8 Best Outdoor Grills and Smokers of 2026

This dual-fuel powerhouse delivers an unmatched blend of flavor versatility and cooking convenience, making it a standout in the outdoor grill and smoker landscape. With both gas and charcoal grilling zones, a fully functional offset smoker, and a 10,000 BTU side burner, it eliminates the need to choose between speed and smokiness. The 1020 sq. in. total cooking space means you can sear steaks on gas, smoke brisket in the offset chamber, and simmer barbecue sauce simultaneously—perfect for weekend hosts who demand maximum flexibility without compromise.

In real-world use, the 34,000 BTU output from two stainless steel burners delivers rapid heat-up and strong searing capability, while the height-adjustable charcoal pan allows precise control over cooking intensity—ideal for everything from low-and-slow ribs to high-heat char-grilling. The offset smoker performs impressively, with excellent smoke circulation and a side door for easy fuel top-ups, though maintaining consistent temps below 225°F requires some attention. On large decks or patios, its sturdy build and expansive layout shine, but the unit is best suited for stationary setups due to its weight and lack of wheels.

Compared to dedicated pellet grills like the Traeger Pro series, this Grills House model trades digital precision for hands-on versatility and dual-fuel freedom. It’s a smarter pick than single-fuel smokers for those who want real-time control and multi-method cooking, especially when feeding crowds. While not as automated as electric models, it offers more authentic charcoal flavor and faster gas starts, making it a top-tier hybrid that outperforms similarly priced smokers in sheer functionality.

If you’re after sheer grilling real estate on a budget, the Royal Gourmet CC2036F is a game-changer for large gatherings. Boasting a massive 1200 sq. in. of total cooking space, including a 272 sq. in. offset smoker, it can handle a full hog roast or feed a backyard party of 10 with ease. The heavy-duty porcelain-coated grates resist rust and deliver consistent heat, while the 3-level adjustable charcoal pan gives you surprising control over cooking intensity—crucial when managing long smokes or searing multiple proteins.

During extended use, this grill proves its worth in high-volume, hands-on scenarios like tailgates or family reunions. The 7.7 lb. charcoal capacity sustains long cooks, and the side charcoal door is a standout feature—allowing mid-smoke refills without disturbing food or losing heat. Smoke flavor development is rich and authentic, especially when using hickory or mesquite chunks, though temperature spikes can occur without careful airflow management. The removable grease cup and charcoal pan make cleanup far easier than in comparable budget smokers, though the lack of a built-in thermometer on the smoker chamber is a notable gap.

When stacked against premium pellet grills like the Traeger Pro 34, this Royal Gourmet model sacrifices digital precision and portability but wins on raw capacity and cost efficiency. It’s a better fit than electric smokers for purists who want full control over fire and flavor, and it outshines smaller offset smokers in sheer utility. For budget-conscious BBQ lovers who prioritize cooking volume and traditional smoke flavor, this is the unbeatable workhorse that delivers far more than its price suggests.

The Traeger Pro 22 redefines set-it-and-forget-it smoking with laser-precise temperature control and authentic wood-fired flavor in every bite. As one of the most trusted names in pellet grilling, Traeger delivers with a Digital Pro Controller that maintains temps within ±15°F from 180°F to 450°F, making it ideal for tender pulled pork, crispy-skinned whole chickens, or even wood-fired pizza. The 572 sq. in. cooking space is compact but efficient, perfect for families or small cookouts, and the built-in meat probe eliminates guesswork—letting you monitor doneness without lifting the lid.

In real-world performance, the Pro 22 excels in consistency and ease of use. Whether you’re running a 12-hour smoke or searing salmon at 400°F, the 18-pound hopper provides enough fuel for multi-day cooking with minimal intervention. The porcelain-coated grates resist sticking, and the rugged sawhorse frame with large wheels makes repositioning surprisingly easy. While it can’t match the sear of a gas grill or the smoky depth of a traditional offset, it nails low-and-slow BBQ with minimal effort—a major win for weekend warriors who value flavor reliability over fire-tending drama.

Next to the larger Traeger Pro 34, the Pro 22 is a smarter choice for smaller yards or infrequent smokers who still want full pellet-grill benefits. It lacks the cooking real estate of barrel smokers but outperforms them in automation and repeatability. Compared to hybrid models like the Grills House combo, it trades fuel flexibility for flavor consistency, making it the best value for beginners and intermediate users who want pro-level results without the learning curve.

For those who cook for crowds and demand consistency, the Traeger Pro 34 is the gold standard in pellet grilling—delivering professional-grade capacity and flawless temperature stability in one rugged package. With 884 sq. in. of cooking space, it can hold 8 whole chickens or 40 burgers at once, making it ideal for large family meals, weekend meal prep, or neighborhood cookouts. The Advanced Grilling Logic in its Digital Pro Controller ensures ±15°F accuracy, so every brisket comes out perfectly smoked, every time.

On test, the Pro 34 shines in long-duration, high-volume cooking. The 18-pound hopper supports up to 20 hours of runtime on low, and the spacious interior allows tiered cooking—ribs on the lower rack, veggies on the upper. The porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean, and the all-terrain wheels make relocation simple, even on gravel or grass. While it doesn’t match the char of a charcoal grill, it produces deep, aromatic smoke flavor with minimal user input. The only real limitation? It’s not portable—this is a stationary powerhouse built for permanence in your backyard setup.

