Outdoor Cooking

roundups

Best Grills with Smoker 2026: Top Combo Units

Best combo grill-smoker units of 2026. Oklahoma Joe Longhorn, Char-Griller Duo, Masterbuilt Gravity 800 ranked for smoke quality and versatility.

Cole Whitaker Cole Whitaker
Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Combo grill and smoker on a backyard patio with smoke rising from the offset firebox

The Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Combo is the best grill with a built-in smoker for serious backyard cooks: a full reverse-flow offset smoker on one side and a gas grill on the other in a single unit. For a more affordable two-fuel approach, the Char-Griller 5050 Duo pairs a propane gas grill with a charcoal side that doubles as an offset smoker. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is the pick for cooks who want charcoal flavor and smoking capability in a single grill without managing separate fireboxes.

What makes a combo grill-smoker worth buying?

A true combo grill-smoker unit combines two cooking functions in a footprint close to a single appliance. The core benefit is not saving money — a dedicated offset smoker plus a dedicated gas grill costs less in total. The benefit is yard space and single-unit management: one outdoor appliance instead of two.

Four factors separate useful combo units from disappointing ones:

Firebox isolation. The smoker and grill sections must be thermally isolated. If the offset smoker chamber bleeds heat into the gas grill side, you cannot grill at 450 degrees F while smoking at 225 degrees F simultaneously. Oklahoma Joe and Char-Griller achieve this with a dividing wall and separate lids; budget combo units often do not.

Smoke box construction. The offset firebox on a combo grill needs the same steel mass as a standalone offset smoker to hold a steady 225-275 degree F cook. Thin-walled combo units with light-gauge fireboxes lose temperature in 15-degree weather or wind, producing temperature swings that ruin a 12-hour brisket cook. The Oklahoma Joe Longhorn uses 3.5mm-thick steel on the smoker chamber; the Char-Griller 5050 uses thinner gauge and is better for shorter smokes.

Grill side power. Gas burners on combo units sometimes sacrifice BTU output to keep the price down. The Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Combo runs 21,000 BTUs on the gas side, which is adequate for grilling steaks and burgers but not competition-level searing. Camp Chef Woodwind Pro with Sidekick gives you a dedicated 28,000 BTU propane burner for high-heat work while the pellet section handles smoke.

Total cooking area. Combo units split their cooking area between two functions. A grill that claims 1,060 square inches total may offer only 440 on the gas grill side and 580 on the smoker side. Verify the primary grate dimensions for each section before buying, not just the headline number.

Quick comparison

Product Best for Rating Notes
Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Combo best overall; full reverse-flow offset smoker plus gas grill in one unit ★★★★★ 1060 sq in total, 3.5mm smoker chamber, 21000 BTU gas side. Check price
Char-Griller 5050 Duo best value; propane gas grill plus charcoal side that works as a smoker ★★★★☆ 1260 sq in total, side firebox sold separately, dual fuel. Check price
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 with Sidekick best pellet combo; set-and-forget pellet smoke with propane sear capability ★★★★★ 570 sq in pellet section, 28000 BTU Sidekick sear burner. Check price
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 best charcoal combo; automatic temperature control with charcoal fuel ★★★★★ 800 sq in total, digital controller, 700F capable for searing. Check price
Royal Gourmet CC1830F best budget; offset smoker plus grill under $250 ★★★★☆ 800 sq in total, charcoal grill with side offset firebox. Check price

The picks

Best overall: Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Reverse Flow Combo

Best for cooks who want a full reverse-flow offset smoker AND a capable gas grill in a single unit with real thermal isolation between sides

Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Reverse Flow Combo Smoker and Grill

The Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Combo is the most capable combo grill-smoker unit available under $1,000. The smoker section is a full-size reverse-flow offset: 751 square inches of primary cooking area, 3.5mm steel chamber, four removable baffles that force smoke under the cooking surface and up through the chimney for even heat distribution. The gas grill section has 309 square inches of primary cooking area, three cast iron grates, and 21,000 BTU output — adequate for direct grilling while the smoker runs a brisket or pork shoulder on the other side. The two sections are thermally isolated, allowing simultaneous operation at different temperatures. Price is $700-900. The trade-off is weight and size: the Longhorn Combo weighs over 260 pounds assembled and requires permanent placement.

