Charcoal grills with smokers are a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want to add a smoky flavor to their meals.
These grills use charcoal as the main source of fuel and typically have a separate smoking chamber attached to the side or built into the grill itself.
The smoking chamber is where the wood chips or chunks are placed, creating smoke that infuses the food with a rich, smoky flavor.
Charcoal grills with smokers come in a variety of sizes and styles, from portable models for camping and tailgating to large, multi-level units for serious BBQ enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of charcoal grills with smokers, the top features to consider when choosing one, and some of the best models on the market.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grill master, a charcoal grill with smoker is an excellent investment for delicious outdoor cooking.
Summary of the Best Charcoal Grill with Smoker – Our Picks
Benefits of Charcoal Grills with Smokers
Charcoal grills with smokers offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Here are some of the top benefits.
- Smoky flavor. The primary benefit of using a charcoal grill with smoker is the rich, smoky flavor that it adds to your food. The smoking chamber allows you to infuse your meats, vegetables, and other dishes with a delicious, smoky flavor that can’t be replicated by other cooking methods.
- Versatility. Charcoal grills with smokers are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking styles. You can smoke, grill, roast, and even bake with a charcoal grill with smoker, giving you endless options for outdoor cooking.
- Temperature Control. Charcoal grills with smokers give you precise control over the temperature, allowing you to cook your food to perfection. Many models have adjustable dampers and vents that allow you to control the airflow and temperature inside the smoker.
- Durability. Charcoal grills with smokers are built to last and can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. They are often made from heavy-duty materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic, ensuring that they can handle frequent use.
- Portability. Many models of charcoal grills with smokers are portable and can be taken on the go for camping trips, tailgating, or other outdoor adventures.
Overall, charcoal grills with smokers offer a unique and delicious cooking experience that can’t be replicated by other types of grills.
Their versatility, temperature control, and durability make them an excellent investment for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Top Features to Consider When Choosing a Charcoal Grill with Smoker
When choosing a charcoal grill with smoker, there are several important features to consider.
Here are some of the top features to look for.
- Size. Consider the size of the grill and smoker chamber to ensure that it meets your cooking needs. If you plan on cooking for large groups, you’ll want a grill with a larger cooking surface and smoker chamber.
- Material. Look for grills and smokers made from durable materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. These materials can withstand high temperatures and are less likely to rust or corrode over time.
- Temperature Control. Temperature control is important for smoking and grilling, so look for models with adjustable dampers and vents that allow you to control the airflow and temperature inside the smoker.
- Cooking Grates. The quality of the cooking grates is important for even cooking and easy cleaning. Look for grates made from materials like cast iron or stainless steel, which are durable and easy to clean.
- Warranty. Look for models that come with a warranty to protect your investment in case of defects or damage.
- Price. Charcoal grills with smokers can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, so consider your budget and choose a model that fits within your price range.
By considering these features, you can choose a charcoal grill with smoker that meets your cooking needs and provides a great outdoor cooking experience.
Best Charcoal Grills with Smokers on the Market
There are many charcoal grills with smokers on the market, but here are some of the best models to consider:
- Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch Smoker
Here are some of the features and specifications of this smoker.
- Large cooking area. The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker has a cooking area of 481 square inches, which is large enough to smoke several cuts of meat at once.
- Excellent temperature control. The smoker has a built-in thermometer and adjustable dampers, which allow for precise temperature control and consistent heat throughout the smoking process.
- High-quality construction. The smoker is made from high-grade steel and has a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, which provide excellent durability and heat retention.
- Versatile cooking options. The smoker comes with two nickel-plated cooking grates, allowing for a variety of cooking options and the ability to smoke multiple items at once.
- Easy to use and maintain. The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is easy to use and maintain, with a removable ash catcher and water pan for easy cleaning.
Overall, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch Smoker is a top-quality smoker that provides excellent temperature control and a large cooking area for smoking a variety of meats.
Its durable construction and easy-to-use features make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced smokers alike.
- Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill
Here are some of the features and specifications of this grill.
- Innovative design. The Kamado Joe Classic II features a ceramic shell design that helps to retain heat and moisture, resulting in evenly cooked meats with exceptional flavor.
- Large cooking area. The grill has a cooking area of 406 square inches, which is expandable to 508 square inches with the addition of a separate cooking grate.
- Flexible cooking options. The grill includes features such as a built-in thermometer, an adjustable cooking grate, and a multi-level cooking system, which allows for a variety of cooking options and the ability to cook different foods at different temperatures.
- Easy to use and clean. The grill includes a removable ash drawer for easy cleaning, as well as a patented slide-out ash drawer for convenient ash removal.
- Additional features. The Kamado Joe Classic II also includes features such as a built-in temperature gauge, a cast iron cart with locking wheels, and a patented ash basket for easy ash removal.
Overall, the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill is a high-quality grill that offers a unique and versatile cooking experience.
Its innovative design, large cooking area, and flexible cooking options make it a great choice for those who are serious about grilling and want exceptional results every time.
Its easy-to-use and easy-to-clean features also make it a great option for those who want a hassle-free grilling experience.
- Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker
Here are some of the features and specifications of this smoker.
- Reverse flow design. The smoker features a reverse flow design, which helps to ensure even heat and smoke distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked and flavored meats.
- Large cooking area. The smoker has a cooking area of 900 square inches, providing ample space to smoke multiple cuts of meat at once.
- Heavy-duty construction. The smoker is made from heavy-duty steel, which provides excellent durability and heat retention, making it suitable for year-round use.
- Easy to use and maintain. The smoker includes features such as a built-in thermometer, multiple dampers for easy temperature control, and a removable ash pan for easy cleaning.
- Additional features. The Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker also includes features such as a large charcoal basket, a side shelf for convenient prep space, and a cool-touch handle for added safety.
Overall, the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker is a top-quality smoker that delivers excellent results and a great smoking experience.
Its large cooking area, reverse flow design, and heavy-duty construction make it a great choice for those who are serious about smoking meat, while its easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain features make it accessible for all skill levels.
- Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
Here are some of the features and specifications of this smoker and grill.
- Large cooking area. The smoker and grill have a total cooking area of 1,382 square inches, which includes a 784 square inch smoking/warming rack and a 558 square inch grilling area.
- Offset design. The smoker features an offset design, which allows for indirect heat and smoke to cook food evenly and impart a smoky flavor.
- Heavy-duty construction. The smoker and grill are constructed from heavy-duty steel, which provides excellent durability and heat retention.
- Easy to use and maintain. The smoker and grill include features such as a built-in thermometer, adjustable dampers for easy temperature control, and a removable ash pan for easy cleaning.
- Additional features. The Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill also includes features such as a stainless steel temperature gauge, a cool-touch handle, and a porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber.
Overall, the Dyna-Glo Heavy-Duty Vertical Charcoal Smoker & Grill is a versatile and efficient smoker and grill that offers a large cooking area and a variety of features for an enjoyable outdoor cooking experience.
Its heavy-duty construction and easy-to-use and maintain features make it a great choice for those who want a reliable and durable smoker and grill.
These are just a few examples of the best charcoal grills with smokers on the market.
By considering your cooking needs and budget, you can choose the perfect model for your outdoor cooking adventures.
How to Use a Charcoal Grill with Smoker
Using a charcoal grill with smoker requires some preparation and attention to detail, but it’s not difficult once you get the hang of it.
Here are the general steps to follow.
- Set up the smoker. Start by filling the smoker chamber with charcoal and wood chips. Arrange the coals in a pile in the center of the chamber and place the wood chips on top. You can use a chimney starter to light the charcoal or use lighter fluid, but be sure to wait until the fluid has evaporated before lighting the coals.
- Preheat the grill. While the smoker is heating up, preheat the grill by lighting a second pile of charcoal in the grill chamber. Allow the coals to burn until they are covered with a thin layer of ash before adding the meat.
