Unwrap the joy of smoking: 12 must-have BBQ, grilling, and meat smoker accessories

A certain allure to the art of meat smoking captivates culinary enthusiasts and grill masters alike. Finding the right BBQ or meat smoker accessories for your seasoned pro or a budding pitmaster is a surefire way to ignite their passion.

The tantalizing aromas, tender textures, and mouthwatering flavors created through the low and slow smoking process are truly a feast for the senses.

Whether for a holiday, a special occasion, or to show appreciation, we’ve curated a list of ten must-have gifts that will take their smoking game to new heights.

From innovative smoker accessories to delectable flavoring options, this article will guide you through a world of thoughtful and exciting gift ideas that will have meat smokers fired up with joy.

So, let’s unwrap the joy of smoking and discover the perfect gifts to fuel their smoky adventures!

Best Gifts for Meat Smokers

If you know someone who loves to smoke meat, you know how passionate they can be about their craft. Every detail matters, from the perfect blend of wood chips to the ideal temperature.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best meat smoker accessories and gifts.

Whether they’re seasoned pros or just starting out, these gifts will impress and help them take their smoking game to the next level. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best gifts for meat smokers.

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Meat Smoking Guide Magnet

We highly recommend the Chef’s Blend Meat Smoking Guide Magnet for anyone who wants to step up their smoking game. This guide is an excellent tool to have on hand for anyone who loves smoking meat, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.

Pros

• The guide is 7.9 x 6.7 inches, making it suitable for grill or smokers.
• The large font design is easy to read without needing a magnifier.
• The guide is made of high-quality materials, including a durable soft magnet backing and glossy coated front paper, which can be attached to any metal or magnetic surface, such as refrigerators.

Cons

• The sticker on the magnet may start to peel over time, but this does not affect the guide’s functionality.
• The chart for different kinds of wood to smoke different kinds of meat may not be useful for everyone.

I’ve attached the chart to both grills for some idea of the size. I don’t leave it on there when smoking, of course. This is to give you a sense of its size.

If you’re looking for an excellent gift idea for someone who loves smoking meat, the Meat Smoking Guide Magnet is a great option. This guide provides smoking recommendations for most people’s tastes, and the magnet makes it easy to put on any metal or magnetic surface.

Whether you’re smoking chicken, turkey, beef, liver, or any other meat, this guide will help ensure your food is tender and flavorful.

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ThermoPro TP03 Digital Meat Thermometer

When I started smoking, it didn’t take me long to learn that achieving perfectly cooked meat is about precision and temperature control.

I tried smoking meat without a thermometer and failed. Some can do it; I can’t. Yet.

I bought an Enzoo thermometer which I later replaced with the ThermoPro I reviewed in this article. These are great to leave in the meat while it’s cooking, but you will need a means to take instant temperature readings.

That’s where the ThermoPro TP03 Digital Meat Thermometer is needed. This handy kitchen tool has become indispensable to my grilling arsenal, ensuring that every piece of meat I cook is perfectly cooked.

A few thoughts about this little gem of a thermometer:

1. Accurate and Quick Readings:
   The most important feature of any meat thermometer is its accuracy, and the TP03 excels in this department. With its precise temperature sensors, it provides incredibly accurate readings within seconds. The large LCD display is easy to read, and the backlight is especially helpful when grilling at night. Whether steak, chicken, or pork, I can rely on the TP03 to give me accurate temperature readings every time.
2. User-Friendly Design:
   The TP03 is designed with simplicity in mind. Its straightforward interface and intuitive buttons make it incredibly easy to operate, even for beginners. The probe folds out easily, and the overall build quality feels solid and durable. The compact size allows for easy storage, and the protective sheath ensures safekeeping when not used. It’s a device that can easily be taken on the go, making it ideal for outdoor grilling adventures.
3. Versatile and Wide Temperature Range:
   One of the standout features of the TP03 is its wide temperature range. It can measure temperatures ranging from -58°F to 572°F (-50°C to 300°C), which covers most grilling and smoking applications. Whether aiming for a medium-rare steak or slow-cooked pulled pork, this thermometer has got you covered. The ability to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit is also a thoughtful addition.
4. Smart Design Features:
   The TP03 is designed with convenience and functionality in mind. With the magnetic backing and so much of the BBQ world being made of metal, it’s a natural fit. Easy to slap on the side of the grill when you’re not using it.
5. Excellent Value for Money:
   Considering its accuracy, speed, and durability, this thermometer offers tremendous value for money. It performs just as well, if not better, than more expensive options on the market. The peace of mind it provides for your grilling game makes it worthwhile.

This is one of those “just buy it” items. You’ll use it whenever you grill; it’s handy inside the kitchen, even when not grilling or smoking meat.

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DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks

Falling squarely into the “how did I live my life without it” realm, these little things are amazing, and you’ll find uses for them everywhere.