★★★★★ 4.6 · 1,200 reviews

Check current price on Amazon

Pros

  • Full reverse-flow offset smoker section with 3.5mm steel chamber holds temperature in cold or windy conditions
  • Thermal isolation between smoker and gas sections allows simultaneous operation at completely different temperatures
  • Reverse-flow baffle system creates even smoke and heat distribution across the full smoker grate
  • Three heavy cast iron grates on the gas side hold heat well and produce good grill marks
  • Oklahoma Joe parts and accessories are widely available — firebox grates, baffle plates, and temperature gauges are easy to source

Cons

  • Gas grill section tops out at adequate rather than powerful: 21,000 BTU is sufficient but not ideal for a restaurant-quality sear on thick steaks
  • At 260-plus pounds assembled, this is a permanent installation — not a grill you move around the patio seasonally
  • Offset smoker requires hands-on management: adding charcoal or wood every 45-90 minutes during a long cook
  • Temperature gauge on the lid of the smoker section reads the air temperature, not the grate level where food sits — add an aftermarket probe for accuracy
  • The offset firebox door seals on most units require gasket tape to prevent smoke leaks and temperature instability

Best value: Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas and Charcoal Combo

Best for budget-first buyers who want a gas grill and a charcoal grill side by side, with the option to add a side firebox for offset smoking

Char-Griller 5050 Duo 5-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill

The Char-Griller 5050 Duo gives you a 40,800 BTU propane gas grill (five burners, 438 sq in primary cooking area) alongside a full-size charcoal grill (580 sq in) in one unit for $350-500. The charcoal side can run as a standalone charcoal grill for hot-and-fast cooking, or with the separately sold side fire box (Model 22424, roughly $60) converts to an offset smoker for low-and-slow pork ribs and chicken. The steel gauge is not as heavy as Oklahoma Joe, which limits smoking performance in cold or windy weather. For cooks who want flexible fuel options — gas for weeknight burgers, charcoal for weekend grilling, occasional weekend smoking — the 5050 Duo is the most versatile unit at this price point.

★★★★☆ 4.4 · 3,400 reviews

Check current price on Amazon

Pros

  • Five-burner gas side with 40800 BTU gives real high-heat grilling capability not found on combo units at this price
  • 580 sq in charcoal side runs as a standard charcoal grill or, with the optional side firebox attachment, as an offset smoker
  • Both sides can operate simultaneously with independent temperature control via separate lids and vents
  • Available at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart for in-person pickup and easy parts access
  • Side fire box add-on (Model 22424) is inexpensive at $50-70 and converts the charcoal side to a true offset smoker configuration

Cons

  • Side firebox is not included — the combo grill alone cannot function as a smoker without buying the separate accessory
  • Thinner steel gauge than Oklahoma Joe means greater temperature swings during long smoke sessions in cold or windy weather
  • Cast iron grates require regular seasoning to prevent rust — a maintenance commitment versus stainless alternatives
  • Charcoal side ash management requires more cleanup effort than gas-only grills, especially after multi-hour cooking sessions

Best pellet combo: Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 with Sidekick

Best for cooks who want set-and-forget pellet smoking with true high-heat searing capability from one outdoor appliance

Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 Pellet Grill with Sidekick Sear Station

The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 with Sidekick is the best answer for cooks who cannot choose between pellet smoking and gas grilling. The Woodwind Pro 36 pellet smoker section runs 160-500 degrees F with app-connected PID temperature control, a built-in smoke box for real hardwood chunks that supplements pellet smoke output, and a Slide and Grill direct-flame mode that hits 650 degrees F for searing. The Sidekick single-burner propane attachment adds a dedicated 28,000 BTU burner that reaches 900 degrees F for restaurant-grade searing. Combined, the setup covers every cooking style from 12-hour brisket at 225 degrees F to reverse-seared ribeye at 900 degrees F. Price with the Sidekick is $900-1,200 — more than a basic offset combo, but with significantly more versatility and precision.

