Best Grill And Smoker Combo
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The best grill and smoker combo for your backyard depends on how often you plan to smoke, how many people you cook for, and how much manual tending you want to do during a cook. This page compares eight grill and smoker combos using only the titles, bullet points, and specifications published for each model. Read the quick answer first, then use the comparison table to narrow the field before you open any product page. Each section answers one buying question, so you can skip to the part that matches your outdoor cooking.
Quick answer
- Choose the Pit Boss 500 Carbon wood pellet grill and smoker if you want a digital controller, a meat probe, and a temperature range from 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Choose the Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 if you want charcoal flavor with push-button ignition and a digital control panel or app.
- Choose one of the Realcook offset smoker combos if you want a separate side smoker box, a larger main grill, and storage shelves.
- Choose a vertical or barrel smoker, such as the SUNLIFER, Realcook 20 Inch Vertical, EL BARRIL, or Dinithron model, if your main goal is smoking meat in a smaller footprint.
Fuel type: charcoal, wood pellets, or an offset firebox
The first decision is how the heat is made. Most of the models in this set burn charcoal, including the SUNLIFER, Masterbuilt, EL BARRIL, Dinithron, and the three Realcook charcoal designs. The Realcook 20 Inch Vertical listing says it can use charcoal or wood, and the Pit Boss runs on 100 percent hardwood pellets with a 13.5 pound hopper. Charcoal models give you direct control over the fire, while pellet models give you a steadier temperature with less manual adjustment.
The offset design is a separate category. The two Realcook offset models pair a main grill chamber with a side smoker box, so you can smoke low and slow on one side while searing or grilling on the other. The listings describe a side smoker of 196 square inches on the larger model and a dual chamber layout with a main grill and side offset smoker on the smaller one. If you want to grill and smoke in the same cook without moving food between units, the offset designs are the main option.
Charcoal models add a step that pellet models skip. You light the charcoal, manage the vents, and add fuel during a long cook, and the listings describe the vents and chimney dampers as the main way to hold temperature. The Masterbuilt is the exception in this group, because its QuickStart automatic ignition lights the fire starter with a push of a button, and its DigitalFan holds the temperature you set on the control panel or app.
Cooking area, racks, and capacity
Cooking area is the spec that decides how much food you can smoke or grill in one session. The Realcook offset grill lists 800 square inches in total, with 420 in the main grill, 196 in the side smoker, and 184 in a warming rack. The Pit Boss lists 543.3 square inches of cooking surface, and the Masterbuilt lists 545 square inches of cooking area. The Realcook dual-chamber smaller model lists 510 square inches, and the SUNLIFER lists 646 square inches across two chrome-plated grates.
Capacity for meat is stated in a few listings. The EL BARRIL bullet points say the drum can cook up to 45 pounds of meat, while the Dinithron title names a 22 pound meat capacity. The Realcook vertical model lists 636 square inches of cooking surface in its bullet points and 646 square inches in its specifications, so the two figures differ slightly. The vertical models also include hanging hooks, which the listings describe as useful for large turkeys, chickens, and slabs of ribs.
Temperature control, vents, and heat range
Temperature control separates a simple smoker from a combo you can trust during a long cook. The Pit Boss is the most specific in this set, with a 180 to 500 degree range, an LCD digital controller, and an included meat probe that the bullet points say shows internal temperatures to the second. The Masterbuilt covers 250 to 650 degrees Fahrenheit with its digital control, and the Dinithron listing gives a body-mounted thermometer display range of 50 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The charcoal models rely on vents and dampers. The SUNLIFER lists a built-in thermometer and two adjustable air vents, and the Realcook vertical model describes a special bottom damper and ash collector for holding a steady temperature. The two Realcook offset models list adjustable air vents, a chimney, and a built-in thermometer, which the bullet points say lets you track heat without opening the lid. The Dinithron bullets also describe adjustable airflow and a thermometer that follows the chamber temperature as the fuel burns.
Mobility, storage, and assembly
Size and portability matter once the combo has to move from garage to patio or campsite. The Realcook offset grill lists a weight of 42 pounds and dimensions of 28.74 inches deep, 49.6 inches wide, and 46.25 inches high. The Realcook dual chamber model lists 2 cart-style wheels and stainless steel handles, which the bullet points describe as easy to move. The Pit Boss weighs 89 pounds and stands about 43.8 inches tall, so it works best as a fixed patio unit.
