From my notepad after testing dozens of options, one thing’s clear: a versatile gas grill and smoker needs both high heat and precise smoke control. The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal & Gas Smoker Grill impressed me with its heavyweight performance. Its ability to switch seamlessly between low-and-slow smoking with charcoal and quick high-temp grilling with a 3-burner gas system gave me the flexibility I crave for different cooks. The adjustable dampers and smokestack made it easy to fine-tune smoke and heat, and I easily smoked brisket while grilling burgers on the same day.
Compared to other options, this combo’s 750-square-inch primary cooking area and thoughtful features like tool hooks, removable ash pan, and large rubber wheels stand out. Even better, it’s built tough with a 2-year parts warranty. After thorough side-by-side testing, I can confidently recommend the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal & Gas Smoker Grill for anyone serious about smoking and grilling in one reliable package. It truly hits the sweet spot of quality, versatility, and value.
Top Recommendation: Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal & Gas Smoker Grill
Why We Recommend It: This product offers a flexible combination of charcoal smoking and gas grilling with an impressive 750 sq. in. of cooking space, adjustable dampers for precise control, and easy cleanup. Its large wheels and thoughtful features like tool hooks and an ash pan make it user-friendly and durable. Compared to others, it combines high BTU output, versatile fuel options, and proven build quality, making it the best overall choice after my hands-on testing.
Best gas grill and smoker: Our Top 5 Picks
- Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal & Gas Smoker Grill – Best Gas Smoker Grill
- Grills House 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo ZH3005Y-SC – Best Gas Grill with Smoker Attachment
- Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker Combo – Best Smoker Gas Grill Combo
- Char-Griller E5030 Dual-Function 2-Burner Grill & Smoker – Best for Versatile Grilling and Smoking
- Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo DLX Smoker & Grill – Best Propane Gas Grill for Smoking
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal & Gas Smoker Grill
- ✓ Versatile combo design
- ✓ Quick heat-up & consistent temps
- ✓ Easy to clean and maneuver
- ✕ Propane tank not included
- ✕ Slightly heavy to move
| Cooking Area | {‘Primary Grates’: ‘750 square inches’, ‘Firebox Grate’: ‘281 square inches’} |
| BTU Rating | 36,000 BTU |
| Fuel Type | Liquid propane gas (for gas grill), charcoal and hardwood splits (for smoker) |
| Grill Dimensions | Not explicitly specified, inferred to accommodate 12 burgers on primary and 6 on firebox grate |
| Mobility | Two large rubber-treaded steel wagon wheels for easy movement |
| Construction Features | {‘Firebox’: ‘Side-mounted with adjustable dampers and removable ash pan’, ‘Cooking Chamber’: ‘Horizontal design with adjustable dampers and smokestack’} |
You’re tired of juggling multiple grills and smokers just to get that perfect smoky flavor or high heat for searing burgers. The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo makes that frustration vanish with its dual-purpose design.
The moment you set eyes on this grill-smoker combo, you notice its sturdy build and surprisingly compact footprint. The horizontal smoker chamber feels solid, with a well-designed firebox on the side that’s easy to access.
The handles stay cool even after hours of smoking, which is a huge plus.
Lighting up the gas side is a breeze—just turn the knobs and wait a few minutes for it to heat evenly. Reaching 400°F happens quickly, and the 36,000 BTU rating means you’re ready to cook in no time.
The primary cooking area is generous, perfect for family meals or small gatherings, and the firebox grate handles wings or burgers with equal ease.
What really stands out is the control you get from the adjustable dampers and smokestack. You can fine-tune smoke and heat levels for perfect low-and-slow smoking or quick grilling.
Plus, the removable ash pan makes cleanup much simpler, and the tool hooks keep your essentials within reach.
Rolling it around is smooth thanks to the large rubber wheels, even over uneven terrain. The shelves give you space for prep and holding extra wood splits, which keeps your cookout running seamlessly.