★★★★★ 4.6 · 1,900 reviews

Check current price on Amazon

Pros

  • Built-in smoke box accepts real wood chunks for enhanced smoke output beyond what pellets alone produce — a unique feature in the pellet grill category
  • Sidekick propane sear station reaches 900 degrees F, producing a Maillard-reaction crust comparable to a restaurant cast iron setup
  • Slide and Grill direct-flame access on the pellet section adds 650 degrees F searing capability without the Sidekick if needed
  • PID temperature controller holds smoking temperatures within 5-10 degrees F — more precise than any charcoal or gas offset combo unit
  • Camp Chef Connect app allows monitoring and adjusting cook temperature from anywhere during long pellet smokes

Cons

  • Sidekick sear station is a separate $200-300 purchase on top of the already-premium Woodwind Pro price
  • Pellet smoker requires 110V power, unlike charcoal offset combos — not suitable for off-grid use or power outage cooking
  • Pellet fuel cost per cook is higher than charcoal or wood chunk alternatives, especially on long low-and-slow sessions
  • 570 sq in pellet section primary grate is smaller than the Oklahoma Joe or Char-Griller 5050 for dedicated smoking capacity

Best charcoal combo: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800

Best for charcoal loyalists who want automatic temperature control and the ability to grill, smoke, and sear without managing a traditional offset firebox

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 uses a gravity-fed charcoal hopper paired with a digital temperature controller to eliminate the manual fire management of traditional offset smoking. Load charcoal into the top hopper, set the target temperature on the digital controller, and the Gravity Series feeds fuel to the firebox automatically, holding temperatures from 225 degrees F for smoking up to 700 degrees F for direct-heat searing on cast iron grates. Total cooking area is 800 square inches including the upper warming rack. Price is $550-700. It does not have a separate gas grill section, but the wide temperature range covers everything from brisket to steakhouse searing in a single unit — the closest thing to an all-in-one charcoal-powered combo cooker.

★★★★★ 4.5 · 2,600 reviews

Check current price on Amazon

Pros

  • Digital temperature controller manages charcoal fuel feed automatically — no manual tending every 45 minutes like a traditional offset smoker
  • Reaches 700 degrees F on the cast iron grates for a direct-heat sear using the same charcoal fuel as the low-and-slow smoking mode
  • 800 square inches of total cooking area handles a full packer brisket plus ribs simultaneously on multiple racks
  • Gravity-fed hopper holds 10 pounds of charcoal, providing 8-10 hours of continuous smoking without a reload
  • Works with lump charcoal or briquettes — no proprietary fuel required, unlike pellet-based combo units

Cons

  • Requires 110V power for the digital controller and fan — not functional without an electrical source, unlike a traditional charcoal offset
  • Charcoal ash management is more involved than a pellet grill: the ash drawer fills during long smokes and requires emptying before a cook to avoid airflow restriction
  • No separate gas burner for direct grilling — if you want the convenience of instant gas ignition alongside a charcoal smoker, look at the Char-Griller 5050 instead
  • At 700 degrees F on the upper sear grates, flare-up management requires attention — keep a spray bottle nearby for high-heat sessions

Best budget: Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

Best for first-time smokers who want a combo charcoal grill and offset smoker under $250 to learn the fundamentals before investing in a premium unit

Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal BBQ Grill with Offset Smoker

The Royal Gourmet CC1830F is the entry point for combo charcoal grill and offset smoker cooking, with a built-in side firebox (no extra purchase needed) and 800 square inches of total cooking area for $180-250. The main cooking grate is 443 square inches for direct charcoal grilling; the offset firebox adds a dedicated smoke chamber for low-and-slow cooking at 225-275 degrees F. Steel gauge is thin by comparison with Oklahoma Joe, so temperature management is more demanding and wind significantly affects cook stability. For a first brisket or rack of ribs at low cost, the CC1830F gets the job done with attentive fire management. Expect to upgrade within 2-3 years if smoking becomes a regular habit.

