The smoke box is an excellent device for you to enhance the flavor of your baked goods. With the simple way that the ruler works and the products becoming more popular, check out some of the best smoker boxes for gas grills in 2023. There you will find the perfect one to match your grilling favorites.
What Is A Smoker Box?
A gas grill smoker box is like a box made of metal. The product’s mechanism of action is to burn wood chips and create smoke, but it does add a little flavor to foods when roasted on a gas grill. In addition to gas grills, you can also find some other types of grills, such as propane grills or charcoal grills.
Gas grill smoker boxes are trendy because they are easy to use. All you need to do is pour into the flavor ark or pellets of your choice, then simply place it on the grill or the top of the gas burner.
You can also understand the smokebox as ingenious and straightforward BBQ equipment. It turns a gas, propane, or electric grill into the most practical smoking tool. Currently, smoke boxes have many different sizes, but their concept and operation are similar.
Do Smoker Boxes Work On Gas Grills?
The smoker box includes a gas grill ark, so no matter what product you buy that uses coal, electricity, or propane, what you’ll get is a smoke box or a woodchip fume hood. This design has the effect of reducing smoke and slow plus smoke.
A gas grill does not include cooking purposes like a smoker, but it can be in a smoker box. These boxes work well in gas grills because you can pack wood chips to insulate them from direct fire.
When the wood chips absorb enough heat, they burn and create smoke. The product is ideal for those who grill charcoal to add flavor to food.
How To Use A Smoker Box In Your Gas Grill?
You need to keep in mind that using a smoker box in a gas grill is not applying rocket science. It is the simplest grill accessory to help you achieve your goals.
- To start, you need to prepare the proper wood chips for the barbecue you will be cooking.
- Then you need to fill the container with wood chips or pellets and heat the grill with the fume hood included in the kit.
- When the smokebox is hot enough, it will start burning wood chips inside.
- Until the tin has smoked out, adjust the grill back to the required or desired cooking temperature, put the meat in, and start grilling. It is worth noting that you can take advantage of these smoke boxes with a charcoal grill to add a smokey flavor to the barbecue.
Although it is straightforward to use, you still need to remember one caveat. It is not to heat the box too high a temperature first because this will shorten the life of the box, even damage them. Even the best smoker boxes can fail if exposed to direct heat. So be patient and use them at smoking temperature and enjoy the smoking process.
For more details, check out the video below:
Buying Guide To Choose A Smoker Box For Your Gas Grill
As mentioned, smoker boxes come in a wide variety of models and types these days, so our recommendations on the list may not be the best choice for you. We are aware of this problem, so we will cover some factors you need to consider to choose the best smoker box in the following content.
Shape
Currently, there are two basic shapes in the product market: flat box and V-box.
Flat boxes can be square and fit any grill. However, when buying, you still need to check to make sure it fits snugly on the burners and grill or at least make sure it sits on top of the grill.
The V-box has a unique design in the lid, and as its name suggests, the V-shaped burner cap is the heat-reflecting plate (the incense stick).
Usually, a gas or propane grill is suitable to use with the V-shaped heat cap because it can distribute heat evenly over the baking surface. However, if you choose a smoke box with this shape, you must prepare a grill with a V-burner heat cover.
Size and capacity of wood chips
After reviewing the smokebox shapes, consider their size. When buying, you should choose a box with a size large enough to use the required amount of wood chips. Otherwise, you will wait a long time for it to suck and need to be refilled continuously.
The size and capacity of wood chips are two critical factors that directly affect the creation of smoke. That is, the amount of smoke is more or less, and how long it can produce smoke will depend on them.
Smaller boxes can only hold a small number of crumbs or pellets, so it takes less time to create smoke. In return, they heat up faster, so you don’t have to spend as much time waiting for the smoke.
Easy-to-clean design
The smoker box is usually below the food during baking, so all the excess grease and debris will fall off. After a period of use, the box will look quite dirty and unhygienic. Of course, they contain a lot of bacteria that are harmful to health so consider an easy-to-clean design to clean the box more often.
Especially the cast-iron box models, we recommend more maintenance. Using oil paint is ideal for keeping the finish clean and rust-free.
Lid
The box lid is also a feature worth considering when you are looking to buy a smoker box. You need to look for a product with a lid that fits snugly but is still easy to open. Some of the lid models that we appreciate quite a bit are hinged. This hinge creates good conditions for you to open and tilt more easily. In addition, some other models have a more liberal design but require precision and care when opening.
Besides, the box’s lid needs to do with the smoke outlet and has a few small holes to keep the heat better, while the lid has many spots to help the smoke better. In general, good smoker boxes come with easy-to-use covers.
