Best Smoker Accessories of 2021 – Ultimate Guide

| Last Updated: January 9, 2022

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Just buying a good high-quality smoker is not enough to produce the perfect barbeque. You need things like a thermometer, gloves, grill brush, cooking utensils, etc. 

Just like for cooking, you don’t just need a stove but the entire kitchen if you want the process to be easy and not chaotic, you need accessories while smoking meat. So we have listed some of the best smoker accessories you should invest in.  

Comparison Chart of the Best Smoker Accessories

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Suggestions for different kinds of meat
  • Useful guide for food lovers
  • Offers step-by-step instructions
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  • Ideal for slow cooking
  • Fits a variety of units
  • Good air flow and even cooking
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  • Best for the Money
  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Accessories make grilling fun and easy
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  • Best Smoker Thermometer
  • Remote range of 300 feet
  • Acurate readings
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  • Best Rib Rub for Smoker
  • Gluten and GMO-free
  • Packaged in an aluminum tin container
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  • Best Pellets for Smoker
  • Made from natural hardwood
  • Promises perfect blue smoke
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  • Best Smoker Chips
  • Eliminates and prevent pests
  • Helps to prevent mold and rot as well
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Types of Smoker Accessories

Your accessories can either be thermometers if you want a perfect cook, i.e., medium, medium-rare or well-done or you can buy a fire starter or some utensils like tongs, brush, etc. Some things that we think you should invest in are:

Guide/Cook Book

Before you start smoking, you need to know the basics. It is not an easy process and actually takes a lot of time and patience. A good guide will tell you things like what temperature for what meat, how long they usually take, what wood type to use and when, etc. For the next step, a cookbook can give you some delicious recipes that will have everyone licking their fingers.  

Rib Rack

When you are cooking for a large party, and your smoker does not have enough space, then a rib rack can be used. You insert the ribs in the vertical portions of the rack. This also means that you don’t have to keep flipping the meat. The rack will keep it elevated, and heat will reach all parts equally.

Gloves

When handling fire and hot equipment, safety is a must. Heatproof gloves can be found easily in any place that sells grills and smokers.

Utensils

Without utensils, you can’t cook. You are going to need a cutting board, knives, tongs to flip and take out, a brush to put oil on, and a grill brush to clean the grill. 

Thermometer

Different thermometers are used to keep tabs on the temperature of the food to make sure it doesn’t get overcooked, or you don’t serve it raw. Some smokers have an inbuilt thermometer on them, but they are notorious for being inaccurate. So it is a good option to buy a separate thermometer. Often, digital ones are used for their accuracy. 

Jolly Green Products Ekogrips Premium BBQ Oven Gloves

Pellets/Wood Chips/Saw Dust

Wood is used in smokers for the smoky flavor. There are different types of wood you can use, including pellets, wood chips, and sawdust. Sawdust is the cheapest of them all, but they burn more slowly and give the least amount of heat. 

Wood chips and sawdust burn more quickly and give more heat, but burning quickly means they run out fast, and you have to keep adding more, especially for meat that takes longer to cook.    

Fire Retardant Blanket

Grills and smokers give a lot of harmful heat that can affect your furniture, floor, and other wooden things if they are placed near. This is why these covers are used to protect your things.

Willy's Top Picks - Best Smoker Accessories

Review of the Best Smoker Accessories

There are many different versions of these accessories in the market, but the best of each, according to us, are given below with their reviews. Have a look and find the ideal one for yourself!