★★★★☆ 4.1 · 4,800 reviews

Check current price on Amazon

Pros

  • Built-in side firebox is included at no extra cost, unlike the Char-Griller 5050 which requires a separate purchase for smoking capability
  • Total price under $250 makes it the lowest-cost entry point to true offset smoker cooking with a dedicated grill section
  • Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates resist rust better than bare iron alternatives common at this price point
  • 800 square inches of total cooking area allows a full rack of ribs plus a chicken on the main grate simultaneously

Cons

  • Thin gauge steel causes temperature swings of 30-50 degrees F in any wind — a windbreak or charcoal basket insert helps significantly
  • Lid seals are loose on most units, allowing smoke and heat to escape — seal with high-temp gasket tape for better performance
  • Wheels are small and the assembled unit is difficult to reposition; place it in its final location before filling with fuel
  • Cooking grates are lighter gauge than premium units — replace with aftermarket cast iron grates to improve heat retention and grill marks

What to skip

Combo units from unknown brands under $150. At this price, the firebox is too thin to hold smoking temperatures, the grill grate warps within a season, and replacement parts do not exist. If the budget is $200 or less, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F is the minimum viable option.

Five-in-one outdoor cookers claiming grill, smoker, roaster, pizza oven, and fire pit. These rarely execute any single function competently. The design compromises required to cover five use cases produce mediocre results across all of them. Buy a dedicated grill-smoker combo from a specialist brand.

Combo units with integrated smoker boxes on a gas grill lid. These produce minimal smoke flavor — the wood chip boxes are too small, too far from the food, and too underpowered to replicate offset smoking. For gas grill smoke, a cast iron smoker box accessory is a better solution. For real smoke flavor, an offset combo or pellet grill is the right tool.

Used combo units without firebox inspection. Fireboxes on cheap combo smokers rust through the bottom within 2-4 seasons. Inspect the firebox interior before buying used — a rusted-through bottom means the unit is not salvageable.

Frequently asked questions about combo grill-smoker units

Frequently asked questions

Can a combo grill-smoker run both sides at the same time?
On well-built units like the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Combo and Char-Griller 5050, yes — the sections are thermally isolated and can operate at different temperatures simultaneously. On budget combo units, the isolation is incomplete and operating both sides creates unpredictable temperature interactions. Read buyer reviews specifically about simultaneous operation before buying.
Is a combo grill-smoker better than buying separate units?
Buying separate units costs less in total and gives you better performance in each category. A dedicated offset smoker and a dedicated gas grill outperform any combo unit in their respective functions. The combo is justified when yard space is limited, when you want a single appliance to manage, or when moving between grilling and smoking in the same session is a priority.
How long can a combo smoker hold temperature without adding fuel?
A well-sealed offset combo smoker holds 225-250 degrees F for 45-90 minutes per fuel load, depending on steel gauge and outside temperature. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 extends this to 4-5 hours before needing a charcoal refill due to the gravity hopper. Pellet-based combos like the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro run 10-plus hours on a 20-pound hopper at smoking temperatures.
What fuel does a combo grill-smoker use?
It depends on the unit type. Gas-plus-charcoal combos like the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn and Char-Griller 5050 use propane for the gas grill side and charcoal or wood chunks for the smoker side. Pellet combos use wood pellets. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series uses lump charcoal or briquettes for both grilling and smoking. There is no universal fuel type for combo units.
How do I add smoke to a gas grill without buying a new combo unit?
A cast iron smoker box placed directly on the burners of your existing gas grill adds light smoke flavor to grilled food. Load the box with soaked wood chips, preheat it on high until smoke appears, then reduce the burner under it to medium. This does not replicate offset smoking but adds a meaningful smoke note to chicken, fish, and vegetables without buying new equipment.
Which combo grill-smoker is easiest to maintain?
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 requires the least hands-on management during a cook: load charcoal, set temperature, and let the digital controller handle fuel feed. Traditional offset combos require adding charcoal or wood every 45-90 minutes. Pellet combos fall in between — minimal tending during the cook, but pellet hopper refills on very long sessions.

Bottom line

The Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Combo is the best combo grill-smoker for cooks who want genuine dual-function performance without compromise. The Char-Griller 5050 Duo is the best value at $350-500 for buyers who primarily grill and occasionally smoke. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is the right pick for charcoal-fuel loyalists who want automatic temperature management. The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 with Sidekick is the best answer for pellet smoking with high-heat searing in one unit.

The most common mistake with combo grill-smokers is buying the wrong type for the primary use case. If you smoke more than you grill, prioritize the smoker section quality. If you grill five nights a week and smoke once a month, prioritize the gas grill side and accept the offset as a secondary feature.

More from this site: best charcoal grills, best smokers, offset vs pellet smoker, how to use a smoker, best grill thermometers.