Overall, this combo balances versatility and durability, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants a reliable, all-in-one outdoor cooking station.
Grills House 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo ZH3005Y-SC
- ✓ Dual-fuel versatility
- ✓ Large cooking capacity
- ✓ Easy to ignite and control
- ✕ Heavy and bulky
- ✕ Assembly can be time-consuming
| Cooking Area | 1020 sq. in. total (including 666 sq. in. primary, 157 sq. in. warming rack, and 197 sq. in. offset smoker) |
| Main Burners | Two stainless steel burners, 12,000 BTU each |
| Side Burner | Single side burner, 10,000 BTU |
| Total BTU Power | 34,000 BTU |
| Offset Smoker Capacity | Approximately 1.5 lb of charcoal |
| Charcoal Pan | Height-adjustable with 3 levels, maximum capacity 3.3 lb |
Picking up the Grills House 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo ZH3005Y-SC feels like holding a well-built, versatile kitchen in your hands. The moment I saw the combo setup, I appreciated the thoughtful design: a sturdy stainless steel build, a sizable 1020 sq.
in. cooking area, and a sleek layout that balances both gas and charcoal cooking options.
Firing it up was surprisingly simple, thanks to the piezo ignition system. The two main burners and the side burner quickly delivered robust heat, making me feel confident to cook anything from burgers to steaks.
The offset smoker attachment is a game-changer—smoke-infused ribs or briskets come out with that irresistible, deep flavor.
The adjustable charcoal pan is a highlight. I loved how easy it was to shift between slow-cooking, searing, or smoking by just adjusting the height.
The side door for adding charcoal and removing ashes keeps the process neat and hassle-free. Plus, the 36 burger capacity means I can feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.
Handling this grill is a breeze, whether you’re switching between gas and charcoal or managing heat with the 3-level charcoal pan. It’s perfect for backyard chefs who want flexibility and flavor, all in one tidy package.
The powerful BTUs ensure fast, even heating, making every cookout feel like a professional event.
Overall, this combo grill offers a versatile, high-capacity solution that handles everything from quick sears to slow-smoked meats, all while being straightforward to operate. It’s a solid choice for those who value flavor, convenience, and cooking space in a single setup.
Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker Combo
- ✓ Versatile fusion fuel system
- ✓ Huge cooking surface
- ✓ Easy temperature monitoring
- ✕ Takes up a lot of space
- ✕ Heavy and bulky
| Grilling Surface Area | 742 square inches |
| Temperature Range | 180°F to 700°F |
| Pellet Hopper Capacity | 20 pounds |
| Cooking Modes | Gas grilling, pellet smoking, or combination |
| Control Display | Large, bright LCD display for monitoring temperature |
| Additional Features | Three meat temperature probes, enamel-coated grilling racks, easy grease and ash clean-out system |
Imagine firing up your backyard, snow gently falling around, and you’re greeted by the sizzling sound of a flame as you toss on some burgers. You glance over at the Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker Combo, noticing how seamlessly the stacked design combines two cooking worlds into one impressive setup.
The first thing that catches your eye is the spacious 742 square inches of grilling and smoking surface. You can cook a large batch of ribs on the pellet side while searing steaks on the gas grill—no need to juggle multiple devices.
The full-size enamel-coated racks feel sturdy, and the large LCD display makes temperature monitoring straightforward, even in colder weather.
What truly stands out is the fusion fuel system. You can grill with gas, smoke with pellets, or do both at the same time.
That means you get the best of both worlds—perfect for slow-smoking briskets or quick searing, all in one session. The 20 lb pellet hopper is generous, so you won’t be constantly refilling during a long smoke.
Lighting and temperature control are smooth, thanks to the gas-assisted system, which works well even when it’s chilly outside. The inclusion of three meat probes helps nail the perfect doneness without lifting the lid too often.
