I often get asked how to use a smoke box on a gas grill. I will help you find the best way to use these handy smoker boxes.
I have used many materials, shapes, and forms. I experimented with wood chips and wood chunks and here I share all my findings with you.
A smoker box is mostly used on a gas grill and there are several ways to use, it or make on yourself.
Aluminum Foil Pouch
This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to add more smoke to your gas grill.
As you can see in the picture there is nothing complicated about this.
- Take a large piece of Aluminum foil and put some wood chips in it.
- Fold it over but be careful not to do it too tight.
- Poke some holes in it. A few are at the bottom but most of them are at the top
Now place the aluminum wood chip pouch over one of your burners and wait till it starts to develop smoke.
You can repeat this as many times as you like to add more smoke to your gas grill.
Smoker Box For Gas Grill
If you however plan on using a smoke box more than once in a while investing in a smoke box is a good idea.
Smoke boxes can be made from a variety of materials and it is up to you to choose the material you like to use.
Some people like a cast iron smoke box because they claim that the heat that is built up in the cast iron is better than any other material and this could be true.
After all, it is well known that cast iron retains heat really well.
How to use a smoker box depends a little on your type and model of gas grill.
With 2 or more burners it is easier to set it on a burner that you can turn down to low.
With one burner you do not have that option and that is why you have to try to move it away from the burner.
The use is pretty simple and there is one thing that everyone has his or her own opinion about and that is the material.
Smoke Tube For Gas Grill
To be honest this is one of my preferred methods since I use them already to add more smoke to a pellet grill and they are easy to use.
All I do is fill the pellet tube with pellets. Lay it flat and use my propane blow torch to light it.
I let it burn for a minute or 2 to make sure that it did ignite and then I blow out the flames.
Soak Wood Chips Or Not?
Some people say that soaking is better and others say it will ruin the smoke effect because you add steam instead of just smoke.
I have done both and tasted no difference, so it is up to you to decide or try both and then decide.
Since I have tasted no difference I take the easy way and do not soak.
Making Smoke In Your Gas Grill
After that, all you do is put your smoker box in the grill close the lid, and see the smoke build up in your grill.
Don’t forget to keep the air vents open.
No oxygen will stop the wood from smoldering.
A video can make it probably easier to understand than my writing here.
The amount of smoke can not really be adjusted too much. You may have to refill the smoker box if you want a longer time of smoke in your cooking.
What Type Of Wood I Use In A Smoker Box?
Basically, you can use chunks or chips. You can read what I think are the best wood chips for smoking in this article.
Both are for sale in most grocery stores I have tried them and they do pretty well. I have also used chunks from a friend of mine who cut down some Oak trees and that worked also well.
Smoker Box On A Gas Grill – My Experience
Once you know how to use a smoke box it is easy to use and will add smoke flavor to your meat when your grill can be set at a low temperature.
They are available in many sizes and choices of materials so there is always one you can use on your grill.
Remember that it is best used when you add it to the fire when you do indirect grilling and not directly on the fire.
Placing it directly over the hot coals will set them on fire and what we try to achieve is that they smolder and add smoke only, not temperature.
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Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken brings years of experience from running a full-service restaurant, where he honed his skills with all types of kitchen equipment. His expertise extends to mastering the art of outdoor cooking, utilizing the right recipes to enhance flavors on grills and smokers. Eddie’s in-depth knowledge allows him to provide comprehensive grill reviews and valuable outdoor cooking tips, helping enthusiasts make the most of their grilling adventures. You can read more on the About page for Eddie van Aken