ChatGPT Best all in one charcoal smoker and grill


 

Joe Anshien

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First time using it and I asked it "What is Best all in one charcoal smoker and grill"

This came back:

When searching for the best all-in-one charcoal smoker and grill, you're likely looking for a versatile, durable, and efficient option that excels at both grilling and smoking. Here are a few top contenders that provide excellent performance, quality materials, and great value:

1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker (WSM)​

  • Overview: The Weber Kettle is a classic favorite, known for its durability, versatility, and ease of use. It can be used for both direct and indirect grilling, and with the right setup, it can easily function as a smoker.
  • Key Features:
    • 363 square inches of cooking space
    • Easy-to-use dampers for temperature control
    • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for heat retention
    • Charcoal baskets for efficient smoking
    • Easy clean-up with the One-Touch cleaning system
  • Why it's great: The Weber Kettle is simple but highly effective, with a large fanbase and a lot of accessories available, including smoker kits for added versatility.

2. Kamado Joe Classic II​

  • Overview: This kamado-style grill offers exceptional heat retention and can handle grilling, smoking, and even baking. It's made from durable, insulated steel, providing superior temperature control and fuel efficiency.
  • Key Features:
    • 314 square inches of cooking space
    • Adjustable top and bottom vents for precise temperature control
    • Insulated steel body for long heat retention
    • Built-in thermometer
    • Price point is much more affordable than traditional ceramic kamados like the Big Green Egg
  • Why it's great: This kamado grill offers great versatility for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking. Its insulation makes it an excellent smoker, and it's a great option for those wanting the kamado experience without breaking the bank.

3. Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill​

  • Overview: If you're looking for the top-tier kamado smoker and grill, the Big Green Egg is an industry standard. It's perfect for grilling, smoking, roasting, and even baking.
  • Key Features:
    • Large cooking area (up to 452 square inches for the standard size)
    • Ceramic construction for superior heat retention
    • Accurate temperature control with the adjustable air vents
    • Versatile cooking – can be used for grilling, smoking, roasting, and baking
    • Accessories galore, including a plate setter for indirect cooking
  • Why it's great: Big Green Egg's premium build and performance make it the gold standard for smokers and grills. It excels in holding consistent temperature for hours, ideal for smoking and low-and-slow cooking.

4. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker​


  • Overview: Another high-quality ceramic grill that excels in both grilling and smoking. It's oval-shaped, which gives it a more versatile cooking space than round models.
  • Key Features:
    • 400 square inches of cooking space (with an optional expansion)
    • Dual-zone cooking for both direct and indirect heat
    • Ceramic insulation that holds heat evenly for smoking
    • Easy-to-use dampers for temperature control
    • Versatile and can be used for grilling, baking, or smoking
  • Why it's great: Primo’s oval design offers more cooking surface and more flexibility in temperature management, making it a great choice for both grilling and smoking.

5. Big Green Egg (Large)​

  • Overview: If you're looking for something a bit more high-tech, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series is a digital charcoal grill and smoker. It combines the simplicity of charcoal with the control of digital technology.
  • Key Features:
    • 560 square inches of cooking space
    • Digital controller for precise temperature control (225°F to 700°F)
    • Automatic charcoal feed system for consistent heat
    • Smartphone app integration for monitoring and control
    • Dual cooking racks for added space
  • Why it's great: The digital temperature control is a game-changer, providing the ease of an electric smoker with the flavor of charcoal. It also has a hopper system that can hold up to 10 pounds of charcoal, ensuring long cooks without constant refueling.

6. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado​

  • Overview: If you like the idea of using pellets for flavor but want the option to grill and smoke with a charcoal base, the Camp Chef SmokePro is a great option. It's technically a pellet grill, but it offers features that give it an all-in-one feel.
  • Key Features:
    • 429 square inches of cooking space
    • Digital temperature control
    • Includes a hopper for up to 18 pounds of pellets
    • Versatile cooking options with easy cleanup
    • Searing and smoking features
  • Why it's great: This pellet grill can do both grilling and smoking, offering excellent versatility and ease of use.

7. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker​

  • Overview: If smoking is your primary focus but you still want the ability to grill, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is an excellent option. It's primarily a smoker, but you can also use it for grilling when needed.
  • Key Features:
    • 481 square inches of cooking space
    • Dual cooking grates
    • Heavy-duty construction with porcelain-enameled steel
    • Simple to use with adjustable vents for precise control
    • Ideal for long, low-and-slow smoking
  • Why it's great: While it's primarily a smoker, it’s versatile enough to be used for grilling, especially with Weber's accessories. It holds temperatures incredibly well, making it perfect for smoking.

Conclusion​

If you want a traditional charcoal grill and smoker with a simple setup, the Weber Kettle is a top choice. For those looking for something more advanced with precise temperature control, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series is excellent. If you’re willing to invest in a premium model, the Big Green Egg or Primo Oval XL provide excellent versatility. Each of these options offers a solid mix of grilling and smoking, but the best one for you will depend on your cooking style and budget.
 
Last edited:
chatGPT isn't very good at math ;)

edit:
if #2 is a WSK, then it should be 452 sq in.

if #3 is a large BGE, it should be 254 Sq in. I don't think an XL BGE is the "standard" size and a large is an 18 inch grate.

in any case, I've got the top 3 covered !
 
Last edited:
#2 masterbuilt if I read it correctly.

Anyhoo that ChatGPT can do a lot of stuff if you know how to ask.

The only drawback is it’s very confident in its answer.

If you want to fool around with it ask it to make pictures of stuff.

1732558729116.png
 
Did ChatGPT wrote your reply about #2 ? ;)

Best I can guess, #2 is the Weber Summit Kamado, as I think it is the only Kamado style that is dual wall steel at a more reasonable price point vs a BGE.
 
Last edited:
#2 has to be a Chargriller Akorn Kamado.
Primary cooking area is 314 sq inches and double walled. I have the Auto-Kamado.
 
On the original reply were specific brands/models referenced next to the numbered items?
Don't you hate it when copy and paste don't work correctly!

1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker (WSM)
Type: Vertical smoker
Grill + Smoker Features: This is primarily a smoker but has the ability to grill, especially when you use the direct heat zone.
Pros:
Excellent temperature control
High-quality build with porcelain enamel
Great for low-and-slow smoking
Available in 14.5", 18.5", and 22.5" sizes
Cons:
Not a traditional grill, but works for indirect grilling
Smaller cooking surface in comparison to other models
2. Kamado Joe Classic II
Type: Ceramic grill
Grill + Smoker Features: The Kamado Joe is a true all-in-one grill and smoker, perfect for grilling, smoking, baking, and even searing.
Pros:
Excellent heat retention and versatility
Can achieve very high grilling temperatures (700°F+)
Great for low-and-slow smoking (250°F)
Big Joe model is ideal for larger meals
Quality build with a sturdy ceramic body
Easy to control airflow for precise temperature control
Cons:
Can be heavy and bulky
Price can be on the higher side
3. Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Type: Kettle-style grill
Grill + Smoker Features: This is a great all-around grill with a built-in smoker. It comes with the ability to create indirect zones, and you can use a smoker box or smoke chips for flavor.
Pros:
High-quality build with a large cooking surface (22” diameter)
Built-in table for prep work
Easy-to-use gas ignition system for lighting charcoal quickly
Versatile: great for both grilling and smoking
Cons:
Limited smoking capacity compared to larger smokers
May require additional accessories (like a smoker box) for optimal smoking
4. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker
Type: Digital charcoal grill and smoker
Grill + Smoker Features: A unique feature of this smoker is its digital control panel, allowing for easy temperature control, which is great for both grilling and smoking.
Pros:
Easy to use with digital control
Consistent temperature control (225°F to 700°F)
Can function as a traditional grill or smoker
Large cooking surface (560 square inches)
Cons:
May not have the same authentic “charcoal flavor” that some traditionalists prefer
5. Big Green Egg (Large)
Type: Ceramic kamado-style grill
Grill + Smoker Features: Similar to Kamado Joe, the Big Green Egg is known for its versatility as both a high-heat grill and low-temperature smoker.
Pros:
Incredible heat retention for both high and low temperatures
Easy to control airflows for smoking and grilling
Versatile cooking methods (bake, grill, smoke)
Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
Heavy and bulky, making it less portable
Expensive
6. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado
Type: Kamado-style grill
Grill + Smoker Features: This is a more affordable kamado-style grill that can be used for both smoking and grilling. It has a sturdy build and good temperature control.
Pros:
Lower price point compared to ceramic kamados
Versatile – works as both a smoker and grill
Good heat retention
Larger cooking surface (314 square inches)
Cons:
Not as durable as higher-end ceramic models
Some complaints about rusting over time if not cared for properly
Conclusion:
For versatility and excellent smoking performance: The Kamado Joe Classic II or Big Green Egg are top picks. They are ideal for those who want an all-in-one high-performance unit that can handle grilling, smoking, baking, and more.
For value: The Weber Performer Deluxe offers great quality at a more affordable price for those who want a reliable grill that can also do some smoking.
For ease of use and digital control: The Masterbuilt Gravity Series offers a modern twist with digital control, making it perfect for beginners who want to enjoy both grilling and smoking with minimal fuss.
Choosing the best one depends on your preferences for ease of use, smoking capacity, and budget!
 