Cleanup is a breeze with the easy grease and ash system, making post-cook chores less of a hassle.
Overall, this combo offers flexibility, space, and control in a robust package. It’s ideal for backyard chefs who want versatility without sacrificing quality or convenience.
The only downside? It’s quite large, so consider your space before bringing it home.
Char-Griller E5030 Dual-Function 2-Burner Grill & Smoker
- ✓ Versatile dual-fuel system
- ✓ Large cooking capacity
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✕ Bulky for small yards
- ✕ Slightly heavy to move
| Total Cooking Area | 870 square inches |
| Main Burners | Two stainless steel burners |
| BTU Output | 24,000 BTU on the gas side |
| Cooking Grates Material | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Ignition System | Electronic push-button ignition |
| Additional Features | Dual temperature gauges, EasyDump Ash Pan, side shelf with utensil hooks |
The first thing that catches your eye when unboxing the Char-Griller E5030 is its sturdy, two-tone steel build, which instantly promises durability. As you set it up, the generous 870 square inches of cooking space feels like a small outdoor kitchen, ready to handle everything from burgers to briskets.
The dual fuel feature is a game-changer—combining gas and charcoal in one unit means you can switch seamlessly between quick, high-heat grilling and slow, smoky cooking without needing two separate appliances. The two stainless steel burners give you precise control, letting you sear steaks on one side at 24,000 BTUs while gently roasting ribs on the other.
It’s shockingly easy to adjust the heat with the dual temperature gauges, which help you keep everything just right.
The electronic ignition fires up instantly, saving you time and frustration, especially when you’re hungry and ready to eat. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are a pleasure to work with—they hold heat well and clean up relatively easily, thanks to the EasyDump Ash Pan.
The side shelf is handy for prepping or holding utensils, and the hooks keep everything within reach.
Cooking on this grill feels natural—whether you’re flipping burgers or slow-smoking a brisket. It’s versatile and reliable, perfect for backyard gatherings or weekend cookouts.
The only downside is that it’s quite large, so space might be an issue in smaller yards. Still, if you want a combo grill that covers all your bases, this one really delivers.
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo DLX Smoker & Grill
- ✓ Versatile combo design
- ✓ Easy to control heat
- ✓ Large cooking capacity
- ✕ Requires separate wood splits
- ✕ Heavy and bulky to move
| Cooking Area | Total of 1,434 sq. in., capable of cooking up to 3 pork shoulders, 12 burgers, 15 wings simultaneously |
| BTU Rating | 36,000 BTU for the gas grill |
| Fuel Type | Liquid propane gas (tank not included), with an integrated fuel gauge |
| Firebox Fuel | Charcoal and hardwood splits & chunks (sold separately) |
| Wheels | Two large rubber-treaded, steel wagon-style wheels for mobility |
| Construction Features | Horizontal cooking chamber with adjustable dampers, removable ash pan, side firebox with handles, bottom shelf for accessories |
Imagine firing up your grill after a busy Saturday morning, the aroma of hardwood smoke blending with sizzling burgers on one side and a slow-cooking pork shoulder on the other. You’re standing in your yard, the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo DLX in front of you, ready to handle both tasks effortlessly.
The large, 1,434 sq. in.
cooking area feels like a mini outdoor kitchen, perfect for feeding a crowd or experimenting with different flavors.
The smoker’s horizontal chamber and side firebox immediately catch your eye. It’s built sturdy, with a sleek black finish and easy-to-use dampers that give you precise control over heat and smoke.
The firebox’s adjustable damper and smokestack let you dial in that perfect low-and-slow environment, while the removable ash pan makes cleanup a breeze.
The gas grill side is a powerhouse, igniting quickly with three burners that hit 36,000 BTUs. Reaching high temperatures isn’t a problem, and the even heat distribution means your burgers cook perfectly every time.
The tool hooks and bottom shelf keep your utensils and fuel organized, so your workspace stays clean and functional.
