When it comes to outdoor cooking, versatility is key, and the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate Combo Grill is designed with that in mind. This grill combines a gas grill, charcoal grill, and electric smoker in one unit, offering a 4-in-1 grilling experience that sets it apart from other outdoor cooking systems. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced backyard barbecue enthusiast, this combo grill gives you the freedom to experiment with different styles of cooking.
Overview: A 4-in-1 Grill Experience
The Memphis Ultimate Combo Grill is built to tackle any cooking task with ease, thanks to its 3-burner gas grill, charcoal grill, and electric smoker. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this grill a standout option for grilling aficionados:
- Gas Grill: With three stainless steel burners offering 36,000 BTUs, the gas grill component ensures even heat distribution, making it perfect for quick cooking or searing steaks and burgers.
- Charcoal Grill: If you love that smoky flavor, the charcoal grill side gives you full control over temperature with an adjustable 6-position charcoal grate. The front air intake and rear chimney exhaust provide proper airflow for more precise cooking.
- Electric Smoker: The 2.5 cubic-foot analog electric smoker, equipped with three racks, allows for slow smoking your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables. A front-access wood pan makes it easy to add wood chips for that signature smoky taste.
- Indirect Cooking: For added versatility, the grill offers indirect cooking by offsetting smoke from the smoker into either the gas or charcoal grills. This is perfect for slow-cooked barbecue dishes.
Features Breakdown
1. Total Cooking Space
The Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate offers a massive 2,167 square inches of total cooking space, making it ideal for large family gatherings or outdoor parties. Between the gas grill, charcoal grill, and smoker, there’s more than enough room to cook different types of food simultaneously. Whether you’re grilling burgers, smoking brisket, or roasting veggies, space will never be an issue.
2. Durability and Design
This grill is designed to last, featuring porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates that are not only durable but also excellent for heat retention. The body of the grill is crafted from sturdy materials that can withstand the elements, so you don’t have to worry about durability even in harsh weather conditions. The added side shelf and two storage drawers provide plenty of space for prep work and storing grilling tools.
3. Temperature Control and Versatility
The Memphis Ultimate excels when it comes to versatility. The gas burners provide fast and reliable heating, making them perfect for weeknight grilling. On the other hand, the charcoal side offers that deep, authentic barbecue flavor that only charcoal can provide. Plus, the electric smoker allows for low-and-slow smoking, which is perfect for larger cuts of meat like briskets and ribs. You can also smoke more delicate foods like cheese or vegetables by utilizing the smoker’s adjustable temperature settings.
One of the best features is the ability to offset the smoker’s smoke into the grill sides, infusing everything with rich, smoky flavor. This adds a layer of complexity to any meal you’re preparing.
Key Accessories and Add-ons
To enhance the grilling experience, Pit Boss offers a variety of add-ons and accessories that perfectly complement the Memphis Ultimate Combo Grill:
- Cast Iron Cooking Accessories: These accessories include pans, griddles, and dutch ovens that can be used on both the charcoal and gas sides, adding versatility to your cooking.
- A-MAZE-N Smokers: If you’re a fan of cold smoking, Pit Boss also offers A-MAZE-N Smokers for adding that smoky flavor to cold dishes like cheese or fish.
- Tool Hooks and Storage Drawers: These make organization easy, ensuring your grilling tools are always within arm’s reach.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
While this combo grill may seem like a complex system, it’s designed for ease of use. The front-access wood pan in the smoker makes adding wood chips simple, and the lockable caster wheels provide mobility, so you can move it around your outdoor space with ease. Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to its removable ash pans and porcelain-coated grates, which prevent food from sticking.
Cooking Techniques You Can Try
1. Grilling with Gas
The gas side is ideal for quick grilling tasks like searing steaks or burgers. The consistent, high heat makes it easy to achieve perfect grill marks while keeping the meat juicy on the inside.
2. Smoking with the Electric Smoker
Smoking on the Pit Boss Memphis is a game-changer. Whether you’re slow-smoking a rack of ribs or experimenting with cheeses, the smoker provides plenty of space for various items. The temperature control in the electric smoker ensures that your food cooks low and slow, absorbing all the smoky goodness over time.
3. Charcoal Grilling
For those who prefer the traditional smoky flavor of charcoal, the adjustable charcoal grate allows for perfect heat control. Whether you want a slow roast or high heat for grilling, the charcoal side delivers.
4. Indirect Cooking
Indirect cooking allows you to use the smoker’s smoke while cooking on either the gas or charcoal grill. This technique is perfect for larger cuts of meat that need to cook through slowly without direct heat.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Preheat Properly: Whether using gas or charcoal, make sure to preheat the grill for about 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Use the Smoker for Large Cuts: The electric smoker is perfect for meats like brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs. Cook these slowly at a low temperature to get tender, juicy results.
- Adjust Airflow: For charcoal grilling, managing airflow with the adjustable dampers helps maintain the desired temperature, so make sure to get familiar with these controls.
- Experiment with Wood Chips: The type of wood chips you use in the smoker can drastically alter the flavor. Try hickory for a stronger, more traditional barbecue flavor, or fruitwoods like apple and cherry for a sweeter, milder smoke.