They are exceptionally useful around the grill for holding things like tongs, spatulas, etc.

They won’t stay clean, though; just a heads up.

Mine are looking a little grungy.

And in the ultimate cross-promotional effort, the magnetic hook holding the Meat Thermometer that I’m also including in this post:

So again, my point is you can use these things everywhere. I’ve had mine for a few years, and they look like it, but they work and work well.

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Pink Butcher Paper Roll

I prefer butcher paper to foil when wrapping meat as it allows the meat the breathe. It’s a bit controversial, but I still believe wrapping meat in foil while smoking creates more pot roast consistency than the smoky, tender consistency I like.

So when I wrap it, I wrap it in pink butcher paper.

You want to ensure you don’t buy coated butcher paper. Some will have a waxy coating which doesn’t work well in a smoker, so make sure what you buy is uncoated.

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Alpha Griller Meat Claws for Shredding & Meat Shredder Tool

Looking for a gift for a meat smoker? Look no further than the Alpha Griller Meat Claws. These claws are a must-have for anyone who loves to smoke meat, and they make a great gift for the BBQ pit boss in your life.

I’m constantly looking for tools to enhance my cooking experience and simplify tasks like shredding meat. That’s why I decided to give the Alpha Griller Meat Claws a try, and I must say, they have become a valuable addition to my grilling arsenal.

Plus, they look cool! I imagine smoking meat as the Wolverine or maybe a chaotic rogue with fist weapons. One of the better meat-smoking accessories if it turns you into a movie or game character.

A few thoughts:

1. Efficient Meat Shredding:
   The Alpha Griller Meat Claws are designed specifically for shredding meat and excel in this area. The sharp, sturdy claws effortlessly tear through cooked meats like pulled pork or chicken, making the shredding process a breeze. Unlike traditional forks, these claws provide better control and grip, allowing you to shred meat quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re preparing a batch for sandwiches or tacos, these claws will help you easily achieve perfectly shredded meat.
2. Durable and High-Quality Build:
   The construction of the Alpha Griller Meat Claws is top-notch. Made from durable, BPA-free, and heat-resistant materials, they can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting. The claws are robust and sharp, ensuring they can handle even the toughest cuts of meat. The ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hands, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the claws are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
3. Versatile Kitchen Tool:
   Beyond shredding meat, these claws offer versatile functionality in the kitchen. They can be used to lift, flip, and carve large cuts of meat, making them a valuable tool for grilling and roasting. The claws are also great for tossing and mixing salads, holding hot items, or serving as a meat-handling tool while smoking. Their multi-purpose nature makes them a worthwhile investment, as they can be utilized in various cooking scenarios.
4. Enhanced Safety and Comfort:
   The Alpha Griller Meat Claws prioritize safety and comfort. The extended handles provide a secure grip, keeping your hands from the heat and preventing accidental burns. The ergonomic design ensures that the claws fit comfortably in your hands, allowing for precise control and minimizing hand fatigue. With these claws, you can confidently handle hot meat without worrying about slips or accidents.
5. Easy Storage and Portability:
   The claws’ compact size and lightweight design make them easy to store and transport. They can be conveniently tucked away in a kitchen drawer or hung on a hook. If you’re taking your grilling skills on the road, these claws are a fantastic addition to your grilling kit. Their versatility and portability make them ideal for outdoor cooking adventures or gatherings in a friend’s backyard.

If you need to shred meat, such as pulled pork, these claws are good to have around. I also have a stainless steel set. I’m a bit mixed on which I like the most. But either way, if you are smoking meat, you will need claws of some sort to shred it.

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Zorestar Wood Chips for Smoker, 6 pcs Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a variety pack of wood chips that will add a unique flavor to your grilled foods, the Zorestar Wood Chips for Smoker is a great choice. We’ve used these chips and were impressed with the results.

Pros

• The variety pack includes apple, cherry, oak, alder, maple, and peach wood chips to experiment with different flavors.
• The eco-friendly packaging is a nice touch; you can use it as kindling.
• These wood chips are made of wood and do not contain additives and chemicals, so you can be sure you’re getting a natural flavor.

Cons

• The diameter of the smoking chips is 0.2-0.8’’, which may not be suitable for certain smokers.
• The total weight of smoker chips is 6.6 Lb, which may not be enough for frequent use.
• The smoke may not be as strong as some users would prefer.

If you’re looking for a natural and unique flavor for your grilled foods, we highly recommend the Zorestar Wood Chips. Its variety pack, eco-friendly packaging, and natural flavor make it a great choice for any meat smoker enthusiast.

I smoke meat and know things T-shirt

I like this.

I’m a Game of Thrones fan and routinely wear my “I drink and know things” shirts.

What can I say?

