Phone: +1 (847) 324-5900
Dyna-Glo Grills & Smokers

How to Use the Smoker Box on a Dyna-Glo Gas Grill

One of the best features on Dyna-Glo's 4-burner and 5-burner gas grills is the integrated smoker box. It lets you add real wood-smoke flavor to anything you grill — without buying a separate smoker. Here's how to use it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Soak wood chips (optional). Soak chips in water for 30 minutes if you want slower, longer smoke. Dry chips produce stronger smoke faster. See our wood chip pairing guide for flavor recommendations.
  2. Fill the smoker box. Open the smoker box lid (usually located on the far left or right of the grill). Fill it about 3/4 full with wood chips. Don't pack them too tightly — air needs to circulate.
  3. Light the grill and preheat. Follow the normal lighting procedure. Preheat all burners on HIGH for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Get the chips smoking. The smoker box should start producing smoke within 5-10 minutes of preheating. If your grill has a dedicated smoker burner, turn it to medium-high. Otherwise, the heat from the nearest main burner will do the job.
  5. Reduce heat and add food. Once chips are smoking steadily, reduce main burners to your cooking temperature. The smoke box will continue producing smoke for 30-45 minutes per fill.
  6. Refill as needed. For long cooks (brisket, ribs, pork shoulder), refill the smoker box every 45 minutes to maintain smoke output. Use tongs — the box will be extremely hot.

Pro Tips

Mix wood types. Combine a strong wood (hickory) with a mild wood (apple) for complex flavor without overpowering the meat. A 50/50 mix is a great starting point.

Don't oversmoke. You want thin blue smoke, not thick white billowing clouds. White smoke means the chips are smoldering, not burning cleanly — open the lid briefly to let excess smoke escape. Over-smoked food tastes bitter.

Use wood chunks for longer smokes. Wood chunks (2-3 inch pieces) last 2-3x longer than chips and produce steadier smoke. They work well in Dyna-Glo smoker boxes because the box is large enough to hold 3-4 chunks.

Protect your grill. Smoking produces more residue than standard grilling. Clean your grill grates, heat plates, and drip pan more frequently when using the smoker box.

Smoker Box FAQ

Which Dyna-Glo grills have a smoker box?
Most Dyna-Glo 4-burner and 5-burner gas grills include an integrated smoker box or a dedicated smoker burner. The 5-burner models with SearPlus typically have both. Check your model's specs — look for "Smoker Box" or "Integrated Smoke Box" in the features list.
Can I add a smoker box to a Dyna-Glo grill that doesn't have one?
Yes — universal stainless steel smoker boxes are available on Amazon for under $15. Place it directly on the cooking grate or on top of a burner tube (remove the heat plate first). A cast iron smoker box works best because it retains heat and smolders wood chips slowly.
What wood chips work best in a Dyna-Glo smoker box?
Hickory and mesquite for bold flavor (great with beef and pork), apple and cherry for mild sweetness (great with poultry and fish), oak for a versatile all-purpose smoke. See our full wood chip pairing guide for more detail.