If you already own a smoker and cook most weekends, the next upgrades are less about the pit and more about control, seasoning and finishing. These accessories suit people who like to tinker, and they also make good gifts for the barbecue fan who seems to own everything.
The six picks below cover a rub, a charcoal control tool, a temperature controller, a slicing knife, pellets and a cover. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm sizes, compatibility and pack contents on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fit | Controllers and covers need to match your smoker’s size and type |
| Flavour | Rubs and fuel shape the final taste more than most gadgets |
| Control | A fan-driven controller holds a steadier temperature over many hours |
| Finishing | A sharp slicer makes the difference on brisket and ribs |
Specs at a Glance
| Item | Purpose | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat Church The Gospel | Seasoning | All-purpose rub | Good on pork, beef and chicken |
| Slow ‘N Sear Original | Charcoal control | Steel basket | For kettle grills |
| BBQ Guru DigiQ DX3 | Temperature control | Fan controller | Needs a compatible adapter |
| Dalstrong Gladiator Slicer | Slicing | Long carving knife | For brisket |
| Pit Boss Competition Blend Pellets | Fuel | Hardwood pellets | For pellet smokers |
| Traeger Pellet Grill Cover | Protection | Weatherproof cover | Choose the correct size |
The 6 Best Smoker Accessories for BBQ Lovers
1. Meat Church The Gospel All Purpose BBQ Rub
A popular all-purpose barbecue rub from a well-known pitmaster brand, built to go on pork, beef and chicken. It is a simple way to give a cook a more rounded base flavour.
Suits: rib and pork shoulder fans. Strengths: an easy base seasoning for many meats. Weaknesses: flavour is a matter of taste. Skip it if you avoid pre-mixed rubs.
View Meat Church The Gospel Rub on Amazon
2. Slow ‘N Sear Original Charcoal Basket
A stainless steel charcoal basket for kettle grills that helps hold a long, low burn. It turns a standard kettle into something closer to a smoker.
Suits: kettle owners who want longer cooks. Strengths: a long burn on a basic grill. Weaknesses: fit depends on your grill, so check the listing. Skip it if you already have a dedicated smoker.
View Slow ‘N Sear Original on Amazon
3. BBQ Guru DigiQ DX3 Temperature Controller
A fan-driven temperature controller that helps hold a steady pit temperature on compatible charcoal cookers. It is a favourite for overnight cooks, but it needs a fitting that matches your smoker.
Suits: long, hands-off cooks. Strengths: steady heat control. Weaknesses: compatibility needs checking. Skip it if you use a pellet smoker.
View BBQ Guru DigiQ DX3 on Amazon
4. Dalstrong Gladiator Series Slicing Carving Knife
A long slicing knife made for carving brisket, turkey and roasts in clean, even slices. A blade this long reduces the sawing that tears the meat.
Suits: carving brisket. Strengths: a long blade for clean slices. Weaknesses: a long knife needs careful storage. Skip it if you have limited drawer space.
View Dalstrong Gladiator Slicer on Amazon
5. Pit Boss Competition Blend Hardwood Pellets
A blend of hardwood pellets sold for pellet smokers, giving a balanced smoke that works on most meats. Keep the bag sealed so the pellets stay dry.
Suits: pellet smoker owners. Strengths: a balanced, mild-to-medium smoke. Weaknesses: bags can be bulky to store. Skip it if you use a charcoal smoker.
View Pit Boss Competition Blend Pellets on Amazon
6. Traeger Pellet Grill Cover
A weather-resistant cover that protects a pellet grill from rain, dust and sun. Pick the size that matches your model, because a poor fit lets moisture creep in.
Suits: outdoor storage. Strengths: weather protection. Weaknesses: sizing must match your grill. Skip it if you keep your smoker in a garage.
View Traeger Pellet Grill Cover on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Let the smoker cool before covering it to avoid trapping moisture.
- Store rubs in a sealed jar away from steam and sunlight.
- Wash knives by hand and dry them straight away.
- Keep pellets in a sealed bin, never open to rain.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying controllers without checking that they fit your smoker.
- Covering a hot grill.
- Using a very long knife on a small board.
- Storing pellets loose in a damp shed.
BBQ Smoker Accessory FAQ
What makes a good gift for a barbecue fan?
A rub, a quality slicing knife or a reliable controller usually lands well because those wear out and get used often.
Will a temperature controller work on my smoker?
Only if it has a matching adapter. Check the listing and the maker’s compatibility notes first.
Is a rub or a sauce more useful?
A rub shapes the bark, so many pitmasters start there and add sauce at the end.
Are these gifts easy to size?
Most are one-size items. For covers and controllers, give the gift giver your smoker’s exact model so the fit is right.
Do pellets need to match my brand of grill?
Most hardwood pellets work across brands, but check the maker’s guidance for your model.
The Short Version
For seasoning, the Meat Church Gospel. For a longer burn, the Slow ‘N Sear. For hands-off control, the BBQ Guru DigiQ DX3. For finishing, the Dalstrong slicer. For fuel, the Pit Boss Competition Blend. For protection, the Traeger cover.