Are Grill Smoker Combos Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Best Models

As the temperatures begin to rise, you might be dreaming of backyard barbecues, gourmet burgers, and delicious smoked meats. When it comes to outdoor cooking, grilling and smoking are two of the most popular cooking methods, and a grill smoker combo offers the best of both worlds. These versatile outdoor appliances allow you to grill at high heat for searing steaks while also providing low-and-slow smoking capabilities for tender, flavorful barbecue. But are they really worth it?

For some, a grill smoker combo is an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for multiple outdoor cooking appliances. For others, a traditional grill or dedicated smoker may be a better fit. In this guide, we’ll explore how grill smoker combos work, their pros and cons, and whether they’re the right choice for your outdoor kitchen.

What Is a Grill Smoker Combo?

Smoking is ideal for helping big, tough cuts of meat become tender and infusing it with smoky flavor, whereas grilling is a quicker cooking method intended for smaller, more tender cuts of meat. A grill and smoker combo is an outdoor cooking appliance that combines grilling and smoking functions in a single unit. Depending on the model, these combos may use charcoal, gas, wood pellets, or even electric heating elements to achieve different cooking styles.

• How Does It Work? Grill smoker combos are designed with dual-zone cooking capabilities, allowing you to grill over direct heat while also having a separate area for low-and-slow smoking. Some models include adjustable dampers and vents to control airflow and temperature, while others offer automated temperature regulation for precise cooking.
• What is It Used For? These units are ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a variety of cooking styles without needing separate appliances. With a smoker and grill combo, you can grill burgers, smoke brisket, or even bake pizzas using a single piece of equipment.

Can All Grills Be Used As Smokers?

So, can you use a normal grill as a smoker? Most grills can be used as smokers with the right techniques and accessories, but their effectiveness varies. A gas or charcoal grill can act as a smoker by controlling airflow, using indirect heat, and adding a smoker box or wood chips. However, traditional grills aren't always designed for long, slow cooking at low temperatures, which is essential for smoking meats properly.

It's possible to smoke meat on a standard grill with a few adjustments:

1. Charcoal Grills: Arrange the coals on one side of the grill and place a water pan on the other to create indirect heat. Add wood chips or chunks to produce smoke, then cook the meat on the cooler side of the grill with the lid closed.
2. Gas Grills: Use a smoke box or foil packet filled with wood chips. Place it over the burner while keeping one side of the grill on low heat for indirect cooking.
3. Pellet Grills: Most high-end pellet grills already offer smoking capabilities, making them a built-in grill smoker combo.

While these methods work, they require constant monitoring and don’t provide the same efficiency as a dedicated smoker. A smoker grill combo eliminates the need for makeshift setups and allows for precise temperature control with better results.

Some brands, like Alfresco, have mastered the art of combining grilling and smoking in one unit. Grill and smoker combos are designed to offer both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking. These units often include features like dedicated smoker burners, built-in wood chip trays, and adjustable vents for precision heat control. These grills come with an integrated smoking system, allowing users to infuse food with rich, smoky flavors while still enjoying the convenience of a high-performance grill.

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Pros & Cons of Grill Smoker Combos

Here are several of the advantages and disadvantages of a grill smoker combo.

Pros

✅ Versatility: The biggest advantage of a grill smoker combo is that it allows you to grill, smoke, bake, and even roast with a single appliance.
✅ Space-Saving: Instead of purchasing separate grills and smokers, a combo unit consolidates everything into one piece of equipment, making it ideal for smaller patios or outdoor kitchens.
✅ Cost-Effective: While high-end models can be pricey, they are still cheaper than buying a premium grill and smoker separately. This makes them a great value-for-money option.
✅ Convenience: Many models feature digital controls, pellet hoppers, and automated temperature regulation, making it easier to switch between grilling and smoking without manual adjustments.
✅ Ideal for BBQ Enthusiasts: If you love both grilling and smoking, a combo grill smoker lets you experiment with different flavors and cooking techniques in one unit.