Best Overall:
Meat Smoking Guide by Cave Tools

Cave Tools Meat Smoking Food Magnet Sheet with Wood Temperature Chart and Flavor Profile - Pitmaster BBQ Accessories for Smokers, Refrigerators and Metal Grills (Small)

Pros

  • Designed out of a car magnet material that allows an extra level of durability
  • Digital display allows a font that is big enough to be read without straining your eyes at all
  • Ideally sized to provide with sufficient cooking space without that unit occupying too much space
  • Comes with 25 professional recipes that include step by step guidance for cooking the perfect meal
  • Smartly engineered to support a great range of wood varieties as well as flavor profiles so you can cook your food just the way you wan

Cons

  • Customer service may not be the best
  • Unit not designed to be used very often
  • Sticker on the side takes a lot of effort to remove completely

What Recent Buyers Report

One of the reasons this unit ranks so high on this list is because of the customer satisfaction that it has provided for almost all of its users. Those who have invested in this unit and tried it out for themselves have absolutely not been disappointed with any of its features. The great performance that it provides, along with the quality is enough to impress the users alone.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product is simply a whole package that is a combination of all the features that you’ve been looking for in your smoker, but there is one perk that this unit provides us with, making it stand apart from all others. And that feature is its car magnet design. This smart choice of material will ensure that your product lasts for a longer time.

Who Will Use This Most

Most smokers out there are just designed for users to enjoy their BBQ day, but there are some designed for those who take their smokers very seriously. If you, too, are a barbecue enthusiast and are looking for a unit that is designed with the absolute best of all features and nothing less, then this is the unit that you need to try for yourself.

Bottom Line

Being the top product on this list, you may have high expectations from it. And we assure you that all of your expectations will be met. That is how efficient this product is. From a durable design to efficient performance, this unit has everything that you could ask for, which is why we picked it as our overall best product.

Runner-up:
Sorbus Non-Stick Rib Rack

Sorbus® Non-Stick Rib Rack - Porcelain Coated Steel Roasting Stand – Holds 4 Rib Racks for Grilling & Barbecuing - Perfect BBQ Accessories for Smoker and Grill - Durable and Convenient Design (Black)

Pros

  • Perfect item for use for meat that needs to be cooked slowly
  • Ideal size of the rack allows it to fit into a great number of smokers, ovens, and grills
  • Open design of the rack ensures an even airflow that allows equal cooking on all sides
  • Fabricates from heavy-duty steel that comes with a porcelain coating for better heating
  • Designed to hold four ribs at once, in an upright position to save more space for other items on your smoker

Cons

  • If the ribs are thick, they may not fit into the slot
  • Ribs may be needed to cut into half, so they don’t hang off of the rack
  • Users may note the paint burning off after extended use of the product

What Recent Buyers Report

Users investing in this rib rack have been pleasantly surprised by the high efficiency of a product so simple. From its reduced space-occupying design to its high-quality construction, users feel like they get the best of all features from this rib rack. They love the even cooking of ribs that this rack allows for them.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The great user reviews of this product are enough to convince anyone to invest in this rib rack. But one feature that we felt makes it deserve a place on this list is its high-quality construction. The high-grade stainless steel that this unit is designed out of makes sure that it is added with greater strength and a longer lifespan.

Who Will Use This Most

Ribs are known to take up a lot of space on a smoker. If you are cooking ribs alone, that is fine. But if you need to cook a few other items, then you would need more space. If you, too, are looking for a solution to this space issue, then a rib rack is exactly what you need. And for that, there is no product better than this one.

Bottom Line

If you are gearing up on accessories to use with your smoker, a rib rack is one of the first things you need to get. It not only allows the ribs to cook better but also provides you with more space for other items. This rib rack will allow you that and a number of more features that will greatly impress you. What are those? Invest in this product and find out for yourself.

