A smoker box is a small metal container that holds wood chips on a gas grill. Placed over a burner or on the flavorizer bars, it heats the chips until they smoulder and send flavour through the cooking chamber without a separate smoker.
Cast iron and stainless steel are the two main materials, and each handles heat differently. We have not used the six boxes below ourselves, so confirm dimensions, vent design and fit for your grill on the current listing before buying.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Material | Cast iron holds heat; stainless steel resists rust and is lighter |
| Lid design | Vents or slots let smoke out while keeping chips from catching fire |
| Shape | V-shaped and flat boxes fit between or on top of grates differently |
| Size | Your burner layout decides which box can sit where you need it |
Specs at a Glance
| Product | Material | Shape | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Stainless Steel Smoker Box | Stainless steel | Rectangular | From a major grill brand |
| Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box | Cast iron | Rectangular | Heavy and heat-retaining |
| Camp Chef Cast Iron Smoker Box | Cast iron | Rectangular | Season before use |
| Onlyfire Stainless Steel Smoker Box | Stainless steel | V-shaped | Fits between grates |
| Cave Tools Stainless Steel Smoker Box | Stainless steel | Rectangular | Hinged lid |
| Napoleon Cast Iron Smoker Box | Cast iron | Rectangular | Pairs well with Napoleon grills |
The 6 Best Smoker Boxes for Gas Grills
1. Weber Stainless Steel Smoker Box
A stainless steel box with a hinged lid, made for use on gas grills. It gives you a rust-resistant option from a company that makes grills, so fit questions are usually easier to answer.
Suits: first-time smoker box users. Strengths: rust resistance and a hinged lid. Weaknesses: stainless can warp after repeated hot use. Skip it if you want cast iron heat retention.
View Weber Stainless Steel Smoker Box on Amazon
2. Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box
A cast iron smoker box that holds heat well and gives steady smoulder. It is heavier than steel, so it feels more solid in use.
Suits: steady smoke on long cooks. Strengths: heat retention and a rugged build. Weaknesses: it needs seasoning and dry storage. Skip it if you want a lightweight box.
View Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box on Amazon
3. Camp Chef Cast Iron Smoker Box
A cast iron box for chips that sits on the grates or over a burner. Like most cast iron, it benefits from a coat of oil to keep rust away.
Suits: grills that run hot. Strengths: durable cast iron. Weaknesses: it can rust if neglected. Skip it if you do not want to oil cookware.
View Camp Chef Cast Iron Smoker Box on Amazon
4. Onlyfire Stainless Steel Smoker Box
A V-shaped stainless steel smoker box meant to fit between grates or over flavorizer bars on a gas grill. Its slim shape makes it easy to place near a burner.
Suits: tight burner layouts. Strengths: a V shape that fits many grills. Weaknesses: a smaller chip capacity. Skip it if you want long smoke from one load.
View Onlyfire Stainless Steel Smoker Box on Amazon
5. Cave Tools Stainless Steel Smoker Box
A stainless steel box with a hinged lid and slots to release smoke. It is meant to cover most gas grills when placed near a burner.
Suits: general purpose gas grilling. Strengths: easy refilling through a hinged lid. Weaknesses: exact size should be checked on the listing. Skip it if you want cast iron.
View Cave Tools Stainless Steel Smoker Box on Amazon
6. Napoleon Cast Iron Smoker Box
A cast iron smoker box from a brand known for gas grills, designed to hold wood chips over the heat. It pairs naturally with the maker’s own grills but should fit other brands too.
Suits: Napoleon grill owners. Strengths: brand fit and heat retention. Weaknesses: check whether it suits your grate size. Skip it if you want a stainless build.
View Napoleon Cast Iron Smoker Box on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Let the box cool fully before emptying the ashes.
- Season cast iron with a thin coat of oil after cleaning.
- Soak chips briefly only if the maker suggests it.
- Scrape out residue so the vents do not clog.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting the box where it blocks the flame.
- Using too many chips at once.
- Leaving a cast iron box wet.
- Opening the lid constantly and losing smoke.
Smoker Box FAQ
Do I need to soak the wood chips?
Opinions differ. Dry chips smoke sooner, while soaked ones take longer to start. Follow the maker’s advice for your box.
Where do I put a smoker box on a gas grill?
Place it directly over a lit burner or on the flavorizer bars, as the grill manual allows.
Cast iron or stainless steel?
Cast iron holds heat longer, while stainless is lighter and easier to keep from rusting.
Will a smoker box give a deep smoke ring?
It adds smoke flavour, but a gas grill will not match a dedicated smoker for a deep ring.
The Short Version
For a simple steel box, the Weber. For heat retention, the Char-Broil cast iron. For a seasoned classic, the Camp Chef. For tight spaces, the Onlyfire V-box. For general use, the Cave Tools. For a gas-grill brand match, the Napoleon.