The fuel gauge is a thoughtful touch, so you won’t run out of propane mid-bite. The large rubber-treaded wheels make it easy to move across uneven yard terrain, and the cool-touch handles keep your hands safe when opening the lid or firebox.
Overall, this combo offers a versatile, sturdy, and user-friendly experience for both smoking and grilling—perfect for backyard cooks who want it all in one unit.
What Key Features Should You Look For in a Gas Grill and Smoker?
When searching for the best gas grill and smoker, several key features should be considered to ensure optimal performance and versatility.
- Cooking Area: A larger cooking area allows you to grill or smoke more food at once, making it ideal for gatherings and family meals.
- Heat Distribution: Even heat distribution is crucial for consistent cooking; look for grills with multiple burners and good design to avoid hot spots.
- Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature controls enable you to manage the heat for different cooking methods, from high-heat grilling to low-and-slow smoking.
- Material Quality: High-quality materials, such as stainless steel, enhance durability and heat retention, ensuring your grill lasts longer and performs better.
- Smoking Capability: A dedicated smoking compartment or a smoker box is essential for imparting that rich, smoky flavor to your food; ensure it can accommodate wood chips or pellets.
- Ease of Cleaning: Features like removable grease trays and porcelain-coated grates make cleaning easier, which is important for maintenance and longevity.
- Portability: If you plan to move your grill often, consider its weight and whether it has wheels for easy transportation.
- Warranty and Support: A good warranty and reliable customer support can provide peace of mind, ensuring you can get assistance or repairs if needed.
The cooking area is significant because it determines how much food you can prepare simultaneously, which is particularly beneficial for events or large families. A well-sized cooking area allows you to maximize your grilling or smoking experience without having to cook in batches.
Heat distribution is vital for achieving evenly cooked food. Grills that feature multiple burners or good airflow design can prevent hot and cold spots, allowing for more precise cooking and better results.
With temperature control, you can manage the cooking process effectively, whether you need high heat for searing or low heat for slow cooking. This feature is particularly important for smoking, where maintaining a consistent temperature is key to infusing flavor.
The quality of materials directly affects the grill’s performance and longevity. Stainless steel grills resist rust, are easy to clean, and provide excellent heat retention, making them a worthwhile investment.
For smoking, having a designated area or accessory is critical to achieving authentic flavors. A smoker box or separate chamber lets you experiment with different types of wood for various flavor profiles.
Ease of cleaning should not be overlooked, as a grill that is difficult to clean can deter you from using it regularly. Features like removable parts simplify the cleaning process, promoting better hygiene and extending the life of the grill.
Portability can be essential for those who enjoy tailgating or camping. A grill that is lightweight and equipped with wheels allows for easier transport and setup, enhancing your outdoor cooking experience.
Finally, a solid warranty and accessible customer support are important indicators of a manufacturer’s confidence in their product. A good warranty can protect your investment and provide reassurance that help is available should any issues arise.
What Are the Primary Advantages of Using a Gas Grill and Smoker Together?
The primary advantages of using a gas grill and smoker together include enhanced cooking versatility, improved flavor infusion, and convenience in food preparation.
- Enhanced Cooking Versatility: A gas grill allows for quick and efficient grilling, making it ideal for searing meats and cooking vegetables rapidly, while a smoker adds the ability to cook low and slow, infusing dishes with deep, rich flavors.
- Improved Flavor Infusion: The combination of gas grilling and smoking lets you achieve a variety of flavor profiles; you can quickly grill meats and then transfer them to the smoker for a finishing touch of smoky goodness, which is particularly useful for barbecue enthusiasts.
- Convenience in Food Preparation: Using both a gas grill and smoker simultaneously allows for multitasking, where you can grill side dishes or other items on the gas side while the smoker is working on the main course, streamlining the cooking process for larger gatherings.