Best for the Money:
8 Piece Ultimate Grill / Smoker Set by Cooking With Fire

8 Piece Ultimate Smoker & BBQ Tool Set - Non-Stick Grill Mats, Grilling Gloves, Meat Shredder Claws, Basting Brush, and Tongs with Reusable Travel & Storage Case

Pros

  • Nonstick grill mats ensure that your meat does not drop into your smoker
  • Designed to work with not any one specific smoker, but all different types
  • Complete package with 8 items that serve to be everything you need for your smoker
  • Gloves included in the package are designed to be heat resistant, so they can be used on the smoker safely
  • Tongs come with a heat resistant silicone handle that keeps your hand safe while you turn or move items on the smoker

Cons

  • Gloves included may not be big enough to be used by all users
  • Gloves may wear out with time and not be fit for long-term use
  • Tongs may be a little smaller than what users expect them to be

What Recent Buyers Report

Users that invested in this unit were highly impressed by all the included items. They all agreed that the combination of products included in the set was very appropriate and useful. They may have been a little disappointed by the size of the gloves, but the other products included made up for it with their great quality and design.

Why it Stands Out to Us

When we look at this set of smoker accessories, we think what is not there to love? But of all the great features that it provides for its users, one that stands out to us the most is the grill mat that is included in the set. This is not just a simple grill mat but a nonstick one. So it will not only keep your meat from falling into the smoker but will also make sure it doesn’t stick anywhere.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking to invest in all the useful accessories to use with your smoker, it is better to invest in a whole set, rather than purchasing separate items. But some sets may be too extra, while others may just not be enough. If you, too, are looking for the perfect set within the perfect price range, then this is the product for you.

Bottom Line

Want to get all the accessories that you need at a good price? Well, no more looking around. Here is the perfect set that will provide you with just what you need. It is a complete package for those looking for the basic smoker accessories. All the items included in the package will provide you with functionality that you just can’t complain about.

Best Smoker Thermometer:
ThermoPro TP-08 Wireless Digital Meat Thermometer

ThermoPro TP08 500FT Wireless Meat Thermometer for Grilling Smoker BBQ Grill Oven Thermometer with Dual Probe Kitchen Cooking Food Thermometer

Pros

  • Capable of monitoring the temperature of your meat from distances up to 300 feet
  • No need for setting up, all you need to do is plug in the batteries and put the unit to use right away
  • Designed to provide users with nothing less than high accuracy that allows them to cook to perfection
  • You can set a temperature on the device, and if the temperature of the meat exceeds the set limit, an alarm will go off
  • Dual probe design ensures that you can measure the temperature of the meat along with the ambient temperature

Cons

  • Accuracy of the unit may decline with consistent use
  • Alarm is set off not at the set limit but when the limit is exceeded
  • Control and use of the product are a little tricky to get the hang of

What Recent Buyers Report

Users that have recently invested in this smoker thermometer have been stunned by the accuracy and the precision that it provides them with. They have claimed that they no longer need to worry about overcooked or undercooked meat because this thermometer helps them know exactly what temperature the meat is at, allowing them to cook to their liking every time.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Sure, there are a number of other smoker thermometers out there in the market. But the one feature of this product that makes it stand out from all others is its wireless functionality. This wireless design ensures that you monitor your meat easily from a distance. So you can have an eye on the food while you enjoy yourself.

Who Will Use This Most

Who likes undercooked or overcooked meat? No one. That’s right. And if you feel like you always have trouble deciding if the meat is cooked enough or not, then it is time you invest in a smoker thermometer. And for that purpose, this product, with all its high-end features, is the perfect one for you.

Bottom Line

No more worrying about the meat being cooked to perfection or fear about missing out on a good time. This wireless smoker thermometer will not only allow you to enjoy some time for yourself by not having to constantly monitor the meat, but also ensure that the meat is cooked right up to the temperature that you want.

