The 9 Smoker Accessories Every BBQ Master Needs

It’s no secret that us Rednecks can Macgyver anything, especially when it comes to grilling. 

While this redneck superpower is admirable, it’s best to avoid getting into a BBQ life or death situation at all costs.

By adding the top smoker accessories to their set-ups, grilling enthusiasts transform from a backyard BBQ novice to professional pitmaster.

With a few simple tools, you’ll up your BBQ game and continuously churn out expertly smoked chicken, pork, ribs, and so much more. 

In our guide, we’ll show you:

• The 9 smoker accessories every BBQ master must have
• 3 things to consider when buying smoker and grilling accessories
• The one BBQ accessory every pitmaster wants

9 Essential Smoker Accessories Every BBQ Fanatic Must Have

No matter if you’re new to smoking succulent BBQ or a seasoned smoker veteran, these accessories will instantly transform your meal from good to mind-blowing. 

But be warned - Once you become a BBQ master, you’ll be responsible for grilling and smoking BBQ for every party, gathering, and family dinner from here on out! Are you prepared to take on the honor and responsibility of the BBQ master title? 

If so, keep calm and BBQ on…

1. Grilling Tool Set

The most important smoker accessory of all is also the most overlooked:

A quality set of grilling tools.

From a sturdy spatula to tongs you can trust not to drop your BBQ, every pitmaster needs their own set of grilling tools.

Typically, a set includes essentials such as:

• Tongs
• Grill Brush
• Spatula
• Basting Brush

Other sets may include miscellaneous grilling tools like:

• Corn on the Cob Holders
• Skewers
• Marinade Mop
• BBQ Knives

For the average BBQ fan, the highly revered and affordable Cuisinart 13-piece Tool Set is a perfect option. This kit includes the core tools you’ll need to grill smoky, sweet BBQ daily.

Best of all, purchasing a grilling tool kit is far less expensive than buying each tool individually. 

2. Meat Thermometer

Most smokers and grills come with a built-in lid thermometer. 

Do not trust them!

These thermometers are notoriously inaccurate and can royally screw up your BBQ by producing an incorrect reading.

Instead, you’ll want to purchase a separate meat thermometer for your home BBQ set-up.

There are two excellent types of meat thermometers to invest in: dual-probe thermometers and instant-read thermometers.

A dual-probe thermometer lets home smokers monitor the temperature of both the meat and the pit/smoker. These thermometers also work from several hundred feet away, meaning you can place your thermometer in and walk away to complete your meal and monitor the meat/pit temperature from another area of your home.

The Maverick ET-733 receives rave reviews from backyard BBQ enthusiasts and professional competition teams alike. Aside from the ability to monitor two temperatures at once, people love the flashing and audible alerts the thermometer provides when a temperature exceeds the desired range.

The Maverick ET-733 also comes with 15 different meat presets — perfect for beginner BBQ fans learning how to properly control the temperature and heat in their smoker.

An instant-read meat thermometer does exactly what it sounds like. These thermometers provide grillers with a rapid and accurate measure of the meat’s temperature.

Pro Tip! Remember that meat continues to cook once it’s off the smoker. This is why an instant-read thermometer is a critical smoker accessory to have. You can’t rely on your senses and experience to measure meat temperature.

 

The best instant-read thermometer is the ThermoPop by ThermoWorks. The easy-to-use thermometer is available in nine colors and liquid-proof buttons. The thermometer’s simple features and large display make it a favorite among BBQ fans of all skill levels.

3. Meat Injector

You know that juicy, sweet, and tender taste that only smoked meat can provide? Yeah, you do.

Some BBQ masters use a meat injector to add extra flavor to their smoked meat! A meat injector allows you to add spices, brines, marinades, broths, and of course, Redneck Lipstick BBQ sauce, directly into the core muscle in your meat of choice.

However, all BBQ pros warn novice grillers to avoid plastic meat injector kits. These cheap tools are flimsy, weak, and are difficult to clean.

Instead, opt for the Meat Injector Kit from Traeger Grills.

This professional-grade meat injector is made from the highest-quality stainless steel and a simple design, making it a cinch to use and clean.

Don’t forget to stock up on BBQ sauce and seasoning before you use one of these bad boys, though!

4. Charcoal Chimney Fire Starter

For those using a charcoal grill and smoker, you might be tempted to douse your coals in lighter fluid.

Stop!

Instead of soaking your charcoal in chemicals, opt for a chimney fire starter.

A chimney starter eliminates the need for lighter fluid, by piling charcoal inside vertically. After your charcoal is set in the chimney, place lighter cubes or some bunched up paper towels and newspaper on the charcoal grate and light it up.

Put the chimney on top of the cubes or newspaper and watch as the fire rises up through the coals. After 10-15, when the coals are fully lit, carefully pour the coals into the smoker and BOOM, you’re ready to start cooking.

