Does the sizzle of perfectly grilled steak or the smoky aroma of slow-cooked ribs make your mouth water? For many of us, outdoor cooking is more than just making food; it’s about creating memories with friends and family under the open sky. But turning that dream into reality often hits a wall when you face the overwhelming world of outdoor grills and smokers. Should you choose gas for convenience, charcoal for flavor, or maybe an electric model?
The sheer number of features, sizes, and price points can turn an exciting purchase into a frustrating chore. You want that perfect balance of performance and value, but navigating terms like “indirect heat” or “ceramic insulation” feels like learning a new language. Choosing the wrong equipment means disappointing dinners and wasted money.
Fear not! This guide cuts through the smoke and mirrors. We will break down the essential differences between the top outdoor cooking tools available today. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which grill or smoker fits your backyard, your budget, and your culinary ambitions.
Top Outdoor Grill And Smoker Recommendations
- Charcoal & Gas Combo: The dual-fuel grill with an attached offset smoker and a side burner provides the authentic charcoal flavor, the convenience of gas grilling, the rich smoky flavor and the versatility of cooking sides or sauces, all in one tidy package
- 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area: A total of 1020 sq. in. cooking area, including 666 sq. in. primary cooking area (333 sq. in. gas area & 333 sq. in. charcoal area), 157 sq. in. warming rack area and 197 sq. in. offset smoker area, holds up to 36 burgers simultaneously
- Offset Smoker: Used as either a traditional smoker or an extra charcoal grill, an attached offset smoker infuses meats with irresistible smoky flavor and provides optimal circulation of heat and smoke. A side door makes it a breeze to add charcoal and remove ashes
- Fast & Robust Heat: Featuring 2 stainless steel main burners (12,000 BTU each) and a side burner (10,000 BTU), this grill delivers 34,000 BTU robust power in total. Piezo ignition system makes it easier than ever to fire up the grill without the need for battery
- Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: 3-level adjustable charcoal pan enhances heat regulation, allowing for versatile cooking styles like slow-cooking, searing and smoking. The max charcoal capacity of the charcoal grill and the offset smoker are 3.3 lb. and 1.5 lb
- 823 Square Inches: Includes 475 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 151 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 197 sq. in. offset smoker
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to charcoal grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly
- Adjustable Lifting Rack: The two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures enhanced control over cooking temperatures by adjusting the distance between the food and the heat source
- Temperature Monitor: The easy-to-read lid thermometer helps you maintain the ideal cooking temperature for a wide range of foods, giving you confidence in your grilling results
- Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit. Infuse every dish with 100% real woodfire flavor using authentic wood pellets.
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs. of wings, 2 whole chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
- Smart Built-In Thermometer: Take the guesswork out of grilling with a precision temperature probe that monitors doneness in real time and alerts you when your food is perfectly cooked.
- Full-Size Grill Performance: Enjoy the char, sear, and flavor of a traditional propane grill with the convenience of electric power ideal for grilling steaks, burgers, and BBQ with ease.
- Easy Wood Pellet BBQ Smoking: Create authentic bark and smoky flavor in minutes with just 1/2 cup of wood pellets no need for bulky smokers or long prep times.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: The Traeger Pro 22 is the original wood pellet smoker and grill combo trusted by. Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. Enjoy authentic wood-fired flavor in every meal using this pellet grill built for all your outdoor cooking needs.
- Precise Temperature Control: Achieve consistent results with this electric smoker grill advanced Digital Pro Controller's advanced temperature control system. Grill hot and fast or low and slow from 180°F to 450°F within plus /- 15 degrees for unbeatable BBQ and smoking performance.
- Stable Pellet Smoker Grill Design: Constructed with powder-coated steel and porcelain-coated grill grates for durability and easy cleanup. Features a rugged sawhorse chassis, side lift bar, and large wheels for effortless movement across outdoor grills and smokers’ setup.
- Built for Outdoor BBQs and Grilling: This Traeger smoker grill offers 572 sq. in. of cooking space, fit up to 24 burgers, 5 racks of ribs, or 4 whole chickens. From hosting a cookout or meal prepping for the week, the Traeger Pro 22 can handle it all.
- Convenient Features for Grilling: Monitor internal food temps without opening the smoker grill lid using the built-in meat probe. An 18lb hopper holds enough Traeger wood pellets for long cooks, with a clean-out door for fast flavor swaps and storage prep.