Best Rib Rub for Smoker:
Traeger Grills SPC173 Prime Rib Seasoning and BBQ Rub

Traeger Grills SPC173 Prime Rib Rub with Rosemary & Garlic

Pros

  • Ideal rub to use for barbecue while cooking beef ribs
  • Safe to use product that is free of Kosher, Gluten, and GMO
  • Extremely easy to use by a simple sprinkling technique that adds great flavor
  • A scrumptious seasoning that is enriched with flavors of rosemary as well as garlic
  • Stackable aluminum tin container of this product makes it very easy to store for a longer time

Cons

  • Not the best to be used with different types of proteins
  • Quantity of the product may not be enough for the given price
  • New version of the rub may not be the same as the original one

What Recent Buyers Report

Users have been using Traeger rubs for the longest of times. They agree that this new blend does not taste the same as the original one by the brand, but it does provide an outstanding taste. They have been greatly impressed by the rich taste and seasoning that it provides for the ribs.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What is not there to love about this rip rub? It has the taste and quality that has been promised by the brand over the years. What really makes this product stand out is the easy application. There’s no need to marinate for long hours. Just sprinkle the rub on the meat and get cooking. That’s all you need to do for the perfect tasting ribs that you’ve been craving.

Who Will Use This Most

This rip rub is not an ordinary one. It is packed with flavor and essence that is meant for those who take their ribs very seriously. Users who like trying out new flavors and something different from the standard barbecue would find this rip rub to be the perfect one for them.

Bottom Line

It is time to spice up your barbecue days. While gearing up on the smoker accessories, make sure to grab the best rib rub that the marker has to offer. This rub will add a great taste to your barbecue, and you will know what you have been missing out on all this time. It is a product that you need to try to know how good it really is.

Best Pellets for Smoker:
Traeger PEL319 Hickory 100% All-Natural Hardwood Grill Pellets

Traeger Grills Hickory 100% All-Natural Wood Pellets for Smokers and Pellet Grills, BBQ, Bake, Roast, and Grill, 20 lb. Bag

Pros

  • 100% all-natural ingredients that come with no binder or fillers
  • Provides the perfect subtle addition of taste that you’ve been looking for
  • 20-pound bag is sized perfectly to last for a considerable amount of time
  • Pellets available in 10 different flavors so you can pick one that suits your taste buds
  • Pure hardwood taste allows the perfect blue smoke for your meat for a healthier meal

Cons

  • May not be as aromatic as expected to be
  • May impart a chemical taste to food if not used carefully
  • Considerably expensive as compared to other similar products

What Recent Buyers Report

A number of users that have tried out this product admit that they never gave much thought to the pellets they used for their smoker until they started using these. They have been greatly impressed by the distinct taste and aroma that each of the flavored pellets provides for their meat. And given that, they highly recommend these to other users.

Why it Stands Out to Us


Pellets are very simple products, a large variety of manufacturers which are available in the market. Why then, do we like this product over all others? The answer is simple. It is the efficient performance of these that make it better than the rest. Pellets from other manufacturers don’t provide a unique taste for the different flavors, but this one does so really well.

Who Will Use This Most

Not a lot of people can decide which pellet flavor to use with which protein. But there are some who are very picky with the flavors, even the very subtle ones. If you too have a knack for such subtle details when it comes to barbecue, then you too need a bag of pellets that provides the perfect taste like this product here.

Bottom Line

Your choice of pellets for your smoker plays a very important role in your overall barbecue experience. Just picking anyone from the shelf isn’t the best option. In fact, this product right here is the best option for you. It comes not only in the perfectly sized bag but also with the perfect taste that you definitely want to add to your protein.

Best Smoker Chips:
Western Premium Hickory BBQ Smoking Chips

Western Premium BBQ Products Hickory BBQ Smoking Chips, 180 cu in

Pros

  • 7 subtle yet aromatic flavors to suit your taste for barbecue
  • Smoker chips that can be used with a charcoal, gas or even an electric grill
  • Treated with hickory wood to ensure complete elimination of pests and mold
  • Each bag is equal to about 180 cubic inches of plus-sized hickory smoking chip
  • Designed to provide the perfect smoked meat using different proteins from pork to salmon

Cons

  • A little more expensive than a bag of standard smoker chips
  • Storing the smoker chips is not easy since the bag lacks resealing
  • Though it is advised for all proteins, it only shows the best results with red meat

What Recent Buyers Report

Smoker chips are very important when it comes to smoker accessories. For this reason, users chose this product after sufficient research, given all the features it advertised. Once they tried it out for themselves, they found that it absolutely lived up to their expectations, and provided them with the ultimate best of all the features that it had to offer.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What is it about these smoker chips that we find them to be better than the rest? The answer is simple; it’s the great choice that they provide for their users. Not a lot of people have the same taste when it comes to these chips. Therefore, there need to be products that can suit everyone’s taste, and that is exactly what this one provides us with.

