If you want one outdoor cooker for both everyday grilling and smoky barbecue, a grill with a built-in smoking function can save space and broaden your menu. The options below range from large wood-pellet cookers with digital controls to a traditional charcoal-and-gas combo and a compact electric grill. For this guide, “built-in smoker” means a smoker function or smoking chamber that’s part of the grill—not a grill designed to be installed in an outdoor kitchen.
Quick Comparison
| Grill | Fuel | Cooking area | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traeger Woodridge Elite | Wood pellets | 970 sq. in. | Insulated body and side sear station | Large cooks and versatile outdoor meals |
| Z GRILLS Upgrade Pellet Grill | Wood pellets | 697 sq. in. | PID temperature control and storage cabinet | Long cooks with room to organize gear |
| Z GRILLS 7002C 8-in-1 Pellet Grill | Wood pellets | 697 sq. in. | PID 3.0 control and included probes | Flexible cooking with helpful included accessories |
| Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker | Electric with wood pellets for smoke | 141 sq. in. | Compact grill, smoker, bake, and roast functions | Small patios and smaller meals |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo | Charcoal, wood, and propane | 1,031 sq. in. total | Offset smoker paired with a gas grill | Hands-on smoking and fast gas grilling |
Our Picks: Best Grill With Built In Smoker reviews
Traeger Woodridge Elite: Best for Large, Flexible Cooks
The Woodridge Elite is a large wood-pellet grill and smoker built for cooks who want smoke flavor, broad cooking capacity, and extra ways to prepare a meal. Its 970 square inches of cooking space is the largest listed among these picks. The product description says it can hold up to seven chickens, nine racks of ribs, or seven pork butts, making it a strong fit for gatherings.
Its insulated body is designed to help maintain consistent heat, while WiFIRE lets you monitor and control the grill through the Traeger app. A digital pellet sensor, Bluetooth meat-thermometer compatibility, and Keep Warm Mode add convenience for longer cooks. The side sear station is a notable extra: you can use it for high-heat searing, vegetables, or sauces instead of relying on the main cooking area for every task.
The trade-off is its size and feature-rich design. It may be more grill than you need for routine meals for one or two, and the WiFi and app features are most useful if you want remote monitoring. Some accessories that fit its P.A.L. and ModiFIRE systems are sold separately, so factor that in if customization matters to you.
Pros:
- Large 970-square-inch cooking area
- Insulated body designed to help hold steady heat
- WiFIRE, pellet sensing, and thermometer compatibility
- Side sear station expands its cooking options
Cons:
- Its size and range of features may be excessive for small households
- Some compatible accessories are sold separately
Verdict: Choose the Woodridge Elite if you want a roomy pellet grill with app-based monitoring and the added flexibility of a side sear station.
Z GRILLS Pellet Grill: Best for Long Smoking Sessions
This Z GRILLS model combines a pellet smoker and grill with 697 square inches of cooking area. Its PID temperature control is designed to make adjustments more precise, which can be useful when a recipe calls for steady heat over a longer cook. The 28-pound hopper is described as providing up to 28 hours of cooking, though actual run time can vary with cooking conditions and settings.
A built-in storage cabinet gives you a place to keep pellets, tools, and other grill supplies close at hand. The product description also highlights a steel body with a high-temperature powder-coated finish. Together, those features make it a practical option for backyard cooks who want a dedicated pellet setup with some integrated storage.
This model is a straightforward choice if you value capacity and hopper size over extras such as app controls or a separate sear station. Its listed features do not include WiFi or a side burner, so cooks who want those functions may prefer the Traeger. The cooking area is substantial, but it is smaller than the Traeger and Oklahoma Joe’s options in this guide.
Pros:
- 697 square inches of cooking space
- PID temperature control for managing heat
- 28-pound hopper is designed for extended cooks
- Built-in cabinet helps keep supplies organized
Cons:
- No WiFi or separate sear station is listed
- Less cooking space than the largest options here
Verdict: This Z GRILLS is a good match if you want a roomy pellet smoker with a large hopper and convenient built-in storage.
Z GRILLS 7002C: Best for Pellet-Grill Versatility
The Z GRILLS 7002C is a 697-square-inch pellet grill that combines smoking with several other cooking methods. Its listed functions include braising, char-grilling, barbecuing, roasting, grilling, searing, smoking, and baking. An LCD display and PID 3.0 system manage pellet feed and airflow, with a stated temperature range of 180°F to 450°F.