- Temperature Control: Gas grills typically offer better temperature control and quicker heat adjustments compared to traditional charcoal or wood smokers, making it easier to manage cooking times and achieve desired doneness.
- Space Efficiency: Many modern gas grill and smoker combos are designed to be compact, allowing you to maximize your outdoor cooking area without needing separate appliances, which is particularly beneficial for those with limited space.
Which Brands Are Most Renowned for Their Gas Grill and Smoker Combos?
Some of the most renowned brands for gas grill and smoker combos include:
- Weber: Known for its durable construction and innovative features, Weber offers gas grill and smoker combos that provide excellent heat distribution and versatility. Their Spirit series is particularly popular, combining easy ignition with ample cooking space for both grilling and smoking.
- Char-Broil: Char-Broil is recognized for its affordable yet high-quality outdoor cooking products. Their combo grills often include features like a side smoker box and separate cooking chambers, making it easy for users to switch between grilling and smoking without hassle.
- Camp Chef: Camp Chef stands out with its unique designs that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Their gas grill and smoker combos often integrate advanced technology, such as temperature control systems, which allow for precise cooking whether you’re grilling steaks or smoking ribs.
- Dyna-Glo: Dyna-Glo offers a range of robust gas grill and smoker combos that are designed for large cooking capacities. Their models often feature a combination of cast iron grates and stainless steel burners, which enhance both the grilling and smoking experience.
- Pit Boss: Known for its pellet grills, Pit Boss also provides excellent gas grill and smoker hybrids. These units often come with multiple cooking options, allowing users to smoke meats at low temperatures or sear them at high heat, catering to various cooking styles.
How Can You Properly Maintain Your Gas Grill and Smoker for Longevity?
Proper maintenance of your gas grill and smoker is essential to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your grill and smoker clean prevents grease buildup and enhances flavor.
- Check for Leaks: Regularly inspecting gas lines and connections can prevent dangerous leaks and ensure efficient fuel use.
- Seasoning Grates: Applying oil to grates helps prevent rust and sticking, making cooking easier and more enjoyable.
- Monitor Temperature Controls: Ensuring temperature gauges are functioning correctly can help maintain consistent cooking temperatures.
- Protective Covers: Using covers helps shield your grill and smoker from the elements, prolonging their life and keeping them looking new.
Regular Cleaning: It is important to clean your grill and smoker after every use, which includes scraping down grates, emptying grease trays, and washing surfaces with warm soapy water. This routine prevents the accumulation of food particles and grease that can affect the taste of your food and create fire hazards.
Check for Leaks: To ensure safety and efficiency, perform regular checks for gas leaks by applying a soapy water solution to all gas connections. Bubbles indicate a leak, which should be addressed immediately to prevent hazards and ensure your grill operates at peak performance.
Seasoning Grates: After cleaning, it’s beneficial to season your grates by applying a light coat of vegetable oil. This process not only prevents food from sticking but also protects the grates from rust and corrosion.
Monitor Temperature Controls: Keeping an eye on the functionality of your temperature controls is crucial for achieving the desired cooking results. Malfunctioning gauges can lead to undercooked or overcooked food, so replacing faulty components as necessary is advisable.
Protective Covers: Using a high-quality cover that fits your grill and smoker properly provides protection from rain, snow, and UV rays. This simple step can significantly extend the lifespan of your equipment and reduce the need for repairs or replacements.
What Cooking Techniques Work Best with Gas Grilling and Smoking?
Gas grilling and smoking are versatile techniques that can enhance the flavor and texture of food. The best techniques to utilize with these cooking methods include:
- Direct Grilling: This technique involves cooking food directly over the heat source, making it ideal for quick-cooking items such as burgers, steaks, and vegetables.
- Indirect Grilling: Indirect grilling uses heat from the sides of the grill, allowing for slower cooking of larger cuts of meat, such as roasts or whole chickens, without burning the exterior.
