Toggle sidebar

smoke hollow 4-in-1 combo grill

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
Remove the Ads for LIFE - 50% Off!
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
I have this unit at this time and the only mods I did was take off the rubber feet on the lid and adjust the hinges to bring the lid down. Did have to add a Deflector plate at the inlet from the fire box to the cook chamber. I use it mostly as a stick burner and the flames liked to jump through the opening. The only issue I have now is cook chamber is not big enough for more then 3 slabs of BB. I am fixing that by building a new smoker. Keep smoking LOW AND SLOW.
 
Just my 2 cents but why would you buy something that you know is cheap Chinese made POS, that you know you have to mod from here to hell and gone in the first place just to make it acceptable? It just seems to make more sense to me to spend the extra $$$ and get something worth while straight out of the box. Just my humble opinion.
 
sdnative1964 said:
 
Just my 2 cents but why would you buy something that you know is cheap Chinese made POS, that you know you have to mod from here to hell and gone in the first place just to make it acceptable? It just seems to make more sense to me to spend the extra $$$ and get something worth while straight out of the box. Just my humble opinion.
Click to expand...
for a lot of people , its hard to justify spending a lot on a real good smoker when its just kind of a lark and youre not sure if youll even use it a lot. if you spend a few bucks on a cheapie and then dick around with it a little to get it to work halfway good , you don't feel like youre wasting a lot of money if it turns out that smoking isn't really your life. I know I had a brinkmann gourmet for a while and it drove me crazy , but the experience convinced me I wanted a better smoker.
 
I used a piece of 1/8 inch thick aluminum about 6inches wide. I measured the top of the opening and did some bending then cut the sides back at angels, bent the sides 90 degrees in and the top edge down so it covered the sides part way. Drilled a couple holes and bolted it in. So far it seems to do the trick. I made it at my shop were I work and had to change it slightly to clear the charcoal basket raise handle.
 
Just bought one of these myself.  Although I didn't buy it as a smoker.  It's primary use will be as a replacement for my deteriorating Brinkman Professional model charcoal grill.  I've wanted a gas grill for awhile, just for those occasions that I can't or don't want to wait for charcoal, or cooking time exceeds my charcoal.

I have a dedicated smoker, and plan on upgrading that next year to a Rec Tec.

I will also point out that the unit is much cheaper at Sam's Club than the price listed at Gander Mountain.
 
I've had this combo for a few years now and love it as a daily driver. My personal opinion is that any time you buy anything that's a multipurpose tool you're going to have to give on some things. You always buy a better smoker...grill...etc. but if you are unwilling (or unable) to buy high quality individual pieces this is a nice way to go. Like some others, I do have a dedicated smoker so I don't use the smoking chamber that often. However, I do use it occasionally and will concur that it does not have a tight seal and modifications are recommended. 

The sear burner works as advertised and the gas grill surface and heat output is adequate. The charcoal grill is superb and gives excellent ventilation and temperature control with the adjustable charcoal basket. I did remove the warming rack on the charcoal side to allow more room for beer can chicken.

AIR_20140516_00001.jpg

AIR_20140516_00001.jpg


For those wanting to look at some possible modifications this is a good place to start. Apologies if this link has already been posted.

http://www.nibblemethis.com/2011/09/smoke-hollow-smoker-modifications-part.html
 
I just got this grill for Fathers day, and I love that I can choose to use the propane, or charcoal, or even smoke our meals, in one unit.

 I have a few questions to those of you that have one.

1) The smoke box has a grill on it. Is this to grill right over the smoke wood you are using?

2) Do you use just wood in the smoke box, and add charcoal in the charcoal side to cook a brisket? Or do you place nothing in the charcoal box, and just use the smoke box for both heat and smoke?

I have read some of the mods and I will fix the seals in the smoke box and charcol box as needed, before using it. Did you add seal around the vent door on the smoke box?

I am tempted to cook some burgers on the gas, and charcoal, and smoke box, to taste the differences.

Thanks for tanking the time to read and reply, always tryin to learn.
 
I use charcoal in the Smoke box to get going and then use my smoking wood. You will need to seal the smoke Box inside and the lid too. I also put a gasket on the lid for the charcoal grill. Helps hold smoke & heat. Good luck.
 
