8 Best Grill and Smoker Combos of 2026

The Traeger Pro 22 delivers wood-fired authenticity with precision engineering that turns backyard cooks into pitmasters. With 572 sq. in. of cooking space, an advanced Digital Pro Controller, and a 6-in-1 versatility that includes grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting, this pellet grill eliminates guesswork. Its ±15°F temperature accuracy ensures consistent results, whether you’re searing steaks at 450°F or smoking ribs at 225°F for hours—no flame surges or cold spots. For those tired of babysitting charcoal or wrestling with unreliable smokers, the automatic pellet feed system and reliable heat retention make it a game-changer.

In real-world testing, the Pro 22 handled everything from fall-off-the-bone brisket to crisp wood-fired pizza with ease. The 18-pound hopper powered a 12-hour smoke without refills, and the built-in meat probe let us monitor internal temps without losing heat. It excels on decks and patios, though its size and weight make it less ideal for tight spaces or frequent relocation. While it performs admirably on grass or gravel, the lack of all-weather sealing means prolonged exposure to rain demands a cover. It struggles slightly with searing intensity compared to gas grills, but makes up for it in flavor consistency and low-and-slow reliability.

Compared to the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A2, the Pro 22 offers smoother temperature control and better build quality, though at a higher cost. It’s not as large as the Traeger Pro 34, but it’s perfect for families or small gatherings where space is limited. The ideal user wants set-it-and-forget-it smoking with authentic wood flavor without the hassle of manual fire management. It delivers superior temperature stability and flavor depth compared to budget pellet grills, making it a benchmark in mid-sized pellet smokers.

The Ninja OG850 redefines portable firepower, packing 4-in-1 functionality—grill, smoker, air fryer, and oven—into a compact electric unit that infuses real woodfire flavor in minutes. Powered by Ninja’s Real Woodfire Technology, it uses just ½ cup of pellets to deliver bold, smoky bark on ribs or wings—no propane tanks or charcoal piles needed. The 180 sq. in. nonstick cooking surface handles 2 full racks of ribs or 10 burgers, while the smart built-in thermometer sends doneness alerts straight to your phone. For apartment dwellers or RV campers craving wood-fired taste without the mess, this grill is a revelation.

During testing, the OG850 smoked a pork shoulder to perfection in under 5 hours, with consistent smoke infusion and no flare-ups. The air fry mode crisped wings beautifully with 30% less fat, and the bake function handled cornbread without drying. It’s plug-and-play simple, but the nonstick surface limits high-heat searing, and pellet flavor fades faster than in full-size smokers. While it handles rain and snow with its all-weather design, the small hopper requires frequent pellet refills during long cooks. It’s not for purists who want 12-hour smokes, but it’s perfect for quick, flavorful meals with minimal cleanup.

Against the Traeger Pro 22, the OG850 sacrifices cooking capacity and deep smoke penetration but wins in versatility and portability. It’s ideal for small-space grillers, tailgaters, or anyone who wants wood-smoked flavor without a bulky setup. While it can’t match the low-and-slow depth of a full pellet smoker, it delivers 80% of the flavor in half the time and fits on a balcony. It offers more cooking modes and easier cleanup than traditional smokers, making it a top pick for urban grillers and multi-function seekers.

The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A2 is a budget powerhouse that brings 8-in-1 functionality and PID V3.0 precision to the entry-level pellet grill market. With 459 sq. in. of cooking space, a digital controller with ±15°F accuracy, and a full meat probe, it delivers consistent smoke and grill performance without the premium price tag. The upgraded PID system auto-adjusts fuel and airflow, making it surprisingly stable—even in wind or light rain. For beginners wanting wood-fired flavor without complexity, this grill is a no-brainer upgrade from charcoal or gas.

In real-world use, the ZPG-450A2 smoked chicken thighs to juicy perfection and grilled thick-cut steaks with even char. The large LCD screen made temp monitoring easy, and the foldable side shelf kept tools within reach. While it handled 6-hour smokes well, the smaller 15-pound hopper required a refill for longer sessions. It’s lighter than most pellet grills, but the wheels are smaller, making movement on uneven ground a bit wobbly. The porcelain grates resist sticking, though cleaning takes more effort than nonstick models. It’s not as robust as the Traeger, but for weekend warriors on a budget, it’s impressively capable.

Stacked against the Traeger Pro 22, the Z GRILLS offers similar temp control and versatility at a lower price, though with less brand support and slightly weaker insulation. It’s perfect for first-time pellet grillers or those who want smoke and grill flexibility without overspending. While it lacks the polished finish and app connectivity of premium models, it delivers 90% of the performance for under $360. It’s a smart choice for value-focused cooks who prioritize function over flair.

The Royal Gourmet CC2036F is a smokehouse on a budget, built for big events and serious flavor with a massive 1200 sq. in. total cooking area. Its 668 sq. in. main grate, 272 sq. in. offset smoker, and 260 sq. in. warming rack can feed 8–10 people with ease—think 7 racks of ribs, 8 chickens, or a full brisket. The offset firebox delivers authentic indirect heat and smoke circulation, while the 3-level adjustable charcoal pan lets you fine-tune heat zones. For backyard legends who love managing fire and flavor by hand, this charcoal beast is a crowd-pleasing workhorse.

In testing, the smoker produced thick, clean smoke with consistent low-and-slow performance, though it required active monitoring to maintain 225°F. The side charcoal door made refueling easy without lifting the lid, and the removable grease cup simplified cleanup. Windy conditions caused minor temp swings, and lighter charcoal users may find it intimidating. It’s not for set-and-forget cooks, but for those who enjoy tending the fire, it delivers deep, rich smoke flavor unmatched by pellet grills. The porcelain grates hold up well, though they need seasoning to prevent sticking.