- Total cook area: 870 square inches
- Primary cook area: 606 square inches
- Easy dump ash pan
- 24, 000 BTU's
- Porcelain coated cast iron grates
- FEWER REFILLS, MORE FLAVOR – With 6× longer smokes per load, you get uninterrupted smoking sessions that lock in flavor and bark. No need to constantly open the door or reload chips—just set it, relax, and let this electric smoker do the heavy lifting
- ALWAYS COOKED TO PERFECTION – The built-in meat probe tracks internal temperature in real time, so you know exactly when your meat is ready—no opening the door, no drying it out, no second-guessing. This meat smoker even stops automatically and switches to keep-warm mode when your target time is reached
- EASY RELOAD WITH NO HEAT LOSS – Add wood chips anytime using the side chip loader—no need to open the main door or disrupt your heat. Enjoy steady smoke and consistent flavor from start to finish
- BIGGER SPACE, BIGGER BATCHES – With 725 square inches of cooking area, you can load up full racks of ribs, multiple whole birds, or multiple cuts at once. Ideal for family gatherings, weekend prep, or serious smoke sessions
- SET IT AND FORGET IT – Digital controls make it easy to set your time and temperature, then let the outdoor smoker handle the rest. Just load it up, lock it in, and enjoy consistent, stress-free results every time
- COMBO SMOKER & GRILL: With a horizontal cooking chamber and a firebox on the side, the smoker is fueled by charcoal and flavored by hardwood splits & chunks, sold separately, to cook low and slow with indirect heat. The 3-burner gas grill is powered by liquid propane gas and runs on a 20-pound propane tank, not included. It has a 36,000 BTU rating, reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Smoke up to 2 pork shoulders and grill 12 burgers on the 750-square-inch primary grates. Grill up to 15 wings or 6 burgers on the 281-square-inch firebox grate.
- TOOL HOOKS: Three tool hooks are included to hang your tongs, spatula and other tools, freeing up space on your shelves.
- ASH PAN: A removable ash pan on the side of the firebox collects ash from the fire and provides easy access to clear out the ashes, making clean-up simple.
- SMOKESTACK & DAMPERS: Adjustable dampers on the firebox and smokestack regulate heat and smoke giving you maximum control and consistent results.
- Precise Temperature Management: Achieve grilling excellence with the accurate built-in thermometer in the main grill chamber. Our grill-smoker combo lets you monitor the temperature without opening the lid, ensuring your food cooks under optimal conditions. Adjustable air vents on both the grill and smoker regulate airflow and smoke intensity, making it easy to control the heat whether you're slow-cooking ribs or searing steaks
- Optimal Cooking Area: Enhance your outdoor grilling with our compact charcoal grill with smoker. Boasting a total cooking surface of 512 sq. in., this grill is ideal for intimate family cookouts or small gatherings. Its dual-chamber design features a primary grill & offset smoker, allowing for both grilling and smoking—a superb choice for a diverse range of meats and vegetables. Revel in the flexibility and sufficient space to demonstrate your grilling skills
- Effortless Mobility and Storage: Designed with convenience in mind, this portable charcoal grill boasts cart-style wheels and stainless steel handles for easy movement around your patio or garden. Two spacious storage areas, including a cleanable metal front shelf and a bottom shelf, offer 467 sq. in. of space for your grilling essentials. Whether it's charcoal or your favorite grilling tools, everything is within arm's reach
- Built to Last and Easy to Use: Crafted for durability and simplicity, the outdoor grills & smokers feature rugged grates and a solid connection between the grill and the offset smoker. This ensures efficient heat and smoke flow, enhancing the smoky flavors in your food. Two cooking grates in main chamber make it easy to add charcoal without removing the entire grate. Stainless steel handles ensure safety, preventing burns when opening the lid
- Versatile Features for Various Occasion: Ideal for backyard barbecues, camping trips, or intimate outdoor gatherings, this grill and smoker combo is ready for any event. It includes a warming rack and serves as a feature-rich outdoor grill for cooking and a smoker for achieving authentic smoky flavors. Compact yet efficient, this charcoal BBQ grill is perfect for small groups, making it a must-have for every grilling enthusiast looking to enjoy delicious smoky meals
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Outdoor Grill and Smoker
Choosing a new outdoor grill or smoker can be exciting! You want the best tool for backyard barbecues and slow-cooked treats. This guide helps you pick the perfect cooking companion.
