into the grill to maintain the temperature and also give a satisfying taste to the protein. You can quickly check the cooking temperature and even the internal food temperature with just the push of a button as it has a dual LED temperature read about.

Furthermore, it has an electronic auto-start ignition along with an efficient grease drain system. It is durable and sturdy and is ideal for hosting friends and family to a weekend to the best BBQ meat they ever tasted.

Also, it features a drain system as well as detachable ash can which collects waste effortlessly for easy cleanup. The lid and handle are made of stainless steel, a feature that attests to its superior quality and cooking abilities. The full cooking range of this grill goes from high to low (about 160o to 400o). This award-winning grill is what you need in your home.

Pros:

  • It is sturdy and durable
  • Features dual LED temperature read about
  • Electronic auto-start ignition
  • Lid and handle are made of stainless steel

Cons:

  • Poor customer service
  • It is not efficient
Check Price on Amazon

How to Use a Charcoal Grill Smoker

Charcoal grill smokers can be a bit tricky to use, especially when it comes to its heat management, but with these easy steps outlined below, you will get the hang of it:

1. Ready your fire and heat

Open up the smoker’s lid and bring out the grill grater, after that pour some charcoal in the fire area and then light it up. Expose the fire to air for a while to enable the light to get evenly distributed.

2. Fill Up One Side

There is a need to balance temperature between hot and cold; this allows you to move food from the hot part of the grill to the cool side to control the level of heat while cooking the food.

To do this, arrange the coals on one part of the fire compartment while leaving the other side completely bare. While cooking, you can place a bowl of water (aluminum bowl) by the side of the fire compartment. This will help cool the heated food when its placed over the aluminum bowl.

3. Fill Up Both Sides

This is another method of arranging your coal. It requires you to arrange the coal on both sides of the grill, some to the right and some others to the left of the fire area while the middle part is left empty. However, one part should have more coal than the other so food can be moved from the scorching region to the cooler areas.

This technique is more suitable for cooking a large portion of food as it produces more food than the one-sided coal filling.

4. Filling Up Every Part

Here, the coal is spread all around the firebox. However, to control the heat, the coals are usually less dense and are spread open to create a heat balance.

5. Add some flavor

To do this, soak some flavored wood chips in water for some time after which they are added to the wood. The purpose of this is to give off a sweet, smoky aroma to the food.

6. Start Cooking

You can now go ahead and start cooking since you have chosen your preferred method of arranging your coals. To do this, place the grill grates over the firebox and then place your food on the grill.

After that, close the grill lid and then allow the food to cook for as long as one hour before you open to check if it’s ready.

7. Make use of the Heat Control

After an hour of cooking, you can then open the grill lid and alternate the food over the coal to control the amount of heat going into the food.

You can make use of the dampers found at the top and side of the smoker to regulate the air going into the smoker. Also, the temperature must be checked periodically with the thermometer, which comes with the grill to know the exact cooking temperature of the food to regulate it if need be.

How to Clean Charcoal Grill Smoker

As time goes by and with frequent use, your grill is sure to gather ash and rust and so it’s essential to clean it up when it happens to keep your grill in good shape. To clean your grill, following the steps below:

1. Situate an ideal place to clean up your grill

The area to be chosen should be far away from the campsite or backyard. Choosing a place far from where humans are will prevent the ash from spreading all around and creating a mess.

2. Brush off the dirt from the grill grate

Detach the grate from the grill. However, before doing this ensure you are wearing a work glove to prevent the grill from staining your hands with ash and char. Once the grill has been removed, brush off the grate using a wire grill brush to remove the accumulated ash from your grate.

While brushing ensure you do not apply so much force to prevent peeling off the color from your grill. If the grill cannot be detached, brush off the dirt the way it is until it free and neat.

3. Brush off buildup from the bottom and lid of the grill

Using your brush, remove the buildup on the grill’s lid and base. If while cleaning you notice any peeling paint, remove it by using a putty knife or a stiff bristle brush. After that, dip a clean rag in soapy water and then use it to wipe the outer lid and body of the grill.

4. Dispose of leftover ashes from the ash catcher if applicable

The ash catcher is usually at the bottom of the grill and is used to collect ash from the grill. If the ash catcher is detachable, pour the ash in a trash can. If it’s not, then you can use a waste bin parker to collect the ashes and dump in the trash can. When this is all done, reassemble the grill.

Which Combo Is Best For Charcoal Grill Smoker?

Purchasing a grill smoker with a dual purpose is heaven-sent for families who love to host their neighbors and friends to weekends of barbecue or who generally love outdoor cooking as it gives a variety of options.

Smoker vs. Charcoal Grill

Smokers, although having a prolonged cooking time, are tastier, have a fuller flavor and feature a great texture to your meat, but for its slow cooking time, it’s almost the perfect grill. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, have a faster cooking time and enables you to cook in large batches.

However, the good news is that you can combine the smoker with the charcoal grill. This enables you to switch from one to the other hence you get both the smoky flavor from the smoker and fast cooking time that is known with the charcoal grill. You need not buy them separately as there are charcoal grills that come with an in-built smoker.