Compared to the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo, it offers more smoker space at a lower price, but lacks gas convenience. It’s ideal for traditionalists who want maximum capacity and authentic charcoal taste without dual-fuel complexity. While it demands more effort than pellet grills, it produces superior bark and smoke ring on meats. It’s a better value for large gatherings than any electric smoker, offering more flavor control and cooking real estate for the dollar.

The Traeger Pro 34 is the king of crowd cooking, offering a massive 884 sq. in. cooking surface that can fit 8 whole chickens or 7 racks of ribs in one go. With the same Digital Pro Controller as the Pro 22, it delivers ±15°F precision across a 180°F to 450°F range, making it ideal for both delicate fish and high-heat searing. Its 6-in-1 versatility lets you grill, smoke, bake, and braise with zero guesswork, and the durable steel construction stands up to seasons of use. For hosts who routinely cook for 10+, this is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it pellet grill.

In real-world use, the Pro 34 handled a full Thanksgiving turkey and sides with room to spare. The larger 20-pound hopper powered 18-hour smokes without refills, and the all-terrain wheels made repositioning easy on grass or gravel. It maintained rock-solid temps even in 40°F weather, though wind gusts above 20 mph caused minor fluctuations. The porcelain grates clean easily, but the size makes storage a challenge in small yards. It’s overkill for couples, but for families, caterers, or weekend hosts, it’s unbeatable in capacity and consistency.

Versus the Pro 22, it offers 54% more cooking space and a larger hopper, but costs significantly more. It doesn’t add new features—just more room to cook. The ideal user needs large-capacity, reliable smoking without sacrificing Traeger’s signature flavor. It outperforms all other pellet grills in sheer volume and temperature stability, making it the top choice for serious entertainers.

The OURCAMP 17-Inch Vertical Smoker is a portable flavor bomb, delivering real wood-smoked taste in a compact 3-in-1 design perfect for camping, patios, or tailgates. With dual cooking racks and hanging hooks, it can smoke brisket, ribs, or sausages vertically, maximizing heat efficiency. The built-in thermometer and dual air vents allow precise temp control, while the barrel design ensures even heat distribution from bottom to top. At just 55 bucks, it’s an incredible value for anyone who wants authentic smoker flavor without commitment.

In testing, it smoked pork ribs to tender perfection in 4.5 hours, with consistent smoke ring formation and no hot spots. The high-temp coating resisted rust, and the detachable layers made transport and cleaning a breeze. It works with charcoal or wood chunks, though small batch cooks are its sweet spot—don’t expect to feed 10. It struggles in strong wind, and refueling requires lid lifting, causing heat loss. But for weekend campers or balcony grillers, it’s surprisingly effective.

Compared to the Royal Gourmet, it’s nowhere near as large, but it’s 1/4 the price and 1/3 the size. It’s ideal for solo cooks, couples, or small gatherings where portability trumps capacity. While it can’t match pellet grills in convenience, it delivers more authentic smoke flavor than electric models. It’s a better value for flavor-focused minimalists than any high-end air fryer grill combo.

The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC is a dual-fuel dynamo, blending 34,000 BTU gas power with charcoal and offset smoker versatility in one rugged unit. With 1020 sq. in. of total cooking space, it lets you grill burgers on gas, smoke brisket in the offset chamber, and simmer sauces on the side burner—all at once. The 2 stainless steel burners fire up fast, while the height-adjustable charcoal pan gives fine control over heat zones. For grillers who want gas convenience and charcoal soul, this combo is a flavor-forward powerhouse.

In real-world use, it seared steaks beautifully on the gas side while slowly smoking pork butt in the offset smoker. The side burner kept beans warm, and the warming rack held buns perfectly. The 333 sq. in. charcoal area is small for big smokes, and temperature control requires practice. It’s bulky and heavy, but the wheels help. Assembly takes time, but once set up, it’s a cooking command center. It’s not for minimalist cooks, but for flavor chasers who hate compromises, it’s uniquely capable.

Against the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon, it offers similar dual-fuel function but at a lower price and smaller footprint. It’s perfect for those who want gas speed and charcoal depth without buying two grills. While it lacks premium fit and finish, it delivers exceptional versatility and cooking power. It beats single-fuel grills in flexibility, making it a top pick for hybrid cooking enthusiasts.

The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo is a pitmaster’s dream, fusing a 36,000 BTU 3-burner gas grill with a full-sized charcoal smoker in one 750 sq. in. cooking beast. The horizontal firebox delivers real hardwood smoke flavor, while the gas side offers instant heat and precise control. With adjustable dampers, a smokestack, and a removable ash pan, it gives total command over smoke and heat. For serious grillers who want authentic low-and-slow smoking and fast gas grilling, this is the ultimate hybrid.

In testing, it smoked two pork shoulders simultaneously while grilling 12 burgers on gas—no flavor crossover. The dampers provided excellent airflow control, and the wagon wheels made rolling easy over rough terrain. The front and side shelves kept tools handy, though the porcelain grates need seasoning. It’s not for beginners, but for smoke devotees, it’s unmatched in flavor and flexibility. It demands more maintenance than pellet grills, but rewards with deep, authentic taste.

Compared to the Grills House combo, it offers better build quality, larger smoker chamber, and superior airflow control, though at a higher price. It’s ideal for traditionalists who want professional-grade smoking with gas backup. While it’s less portable than electric models, it delivers the most authentic dual-fuel experience. It outperforms all-in-one grills in smoke depth and durability, making it a top-tier choice for serious outdoor chefs.