Small practical details help set it apart from the other Z GRILLS pick. A viewing window lets you check the pellet supply without opening the lid, and the package includes two meat probes, a rain cover, a grease bucket, and assembly gloves. It also has a 28-pound hopper and a tool-free cleanout for changing pellet flavors. It requires a power outlet, so plan its location accordingly.
Although it is described as an eight-in-one cooker, its cooking area and temperature range are more important to check against your needs than the function count. If you frequently cook very large batches, the Traeger or Oklahoma Joe’s offers more listed capacity. If you want app monitoring or a built-in storage cabinet, those features are not listed for this model.
Pros:
- 697 square inches of cooking space and a 28-pound hopper
- PID 3.0 system and LCD temperature display
- Includes two meat probes and a rain cover
- Viewing window and tool-free pellet cleanout add convenience
Cons:
- Requires a power outlet
- Does not list app control or a built-in storage cabinet
Verdict: Pick the 7002C if you want a versatile pellet cooker with useful included accessories and don’t need the largest cooking surface.
Ninja Woodfire: Best Compact Electric Grill and Smoker
The Ninja Woodfire takes a different approach from the full-size pellet grills. It uses electric power for cooking and real wood pellets to add smoke flavor, with grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting among its functions. Its 141-square-inch nonstick grill grate is much smaller than the other options here, so it is better suited to compact outdoor spaces and smaller meals than large barbecue gatherings.
The product description lists 1,760 watts of electric power and says it can grill up to six steaks or 30 hot dogs, air-fry up to three pounds of wings, or smoke a brisket weighing up to nine pounds. It is described as weather-resistant, and its no-open-flame design may appeal to people who want an electric alternative to charcoal or gas. The package includes a pellet scoop, a starter pack of all-purpose pellets, and a quick-start guide.
Its main limitation is cooking area. The compact grate gives you less room to cook multiple foods at once than a full-size pellet grill or combo. It also relies on an electrical outlet, and the stated 141-square-inch grate is the key measurement to consider before choosing it for your household.
Pros:
- Compact option for patios and smaller outdoor spaces
- Combines grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting
- Uses real wood pellets for smoke flavor with electric cooking
- Includes a pellet scoop and starter pellets
Cons:
- Much smaller cooking area than the other grills in this guide
- Requires access to an electrical outlet
Verdict: Choose the Ninja Woodfire if compact size and electric operation matter more to you than having a large cooking surface.
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo: Best for Traditional BBQ and Gas Grilling
The Canyon Combo pairs a charcoal offset smoker with a separate three-burner propane grill. That split design lets you smoke with charcoal and hardwood splits or chunks, then grill on gas when you want a faster cooking setup. The propane side is rated at 36,000 BTU, and the product description lists 750 square inches for the primary cooking area plus a 281-square-inch firebox grate.
This is the most hands-on option in the guide. Adjustable dampers at the firebox and smokestack help you manage heat and smoke flow, while a firebox door gives you access to add fuel or tend the fire. The grill also has porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, dual lid-mounted temperature gauges, and a removable firebox ash pan. Heavy-gauge steel and a high-temperature finish are intended to support outdoor use.
The trade-off is that the two fuel systems require more planning than an electric or pellet cooker. Charcoal and hardwood are sold separately, and the propane tank is not included. If you want set-and-monitor pellet cooking, a pellet model may be a better fit; if you enjoy managing a fire and want gas grilling on the same unit, the Canyon Combo offers a distinctive mix.
Pros:
- Combines an offset charcoal smoker and a three-burner gas grill
- More than 1,000 square inches of total listed cooking space
- Adjustable dampers and dual temperature gauges support fire management
- Removable ash pan makes firebox cleanup easier
Cons:
- Charcoal, wood, and propane require more fuel management than a single-fuel grill
- Propane tank is not included
Verdict: The Canyon Combo is the right pick if you want traditional charcoal smoking alongside the convenience of a separate gas grill.