Hey folks...  new here, and... just assembled my 4-in-1 last night!
Picked it up from Sams Club, using their one-day-shopping-pass. $369 plus tax.

I've heard of "seasoning" the grill, is it truly necessary? I've never done such a thing, to any of my BBQs.
What does it do for the grill or BBQ itself? And what's your process?  

... Help a guy out... ;)  Who's never seasoned anything but my meat. 
sausage.gif


Apparently, Smoke Hollow has listened to some of the complaints;

- The grill is no longer leaking like the Titanic in the charcoal side.

  I tested it last night, and I only had smoke out the charcoal basket adjuster and vent.
  I fixed most of that, by removing the (3) pins and installing small bolts/nuts which allowed me to tighten it up a bit.

- There's no holes between gas and charcoal sides. No need to block off anything, to seal up the charcoal side for smoking.

- The hole for smoke between smoke box and charcoal, is now slightly ducted into the charcoal side. Only an inch or so, but I'm sure it'll help. I'm still thinking to make a divider type smoke plate like others have, below the charcoal tray. We'll see.... this will be my first 'smoker' and attempt at smoking anything. 

I did still have to seal up the smoker box. It was welded and the pesky little gaps between tack welds are still noticeable. I used a clear 5min epoxy...  as I like to keep my stuff nice. And grey, orange, or other sealants are ugly enough on their own.

I too will eventually make an expanded metal tray for the smoker box, and will add a metal plate to the bottom for some heat retention. I'm thinking of lining the walls a bit too... it's easy, as I have a plasma cutter, electric shears, welders, etc. Seems it helps those who have done it thus far.

What does everyone do for a 'water tray'?
... what exact brand of tray or dish? Etc?  I'm guessing I should invest and make sure I have that too, before trying to smoke.

Any other hints that haven't been covered already??  Any help for a first time smoker is greatly appreciated!! 

beercheer.gif


John
(San Diego)
 
 
JohnnyAirtime said:
Hey folks...  new here, and... just assembled my 4-in-1 last night!

Picked it up from Sams Club, using their one-day-shopping-pass. $369 plus tax.

I've heard of "seasoning" the grill, is it truly necessary? I've never done such a thing, to any of my BBQs.

What does it do for the grill or BBQ itself? And what's your process?  
... Help a guy out... ;)  Who's never seasoned anything but my meat. :sausage:

Apparently, Smoke Hollow has listened to some of the complaints;

- The grill is no longer leaking like the Titanic in the charcoal side.
  I tested it last night, and I only had smoke out the charcoal basket adjuster and vent.

  I fixed most of that, by removing the (3) pins and installing small bolts/nuts which allowed me to tighten it up a bit.

- There's no holes between gas and charcoal sides. No need to block off anything, to seal up the charcoal side for smoking.

- The hole for smoke between smoke box and charcoal, is now slightly ducted into the charcoal side. Only an inch or so, but I'm sure it'll help. I'm still thinking to make a divider type smoke plate like others have, below the charcoal tray. We'll see.... this will be my first 'smoker' and attempt at smoking anything. 

I did still have to seal up the smoker box. It was welded and the pesky little gaps between tack welds are still noticeable. I used a clear 5min epoxy...  as I like to keep my stuff nice. And grey, orange, or other sealants are ugly enough on their own.

I too will eventually make an expanded metal tray for the smoker box, and will add a metal plate to the bottom for some heat retention. I'm thinking of lining the walls a bit too... it's easy, as I have a plasma cutter, electric shears, welders, etc. Seems it helps those who have done it thus far.


What does everyone do for a 'water tray'?

... what exact brand of tray or dish? Etc?  I'm guessing I should invest and make sure I have that too, before trying to smoke.

Any other hints that haven't been covered already??  Any help for a first time smoker is greatly appreciated!! 

:beercheer:


John

(San Diego)

 
Click to expand...
I did all the mods as well Just got mine a month ago. Here r some pics
0122160743.jpg

0122160743.jpg

 
Dknow said:
I did all the mods as well Just got mine a month ago. Here r some pics

0122160743.jpg

0122160743.jpg

Click to expand...
So...  did you permanently remove the charcoal grate lifter arm?