Grill Dog Cedar Hog BBQ Grill Brush Scraper

If you’re tired of metal bristles in your food, the Grill Dog Cedar Hog BBQ Grill Brush Scraper is a great alternative. Made in the USA with premium 100% natural Western Red Cedar, this scraper contours to your unique grill grate with use over time, ensuring a perfect clean every time.

Pros

• No more dangerous metal bristles in your food, mouth, and gums
• Ergonomic design and smooth radiused edges for easy and comfortable use
• Contours to your unique grill grate with use over time

Cons

• May not be as effective as metal grill scrapers on tough grime
• May require more effort than metal grill scrapers
• May not be as durable as metal grill scrapers

The Grill Dog Cedar Hog BBQ Grill Brush Scraper is a great choice for those who want to avoid the dangers of metal bristles but still want a thorough clean. It’s easy to use and contours to your grill grate, ensuring a perfect clean every time. However, it may not be as effective on tough grime and may require more effort than metal scrapers. Additionally, it may not be as durable as metal scrapers.

Overall, the Grill Dog Cedar Hog BBQ Grill Brush Scraper is a great choice if you’re looking for a safe and effective alternative to metal grill scrapers. It’s made in the USA with premium natural materials and contours to your grill grate with use over time, ensuring a perfect clean every time.

ThermoPro TP829 Wireless Meat Thermometer

I retired my Enzoo meat thermometer when the LEDs started showing only the bottom half of the numbers. Hard to understand temps when that happens. And don’t smoke meat without a thermometer unless you’re an expert.

So I bought the ThermoPro 829 and have been super happy with it.

Pros

• The 1000FT range is incredibly strong and reliable, allowing you to perform other tasks while your meat cooks to perfection.
• The four color-coded probes make it easy to monitor up to 4 kinds of meat or the ambient temperature of your smoker/oven/grill.
• The preset USDA-recommended temperatures and smart alarm help you cook to perfection every time.
• My tests on the accuracy, compared with three other thermometers and the boiling point of water, are spot on.

Cons (not many!)

• The probes may be a bit long for some types of meat. If you want to use this on, for example, a piece of fish, the probes may be too large.

My experience with the ThermoPro TP829 was positive.

The 1000FT range is incredibly strong and reliable, and I can mow the lawn, walk the dog, or sit inside and watch TV while my meat cooked to perfection.

The four color-coded probes made it easy to monitor multiple types of meat at once, and the preset USDA-recommended temperatures and smart alarm helped us cook everything perfectly.

I recommend the ThermoPro TP829 to anyone looking for a reliable wireless meat thermometer. It’s easy to use, accurate, and has various helpful features, making it a great choice for any home cook or BBQ enthusiast.

LANNEY Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker

I cannot recommend this enough. I use a smoke tube on my pellet grill as I am still suspicious of the amount and quality of smoke my pellet grill creates.

For my Oklahoma Joe’s upright smoker, where I use lump charcoal or stick, I don’t bother, but that pellet grill’s smoke is suspect.

Which one you choose isn’t too important. I think they’re all basically the same. This is the one I bought, but I don’t think I can say it’s really any better than any of the others.

If you go this route, you probably want to buy two rather than one. This lets you have the second packed up and lit for an easy swap when the first runs out of smoke. Each “load” lasts about two hours. the packaging says 5 hours, but that has not been my experience.

Here’s my typical pellet grill with the smoke tube and a couple of briskets. You’ll notice I also put a can of water, or sometimes beer or root beer, in the smoker as well. The left side of my grill is the hotter side.

Pro/Con for Smoke tube…?

I would normally add a Pro/Con section, but with respect to the smoke tubes, it’s not really relevant. They’re all pretty much the same; they’re great if you need to add extra smoke. They all light the same, hold about the same amount of chips, and provide about the same amount of smoke.

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Cave Tools BBQ Smoker Recipe Notebook and Journal

Want to track your cooking efforts? Log day, weather conditions, etc, etc. Everything you need to keep track of to improve your smoking game over time.

We highly recommend the Cave Tools BBQ Smoker Recipe Notebook and Journal, as it is the perfect gift for smokers who want to log their progress and keep track of their recipes. As meat smoker accessories go, this is great for those who are just starting out.

Pros

• Allows you to log all the food details from 17 different smoke sessions so you can learn from your past and improve recipes – Prefilled examples for beginner reference
• Record all relevant meat preparation notes, recipes used for sauces, rubs, marinades, etc., and a step-by-step smoking time log of all actions and your final results and steps to take on your next cook.
• Meat smoking guide with flavor profiles on 20 different types of wood and internal Meat Temperature Chart for Beef, Pork, Fish, Chicken, Ribs, Casseroles, and more

Cons

• The notebook is quite thin and basic, which may not be suitable for more experienced smokers who want to log more detailed information about their recipes and techniques.
• The notebook may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans who do not eat meat.
• Some users may find the notebook too small for their needs, especially if they have large handwriting or want to include a lot of information in each entry.

