A backyard cook who wants both hardwood smoke and propane convenience usually owns two separate rigs, or spends weekends switching fuel types. A charcoal propane grill combo collapses that problem into one footprint, giving you charcoal flavor for weekend cooks and propane reliability for weeknight dinners. The picks below lean into different scenarios, from tailgate-friendly portables to full-size smokers with app control, so the right match fits the way you actually cook.
The Main Contenders
Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Pit Boss 150 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Portable
Pit Boss 3-Series Propane Gas Vertical Smoker
Pit Boss 4-Burner Propane Gas Deluxe Fold & Go Portable Griddle Grill
Pit Boss 1300 Navigator Series WiFi & Bluetooth Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Pit Boss 500 Carbon Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
A Closer Look At Each Pick
The FB2 reads like a backyard workhorse, the kind of pellet rig you set up once and lean on for everything from Tuesday burgers to Saturday brisket. Eight cooking modes cover smoke, bake, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, char-grill, and sear, so it replaces a charcoal kettle, an oven, and a dedicated smoker for most households.
Two-tier porcelain-coated steel grates deliver 518 square inches of cook surface, which is enough room for a full family dinner with sides. The Flame Broiler slider drops the heat for direct grilling when you want sear marks, then slides back for indirect smoking. Compared to the smaller Pit Boss 150, you give up portability and gain serious weekend capacity.
A Few Highlights
- Eight-in-one versatility means fewer specialty appliances cluttering the patio.
- 518 sq in of two-tier porcelain-coated steel feeds a family without crowding food.
- Flame Broiler slider lets you toggle between direct sear and indirect smoke mid-cook.
- 180–500°F range covers low-and-slow ribs and hot-and-fast burgers on the same grate.
- Two meat probe ports with one included probe let you track internal temps without lifting the lid.
Trade-Offs To Consider
- The 5 lb hopper runs shorter between refills during long overnight cooks.
- Pellet grills depend on a power outlet, so placement near an extension cord is necessary.
- Porcelain-coated grates hold up well but benefit from a light oil wipe after each session to prevent rust at the edges.
Feature Snapshot
Who It Suits Best
Backyard cooks who host regular family dinners and want one rig that handles ribs, roasts, and burgers without swapping fuel.
Look Elsewhere When
Tailgaters and campers should grab the Pit Boss 150 instead, since its latch-lock handles and smaller footprint travel far more easily.
The Pit Boss 150 is the smallest pellet smoker in this roundup, designed for people who chase parking lot tailgates and weekend campsites more than backyard cookouts. Latch the lid, grab both side handles, and it moves like a heavy cooler.
Automatic start-up and cool-down cycles handle ignition and shutdown at the press of a button, so you spend less time fiddling and more time around the game. The Flame Broiler slot and full 180–500°F range give you real grilling flexibility, not just hot smoke. Compared to the 500 FB2, capacity drops by roughly half, but for two-to-four-person meals that tradeoff makes sense.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- Latch-lock lid and dual handles make transport simple for one person.
- 256 sq in surface fits a full pregame spread of wings, dogs, and sides.
- Automatic start-up and cool-down shorten setup and teardown windows.
- Flame Broiler converts the smoker into a direct-heat grill when needed.
Things To Note
- Smaller grate means you may need to cook in batches for larger groups.
- The 7 lb hopper helps runtime, but pellet residue can collect around the auger and benefits from a quick monthly clean.
- Still requires a power outlet, so bring an inverter or generator for off-grid camping.
Made For
Tailgaters, RV travelers, and small-space cooks who want pellet flavor without dedicating permanent patio square footage.
Consider Something Else When
Home cooks feeding a full household will appreciate the larger capacity and dual-tier layout of the Pit Boss 500 FB2 instead.
Vertical smokers take a different approach from barrel-style pellets: the heat rises through the cabinet, so racks stay evenly bathed in smoke without constant rotation. The 3-Series delivers 983 square inches across four adjustable racks, a serious footprint for rib racks, whole chickens, and sausage links stacked at once.
The HVR analog knob gives you a clear, repeatable temperature setting, and the wood chip tray lets you swap smoke profiles mid-cook. A 2,500 BTU propane burner drives the heat, which is plenty for the 100–300°F range this smoker is built around. Unlike the pellet options above, this is a dedicated cold-and-slow machine, so it pairs well as a complement to a hotter grill.
Why It Works Well
- 983 sq in spread over four racks handles whole-meal smokes without rotating trays.