- Add the meat. Once the grill is preheated, place the meat on the cooking grate over the indirect heat. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat and adjust the vents and dampers as needed to maintain the desired temperature.
- Add wood chips. To add more smoke flavor, you can add wood chips to the smoker chamber periodically throughout the cooking process. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker to prevent them from burning too quickly.
- Monitor the cooking process. Check the temperature of the smoker and grill periodically throughout the cooking process to ensure that the meat is cooking evenly and at the desired temperature. Adjust the vents and dampers as needed to maintain the temperature.
- Remove the meat. Once the meat is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
By following these general steps and adjusting them to fit the specific features of your charcoal grill with smoker, you can achieve delicious, smoky flavor in your outdoor cooking.
Maintenance Tips for Your Charcoal Grill with Smoker
To ensure that your charcoal grill with smoker stays in good condition and provides great outdoor cooking experiences, it’s important to maintain it regularly.
Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind.
- Clean the grill and smoker after each use. Use a grill brush to remove any leftover food debris from the cooking grates, and use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the grill and smoker. Empty the ash pan and dispose of the ash properly.
- Season the cooking grates. Before using your grill for the first time and periodically thereafter, season the cooking grates with vegetable oil or other high smoke point oil. This will help prevent food from sticking to the grates and make them easier to clean.
- Inspect the grill and smoker for damage. Regularly inspect your grill and smoker for signs of damage or wear and tear, such as rust or cracks in the ceramic material. Replace any damaged or worn parts as needed.
- Store the grill and smoker properly. When not in use, cover the grill and smoker with a high-quality cover to protect them from the elements. Store the grill and smoker in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture buildup.
- Maintain the charcoal and wood chips. Store your charcoal and wood chips in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup. This will ensure that they burn evenly and provide optimal smoke flavor.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your charcoal grill with smoker stays in good condition and provides great outdoor cooking experiences for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charcoal Grills with Smokers
Here are some frequently asked questions about charcoal grills with smokers.
- How do I clean my charcoal grill with smoker?
To clean your charcoal grill with smoker, use a grill brush to remove any food debris from the cooking grates and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Empty the ash pan and dispose of the ash properly.
- Can I use my charcoal grill with smoker indoors?
No, it’s not safe to use a charcoal grill with smoker indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Always use your grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- How long does it take to smoke meat on a charcoal grill with smoker?
The time it takes to smoke meat on a charcoal grill with smoker depends on the type of meat and the temperature of the smoker. Generally, it takes several hours to smoke meat, and some cuts of meat may take longer.
- Do I need to soak my wood chips before using them in my smoker?
It’s not necessary to soak wood chips before using them in your smoker, but doing so can help them burn more slowly and provide more smoke flavor. Soak the chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
- How do I control the temperature on my charcoal grill with smoker?
You can control the temperature on your charcoal grill with smoker by adjusting the vents and dampers. Opening the vents allows more oxygen to flow to the coals, increasing the temperature, while closing the vents restricts the flow of oxygen, lowering the temperature.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about charcoal grills with smokers.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can get the most out of your charcoal grill with smoker and enjoy delicious, smoky flavor in your outdoor cooking.
Bottom Line – Choosing the Best Charcoal Grill with Smoker for Your Needs
In conclusion, a charcoal grill with smoker is a great investment for anyone who loves outdoor cooking and wants to infuse their food with delicious smoky flavor.
When choosing the best charcoal grill with smoker for your needs, it’s important to consider factors such as size, construction, features, and price.
Some of the top charcoal grills with smokers on the market today include the Weber Smokey Mountain and the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Smoker.
Each of these models offers a range of features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
When using a charcoal grill with smoker, it’s important to follow proper safety and maintenance guidelines to ensure that your grill stays in good condition and provides great outdoor cooking experiences for years to come.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy delicious, smoky flavor in your outdoor cooking and create memories that will last a lifetime.