When compared to the Pro 22, the Pro 34 is the obvious upgrade for serious entertainers who need room to cook in bulk. Against traditional offset smokers like the Royal Gourmet CC2036F, it wins in ease of use and consistency but lacks the raw fire-managed flavor of charcoal. For those who want maximum cooking space with minimal effort, this Traeger is the ultimate balance of automation, capacity, and reliability—making it the top pick for large gatherings where perfection can’t be left to chance.

The Ninja OG751 isn’t just a grill—it’s a full outdoor kitchen in one compact unit, blending grilling, smoking, air frying, baking, roasting, dehydrating, and broiling with real woodfire flavor. Powered by electricity and enhanced with Ninja Woodfire Pellets, it delivers bold, smoky taste using just 1/2 cup of pellets per cook, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or anyone avoiding propane and charcoal. The built-in thermometer is a game-changing feature, alerting you when food hits target doneness—so you can relax instead of hovering over the grill.

In practice, this grill performs like a full-size gas unit despite its electric core. It sears steaks impressively, produces authentic BBQ bark in under two hours, and its air fry function crisps wings without drying them out. The 141 sq. in. nonstick grate is easy to clean, and the weather-resistant design means it can stay outdoors year-round. While it can’t match the smoke depth of a traditional smoker, it gets remarkably close with minimal effort, especially for weeknight meals. However, the cooking area is modest, so it’s best for 2–4 people, not large parties.

Against the larger Ninja OG850, this model is more compact and slightly less versatile in capacity, but still delivers the same core 7-in-1 functionality. Compared to pellet grills like the Traeger, it’s more multi-functional but less specialized in long smokes. For urban grillers or those with space and fuel restrictions, the OG751 is the most innovative electric grill on the market—offering unmatched versatility and flavor in a single, apartment-friendly package.

The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo is the undisputed king of hybrid grilling, merging a 36,000 BTU 3-burner gas grill with a full-sized charcoal smoker into one rugged, professional-grade system. With 750 sq. in. of primary grates and an additional 281 sq. in. in the firebox, it gives you the freedom to grill burgers on gas while smoking pork shoulders for 12 hours—all in one unit. The adjustable dampers and smokestack offer pinpoint control over airflow, letting you fine-tune smoke density and temperature like a pitmaster.

Real-world testing reveals exceptional heat retention and smoke circulation, thanks to its thick steel construction and side firebox design. The removable ash pan and tool hooks add serious convenience, while the raised bottom shelf keeps wood splits and charcoal within reach. The two large rubber-treaded wheels make it surprisingly mobile for its size, and the pivoting cool-touch handles ensure safe operation. It’s not for the faint of heart—this is a hands-on smoker that rewards experience, but delivers championship-level results when mastered.

Stacked against the Grills House combo, the Oklahoma Joe’s model offers more gas power, better airflow control, and superior build quality—justifying its higher price. Unlike pellet grills, it demands more attention but delivers deeper, richer smoke flavor. For serious BBQ enthusiasts who want maximum control, dual-fuel capability, and commercial-grade performance, this is the best overall grill and smoker combo—balancing function, durability, and flavor mastery like no other.

The Ninja OG850 is the ultimate portable powerhouse, redefining what’s possible in compact, electric outdoor cooking. With 180 sq. in. of cooking space—30% more than its predecessor—it can handle 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, or a 10-pound brisket, making it surprisingly capable for gatherings. Its 4-in-1 functionality (grill, smoke, air fry, bake) is powered by real wood pellets and electricity, delivering 100% authentic woodfire flavor without propane, charcoal, or flare-ups—perfect for apartments, balconies, RVs, or tailgates.

In real use, the built-in thermometer proves invaluable, sending alerts when food hits perfect doneness—so you’re never stuck babysitting the grill. The woodfire technology works flawlessly, producing crispy bark and rich smoke rings in under three hours, while the air fry function delivers golden, low-fat results. The crisper basket and nonstick grate clean up easily, and the all-weather design means it can stay outside year-round. While it can’t match the smoke volume of offset smokers, it delivers 90% of the flavor with 10% of the effort.

Compared to the OG751, the OG850 offers more space and better crowd-handling, while keeping the same portability and smart features. Against traditional smokers, it’s less authentic but far more convenient. For anyone who wants real smoky taste without the bulk, mess, or fuel hassle, this is the best portable electric grill—perfectly balancing flavor, function, and freedom in one sleek, weather-resistant unit.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is a budget-smart gateway to real smoke flavor, offering 823 sq. in. of total cooking space in a compact, entry-level offset smoker. With 475 sq. in. of primary grates, a 197 sq. in. smoker chamber, and a chrome warming rack, it’s ideal for weekend BBQers or camping trips who want authentic low-and-slow results without breaking the bank. The adjustable charcoal pan lets you fine-tune heat zones, while the lid-mounted thermometer helps maintain ideal temps—giving beginners real-time feedback.

In practice, this grill holds steady heat well for short smokes, and the side door allows easy ash removal and fuel addition without disturbing food. The air vent stokes the fire quickly, and the front and side tables add useful prep space. However, temperature control can be tricky during long cooks, and the bottom shelf has low weight tolerance, limiting accessory storage. It’s not built for all-day competition smokes, but for ribs, chicken, or sausages on a Saturday afternoon, it delivers solid performance and genuine smoke flavor.

When compared to the larger Royal Gourmet CC2036F, this model sacrifices cooking area and charcoal capacity but gains slightly better portability. Against electric smokers, it offers more authentic taste but demands more skill. For new smokers who want a low-cost, no-frills introduction to offset grilling, this is the best budget entry point—delivering real BBQ experience without the premium price.