The Pit Boss KC Combo and the Cuisinart Twin Oaks are both dual-function grills, but they cater to very different outdoor cooks. The KC Combo is a large, feature-rich unit from Pit Boss designed for serious enthusiasts with over 700 square inches of cooking space and precise digital controls. The Twin Oaks from Cuisinart is a more compact and budget-friendly option, perfect for smaller families and patios with its simpler operation and sleeker design.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which of these versatile pellet and gas grills is right for your backyard.
Pit Boss KC Combo Pellet and Gas Grill
The Pit Boss KC Combo is a heavyweight multitasking machine designed for the true grilling and smoking enthusiast. It combines a digitally controlled pellet smoker on one side with a powerful gas grill on the other, providing the ultimate in cooking flexibility. It’s built for large gatherings and for cooks who want precise control over low-and-slow smoking while also having the convenience of instant high-heat grilling.
- What it is: A large, heavy-duty combination grill featuring a wood pellet smoker and a liquid propane gas grill in a single unit.
- Key features: Over 700 sq. inches of total cooking space, digital PID control board for precise temperature management on the pellet side, porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates, integrated tool hooks and side shelves.
- Price: Around $500 - $700, depending on the retailer.
- Dimensions: This is a substantial grill that requires significant patio or deck space, often measuring over 70 inches wide.
- Materials/Construction: Built from heavy-gauge steel for durability and heat retention, with robust components designed for frequent use.
- Style: Rugged and industrial with a functional, no-nonsense aesthetic. It's designed to look like a serious piece of cooking equipment.
- Pros: Enormous cooking capacity for entertaining. Excellent temperature precision for smoking. Extremely versatile - smoke, grill, bake, and roast. Heavy-duty construction ensures longevity. Advanced features for the price.
- Cons: Large footprint is not suitable for small spaces. Heavy and difficult to move. Higher price point than entry-level combo grills. Can be complex for a total beginner.
The KC Combo is for the dedicated outdoor cook who regularly hosts parties or large family dinners and desires mastery over different cooking methods.
Shop this product: pitboss-grills.com/products/pit-boss-platinum-kc-combo-grill
Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet & Gas Grill
The Cuisinart Twin Oaks offers the convenience of a dual-fuel grill in a much more compact and approachable package. It combines wood-pellet smoking and gas grilling capabilities, making it a great entry point for those curious about both cooking styles. Its manageable size and simpler interface make it perfect for smaller families, couples, or anyone with limited outdoor space who still wants versatility.
- What it is: A compact pellet and gas combination grill designed for smaller households and everyday use.
- Key features: Around 300-400 sq. inches of primary cooking space, easy-to-use dial controls for both pellet and gas sides, integrated temperature gauges, and a lightweight design.
- Price: Generally priced between $300 - $500.
- Dimensions: Significantly smaller footprint than the Pit Boss, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and smaller backyards.
- Materials/Construction: Made with sturdy steel and enamel-coated components that focus on rust resistance and ease of cleaning.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a polished finish. Its compact design helps it blend into various outdoor decor styles without overwhelming the space.
- Pros: Affordable entry price for a combo grill. Compact size is great for limited spaces. Simple, straightforward operation. Both smokes and grills effectively for everyday meals.
- Cons: Limited cooking capacity is not ideal for large groups. Lacks the advanced digital controls of more expensive models. Lighter construction may feel less substantial than heavy-duty competitors.
The Twin Oaks is an excellent choice for casual grillers who prioritize convenience, a smaller size, and an affordable price tag.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/outdoor-grilling/cof-600/
Pit Boss KC Combo vs. Cuisinart Twin Oaks Comparison
Dimensions & Cooking Area
The most significant difference between these two grills is their size. The Pit Boss KC Combo boasts an enormous cooking area, often exceeding 700 square inches, making it capable of cooking for 10-15 people at once. This capacity is perfect for backyard parties, but its large physical footprint demands a spacious deck or patio.
