Smokers and grills are very common among people around the world. It is a great way to cook delicious meat in a non-standard way, especially at weekends with your family. Of course, you will have to make some effort to make the result delicious.
Some marinate the meat in special ways, others marinate it for a long time – but in any case, the final result will depend on the way the meat is cooked.
If you already have a grill, you’ve probably already enjoyed the delicious meat. In addition to the grill, there is another great cooking method – smoking.
Suppose we tell you that it’s possible to combine 2 functions in one device and get a delicious result every time you decide to bring your friends together for dinner? It cannot be denied that there are many different devices on the market that combine grill and smoker functions.
We decided to tell you about some of the best models that you can find today. Before we proceed with the reviews, we need to tell you a little bit about the criteria and performance of a good device.
Temperature regulation
You will need to adjust the cooking temperature so that you don’t experience any problems while cooking or drying your meat. Admit it, if you just put the meat on a charcoal or roasting surface, you will not be able to predict how long it will be cooked.
For juicy meat, you need to keep the temperature constant so that it can soak up smells and its own juices. You can do this with a simple regulator, which should be in your smoker & grill combo.
A source of energy and fuel
We’re all used to smoke with smoke and wood chips. In fact, with the help of modern technology, you can do it in many ways. In addition to the standard wood fuel, you can also find models with gas or electric fuel.
In our opinion, the most convenient option is an electric smoker & grill combo. Of course, many people are skeptical about smoking this way, but it’s actually a great way to simplify the whole process. You won’t have to look for quality charcoal or wood chips, you just have to plug the device in.
Size
Before buying, we recommend that you determine where your device will be in your home. If you are going to use it in the backyard of your home, you are not so limited in the choice of device.
Still, it is worth remembering that you will need to store it somewhere. If you put it in the garage, make sure it has enough space. Also, the size of the grill and smoker you need depends on the amount of meat you are going to cook.
Warranty period
Any equipment can fail. Electric grills and smokers are no exception. If, after several months of use, you suddenly have problems with the cord or wiring, the best option would be to get help from the manufacturer’s specialists.
One indicator of the quality of your device may be its warranty period – because of the manufacturer, confident in the quality of the product, gives a long enough warranty. Moreover, you may have any problems during the operation.
The cost
Your purchase is also directly dependent on the budget you manage. Grill & smokers are not devices worth saving on. The quality of the equipment depends on the price, so in this situation, it is better to pay a little more.
If you have a very small budget, we would not recommend buying the cheapest device – so you risk being disappointed with the result or get a lot of problems during operation.
Other great Smoker & Grill Combos
1. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
If you’ve been dreaming of grilled pork ribs for a long time, now is the time to make it happen. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill combines the smoker and grill functions to help you add flavor to any dish.
The removable grill grid can be used for grilled chops, steaks, and wings, as well as vegetables. No slices will fall off the grill and the result will be tender and crispy.
By the way, thanks to the TRU technology you will get crispy and tender meat at the same time, without using a lot of fat or oil.
Since the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is small enough, you will be able to carry it from place to place, as well as use it in different locations.
The design is made of stainless steel, and handles that are easy to carry are a great addition. The device has a precise thermometer, which can always inform you about the temperature. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is ideal for your picnics and parties.
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2. Americana Stainless Steel Electric Water Smoker
Americana Stainless Steel Electric Water Smoker is the perfect way to prepare succulent and tender food with minimal effort. Of course, for such delicate cooking, you will need to cook slowly, but the result is really worth it.
The side handles and extractor hood mounts are made of wood but are also heat-resistant. You can use them to check whether your food is ready and also at what stage it is at.
Depending on what flavor and aroma you want to give your steak, you will need to use certain additional ingredients. These can be orange or apple juice or woody notes in the flavor with chips.
Inside the Americana Stainless Steel Electric Water Smoker, there is an automatic temperature sensor that will show you how hot your electric appliance is.
The grill and smoker are designed so that even if you leave it outside, no drops of water or dirt will get inside. So you can safely place the Americana Stainless Steel Electric Water Smoker in your backyard.
3. Americana 2 in 1 Electric Water Smoker that converts into a Lock ‘N Go Grill
Like the previous model, Americana 2 in 1 Electric Water Smoker has a built-in temperature sensor as well as chrome accessories for cooking meat. To ensure that the smoke in the smokehouse is constantly updated, this model has a ventilated lid and tightly closing doors.
The water insert has a 5.5 volume, so you can cook for a long time for a more delicate meal. It is easily plugged into a regular socket, so you can cook your favorite steaks and ribs without fuss, adding little chips for flavor.
Americana 2 in 1 Electric Water Smoker can easily be converted into a portable grill that allows you to cook meat in a more familiar way. The whole design has heat-resistant handles, with which you can carry it even when it is heated.
You won’t have any difficulty separating the grill from your smokehouse if necessary, but is it worth it? Using the entire Americana 2 in 1 Electric Water Smoker, you get evenly cooked food with a smoker and smoke flavor.
Unfortunately, the market for smoker&grills electric models is not so rich. We decided to supplement this small list a little bit with more standard models that work just as well with electricity.
4. Z Grills ZPG-7002B Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, 8 in 1 BBQ Grill Auto Temperature Controls
Fragrant meat cooked on wood pellets does not leave any meat indifferent. Stew, barbecue, shish kebab and much more – your weekend menu will be even more varied after buying Z Grills ZPG-7002B.