Cons

❌ Learning Curve: Managing temperature and smoke levels requires practice, especially on charcoal or wood-fired models.
❌ Compromises on Performance: While grill smoker combos are versatile, they may not match the performance of a dedicated smoker for long cook times or a high-end gas grill for searing.
❌ Size & Weight: Some models can be bulky and heavy, making them harder to move or store compared to a standard grill.
❌ Fuel Consumption: Because they handle both grilling and smoking, these units may use more fuel than a standalone grill, especially wood pellet or charcoal models.

3 Featured Grill Smoker Combos

Keep reading for our top 3 best smoker grill combo picks from FBS Appliance.

LYNX Kamado 18” Gloss Black Tabletop Charcoal Grill

Shop this Lynx Kamado Tabletop Charcoal Grill

LYNX grills earn high marks for durability and longevity. This charcoal grill offers a totally different aesthetic from our other recommendations. It’s a bit smaller than our Coyote rec, with 250 square inches of cooking surface. In terms of performance, it stands out for its precise temperature control, allowing you to cook with low or high heat. Features like the quiet 120V motor rotisserie and the built-in thermometer enhance the cooking experience and guarantee better results, while Ceramic Deflector Plates offer versatility to cook a variety of foods at their optimal temperatures. 

Alfresco ALXE Series 3-Burner Stainless Steel Freestanding Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Shop this Alfresco Freestanding Liquid Propane Grill

Alfresco is one of the top high-end, professional-grade grill brands on the market. If you’re looking for quality, this 56” gas grill smoker combo is an excellent option. It offers 998 square inches of grilling area with three stainless steel burners producing 82,500 BTUs and a Sear Zone with a 27,500 BTU ceramic infrared burner. When it comes to rotisserie and smoked meats, you’ll love the integrated rotisserie system with a built-in motor and the smoker system with a 5,000 BTU dedicated burner and drawer for wood chunks. What really puts this grill over the top is a refrigerated cart, so you can have cold drinks on hand when you’re barbecuing.

Learn more about how this grill smoker combo works with Alfresco's dedicated video:

Alfresco ALXE Series 3-Burner Stainless Steel Built In Natural Gas Grill

Shop this Alfresco Built In Natural Gas Grill

Another high-quality option from Alfresco, this gas grill and smoker combo is a three-burner, 36” gas grill with a 660-square-inch grilling area. It features three powerful burners for searing, an integrated rotisserie system, and a smoker system with a dedicated burner and drawer for wood chunks. For nighttime parties, the high-intensity halogen work lights keep your workspace lit up, and the user-friendly push-button ignition makes it easy to get the party started. Overall, this is the best gas grill smoker combo for a custom, built-in outdoor kitchen setup.

Are Grill Smokers Worth It?

A grill smoker combo is absolutely worth it if you enjoy grilling and smoking on a regular basis. It’s a great investment for barbecue lovers who want a flexible, space-saving, and cost-effective solution for outdoor cooking.

That being said, if you rarely smoke meats and mostly grill burgers, steaks, and veggies, a standard gas or charcoal grill might be the better (and more affordable) choice.

At FBS Appliance, we offer a premium selection of grill smoker combos, grills, and dedicated smokers to fit every outdoor kitchen setup. Whether you're looking for a compact combo for your backyard or a professional-grade outdoor cooking station, our experts can help you find the perfect model.

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Why Trust FBS?

FBS Appliance, formerly known as Factory Builder Stores, was formally established in 1988 and is proudly locally owned and operated. It stands as the largest contract distributor in Texas with nine showrooms spanning Austin, College Station, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, and Houston areas. Our extensive inventory features over 40 different name-brand appliances, including premium refrigerators, professional-grade ranges, energy-efficient dishwashers, stylish wall ovens, versatile cooktops, powerful ventilation systems, compact microwaves, and innovative laundry equipment.

Built on a foundation of repeat business, we combine competitive pricing with expert knowledge and a commitment to industry excellence through partnerships with NKBA, ASID, IDS, and HBA organizations. From concept to completion, our professional team goes above and beyond to get it right the first time, making us the ultimate destination for all your appliance needs.

Shop Grill Smoker Combos at FBS Appliance

At FBS Appliance, we are dedicated to providing the ultimate appliance sales experience. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or outfitting a new home, our expert team is here to guide you through the process, offering personalized recommendations. Give us a call to learn more about grills or visit one of our Texas showrooms today!

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