The vertical and barrel models are easier to carry. The Realcook 20 Inch Vertical is described as separable into four parts that fit in a car trunk, and the bullets say assembly takes 30 to 45 minutes. The EL BARRIL is a portable drum with a carry bag and removable parts, and the Dinithron body, lid, and base separate for cleaning. The Realcook offset grill also includes a front shelf, a side shelf, and a bottom rack that is rated for up to 44 pounds, which gives you a place to keep tools and charcoal close to the cook.
Comparison table
The table uses only the values in each listing. A cell marked not stated means the listing did not give that detail.
| Model | Fuel | Cooking area | Temperature control | Weight | Main extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNLIFER 20.5 Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker and Grill Combo | Charcoal | 646 sq in | Built-in thermometer, two air vents | 33.3 lb | Two access doors, two racks |
| Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo | Charcoal | 545 sq in | Digital control, 250 to 650 F | not stated | Automatic ignition, sear plate, app control |
| EL BARRIL 45LB Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo | Charcoal | not stated | Temperature gauge | not stated | 14 hooks, carry bag, ashtray |
| Dinithron Charcoal Smoker Grill Combo, Medium | Charcoal | not stated | Body-mounted thermometer, 50 to 800 F | 25 lb | Four S-hooks, 22 lb meat capacity |
| Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Charcoal | 800 sq in total | Built-in thermometer, adjustable chimney | 42 lb | Side smoker, front and side shelves |
| Realcook Charcoal Grills with Offset Smoker | Charcoal | 510 sq in total | Built-in gauge, adjustable chimney | not stated | Two cart-style wheels, two-grate system |
| Realcook 20 Inch Vertical Smoker | Charcoal or wood | 636 sq in (bullet), 646 sq in (spec) | Bottom damper, built-in thermometer | 32 lb | Two access doors, four hangers |
| Pit Boss 500 Carbon Pellet Grill and Smoker | Wood pellet | 543.3 sq in | LCD controller, 180 to 500 F, meat probe | 89 lb | 13.5 lb pellet hopper, grease bucket |
Product-by-product breakdown
Each model below is described from its own title, brand, bullet points, and specifications. The strengths differ, so read the section that matches the cooking style you want.
SUNLIFER 20.5 Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker and Grill Combo
This is a black vertical charcoal smoker from SUNLIFER that can also serve as a small grill and a fire pit, according to its bullet points. Its listing describes two chrome-plated cooking grates with a total of 646 square inches, four hooks and a crossbar inside the lid, and two access doors. It suits readers who want a vertical smoker with plenty of room for ribs or large cuts and who like to add charcoal or wood without opening the whole body.
Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo
This is a black digital charcoal grill and smoker from Masterbuilt with a stainless steel outer body and a sear plate in its title. Its bullet points describe QuickStart automatic ignition, a DigitalFan that holds the set temperature, and a precision range from 250 to 650 degrees Fahrenheit across a 545 square inch cooking area. It suits readers who want the flavor of charcoal with the convenience of a push-button start and who like to manage the cook from a control panel or the Masterbuilt app.
EL BARRIL 45LB Premium Stainless Steel Barrel Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo
This is a stainless steel barrel charcoal grill and smoker from GRILLS EL BARRIL with a portable drum body and a temperature gauge. Its bullet points describe 430 stainless steel construction, up to 45 pounds of meat in one cook, and a set of 14 hooks with a hook remover, a sausage tower, a multi-purpose tower, and a carry bag. It suits readers who cook for camping trips, tailgates, or family gatherings and who want a drum that packs its accessories into one kit.
Dinithron Charcoal Smoker Grill Combo, Medium, 22 lb Meat Capacity
This is a silver stainless steel charcoal smoker and grill from Dinithron in a medium barrel size. Its bullet points describe a 304 stainless steel body, a body-mounted thermometer with a display range of 50 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, and four S-shaped meat hooks with an ash tray. It suits readers who want a compact barrel for smoking or roasting a moderate amount of meat and who plan to separate the lid, barrel, and base for cleaning after the cook.
Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker: Spacious Barrel Charcoal Grills
This is a black charcoal grill with an attached offset smoker from Realcook, offering 800 square inches of total cooking space. Its bullet points describe a 420 square inch main grill, a 196 square inch side smoker, a 184 square inch warming rack, and a built-in thermometer with adjustable chimney and air vents. It suits readers who want to feed five to eight people and who want a side smoker for ribs or slow-smoked meats during the same cookout.