In contrast, the Cuisinart Twin Oaks is far more compact, offering a primary cooking surface of around 300-400 square inches. This is plenty for a small family or weekday dinners, and its smaller dimensions make it suitable for city balconies or tight backyard spots where space is at a premium.
Materials & Construction
The Pit Boss KC Combo is built like a tank. It uses heavy-gauge steel for its body and thick, porcelain-coated cast iron grates that excel at retaining heat. This robust build contributes to its excellent performance and durability but also makes it extremely heavy.
The Cuisinart Twin Oaks is constructed from a lighter, though still sturdy, steel with enamel coatings. The focus here is on providing reliable performance with better portability and rust resistance. It feels less industrial than the Pit Boss but is perfectly adequate for regular residential use and easier to move and store.
Features & Technology
Pit Boss clearly targets the enthusiast with its feature set. The KC Combo includes a sophisticated digital PID control board for the pellet side, allowing you to set a precise temperature and maintain it automatically for hours of consistent smoking. This "set it and forget it" capability is a huge advantage for low-and-slow cooking.
Cuisinart keeps things simple on the Twin Oaks. It uses straightforward analog dial controls for both the gas flames and the pellet temperature settings. While it lacks the pinpoint precision of a digital controller, it is incredibly intuitive and quick to get started, which many casual users prefer.
Price & Value
The Cuisinart Twin Oaks represents a high-value entry point into combo grilling, typically priced between $300 and $500. For someone who wants to try both pellet and gas cooking without a massive investment, it offers fantastic value.
The Pit Boss KC Combo sits in a higher tier, usually priced from $500 to $700. The extra cost buys you a massive increase in cooking capacity, a more durable build, and more advanced smoking technology. For a serious griller, this represents huge value by combining two high-performance cookers into one unit.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these combo grills are excellent options, but they are designed for completely different scales of outdoor cooking.
Choose the Pit Boss KC Combo if:
- You regularly cook for large groups, host family gatherings, or meal prep in big batches.
- You're serious about wood-pellet smoking and want precise, automated temperature control.
- You have a large patio or backyard with plenty of space to spare.
- You value a heavy-duty, robust build and plan to use your grill frequently.
Choose the Cuisinart Twin Oaks if:
- You have a limited budget but still want the flexibility of a combo grill.
- You're working with a smaller outdoor space like a patio or balcony.
- You are new to combo grilling and prefer simple, easy-to-use controls.
- You typically cook for just yourself, a partner, or a small family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Pit Boss KC Combo and Cuisinart Twin Oaks?
The main differences are cooking capacity, technology, and price. The Pit Boss is a much larger, more expensive grill with advanced digital controls for smoking. The Cuisinart is smaller, more affordable, and uses simple analog controls, making it better for beginners or those with limited space.
Which grill has a larger cooking area?
The Pit Boss KC Combo has a significantly larger cooking area, typically exceeding 700 square inches across its gas and pellet sides. The Cuisinart Twin Oaks is much smaller, usually offering 300-400 square inches of primary cooking space.
Which combo grill is better for a small patio?
The Cuisinart Twin Oaks is undoubtedly the better choice for a small patio or balcony. Its compact footprint and lighter weight make it much easier to position and store in tight quarters.
Is the Pit Boss KC Combo a good smoker?
Yes, it's an excellent smoker. The digitally controlled pellet side with a PID controller allows you to maintain consistent low temperatures for hours, which is ideal for smoking everything from ribs to brisket.
Which grill is more budget-friendly?
The Cuisinart Twin Oaks is the more budget-friendly option, often costing $200-$300 less than the Pit Boss KC Combo.
How durable are these grills?
Both grills are built to last for typical outdoor use. However, the Pit Boss KC Combo is made from heavier-gauge steel and feels more robust, suggesting it's designed for more frequent and intense use over the long term.
What kind of fuel do these grills use?
Both grills use two types of fuel: hardwood pellets for the smoker side and a standard liquid propane tank for the gas grill side.
Do these grills require electricity?
Yes, both grills must be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. Electricity is required to power the auger that feeds pellets to the fire pot and to run the digital displays and fans.
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