Combination Grill-Smokers

What is a Combination Grill-Smoker?

A combination grill-smoker is a hybrid outdoor cooking appliance that allows you to both grill and smoke food using the same unit. These versatile devices typically come with separate sections or features that accommodate both methods of cooking, allowing you to choose between high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking. The combination of these two functionalities means you can cook a wide variety of foods, from juicy steaks and burgers to tender ribs and smoked brisket, all with the same appliance.

Most combination grill-smokers offer a combination of direct and indirect cooking methods, making them highly adaptable for a range of cooking styles. This flexibility makes them a favorite among outdoor cooking enthusiasts, catering to both beginners and experienced chefs alike.

Types of Combination Grill-Smokers

Combination grill-smokers come in several types, each offering different features and methods for grilling and smoking food. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of combination grill-smokers to help you find the one that suits your cooking preferences.

1. Charcoal and Gas Combination Grill-Smokers

Charcoal and gas combination grill-smokers are versatile appliances that use both charcoal and propane as fuel sources. This hybrid setup allows users to enjoy the benefits of both fuel types. The charcoal section provides that traditional smoky flavor that grilling enthusiasts love, while the gas section offers the convenience of quick and consistent heat.

• How They Work: The smoker section of the grill uses charcoal and wood chips to produce smoke, while the gas side uses propane or natural gas to create a steady heat source for grilling. These grills typically have separate cooking zones, so you can grill on one side and smoke on the other.

Pros:

• Offers the best of both worlds—traditional smoky flavor from charcoal and convenience from gas.
• More fuel options to choose from.
• Quick setup with the gas side for grilling and slower, flavorful cooking with the charcoal side for smoking.

Cons:

• Requires more space due to the need for both a gas and charcoal setup.
• Requires more cleaning and maintenance since it uses two different types of fuel.
• Slightly more expensive than single-fuel combination grills.

2. Pellet and Charcoal Combination Grill-Smokers

Pellet and charcoal combination grill-smokers are designed for those who want the flavor control of wood pellets and the authenticity of charcoal grilling. These smokers allow you to use wood pellets for precise temperature control while grilling with charcoal for that classic smoky flavor.

• How They Work: The pellet section uses a pellet hopper to feed wood pellets into the firepot, where they are ignited and used to produce heat and smoke. The charcoal side is used for grilling food over direct heat, similar to a traditional charcoal grill.

Pros:

• Excellent temperature control with the pellet side, offering low-and-slow smoking or fast grilling.
• Charcoal side provides the traditional smoky flavor that many BBQ lovers prefer.
• Ideal for users who want to experiment with both pellet grilling and traditional charcoal grilling.

Cons:

• Pellet smokers can be more expensive due to the advanced technology and fuel source.
• Requires both charcoal and pellets, which can increase operational costs over time.
• Takes some learning to master the pellet system and the charcoal grilling process.

3. Charcoal and Electric Combination Grill-Smokers

Charcoal and electric combination grill-smokers combine the authenticity of charcoal grilling with the ease and convenience of electric smoking. These hybrid smokers offer the best of both worlds by combining traditional smoking techniques with modern electric control.

• How They Work: The electric section uses electricity to heat the smoker and maintain a steady cooking temperature. Meanwhile, the charcoal side allows for grilling over direct heat, providing the smoky flavors traditional to charcoal grilling. The electric smoker section can also be used to smoke food with minimal supervision.

Pros:

• Easy to use and maintain, especially the electric section, which requires little to no monitoring.
• Provides excellent temperature control in the electric section, making it perfect for slow-smoking meats.
• Charcoal grilling provides a natural and rich flavor for grilling.

Cons:

• The electric section may not provide the same intense smoky flavor as charcoal or wood.
• Can be less portable due to the need for electricity.
• May require both charcoal and electric hookups, increasing setup complexity.

4. Gas and Pellet Combination Grill-Smokers

Gas and pellet combination grill-smokers combine the convenience and efficiency of gas with the precise temperature control of pellets. This hybrid grill allows users to quickly start grilling on the gas side and slow-cook or smoke meat on the pellet side for exceptional flavor.

• How They Work: The gas section uses propane or natural gas as fuel, while the pellet section uses wood pellets to create both heat and smoke. Pellet smokers provide excellent control over the cooking temperature, while the gas side allows you to sear or grill food quickly.

Pros:

• Pellet section offers consistent temperature control, making it easy to maintain a steady cooking environment.
• Gas side provides fast grilling capabilities.
• Highly versatile, allowing for a variety of cooking techniques in one unit.

Cons:

• Requires both gas and pellet fuel sources, which can increase operational costs.
• More expensive due to the advanced features of pellet technology.
• May take up more space than single-fuel models.

Key Features to Look for in Combination Grill-Smokers

When shopping for a combination grill-smoker, there are several important features to consider to ensure you choose a model that fits your cooking needs. Here are some of the key features to look for:

1. Cooking Area

The cooking area is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a grill-smoker. Larger cooking areas allow you to prepare more food at once, making them ideal for entertaining or cooking for large groups. Be sure to check the total cooking space, which is usually measured in square inches, to ensure you have enough room for all the food you plan to cook.

2. Temperature Control

Temperature control is crucial for both grilling and smoking. Look for a grill-smoker with an easy-to-use control system that allows you to adjust the temperature precisely. Pellet grills often have digital controllers for accurate temperature management, while charcoal and gas models may feature adjustable vents and knobs.

3. Fuel Type Flexibility

Since combination grill-smokers use multiple fuel types, it’s important to ensure that the smoker can accommodate the fuel sources you plan to use. Whether you prefer charcoal, gas, pellets, or electricity, make sure the smoker has the features you need to manage your preferred fuel effectively.

4. Durability and Construction

The build quality of the smoker is essential to its longevity and performance. Look for grill-smokers made from durable materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or heavy-duty aluminum, as these materials are resistant to rust and wear. Additionally, make sure the smoker has a solid and sturdy construction that can withstand high temperatures.

5. Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning a grill-smoker can be a time-consuming task, especially after cooking fatty meats or smoking foods for several hours. Choose a combination smoker with features like removable ash trays, grease trays, and easy-to-clean grates. This will save you time and effort when it comes to maintenance.

6. Portability

If you plan to use your combination grill-smoker for camping, tailgating, or traveling, portability is a key consideration. Look for models with wheels, handles, or lightweight designs to make transporting your grill easier. Compact models are great for smaller spaces, while larger models offer more cooking space but may require a dedicated setup.

How to Use a Combination Grill-Smoker

Using a combination grill-smoker is relatively simple once you get the hang of it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Set Up the Smoker

Before you start cooking, set up the smoker by ensuring that both the grilling and smoking sections are ready. For charcoal smokers, light the charcoal and allow it to heat up. For gas or electric smokers, turn them on and set the desired temperature.

2. Prepare the Food

While the smoker is heating up, prepare your food. Season your meats, marinate vegetables, and get everything ready for cooking. If you’re smoking, consider adding wood chips or pellets to the smoker to add flavor.

3. Cook Using the Grill Section

If you're grilling, place your food on the grill racks over direct heat. Monitor the temperature and cooking time to ensure the food is cooked to perfection. Gas and pellet sections provide quick, high-heat grilling, while charcoal sections may require more time to reach the desired sear.

4. Cook Using the Smoker Section

If you’re smoking, place your food in the smoking section and close the lid. Monitor the temperature and add more fuel as needed to maintain the desired smoking conditions. Smoking typically requires longer cooking times, but the results are well worth the wait.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once your food is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and smoker and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures maximum flavor. Serve your delicious grilled and smoked creations to family and friends.