If you love the smoky flavor of slow-cooked barbecue but also enjoy the versatility of flat-top cooking, a Blackstone smoker grill might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Blackstone is best known for its flat-top griddles, but in recent years the brand has expanded into pellet smokers and combination units that blend smoking, grilling, and griddling into one powerful outdoor setup.
Instead of choosing between a smoker and a griddle, you can now have both on a single cart.
Let’s break down the different Blackstone smoker grill options, how they work, and who they’re best suited for.
Table of Contents
What Is a Blackstone Smoker Grill?
A Blackstone smoker grill typically refers to one of two categories:
- Pellet grill & griddle combo units
- Griddle & charcoal/gas grill combo units
Some models even include built-in air fryers and smart technology for a full outdoor kitchen experience.
These units are designed for versatility — allowing you to:
- Smoke brisket low and slow
- Sear steaks on a flat top
- Grill burgers traditionally
- Cook breakfast outdoors
- Bake or roast using pellet heat
Instead of managing multiple appliances, you get everything in one system.
Pellet Grill & Griddle Combos
Pellet-based smoker grills are the most advanced Blackstone models in this category.
They use compressed wood pellets as fuel, which provides:
- Authentic wood-fired flavor
- Precise temperature control
- Digital monitoring
- Even heat circulation
Blackstone Culinary 22” XL Pellet Combo
One of the standout models is the Blackstone Culinary 22” XL Pellet Combo.
This unit includes:
- 884 sq. in. pellet grill surface
- 22″ Omnivore griddle plate
- Two independent heat zones
- 20 lb pellet hopper
- Double-walled rollback hood
It allows you to smoke meat on one side while cooking breakfast or burgers on the griddle side.
The pellet hopper capacity is large enough for extended smoking sessions without frequent refills.
Pellet Smoker with Air Fryer Drawer
Some premium Blackstone pellet combos go even further.
Certain models include:
- 896 sq. in. total cooking space
- Integrated 7-quart air fryer drawer
- Hot and cold smoke capabilities
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth monitoring
- App-based temperature control
Cold smoking allows you to infuse smoke flavor into:
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Fish
- Vegetables
Without fully cooking them.
The Blackstone Connect App lets you monitor internal meat probes and adjust temperatures remotely from your phone.
This is ideal for long brisket or pork shoulder cooks.
Dedicated Pellet Smoker Units
Blackstone also offers dedicated pellet smokers without griddle attachments.
Typical specs include:
- Around 875 sq. in. cooking area
- Adjustable temperature range from 180°F to 500°F
- Precision digital controls
- Double-walled hood for heat retention
These are ideal if your primary goal is smoking rather than flat-top cooking.
They excel at:
- Brisket
- Ribs
- Pulled pork
- Whole chickens
- Turkey
The ability to maintain steady low temperatures makes pellet smokers popular among BBQ enthusiasts.
Griddle & Charcoal/Gas Combo Models
If you prefer traditional fuels like charcoal or propane, Blackstone offers hybrid designs that pair a griddle with a grill box.
Blackstone Griddle & Charcoal Grill Combo (Model 1819)
This model features:
- Dedicated charcoal grill side
- Adjustable charcoal grate
- Separate flat-top griddle side
The charcoal side allows you to control heat intensity manually, giving you that traditional smoky flavor.
Meanwhile, the griddle side provides flat-top versatility for:
- Sautéing
- Toasting buns
- Frying eggs
- Cooking vegetables
This is perfect for people who enjoy both charcoal grilling and griddle cooking in one unit.
Can You Use a Blackstone Griddle Indoors? (What You Need to Know)
Blackstone Tailgater Combo
For portability, the Blackstone Tailgater Combo is a popular option.
It includes:
- 17″ griddle
- Multi-purpose grill box
- Push-button ignition
- Compact, foldable design
This unit is ideal for:
- Camping
- Tailgating
- Small patios
- Road trips
It eliminates the need for kerosene starters or matches.
The push-button ignition system makes it quick and easy to start.
Key Technologies in Blackstone Smoker Grills
Blackstone has incorporated several innovations into newer models.
Omnivore Griddle Plate
The Omnivore plate technology is designed to:
- Preheat faster
- Distribute heat more evenly
- Use less fuel
- Improve cooking consistency
This technology appears in newer Blackstone griddle systems and combo units.
It enhances efficiency and reduces propane consumption.
Smart Integration
Pellet-based Blackstone smoker grills often support:
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Bluetooth monitoring
- App-based control
- Integrated meat probes
This allows you to:
- Monitor internal food temperature
- Adjust grill temp remotely
- Receive alerts
- Track cook time
For serious BBQ cooks, this technology adds precision.
Rear Grease Management System
Most Blackstone units feature the patented Rear Grease Management System.
This system:
- Channels excess grease
- Directs debris into removable cup
- Reduces flare-ups
- Simplifies cleanup
It is standard across many Blackstone models.
Pellet vs Charcoal vs Propane – Which Is Better?
Pellet grills:
- Best for low-and-slow smoking
- Most automated
- Wood flavor
- Digital control
Charcoal combos:
- Traditional smoky taste
- Manual heat control
- More hands-on
Propane combos:
- Fast ignition
- High heat
- Clean burning
- Easy temperature adjustment
The best choice depends on how you cook.
If you want maximum convenience and precision, pellet wins.
If you love managing fire manually, charcoal feels more authentic.
How Much Cooking Space Do You Need?
Most combo units offer between:
800–900 square inches of cooking space.
Consider:
- How many people you cook for
- Whether you entertain often
- Whether you need separate heat zones
Larger models are better for families and gatherings.
Portable models are better for small groups and travel.
Is a Blackstone Smoker Grill Worth It?
If you want:
- Smoking capability
- Griddle versatility
- Multi-zone cooking
- Outdoor kitchen upgrade
- Less clutter
Then yes, a combo smoker grill can replace multiple appliances.
Instead of owning:
- A pellet smoker
- A gas grill
- A flat-top griddle
You can combine them into one system.
Final Thoughts
Blackstone smoker grill models bring together wood-fired flavor and flat-top versatility.
Pellet combos offer advanced digital control and app integration.
Charcoal and propane combos provide traditional grilling flexibility.
From portable tailgater units to full-size pellet systems with air fryer drawers, there is a Blackstone smoker grill for nearly every outdoor cooking style.
The key is choosing the model that matches how you cook — not just what looks impressive.