And yet, the lid needs to create a good layer of gas around the box. Of course, this amount of gas must be just enough; if too little will not create enough conditions to burn wood chips, while there is too much oxygen, the wood pieces can ignite into a big fire. And smoke is not what you want when using the product.
Best smoker box for the gas grill in 2023
In the section below, we have gathered the best-selling products in the market. Each version will have its specific pros and cons. Now scroll down for more details!
1. Weber 7576 Universal Stainless Steel Box – Best for Durability
Important Specifications
- Brand: Weber
- Material Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 4.5 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
Product’s highlights
The first product on our list is Weber’s stainless steel smoke ark. With this material, the device becomes a more sustainable and user-friendly choice. That’s right, in this smoke ark model, the company applies a unique design to make it easier for you to use.
The first is the hinge on the lid that simplifies tasks. In other words, adding wood chips during the baking process and the smoking ark is perishable. You only need to do a few steps to add a crop to continue to provide smoke for the grill.
The design allows you to clean up more quickly after each use. you just need to pour all the excess ash into the box and brush it over to remove any remaining dust. Then store it in a suitable location to prepare it for subsequent use.
Compared to other types of smoke boxes, the Weber 7576 Universal Stainless Steel Smoker Box tends to be a bit more expensive, but you will get more benefits in return. The brand especially offers you a smoke box compatible with all its grills. So if you have a Weber grill, you can use Weber 7576.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Create spacious smoke
- High consistency
Things to Consider
- 2Easy to warp
Bottom lines
Not only does it fit a variety of grills of different sizes, but the Weber 7576 smoker box is also an excellent accessory for you to grill more than meat and vegetables. Besides, we appreciate the company’s service. On the company website, you will find the user manual and some tips.
2. Charcoal Companion Stainless Steel- Best for smoke generation
Charcoal Companion Stainless Steel
Important Specifications
- Brand: Silverius Pro
- Size: 8.75 x 3.75 x 1.75 inches
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
Product’s highlights
We love the X-shaped sharper design at the BBQ Smoker Box for Charcoal and Propane Gas GrillSilverius Pro. With these vents, you can place more holes at the top to allow the smoke to escape. Not only that, the smoke effect is also more beautiful. Combining form and features with accessories, you are sure to have a barbecue that is delicious and has a high aesthetic value.
Besides the vent design to create more smoke, the company chose a hingeless design to give the lid flexibility. This combination provides the user with a more significant amount of smoke. So even if you are a smoked meat connoisseur, you will surely be satisfied.
The stainless steel construction and 25% thicker also give you a durable and sturdy model. It helps to reduce the risk of warping during use. Furthermore, you can use the smokebox with a charcoal grill or propane or natural gas grill.
What We Like
- Durable
- Sure
- Air vents produce a lot of smoke
- High compatibility
Things to Consider
- May not fit your BBQ grill
Bottom lines
BBQ Smoker Box for Charcoal and Propane Gas GrillSilverius Pro is an excellent choice if you are a smoker. It will surely satisfy you with the ability to create a lot of smoke.
3. Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box – Best for heat retention
Important Specifications
- Brand: Char-Broil
- Cast iron material
- Dimensions: 1.38 x 5.13 x 8.12 inches
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
Product’s highlights
The Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box is an excellent suggestion if you’re looking for something that retains heat longer. With durable cast iron, although it will take some time for you to heat up and burn the wood chips, in return, it will stay hot for longer.
The manufacturer chooses durable cast iron that offers higher resistance to baking temperatures. You will surely be pleased as it is better than its stainless steel counterparts. Not only does the large ark allow you to put a lot of wood chips, but the lid has many vents, so it creates more smoke.
However, because it is cast iron, you need to keep the surface finished, so the paint layer does not peel off, and rust appears. In addition, the company also recommends adding seasoning to the ark by applying cooking oil before use for long-term maintenance.
What We Like
- Durable
- Good heat resistance
- Create a lot of smoke
- Good heat retention
Things to Consider
- Long hot
- Needs extra maintenance
Bottom lines
It is a great product to help you add smoke to your BBQ. With durable cast iron material, the product is suitable for many different types of baking. Whether you use gas, coal, or electricity can apply Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box.
4. Grillaholics Smoker Box – Best for Convenience
Grillaholics Smoker Box
Important Specifications
- Brand: Grillaholics
- Material: stainless steel
- Size: 8.75 x 3.75 x 1.75 inches
- Weight: 2.16 pounds
Product’s highlights
A nifty design might be what you’re looking for. Grillaholics Smoker Box brings convenience like never before; even if you are using a smoke ark for the first time, you will not have any difficulty in the process. To get started, simply insert your favorite piece of scented firewood inside and place it next to a heat source. Then you just have to wait for the smoke and the meat to cook.
