Why Every Backyard BBQ Enthusiast Needs a Smoker Box on Their Grill

5 mins
Backyard barbecuing is deeply embedded in Australian culture, with the nation’s home BBQ market valued at approximately $1.5 billion as of 20241. While the quest for smoky, wood-fired flavour is universal among BBQ lovers, many home cooks lack space or budget for a dedicated smoker. Enter the smoker box: a compact, clever grilling tool that delivers authentic smokehouse flavour using any regular barbecue.
Why Every Backyard BBQ Enthusiast Needs a Smoker Box on Their Grill

What is a BBQ smoker box? 

A smoker box is a sturdy, heatproof metal container—most often made from stainless steel or cast iron—that holds wood chips inside your BBQ. As it sits atop burners or on hot charcoal, the wood chips smoulder slowly, generating aromatic smoke. Smoker boxes have become increasingly common on Australian BBQs, where over 70% of new purchases are now gas-powered2, making it tricky to achieve traditional smoky results without one. 

Beefeater BBQ Smoker Box

Benefits of using a smoker box on your grill 

  • Authentic smoky flavours: In a 2018 survey of Australian BBQ enthusiasts3, 53% preferred smoking or low & slow style barbecuing, reflecting the growing national appetite for traditional smoked flavours. 
  • No dedicated smoker required: Adds wood-fired taste using your existing equipment. 
  • Suits both gas and charcoal BBQs: Smoker boxes suit the two most popular types4 in Australia’s market currently valued at over $580 million. 
  • Affordable and compact: Most models cost under $50. 
  • Reusable: Durable metals mean seasons of use. 


How does a smoker box work? 

Wood chips (such as hickory, ironbark, applewood, or cherry) are placed inside the box and heated, producing a steady flow of smoke that penetrates food as it cooks. The box slows the burn rate of the chips, ensuring consistent smoke rather than flare-ups—a common issue when loose chips are tossed onto coals. Airflow holes regulate the smoke, and the process works on both gas and charcoal grills. 


The popularity of wood-smoked BBQ in Australia 

Australia’s appetite for wood-smoked foods is on the rise. Many Australians use wood chips when they BBQ, with ironbark being a big favourite due to its bold flavour and local availability.

Tips for achieving the best BBQ results 

  • Choose wood chips carefully: Ironbark5 and applewood are preferred for red meats and chicken, while cherry is popular for delicate proteins. 
  • Control: Keep your BBQ lid closed during smoking and monitor cooking times to avoid over-smoking. 
  • Care: Proper care of your smoker box - letting it cool, removing ash, and drying it thoroughly after use - helps prevent rust and damage, significantly extending the life of your BBQ accessories. 


With the popularity and variety of at-home grilling options, especially in Australia’s thriving BBQ sector, the smoker box has earned its place as a staple accessory. Affordable, compact, and versatile, it empowers any home BBQ enthusiast to achieve true wood-smoked flavour—no dedicated smoker required. As market trends show, investing in a good smoker box is a minor change that can have a big impact at your next backyard gathering. 

References 

  1. Australia Barbeque Grill Market Report and Forecast 2025–2034. Expert Market Research, 28 February 2025. Available at: https://www.marketresearch.com/Expert-Market-Research-v4220/Australia-Barbeque-Grill-Forecast-40292599/ 
  2. Australia Barbeque Grill Market Report and Forecast 2026–2035. Expert Market Research. Available at: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/australia-barbeque-grill-market 
  3. Survey Results. SurveyMonkey. Available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/stories/SM-Z6TXNH38/ 
  4. Australia Barbeque Grill Market Report and Forecast 2025–2034. Expert Market Research, 28 February 2025. Available at: https://www.marketresearch.com/Expert-Market-Research-v4220/Australia-Barbeque-Grill-Forecast-40292599/ 
  5. Reitmier, Paul. Smoking with native Australian hardwoods. Australian BBQ Alliance, 5 August 2014. Available at: https://ausbbq.com.au/2014/08/05/a-guide-to-smoking-with-native-australian-hardwoods/ 
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