How to Choose a Grill With a Built-In Smoker
Decide Which Fuel and Cooking Style Suit You
Pellet grills feed wood pellets into the cooker and use digital controls on several models here to manage temperature. They suit cooks who want wood-fired flavor with less direct fire tending. The Ninja uses electricity for cooking and pellets for smoke flavor. The Oklahoma Joe’s uses charcoal and wood for smoking, plus propane for its separate grill, giving you more control over fuel choice but also more to manage.
Match Cooking Space to Your Usual Meals
Think about the number of people you typically cook for and the foods you want to fit on the grates at once. The Ninja’s 141-square-inch grate is the smallest option and is aimed at smaller cooks. The two Z GRILLS models offer 697 square inches, while the Traeger has 970 square inches. Oklahoma Joe’s lists 750 square inches in the primary cooking area and an additional 281-square-inch firebox grate. Compare the layout as well as the total area, since separate cooking zones serve different purposes.
Consider Temperature Control and Monitoring
Digital temperature management can reduce the amount of attention a long cook needs, while app features let you monitor a grill from farther away. The Traeger lists WiFIRE, a digital pellet sensor, and Bluetooth meat-thermometer compatibility. The Z GRILLS models list PID control, and the 7002C includes two meat probes. Oklahoma Joe’s relies on dampers and lid-mounted temperature gauges, which suit cooks who prefer to manage a live fire themselves.
Look at Hopper Size and Cook Duration
A larger pellet hopper can mean fewer refills during a long smoking session. Both Z GRILLS models in this guide list a 28-pound hopper, with one describing up to 28 hours of cooking from a full hopper. Treat that figure as a stated maximum rather than a guarantee; cooking settings and conditions can affect how quickly pellets are used. For charcoal and wood smokers, consider how comfortable you are adding fuel and tending the fire during a cook.
Check the Space, Power, and Storage Requirements
Measure the area where you plan to cook, including room to open the lid and move around the grill. Pellet and electric models need access to power; the Z GRILLS 7002C explicitly requires an outlet, and the Ninja is an electric cooker. The Traeger and Z GRILLS model with a cabinet include storage features, while the Canyon Combo’s larger two-part design needs more room than a compact electric unit.
Think About Cleanup and Added Equipment
Grease and ash cleanup can make a difference after frequent use. The Traeger lists an EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg, and the Oklahoma Joe’s includes a removable firebox ash pan. The Z GRILLS 7002C lists a tool-free cleanout for changing pellet flavors. Also check what comes with the grill: for example, the Canyon Combo does not include a propane tank, and some compatible Traeger accessories are sold separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “grill with a built-in smoker” mean?
In this guide, it means a grill that includes a smoking function or a smoker section as part of the cooking setup. Some models use wood pellets for both heat and smoke, while others combine a separate charcoal smoker with a gas grill.
Are pellet grills good for smoking?
Pellet grills are designed to cook with wood pellets and are commonly used for smoking as well as grilling. The models here list digital temperature controls, and one includes app-based monitoring. Always check the temperature range and control features against the cooking style you want.
Which option is best for a small patio?
The Ninja Woodfire is the most compact choice listed here, with a 141-square-inch grate and electric operation. Check the product dimensions and your outlet access before deciding, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for your space.
Which grill has the largest cooking area?
The Traeger Woodridge Elite lists 970 square inches of cooking space. Oklahoma Joe’s lists 1,031 square inches across its primary and firebox grates, but those areas are split between the smoker and grill sections.
Do pellet grills need electricity?
Electric pellet grills use powered controls and pellet-feeding systems. The Z GRILLS 7002C specifically says it requires a power outlet, and the Ninja is an electric cooker. Check the setup requirements for any model before choosing a location.
Which grill offers the most fuel flexibility?
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo offers the broadest mix of fuels in this comparison: charcoal and hardwood for smoking, plus propane for grilling. The added flexibility also means you need to plan for more than one fuel type.
Final Recommendation
For a large, feature-rich pellet grill, the Traeger Woodridge Elite stands out with its 970-square-inch cooking area, insulation, app monitoring, and side sear station. If you prefer a traditional charcoal smoker paired with gas grilling, choose the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo. For smaller spaces, the Ninja Woodfire is the compact electric alternative, while the Z GRILLS models offer pellet cooking with useful capacity and temperature-control features. The best choice depends on how much room you have, how many people you cook for, and whether you prefer digital controls or hands-on fire management.