- Propane burner keeps temperatures steady with minimal babysitting.
- Rear wheels let you reposition the unit across the patio.
- Wood chip tray makes it easy to experiment with hickory, mesquite, or fruit woods.
- Removable grease cup simplifies post-cook cleanup.
Room For Improvement
- Limited to 100–300°F, so you cannot sear on this unit.
- Vertical design takes a tall footprint rather than wide patio space.
- The cabinet exterior runs warm, so plan placement away from railings or siding.
Key Product Details
Best Suited To
Low-and-slow enthusiasts who want to load up multiple racks of ribs, chicken, or sausage and let the cabinet do the work.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Grill-first cooks who want one unit for both searing and smoking should choose the Pit Boss 1300 Navigator with its Flame Broiler instead.
A flat-top griddle changes the conversation entirely, since you trade grates for a smooth steel cooking surface that handles pancakes, smash burgers, and stir-fry with equal ease. The Fold & Go chassis collapses into a road-ready footprint, and the hard cover keeps the cooktop protected during travel.
Four independently controlled burners deliver 62,000 BTU across a 753 square inch surface (37″ x 20″), giving you distinct heat zones for searing proteins while keeping veggies warm on the same deck. Unlike the pellet and vertical smokers in this roundup, this griddle runs on propane only, so it belongs in a different category of charcoal propane grill comboes: the high-heat, fast-cooking side of the lineup.
A Strong Showing
- 62,000 BTU across four burners gives you true zone cooking.
- 753 sq in flat-top handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner crowds.
- Fold & Go legs and hard cover simplify transport and storage.
- Propane ignition means instant startup without waiting on pellets.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Steel cooktop requires seasoning before first use and re-oiling between sessions.
- No smoke chamber, so traditional smokehouse flavor requires an add-on smoke tube.
- Propane tank sits externally, which adds bulk to transport setups.
Perfect Match For
Tailgate hosts and family breakfast cooks who want a hot, fast surface that travels well and feeds a crowd at one time.
Swap It Out When
Low-and-slow barbecuue fans will prefer the Pit Boss 3-Series Vertical Smoker for traditional smokehouse flavor over flat-top speed.
The Navigator is the largest pellet rig here, and the only one with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. A touchscreen controller talks to a phone app, so you can adjust temperatures, monitor probe readings, and check cook progress from across the yard or across town.
The 1,329 square inch cook surface dwarfs the FB2, and the 30 lb hopper is built for long overnight burns without constant refilling. The Flame Broiler slider handles direct searing just like the smaller pellet models. This sits at the top of the lineup for a reason, but you pay for the connectivity and capacity in both footprint and complexity.
The Upside
- WiFi and Bluetooth monitoring let you manage cooks without standing over the rig.
- 1,329 sq in handles multiple full racks, whole birds, and trays at once.
- 30 lb hopper supports overnight burns with fewer refill stops.
- Two included meat probes feed real-time temps straight to the touchscreen.
- 5-year warranty backs the build for multi-season use.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Larger footprint demands dedicated patio space, so apartment dwellers may struggle.
- WiFi setup adds a learning step for those unfamiliar with connected grills.
- Complexity increases; firmware updates and app connectivity become part of ownership.
Who Will Love This
Tech-forward pitmasters who want app monitoring and serious cooking capacity for big weekend gatherings.
Not Your Match When
Casual weeknight cooks may find the simpler Pit Boss 500 Carbon Series easier to live with day to day.
The Carbon Series slots between the FB2 and the Navigator, aiming for homeowners who want genuine pellet capability without the connected-app overhead. Porcelain-coated steel grates distribute heat evenly and wipe clean faster than bare cast iron, which matters when you cook most nights.
A 13.5 lb hopper lands in the sweet spot for typical weekend cooks, supporting longer burns than the FB2 without the bulk of the Navigator. Automatic start-up and cool-down handle ignition and shutdown at the press of a button. Compared to the FB2, you trade multi-mode versatility for a cleaner, more focused pellet experience.
Bright Spots
- 543 sq in suits couples and small families feeding four to six people.
- 13.5 lb hopper supports most weekend cooks without mid-burn refills.
- Porcelain-coated grates clean easily and resist sticking with a light oil coat.
- Automatic start-up and cool-down streamline the routine.
Things That May Matter
- No Flame Broiler slider, so direct grilling requires a separate accessory or grate swap.