Who Will Use This Most

Who is this product designed for? Everyone. All those users that are looking for the best smoker chips for their smoker, then this is the one for them. The quality and aroma of these chips, along with their composition, making them perfect not for some but all barbecue lovers, all the same.

Bottom Line

There’s no more scratching your head over the wide range of smoker chips available in the market. Why pick another product when you have the best one right in front of you. This bag of smoker chips is what your smoker accessories lack. With the right choice of flavor for you, you will also find out how this product is the absolute best.

Best Welding Blanket for Smoker:
ABN Heavy-Duty Fiberglass Fire Retardant Blanket

ABN Fire Blanket Fiberglass Welding Blanket Fireproof - 4x6 ft High Temp Insulating Welding Blanket for Smoker

Pros

  • Flexibility of the blanket allows it to be folded into a compact size for easy storage
  • Available in two different sizes so you can pick one that fits your smoker perfectly
  • Use of the blanket is not restricted to a smoker and can be used for a great number of other purposes
  • High-quality construction of the material ensures that it will last and provide functionality for a longer time
  • Designed out of heavy-duty fiberglass material that provides thermal insulation for the perfect element of protection from any sort of accidents

Cons

  • May be a little too heavy to carry for everyone
  • Blanket may be too big and folding it for use may be a hassle
  • Users may notice some loose fiber ends which may make it vulnerable to ripping

What Recent Buyers Report

Users that have invested in this blanket for their smoker have found it to be a very wise decision. They have found it to be excellent in all terms. From its high insulating power to its extremely durable fabrication, users have found nothing to complain about with this unit. Thus they say it is their go-to product if they ever need a replacement too.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are a lot of welding blankets that can be used as covers for smokers. But we pick this product specifically because of the choice of material that it comes with. The reinforced fiberglass material will ensure not only the best of insulation but also a higher degree of durability.

Who Will Use This Most

A lot of users say they do not need a protective blanket for their smokers. But the same isn’t true for all. There are some who are a little clumsy or just a little more prone to accidents for others. For such users, a little extra safety can go a long way. All such users who seek that extra mile of protection would absolutely love investing in this product.

Bottom Line

Better safe than sorry, they say. This welding blanket will be all the safety you need while using your smoker. It will not only keep you protected from the burning hot unit underneath but also save you the expense of investing in a new product again and again, given its durability.

Best Smoker Gloves:
Jolly Green Products Ekogrips Premium BBQ Oven Gloves

Jolly Green Products Ekogrips Premium Grilling Gloves Heat Resistant BBQ Gloves for Indoor and Outdoor Cooking, Meat Handling Gloves, Kitchen Oven Gloves with Fingers, Silicone Oven Mitts

Pros

  • Two different colors that are ideal to meet your requirements for aesthetics
  • Designed to ensure complete protection from staining or smelling in the cooking area
  • Four different sizes, including a one-size-fits-all for those who can’t figure what size they need
  • Waterproof design keeps water from seeping in, preventing the water damage that can be caused
  • Silicone of this product is designed to bear heat up to a temperature of 425 degrees, without wearing out

Cons

  • Doesn’t insulate heat entirely but absorbs slowly
  • One size fits all may be too small for a lot of users
  • Bright colors of the product may not be suitable for all

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers that have tried out these pair of gloves along with their smoker have found nothing bad to say about it at all. In fact, most of them have sung its praises. They have all greatly commended this product on its excellence of design as well as material. Users think that the perfect combination of these two features is what makes the unit absolutely perfect.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are a great number of features that could convince you to invest in this product. But the one feature that convinced us to add it to this list was its silicone design. This product is specially made to resist high temperatures to keep you safe. So you can safely use your smoker at temperatures as high as 425 degrees, without any worries

Who Will Use This Most

Using tongs can greatly reduce the risk of burning on a smoker, but not all users prefer that. Some of them out there really prefer doing the job with their hands with a glove on. For this purpose, a high-quality glove with sufficient heat insulation is needed, and that is exactly what this unit provides.