Because it is a modern device, its principle of operation meets modern requirements. The control board automatically sets the grill on fire and also allows you to set the cooking temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
The size of the grill is impressive enough that you can place several pieces of meat at once. You can put up to 20 pounds in the smokehouse. Even if you’ve never used a grill before, the Z Grills ZPG-7002B will help newcomers achieve good results.
It’s also worth noting the wheels that are built into the feet of the grill. They make it easy to transport your device to another surface – for example, to move it around the backyard. The anti-corrosion treatment of the lids and racks allows you to leave the Z Grills ZPG-7002B outside.
5. Sougem Charcoal Smoker Grill 14 inch Vertical Combo Water Smoker with a Grill Cover
A small device measuring just 14 inches will fit perfectly in your backyard for a festive barbecue. Besides ribs, meat, and brisket, you can even smoke your favorite fish!
Especially for this Sougem Charcoal Smoker Grill has 6 hooks to hang. The lid and the whole surface are enameled, which makes the grill look attractive.
Thanks to its small size and weight, the Sougem Charcoal Smoker Grill is easy to transport and portable. You can also easily clean it after every use so that it always keeps its original appearance.
You’ll need to buy good quality charcoal for it to work, so you can start cooking right away. The only drawback we were able to detect was the lack of an assembly manual.
This document is not included with the Sougem Charcoal Smoker Grill, but you can find the manual on the company’s website or write to them asking for help.
6. PIT BOSS SPORTSMAN 1230 PELLET/GAS COMBO GRILL
This Grill combo has a large capacity and it also has a larger size in general. It’s one of the best representatives of this category. It features an offset design. You can see that it has a wreck on the side and the pellet feeder on the other side.
Therefore, you can simultaneously Grill something on both sides. For example, you can smoke low and slow on one side and Grill something on the opposite side. One of the best features of this item is reverse sear a steak.
Get it up to temperature on the smoker side and then cigarette on the grill side. It can be set up to 1,000 Fahrenheit degrees. Not to say it is extremely durable and it will serve you long years.
However, keep in mind that for such a massive grill you will also need more space, so it’s not an option for small households. It’s also going to be more pricey than the previous grills.
Besides all the advantages mentioned above, this grill includes lots of innovative heating systems that will make your meal taste amazingly in a way that you’ve never had before.
7. Royal Gourmet CC1830FC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
This is also an Exquisite option for those who are looking for a machine to grill and smoke on. One interesting part about it is that it has another budget option to consider. In the model where are you here, there is the main cooking chamber that has 800 square inches of cooking space.
It’s made with porcelain enamel grapes. Not to say it is assertive build and it does its job of smoking or grilling perfectly. And, once again, it’s a perfect option for those who want to smoke and Grill at the same time.
What is more, the grills of this level it has a comparatively acceptable price. However, keep in mind that there is no automation and you will have to watch the grill all the time to ensure the accurate temperature.
In addition, there’s also no option to grill and smoke at the same time it’s quite easy to assemble however we don’t recommend doing this alone.
And this Grill is not really easy to clean. It will be a perfect option for those who want to smoke or grill for large companies but don’t want to splurge too much money on it.
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The grill will remain one of the best ways to prepare meat or other dishes on an open fire for quite a long time. If you purchase a device that combines grill and smoker functions, you’ll get delicious food every time you cook.
Any meat, fish or even vegetables will have an amazing flavor of smoke and smoker that you can adjust yourself. We hope that you have found the most suitable option for yourself and will soon be able to taste the flavorful meat.
FAQ for electric smoker & grill combo buyers
1. What is a smoker and how is it different from a grill?
The Smoker is a device that helps you smoke different foods. For example, meat tastes exquisitely smoky, and you get a great result with an unusual flavor.
The combination of the grill and the Smoker in one device gives you the ability to grill meat that will have a smoker-like flavor. Electrical devices will help you do this even without using fire.
2. What are the special features of cooking meat on an electric grill or smoker?
When cooking meat, you should always consider that you will get a good result with constant monitoring of the process. You will need to keep the same temperature throughout the entire cooking process.
A temperature controller will help you to do this – it’s usually up to 400 degrees. You also need to determine the amount of meat you will cook in one go. Of course, many grills have enough surface for 5 steaks, but it is best to position the meat so that it does not touch each other.
3. What is the convenience of combining grill and smoker into one unit?
If you have used these devices individually, you understand that each requires special care and maintenance. You will also need space to store them without damage. It’s unlikely that you’ll be using two devices at once, so grill or smoker will usually idle without doing anything.
Combining functions inside one unit is an economical measure, as individual units require more fuel and money. And of course, the cost of a universal device will be cheaper than buying a grill or smoker separately.
4. Can I combine several different products when smoking or grilling?
Cooking with a smoker or grill involves the complete impregnation of the smells and tastes of the food. For example, if you place potatoes and steak next to each other, the potatoes will acquire all the smells and tastes of the steak.
So if you wanted to get 2 different products as a result, we do not recommend combining them when cooking. It can also be an ethical issue: for example, cooking vegetarian dishes cannot be combined with meat, as juices and meat particles can get on the dish.