- Smaller than the Navigator, so big holiday cooks may need batch timing.
- Hopper capacity still demands planning for overnight brisket sessions.
Right Fit For
Couples and small families who want pellet flavor, easy cleanup, and a manageable size for regular patio placement.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Cooks who regularly host large gatherings will appreciate the 1,329 sq in surface and app connectivity of the Pit Boss 1300 Navigator.
What To Weigh Before Choosing A Charcoal Propane Grill Combo
Fuel type sets the entire cooking personality. Pellet models run on compressed hardwood for steady smoke and set-and-forget convenience, while propane gas rigs ignite instantly and reach higher temperatures for searing. Vertical propane smokers use gas for heat but add wood chips for smoke flavor, and griddles lean fully into propane speed. Pick the fuel that matches how you actually cook most evenings.
Cooking surface and rack configuration matter more than peak BTU numbers. A 500–600 sq in single-tier grate suits a couple or small family, while 900+ sq in across multiple racks makes sense for entertaining. Vertical smokers with four adjustable racks let you run ribs, chicken, and sausage at once without rotation.
Portability hinges on form factor and weight. The Pit Boss 150 uses latch-lock handles for grab-and-go trips, while the Fold & Go griddle collapses to a road-friendly footprint. Full-size pellet rigs like the 1300 Navigator anchor to a permanent patio spot, since their weight and hopper size make travel impractical.
Connectivity and controllers range from analog knobs to touchscreen panels with app control. Bluetooth and WiFi help when you want remote monitoring during long cooks, but they add setup complexity and a dependency on firmware updates. Simpler LCD controllers suit cooks who prefer hands-on management without phone distractions.
Smart Considerations Across These Picks
Wrong Turns To Avoid
Choosing a fuel type that does not match your cooking style leads to frustration. Pellet grills reward patience and low-and-slow habits, while propane griddles shine for fast weeknight meals. A vertical smoker makes sense for dedicated barbecue, not for someone who mostly wants burgers on Tuesday.
Ignoring footprint and storage space catches many first-time shoppers off guard. Full-size pellet rigs and tall vertical smokers demand permanent patio real estate, and tailgate-friendly portables sacrifice capacity. Measure your space and your vehicle before committing to a size class.
When Paying More Pays Off
Higher-tier models earn their premium through larger hoppers, wider temperature ranges, and connectivity that simplifies long cooks. The Navigator’s 30 lb hopper eliminates midnight refills during overnight brisket sessions, and its app monitoring frees you to entertain guests instead of standing over the rig.
Premium porcelain-coated grates and longer warranty terms also signal better long-term durability. For households that cook outdoors three or more times a week, the upgrade from entry-level to mid-tier often pays for itself in fewer replacements and easier cleanup over several seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a charcoal propane grill combo?
A charcoal propane grill combo combines two fuel options in one outdoor cooking setup, typically pairing hardwood pellets or charcoal for smoke flavor with propane for instant heat. Some models integrate both fuel types, while others pair a dedicated smoker with a propane grill as separate components.
Can pellet grills reach high enough temperatures for searing?
Pellet grills with a Flame Broiler slider, like the Pit Boss 500 FB2 and 1300 Navigator, reach 500°F and allow direct flame contact for searing. Models without the Flame Broiler option top out lower and work better for smoke-roasting than for true searing.
How often do pellet smokers need hopper refills?
Refill frequency depends on cook temperature and hopper size. A 5 lb hopper covers short cooks but needs refills during overnight burns, while a 30 lb hopper supports 12+ hour sessions. Plan pellet supply based on your longest typical cook duration.
Are vertical propane smokers harder to learn than pellet grills?
Vertical smokers use a straightforward analog knob and propane ignition, which many beginners find less intimidating than pellet auger systems. The main learning curve involves wood chip selection and managing cabinet temperature during long cooks.
What accessories matter most for a charcoal propane grill combo?
A hard cover protects the cooktop during storage, a grease cup simplifies cleanup, and a meat probe removes guesswork on internal temperatures. Pellet owners also benefit from a pellet storage bin to keep fuel dry between cooks.
Closing Remarks
The right charcoal propane grill combo depends on how you cook, where you cook, and how much room you have to work with. Tailgaters and small-space cooks will find the portable options easier to live with, while backyard hosts benefit from larger pellet rigs or vertical smokers. Pick the fuel and footprint that match your routine, and the rest of the details fall into place.