Bottom Line

Keep your hands safe while enjoying the best of barbecue experience. This pair of smoker gloves will allow you to get the best of both worlds at the same time. No more worrying about burning yourself or even damaging the gloves. This pair is designed to keep you safe while maintaining its own form and functionality.

Best Smoker Recipe Book:
 Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto [A Cookbook]

Pros

  • Exciting recipes that users can try out for themselves
  • Reasonably priced product that is definitely worth the price tag
  • Features not just recipes, but an ultimate guide to smoking meat
  • Recipe book that has been featured as the New York Times Bestseller
  • Written by highly educated chefs who are known for their excellence in the food industry

Cons

  • Does not feature a lot of recipes for a user to try out
  • Tricks that the book mentions can only be mastered over the years
  • May lack in context to some types of smokers like a water smoker or a kettle grill

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers that have invested in this product will tell you about how satisfied they had been. While some of them agree it would have been better if there were more recipes, others find the authors’ sharing point of view to be a treat in itself. Readers loved the different aspects of smoking that the book opened them to.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are a lot of recipe books out there. But we find this to be the perfect recommendation since it is a New York Times Bestseller. Furthermore, the authors don’t just list out some recipes for the users, but throughout the book, they share some of their personal experiences, which gives readers a better insight into the culinary world.

Who Will Use This Most

This book isn’t meant for all those that own a smoker. It is a lot more than just a recipe book or a smoker guide. This book is meant for those that really find themselves interested in smoking and cooking from a culinary aspect and not just as a fun hobby.

Bottom Line

We end this list of important smoker accessories here with one of the most important products that you’ll need, a recipe book. Sure, you know plenty of recipes yourself, but it is always good to try something new every once in a while. And where else would you find great recipes if not in a recipe book?

Advantages of Investing in a Few New Accessories

Buying good accessories for smoking or grilling has nothing but advantages in it. You don’t need to buy the entire store. Some might already be in your kitchen like the tongs. But other things like a fire starter and wood chips will need to be bought. 

Making Things Easier

You cannot expect to make the perfect smoked meat without help. If you don’t use a thermometer, then you will keep opening the lid and checking for yourself, and that will make the process slower as heat will go out just like when you are baking. All these accessories mentioned here and more are made to make things simple for you, and spending an extra dollar on them will only help.   

Sorbus Non-Stick Rib Rack

Protecting Yourself

As we have mentioned before, protecting yourself from hot equipment and fire is important. In this case, your hands get the most contact, so the heat protectant gloves are used when handling the smoker. The outside of some smokers can get very hot, but even if you have a high-quality smoker that remains cool, you need those gloves for handling the kindling.

Making Delicious Food

All of this effort is in the service of food. If you do it right, you can expect perfectly cooked food. All these things, like seasoning, help bring out the flavor in your meat.

Conclusion

In the end, all that is left is to start barbequing and enjoy time with your friends and family. You shouldn’t just research the accessories, but the smoker you buy should be of the best quality. There are many grills that can function as a smoker as well. Look for these to compliment the accessories.   

Hey there, I’m Will, and I’ve been smoking and grilling for as long as I can remember. I made this blog to help others who are looking for honest and reliable info from someone they can trust. In my own efforts to try to perfect my smoking and grilling skills, I’ve done a lot of research and would like to have it compiled as a resource for others to use. Happy smoking!