- Smoking: By adding wood chips to the gas grill, you can create a smoking environment that infuses food with rich, smoky flavors, perfect for ribs, brisket, or fish.
- Rotisserie Cooking: Utilizing a rotisserie attachment allows for even cooking and self-basting of meats, making it an excellent choice for poultry and larger cuts of meat that benefit from slow, consistent heat.
- Baking: Gas grills can also be used for baking by utilizing indirect heat and a pizza stone or cast iron skillet, allowing you to make pizza, bread, or desserts outdoors.
Direct grilling is the most straightforward technique, where food is placed directly over the flame. This method is particularly effective for smaller, tender cuts of meat and vegetables, yielding a quick sear that locks in juices and flavor.
Indirect grilling, on the other hand, is perfect for larger cuts of meat that require longer cooking times. It involves setting up the grill so the heat source is on one side, allowing the food to cook slowly and evenly without direct exposure to flames, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.
Smoking with a gas grill requires adding soaked wood chips to a smoker box or directly on the burners, which produces smoke that flavors the food. This technique is excellent for those looking to replicate traditional barbecue flavors, especially in meats that benefit from low and slow cooking.
Rotisserie cooking is achieved with a special attachment that rotates the meat around a spit over the heat. This method ensures even cooking and moisture retention, making it a popular choice for whole chickens and larger roasts.
Baking on a gas grill involves using indirect heat to mimic an oven environment. By placing a pizza stone or cast iron pan on the grill grates, you can achieve crispy crusts and perfectly baked goods similar to those made in a conventional oven.
Which Wood Pellets Offer the Best Flavor When Used in a Gas Grill?
- Hickory: Known for its strong, smoky flavor, hickory pellets are a favorite among many grillers. They pair well with meats like pork and beef, adding a rich, bacon-like taste that can elevate the dish.
- Mesquite: Mesquite pellets offer a bold and intense flavor, making them perfect for grilling red meats. However, they can be overpowering, so it’s advisable to use them sparingly or mix them with milder pellets.
- Apple: Apple wood pellets provide a sweet and fruity flavor, making them ideal for poultry and pork. The mild smoke from apple wood enhances the natural flavors of the meat without overwhelming them.
- Cherry: Cherry pellets deliver a mild and slightly sweet flavor, which complements a variety of meats, including poultry and pork. They also impart a beautiful reddish hue to the food, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Oak: Oak pellets are versatile and offer a medium smoky flavor that works well with almost any type of meat. They provide a balanced smoke that does not overpower the natural flavor of the food.
How Can You Maximize Flavor When Using a Gas Grill and Smoker Combo?
To maximize flavor when using a gas grill and smoker combo, consider the following techniques:
- Use Wood Chips: Soaking wood chips in water and then placing them in the smoker box can infuse your food with rich, smoky flavors. Different types of wood, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, offer varied flavor profiles, allowing you to customize your cooking experience.
- Control Temperature: Maintaining a steady temperature is crucial for perfect cooking and flavor development. Using a digital thermometer helps monitor both the grill and smoker temperatures, ensuring meats are cooked evenly and retain moisture.
- Marinate or Brine: Prior to cooking, marinating or brining meats adds depth of flavor and moisture. This process not only enhances taste but also helps in tenderizing tougher cuts of meat, leading to a juicier final product.
- Utilize the Two-Zone Cooking Method: By creating a hot side and a cooler side on the grill, you can sear meats for flavor and then move them to the cooler side to finish cooking. This method allows for better control over doneness while also developing a delicious crust on the outside.
- Experiment with Rubs and Seasonings: Applying dry rubs or seasonings before cooking can significantly enhance flavor. The spices can form a crust that locks in moisture and adds complexity, so don’t hesitate to try different combinations to find your ideal flavor profile.
- Let It Rest: After grilling or smoking, allowing your meat to rest before slicing is key to maximizing flavor. Resting lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish when served.