 

When it comes to chimney fire starters, Weber products take the cake. The Weber 7429  Rapidfire Chimney Starter has a 5-star rating on Amazon with more than 8,000 positive reviews! These chimneys are built to last and withstand years of smoker and grill use. 

5. Grill Basket

While meat gets all the attention, that’s not the only type of food that can be put in a smoker!

Veggies, potatoes, and even certain types of fruit can benefit from the savory, smoky BBQ taste. But trying to place these on a grill grate can be difficult at times. And, the last thing you want is to accidentally sacrifice a potato or pepper to the charcoal.

A stainless steel grill basket alleviates all of that worry. From diced meat to vegetables, these baskets make grilling and smoking all types of food a breeze.

The Grillaholics Heavy Duty Grill Basket is made from stainless steel and includes perfectly placed holes for optimal smoke. It fits right into any grill or smoker!

Remember, a backyard BBQ isn’t complete without the side dishes. This smoker accessory takes all of your side dishes to the next level! 

6. BBQ Apron

Before you start laughing, consider this:

BBQ is messy!

And, that’s the way it should be.

But that doesn’t mean you need to ruin your clothes in the process.

Everyone from renowned BBQ professionals to your Dad grilling hamburgers for the family uses an apron to keep clean while smoking meat.

Some aprons come with custom-fitted pockets and flame-resistant material too!

Read: 15 BBQ Aprons for Every Kind of Grill Master

7. Meat Shredding Claws

After you’ve smoked pork, chicken, or brisket, the meat just falls off the bone with ease.

But, shredding it can still be a challenge. 

Channel your inner grizzly bear (or ferocious animal of your choice) and shred up some BBQ with meat shredding claws.

Some shredders come with horizontal handles, but the OXO Good Grips Meat Shredding Claws are a popular choice due to the vertical grip. This design keeps your hands away from the meat and heat for the ultimate safety.

8. Spice Grinder

If you’re a curious BBQ master, consider making your own dry rubs! Combine spices like pepper, garlic powder, paprika, coriander, onion powder, and more to develop your own secret dry rub recipe.

(We’ll always be fans of our dry rub seasoning though!)

To do so, you’ll need a spice grinder. 

The best and most commonly used option is the Krups Spice Grinder. This simple machine can be found in every kitchen and home goods store. 

All you have to do is combine all your spices in the grinder, press the button for the desired length of time, and you’re done!

Adding this smoker accessory lets you experiment with a variety of new BBQ flavors.

9. Slow ‘N Sear Deluxe

If you’re serious about BBQ and ready to upgrade your grill, check out the Slow ‘N Sear Deluxe from SnS Grills.

This incredible accessory instantly transforms any kettle charcoal grill into a mean searing and smoking machine. Through one grill attachment, you can ramp up the heat and sear pristine grill lines into your steak or smoke a brisket low and slow!

However, before running out and buying one, keep in mind that it only works on charcoal kettle grills.

3 Things to Consider When Buying Smoker Accessories

We know, we know. These smoker accessories are all super tempting!

But don’t rush out and buy the first thing you see. You need to weigh a few factors into your decision first.

1. What’s Your Budget?

It’s all too easy to go broke buying smoker accessories and BBQ essentials. 

Instead of maxing out a credit card on tools and grilling products, set a budget and stick to it. If the respective accessory fits inside the budget, awesome! If not, look for alternatives or generic versions of the tool. 

However, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. It’s not a good idea to skimp out on certain critical grilling tools, like a meat thermometer.

2. Does It Work With Your Grill/Smoker?

There’s no point in buying BBQ accessories if they don’t work with your grill or smoker.

Always double-check what type of grill an accessory is meant for before purchasing. Check factors like:

Grill Type: Gas vs. charcoal vs. Infrared

Grill Size: Certain accessories are built to operate only with specific grill size

Grill Brand: You’ll have the best luck using the accessories made by the same brand as your grill or smoker

3. How Serious Are You About Grilling?

While you do get what you pay for, novice grillers shouldn’t spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on smoker accessories they’ll only use a handful of times.

Look for comparable accessories that don’t cost a fortune and still get the job done!

The One Smoker Accessory Every Pit Master Wants in Their BBQ Arsenal Is…

Redneck Lipstick BBQ Sauce

Whether you use a gas grill or a charcoal smoker, state-of-the-art BBQ thermometers, or a set of grilling tools passed down through generations, one thing can make or break the flavor of your BBQ:

The sauce.

That’s why every pitmaster wants Redneck Lipstick BBQ sauce on their side. 

The sweet, tangy taste is perfect for pulled pork, chicken wings, savory side dishes, and so much more. 

The flavor alone is no match for any fancy smoker accessory! Good old fashioned barbecue sauce gets the job done every time.

Make sure to stock up on Redneck Lipstick BBQ sauce before your next cookout.