Last edited:
Don't you hate it when copy and paste don't work correctly!

1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker (WSM)
Type: Vertical smoker
Grill + Smoker Features: This is primarily a smoker but has the ability to grill, especially when you use the direct heat zone.
Pros:
Excellent temperature control
High-quality build with porcelain enamel
Great for low-and-slow smoking
Available in 14.5", 18.5", and 22.5" sizes
Cons:
Not a traditional grill, but works for indirect grilling
Smaller cooking surface in comparison to other models
2. Kamado Joe Classic II
Type: Ceramic grill
Grill + Smoker Features: The Kamado Joe is a true all-in-one grill and smoker, perfect for grilling, smoking, baking, and even searing.
Pros:
Excellent heat retention and versatility
Can achieve very high grilling temperatures (700°F+)
Great for low-and-slow smoking (250°F)
Big Joe model is ideal for larger meals
Quality build with a sturdy ceramic body
Easy to control airflow for precise temperature control
Cons:
Can be heavy and bulky
Price can be on the higher side
3. Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Type: Kettle-style grill
Grill + Smoker Features: This is a great all-around grill with a built-in smoker. It comes with the ability to create indirect zones, and you can use a smoker box or smoke chips for flavor.
Pros:
High-quality build with a large cooking surface (22” diameter)
Built-in table for prep work
Easy-to-use gas ignition system for lighting charcoal quickly
Versatile: great for both grilling and smoking
Cons:
Limited smoking capacity compared to larger smokers
May require additional accessories (like a smoker box) for optimal smoking
4. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker
Type: Digital charcoal grill and smoker
Grill + Smoker Features: A unique feature of this smoker is its digital control panel, allowing for easy temperature control, which is great for both grilling and smoking.
Pros:
Easy to use with digital control
Consistent temperature control (225°F to 700°F)
Can function as a traditional grill or smoker
Large cooking surface (560 square inches)
Cons:
May not have the same authentic “charcoal flavor” that some traditionalists prefer
5. Big Green Egg (Large)
Type: Ceramic kamado-style grill
Grill + Smoker Features: Similar to Kamado Joe, the Big Green Egg is known for its versatility as both a high-heat grill and low-temperature smoker.
Pros:
Incredible heat retention for both high and low temperatures
Easy to control airflows for smoking and grilling
Versatile cooking methods (bake, grill, smoke)
Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
Heavy and bulky, making it less portable
Expensive
6. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado
Type: Kamado-style grill
Grill + Smoker Features: This is a more affordable kamado-style grill that can be used for both smoking and grilling. It has a sturdy build and good temperature control.
Pros:
Lower price point compared to ceramic kamados
Versatile – works as both a smoker and grill
Good heat retention
Larger cooking surface (314 square inches)
Cons:
Not as durable as higher-end ceramic models
Some complaints about rusting over time if not cared for properly
Conclusion:
For versatility and excellent smoking performance: The Kamado Joe Classic II or Big Green Egg are top picks. They are ideal for those who want an all-in-one high-performance unit that can handle grilling, smoking, baking, and more.
For value: The Weber Performer Deluxe offers great quality at a more affordable price for those who want a reliable grill that can also do some smoking.
For ease of use and digital control: The Masterbuilt Gravity Series offers a modern twist with digital control, making it perfect for beginners who want to enjoy both grilling and smoking with minimal fuss.
Choosing the best one depends on your preferences for ease of use, smoking capacity, and budget!

WSM FTW!
 

 

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