It is handy, convenient, and gives you the best of both worlds. However, before purchasing its best to ensure that you buy one with its temperature control, lid, dampers, charcoal access, grates, and ash removal all intact and functioning at its best. With this, you will get the best from combo grill.

Benefits of a Charcoal grill smoker combo

Many manufacturers these days advertise that their smoker grill combo comes in 4-in-1 or even as high as 6-in-1 models. With this you can roast, grill, bake, smoke, broil or sear your meats and other food to your taste.

With a grill smoker combo, you get versatility regardless of the type of fuel source. Its multiple chambers may enable you to use gas for cooking on one part while also using charcoal on the other part. With some, you can smoke and grill at the same time, or you can sear and then roast, or you can smoke then sear after that all in one chamber.

However, the main benefit of charcoal grill smoker combo lies in its cost-effectiveness and ability to manage space.

This is because it cost less to buy a charcoal grill smoker combo than buying two separate grills to perform various functions. Many high propane gas grill can cost as much as one combo grill. There’s also the fact that separate grills will take up more space as against just one grill. While going for camping, you can decide to take your charcoal grill smoker along with you but not when you have two separate grills; there would be no space to fit both in.

So rather than spend so much on purchasing two separate grills that will take up so much space while also costing an arm and a leg, it is better to go for a charcoal grill smoker combo.

Although there are some downsides, one of which is that it sometimes has an inconsistent temperature, thereby leading to charring of your food if care is not taken or undercooking of the food. Another downside is that while a grill may make an excellent smoker while being terrible at roasting. Despite these, the advantages far outweigh its disadvantages and this should be exploited.

FAQ on Best Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo

1. Can we smoke red meat in a charcoal grill?

Charcoal grills are suitable for smoking red meat as it gives a more flavor-rich aroma than electric or gas smoker. Here, the meat gets more involved with the smoke, and the heat gets to penetrate more.

2. What is the best temperature to grill chicken and beefsteak?

For grilled chicken, the internal temperature should get up to 165oF; this prevents foodborne diseases. While for beef, first place the steak on the grill and allow it to cook up to four or five minutes (until its golden brown). Thereafter, turn the steak over and then continue to grill for three to five minutes more with an internal temperature of 135oF for a medium-rare cooked steak or five to seven minutes for a medium grill with an internal temperature of 140oF. For medium-well grill cook for eight to ten minutes at a temperature of 150oF.

3. What is the time to smoking in a charcoal grill?

Before smoking can begin in a charcoal grill, the grill needs to be very hot. First of all, light the grill and then cover it. Let the charcoal heat up for about fifteen minutes, once the coal looks gray and ashy, then it’s ready to use.

4. What is the difference between charcoal and gas grill smoker?

The difference between charcoal and gas grill smoker is the smoke. As smoke is a sapid byproduct gotten from combustion, the smoke obtained from burning gas and that from charcoal are quite different. For gas grills, the flame jets are usually covered with flame plates, ceramic rocks or lava rock, they protect the burners and absorb the heat gotten and radiate it. While for charcoal there a more direct contact between the food and the smoke.

Another difference is that a charcoal grill smoker makes use of charcoal as its source of fuel while the gas makes use of propane. Also, while the gas grill smoker cooks your meal faster, the charcoal grill smoker isn’t as fast but its more tasty and gives off a nice aroma to the environment.

5. What is the benefit of grill smoker combo?

One of the benefits of a grill smoker combo is the ease of use. It offers you a lot of versatility as it can be used for braising, smoking, baking, and roasting. You can also get to cook a lot of foods, all you need do is add more pellets or charcoals, set the temperature and leave it be.

Then again there’s the fact that it saves space and it’s cost effective as you get to have more than one function with one grill.

6. How to convert charcoal grill into a smoker?

To convert your charcoal grill into a smoker, take the following steps:

• Soak the wooden chips
• Light up the grill
• Strain the wood chips
• Start smoking
7. How to get ready a charcoal grill?

There are different ways of getting your charcoal grill ready. One of the ways involves taking the following steps:

• Fill up the chimney with coal
• Add papers and then light it up
• When you notice flames on top, pour out the charcoals
• The charcoals are ready for use when they are covered with gray ashes
8. How healthy are charcoal grills?

There is some controversy with regards to how healthy charcoal grills are. While some sources say it’s healthy, others do not. The scientific or health community has reached no definite conclusion.

9. How long are wooden bowls good for?

Wooden bowls can last for several years with the same lovely look if it’s well maintained.

Final Words with Thanks

As humans with healthy taste buds, we surely have cravings, and when it comes to cooking and eating outdoors, our taste may differ. One minute we want our food grilled and the other minute we want it smoked.

Rather than buy each grill which will not only take up much space but will cost more, you can purchase one of the Best Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo, this gives you a variety of options at your beck and call.

So, go ahead and make your choice from any of the products reviewed in this article, it guaranteed to meet your expectations and ensure you enjoy tasty meals outdoors.

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