1. Key Features to Look For
Think about what you plan to cook most often. This helps you decide on the right features.
Fuel Type Matters Most
- Gas (Propane or Natural Gas): These heat up fast. They offer easy temperature control. They are great for quick weeknight grilling.
- Charcoal: Charcoal gives food that classic smoky flavor. It requires more time to start and manage the heat.
- Pellet: Pellet grills use wood pellets for fuel and heat. They offer great smoke flavor and excellent temperature consistency for long cooks like brisket.
- Electric: Electric grills are easy to use, especially where open flames are not allowed. They offer less intense flavor than charcoal or wood.
Size and Cooking Space
Look at the total square inches of cooking area. A small family might only need 300 square inches. A big party host should look for 600 square inches or more. Also, check if the grill has multiple cooking racks.
Temperature Control and Monitoring
Good grills have clear temperature gauges. Pellet smokers often feature digital controls for precise settings. Charcoal grills need good vents (dampers) to control airflow and heat.
2. Important Materials for Longevity
The materials used determine how long your grill lasts and how well it cooks.
Cooking Grates
- Cast Iron: These hold heat very well. They create great sear marks. They need regular seasoning to prevent rust.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel resists rust better than cast iron. It is easier to clean. High-quality stainless steel is durable.
Body Construction
Thicker metal means better heat retention. Look for heavy-gauge steel for the main body. For smokers, thick steel walls keep the internal temperature steady.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often found in the details.
Heat Distribution
For gas grills, look for well-placed burners and flavorizer bars (or heat tents). These spread the heat evenly. Uneven heat leads to some food burning while other parts stay raw.
Ease of Cleaning
A good grill has removable grease trays or drip pans. If cleaning seems hard, you might avoid using the grill often. A simple design usually means easier maintenance.
Durability and Weather Resistance
If your grill stays outside all year, it needs good weather resistance. Stainless steel or powder-coated finishes protect the metal. A heavy-duty cover is also a smart purchase.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you want to cook.
The Weekday Warrior (Quick Meals)
If you need burgers fast after work, choose a gas grill. They reach cooking temperature in about 10–15 minutes. Look for features like side burners for sauces.
The Weekend Pitmaster (Slow & Low)
If you love smoking ribs or pork shoulder for many hours, a pellet smoker or a dedicated charcoal smoker is best. These units manage smoke and heat for long periods automatically or semi-automatically.
Portability
Do you tailgate or move your grill often? Check the weight and look for models with sturdy wheels. Small, portable charcoal grills work well for camping trips.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Outdoor Grills and Smokers
Q: Which fuel type is the easiest to use?
A: Gas grills are the easiest. You turn a knob, and the fire starts instantly. They offer the most consistent heat control.
Q: Does a more expensive grill always mean better food?
A: Not always, but better materials make a big difference. Expensive grills often use thicker steel and better burners, which helps the heat stay steady.
Q: How often should I clean my grill grates?
A: You should clean the grates after every use while the grill is still hot. Scrape off the food bits. A deep clean once or twice a season is also important.
Q: What is “smoking” food?
A: Smoking means cooking food slowly at a low temperature (usually under 275°F) using wood smoke to flavor the meat. This process makes tough cuts very tender.
Q: Can I use a charcoal grill as a smoker?
A: Yes, you can. You set up the charcoal on one side (indirect heat) and place wood chips or chunks on the other. You must keep the vents mostly closed to maintain low temperatures.
Q: Are infrared grills better than standard gas grills?
A: Infrared burners get much hotter, very quickly. They are excellent for searing steaks. Standard burners offer better overall temperature control for cooking thicker items all the way through.
Q: What does “BTU” mean on a gas grill?
A: BTU stands for British Thermal Units. It measures the heat output of the burners. Higher BTUs mean the grill can get hotter faster, but it does not guarantee even cooking.
Q: Do I need a cover for my new grill?
A: Yes, a good quality, fitted cover is highly recommended. It protects the metal from rain and sun, which stops rust and keeps the exterior looking new.
Q: How do I know if my smoker is holding the right temperature?
A: Always trust a separate, high-quality digital thermometer placed inside the cooking chamber. The built-in lid thermometer is often inaccurate.
Q: What is the main difference between a grill and a smoker?
A: Grills cook food quickly over direct, high heat. Smokers cook food slowly over indirect heat while using wood smoke for deep flavor penetration.