The notebook is perfect for beginner smokers who want to log their progress and keep track of their recipes.

It is also a great gift for anyone interested in meat smoking and wanting to learn more about the art of smoking.

The notebook is easy to use and includes prefilled examples for beginner reference, making it an ideal choice for anyone starting out.

Cocktail Smoker Kit – Smoke Meat, Drink & Food Indoor Infuser Gift

Disclaimer – I don’t have one of these, but I thought it looked pretty cool, so including it here. I’m a Scotch and Bourbon guy, so this caught my attention. The information below is what I gathered from reading about it.

Apparently, it has everything you need to smoke cocktails, charcuterie, and cheeseboards, and it’s a great way to add a touch of gourmet flavor to your indoor meals and drinks.

Pros

• Comes with wood chips and all necessary accessories, including a cleaning brush and replacement parts
• Easy to use and clean
• Includes a downloadable recipe guide for inspiration

Cons

• No dome or cocktail cover included
• Requires extra lighter source and batteries (not included)
• Instructions could be more detailed

The Gramercy Kitchen Company Cocktail Smoker Kit is an elegant device perfect for entertaining guests or adding a smoky touch to your weeknight meals. The handheld smoke infuser is engineered to be the perfect size for smoking your meals and drinks with cool indoor smoke, transforming your gourmet kitchen skills.

The kit includes everything you need to start, including wood chips, a cleaning brush, and replacement parts. It also includes a black velvet storage bag to keep all your accessories together. And if you’re looking for inspiration, you’ll receive a downloadable recipe guide filled with tips and recipes for smoking the best craft cocktail or scotch, sous vide meats, and appetizer spreads.

Buying Guide

Finding the perfect gift for BBQ and meat smoker accessories and gifts can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the necessary equipment and accessories.

Above we included several items we use all the time and see value in. We think they are great gift ideas.

To help you navigate the options, we have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to assist you in choosing the best gifts for BBQ and meat-smoking enthusiasts. Whether they are beginners or seasoned grill masters, these gift ideas will surely enhance their cooking experience and make them appreciate your thoughtful gesture.

1. Grilling and Smoking Tools:
   One of the essential aspects of BBQ and meat smoking is having the right tools. Consider gifting high-quality grilling utensils, such as a sturdy spatula, tongs, and a grill brush. Look for durable materials like stainless steel with heat-resistant handles for safety and longevity. Additionally, a meat thermometer is indispensable for achieving perfectly cooked meats, so consider getting a reliable digital thermometer that offers accurate temperature readings.
2. Smoker Accessories:
   For those who already own a smoker, several accessories can enhance their smoking game. A smoking wood variety pack is a great gift, offering a selection of different wood chips or chunks for adding delicious smoky flavors to meats. BBQ rubs and marinades are popular, allowing smokers to experiment with flavor profiles. Other accessories, like smoker boxes, grill mats, or smoke generators, can help their smoking setup.
3. Grill Cleaning and Maintenance:
   Maintaining a clean and well-maintained grill or smoker is crucial for optimal performance. Consider gifting cleaning and maintenance tools, such as grill brushes with replaceable heads, grill cleaning sprays, or grill covers, to protect their equipment from the elements. Grill grates and smoker racks made of stainless steel or cast iron are also practical options, as they are easier to clean and maintain than traditional grates.
4. Cookbooks and Recipe Guides:
   A cookbook or recipe guide tailored specifically for BBQ and meat smoking can inspire creativity and provide new cooking techniques and recipes. Look for books that cover a range of dishes, from traditional BBQ favorites to unique flavor combinations and global cuisines. Guides that offer step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks can be particularly helpful for beginners looking to expand their repertoire.
5. Outdoor Cooking Accessories:
   Aside from the smoker itself, many outdoor cooking accessories can elevate the grilling experience. Portable grilling stations, grill carts, or side tables provide ample space for prepping and serving food. Heat-resistant gloves, aprons, and grill mats are practical gifts that offer protection and convenience. Don’t forget flavor-enhancing accessories like cedar planks for grilling fish, stainless steel skewers for kebabs, or grilling baskets for delicate vegetables.
6. Gift Cards:
   If you’re uncertain about their specific preferences or already know what they need but want to give them the freedom to choose, consider purchasing gift cards to specialty BBQ or outdoor cooking stores. This allows them to select the desired equipment or accessories and ensures they get something they’ll use and appreciate.

Remember, quality and durability should be prioritized when selecting BBQ and meat smokers gifts. Look for reputable brands known for their reliability and craftsmanship. Consider the recipient’s experience level, preferred cooking methods, and any specific needs they may have. Choosing thoughtful BBQ and meat smoker gifts that align with their passion for grilling and smoking will make their cooking sessions more enjoyable and delicious.