Realcook Charcoal Grills with Offset Smoker: Spacious Barrel Charcoal Grill
This is a black dual-chamber charcoal grill from Realcook with a main grill chamber and a side offset smoker, offering 510 square inches of total cooking space. Its bullet points describe a two-grate system that lets you add charcoal mid-cook, two cart-style wheels, and a bottom rack that is rated for up to 44 pounds. It suits readers who want a portable offset setup for backyard, patio, or tailgate cooking and who want to refuel the fire without lifting the whole grate.
Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill, 20 Inch Vertical Smoker
This is a charcoal and wood vertical smoker from Realcook, sold in a 20 inch size with an alloy steel outer body. Its bullet points describe a special bottom damper and ash collector for steady temperature, two access doors for adding fuel without losing heat, and four hangers inside the lid for large turkeys and chickens. It suits readers who smoke large cuts and want a unit that breaks down into four parts for transport.
Pit Boss 500 Carbon Series Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
This is a black wood pellet grill and smoker from Pit Boss with an LCD digital controller and 543.3 square inches of cooking surface. Its bullet points describe a range from 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, a 13.5 pound pellet hopper, porcelain-coated steel grates, and an included meat probe. It suits readers who want set-and-hold temperature control for long smokes and who prefer a pellet fuel that runs without constant tending.
Who should buy which setup
Start with the reader who wants steady heat with the least tending. The Pit Boss is the strongest match, because its controller, probe, and automatic start and cool-down cycles reduce the number of manual adjustments. The Masterbuilt is the charcoal alternative for the same reader, because its digital control and automatic ignition bring more convenience to a charcoal fire.
Next is the reader who wants to grill and smoke at the same time. The two Realcook offset designs are built around that need, with a main grill chamber and a side smoker box. The larger 800 square inch model suits bigger gatherings, while the 510 square inch model fits a smaller patio and includes wheels for moving the unit.
The reader who mainly smokes meat and wants a compact footprint should look at the vertical and barrel models. The SUNLIFER and Realcook 20 Inch Vertical offer large cooking areas in a tall body, the EL BARRIL is built for portability and includes many accessories, and the Dinithron is a medium barrel for cooks who want a lighter unit that separates for cleaning.
Mistakes that lead to the wrong purchase
- Buying by cooking area alone. A large surface does not help if the temperature range or vents do not match how you cook.
- Assuming every combo can grill and smoke equally well. The vertical and barrel models are smoke-first designs, while the offset models are built for both tasks.
- Overlooking the fuel. Pellet models run on hardwood pellets and need a power source, while charcoal models need more manual tending during a long cook.
- Ignoring the footprint. The Pit Boss stands about 43.8 inches tall and weighs 89 pounds, which makes it a fixed patio unit rather than a portable one.
- Trusting one figure for capacity. The Realcook 20 Inch Vertical lists two different cooking area numbers, so check the product page before you plan a large cook.
- Forgetting the cleanup. Models with removable grease trays, ash pans, or separating parts reduce the work after a long cook.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pellet grill and smoker easier to use than charcoal?
A pellet model like the Pit Boss holds temperature with less manual adjustment, while charcoal models give you direct control over the fire and more manual work during the cook.
Which combo has the largest listed cooking area?
The Realcook offset grill lists 800 square inches in total across its main grill, side smoker, and warming rack, which is the largest total in this set.
Can I use these combos for grilling as well as smoking?
Yes, the offset designs and the SUNLIFER and Masterbuilt listings describe grilling as well as smoking, and the bullet points for the vertical models describe grilling as one of several uses.
Which models are easiest to move?
The Realcook dual-chamber model has two cart-style wheels and the Realcook 20 Inch Vertical separates into four parts, while the Pit Boss is listed at 89 pounds and suits a fixed spot.
Do these models include a meat probe or thermometer?
The Pit Boss includes a meat probe, and most of the charcoal models list a built-in or body-mounted thermometer.
Bottom line
Decide whether you need to grill and smoke in the same cook before you compare anything else. If you need both at once, buy one of the Realcook offset combos; if you want steady heat with the least tending, buy the Pit Boss; if you mainly smoke meat in a smaller space, buy a vertical or barrel model.