I'm not interested in making my unit a permanent smoker, as I often just grill using charcoal.

In fact, today my pops offered up his 'charcoal smoker' for me to use and try...  so, that will be my go-to smoker with this as backup (once all mods are done).
 
JohnnyAirtime said:
So...  did you permanently remove the charcoal grate lifter arm?


I'm not interested in making my unit a permanent smoker, as I often just grill using charcoal.


In fact, today my pops offered up his 'charcoal smoker' for me to use and try...  so, that will be my go-to smoker with this as backup (once all mods are done).
Click to expand...
I can take it out when I want and install the grate
 
I'm still waiting on my seal for around the tops of the charcoal side and smoke box... So...

While I was out in the garage today... I built my elevated charcoal rack for the smoke box.

2016-01-23 14.32.16.jpg

2016-01-23 14.32.16.jpg

  
2016-01-23 14.32.01.jpg

2016-01-23 14.32.01.jpg


Consists of a top, and an elevated base.  If the top wears out, I can easily replace it.
The bolts are in place just to keep the holes aligned with rack base and top plate. Easy peasy.

2016-01-23 14.31.39.jpg

2016-01-23 14.31.39.jpg

Might have to drop it down a bit for charcoal clearance. We'll see how it works as is.

From top down... you can see holes all lined up and ready for charcoal (below picture). 

And it's tight... barely fit in there. Enough, that charcoal can't fall down around the sides until it's ash.
2016-01-23 14.31.33.jpg

2016-01-23 14.31.33.jpg


However... I have to go in through the side opening at a 45° angle. And walk it in, using the holes for more clearance. I think I'll have to trim 1/4 to 3/8" off to make it fast and easy when cleaning out the fire box. I don't want to walk it in/out every time.

Then... I added the top stainless cover for under my grate.
(Saw someone else do it, had the stainless sitting around and cut it to fit.Sized at 12.5 x 12.5")
2016-01-23 14.41.20.jpg

2016-01-23 14.41.20.jpg

 
Last edited:
JohnnyAirtime said:
I'm still waiting on my seal for around the tops of the charcoal side and smoke box... So...

While I was out in the garage today... I built my elevated charcoal rack for the smoke box.
2016-01-23 14.32.16.jpg

2016-01-23 14.32.16.jpg

  
2016-01-23 14.32.01.jpg

2016-01-23 14.32.01.jpg



Consists of a top, and an elevated base.  If the top wears out, I can easily replace it.

The bolts are in place just to keep the holes aligned with rack base and top plate. Easy peasy.
2016-01-23 14.31.39.jpg

2016-01-23 14.31.39.jpg



Might have to drop it down a bit for charcoal clearance. We'll see how it works as is.


From top down... you can see holes all lined up and ready for charcoal (below picture). 


And it's tight... barely fit in there. Enough, that charcoal can't fall down around the sides until it's ash.
2016-01-23 14.31.33.jpg

2016-01-23 14.31.33.jpg


However... I have to go in through the side opening at a 45° angle. And walk it in, using the holes for more clearance. I think I'll have to trim 1/4 to 3/8" off to make it fast and easy when cleaning out the fire box. I don't want to walk it in/out every time.

Then... I added the top stainless cover for under my grate.

(Saw someone else do it, had the stainless sitting around and cut it to fit.Sized at 12.5 x 12.5")
2016-01-23 14.41.20.jpg

2016-01-23 14.41.20.jpg

Click to expand...
nice
 
Just purchased this 4 in 1 over the weekend.  Sam's club has them for $369 and my Char Grill 50/50 is on it's last leg so I went for this one.  Seems to be a heavier unit than the 50/50, hope it holds up as well as the Char grill.  I do plan to work on the mods you guys have mentioned in this thread.  I will be following this thread and others to see how well everyone likes their unit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Similar threads

bigwillybrewing
SMOKE HOLLOW 4-in-1 combo grill 47183T MOD Build
Replies
10
Views
38K
Smoker Builds
sharpsmoker
sharpsmoker

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Top Bottom
Back
Clicky