With convenient size settings, you won’t have any limitations when using the large straw with the grill. The extra-large capacity of wood chips means you don’t need to spend a lot of time loading the wood chips. That time can be spent playing or talking with friends and family.
We also appreciate the easy-access hinged lid design. All you need to do is open up and add more chips. One piece of advice for you is to use baking gloves in the process to ensure safety.
What We Like
- Compatible with many types of grill
- Convenient
- Easy-to-use hinged cover
- Large capacity of wood chips
Things to Consider
- The lid is easy to warp and loses color
Bottom lines
Delivering on its promise to elevate your BBQ, the Grillaholics Smoker ark is suitable for most gas or charcoal grills. Although the price is higher than other options on the list, we are sure you will be satisfied with what it has to offer.
5. Charcoal Companion V-Shape – Best for V-shaped designs
Charcoal Companion Stainless Steel V-Shape
Important Specifications
- Brand: Charcoal Companion
- Size: 4.21 x 13.78 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.29 Pounds
Product’s highlights
Next is a good suggestion for those looking for a V-shaped smoke box. In this version of the Charcoal Companion, the company has a V-shaped construction to fit into the grill’s flavor bars quickly. And yet, this design also provides optimal, uniform heat contact and produces more smoke.
Users greatly appreciate the flexible shape of the product because it is compatible with most of today’s grills. But in general, this smoke ark from Charcoal Companion is specially designed for gas grills.
Like the products on our list, the device has a lid that comes with a convenient hinge. It makes it easier to get the wood chips, and it’s also easier to add more wood. You don’t need to pause the cooking process, just open the lid and add the crumbs.
Besides, the unique V design allows the ash to fall to the bottom of the box when you bake. So when cleaning, just empty them and wipe them clean.
What We Like
- Hinged lid
- Easy to add wood chips
- Easy to clean
- There are 2 size options
Things to Consider
- Rusty fast
Bottom lines
Charcoal Companion Stainless Steel V-Shape Smoker ark is a good choice for those who don’t like to clean. The unique V design accumulates ash, and simply empties and wipes clean, so the smokebox is ready for subsequent use.
6. Cave Tools Grill Smoker Box – Best for Overall
Cave Tools Grill Smoker Box
Important Specifications
- Brand: Cave Tools
- Size: 9 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
- Weight: 1.52 Pounds
Product’s highlights
The last option that we want to introduce to you is the product from the brand Cave Tools. Made from 25% thicker stainless steel, you’ll be surprised at how durable it is compared to other stainless steel competitors, which reduces the risk of warping.
Not only durable, but this model is also straightforward to use. With a hinged lid design, it is easy for you to add more wood chips. The storage capacity is also significant, so you don’t need to harvest the wood often.
Especially if you don’t like or can’t handle hot objects, the lid design is the ideal choice. It allows easy access and does not make you uncomfortable, helping to reduce accidents due to burns and heat.
In addition, the product also provides completely free access to the BBQ smoking and cooking diary application. The application is compatible with both popular platforms today, iOS and Android, so you don’t need to worry. Moreover, the app has more than 25 delicious recipes you can refer to.
What We Like
- Wide wood chips
- Affordable
- Ideal size
- High compatibility
Things to Consider
- Easy to rust if not well maintained
Bottom lines
Cave Tools Grill Smoker ark is a good choice for enhancing the flavor of grilled dishes. Its durability, good smoke ability, and easy-to-use design are suitable for beginners.
FAQs
Below, we answer and explain some of the most frequently asked questions for your understanding. Don’t skip any because they can all be helpful to you!
Is cast iron or stainless steel better for a smoker box?
Yes.
The device can withstand higher temperatures than smoke box models made of stainless steel with durable cast iron material. Usually, the cast-iron box is quite large, and the lid has a sound ventilation hole, so it produces more smoke.
Where does the smoker box go on a gas grill?
Lower the air intake box above the heater if using a gas grill. As for the charcoal grill, you just need to put the box on the coals and prioritize using the type of coal with good suction ability. In general, it is best to place the smokebox near the heat source.
How long do smoker boxes last?
Most of today’s smokeboxes can produce smoke that lasts about 20 – 30 minutes.
Is a smoker box worth it?
The value of a smoker box is its ability to simply add flavor to your baked goods without requiring any additional tools.
What Is The Best Smoker Box For Gas Grill?
With a smokebox, the taste of BBQ or smoked meat becomes more interesting. Whichever you use, make sure they’re durable and in good working order. Because of this, you will get a much better taste of the baked goods and a more convenient use process.
All 6 of our products are the best gas grill smoker boxes with specs and high ratings for 2022, so you can choose confidently. Besides, with Buying Guide To Choose A Smoker Box For Your Gas Grill, we hope you will successfully find other options besides the list.