To really elevate your grilling game on a Napoleon grill, you’ve got to try a Napoleon smoker box. It’s an awesome accessory that transforms your gas grill into a surprisingly capable smoker, letting you infuse amazing smoky flavors into your food without needing a separate, dedicated smoker. Whether you’re cooking up some juicy ribs, a whole chicken, or even just some veggies, a good quality smoker box filled with your favorite wood chips can make all the difference. Think about it: the convenience of your gas grill combined with that irresistible, authentic smokehouse taste. It’s a must!

The Napoleon Stainless Steel Smoker Box, for instance, is designed to fit right into your Prestige PRO™, Prestige® Series, Freestyle™, and Rogue® Series gas grills, replacing one of your grill’s sear plates. This design is pretty clever because it puts the wood chips directly over a burner, allowing them to smolder efficiently and produce consistent smoke. If you’ve got a Napoleon Prestige 500 or even a Prestige PRO 665, you’ll find these smoker boxes are built to integrate seamlessly, making it super easy to add that extra layer of flavor. For those looking for a slightly different approach, there are also smoker tubes available, which are great for quicker cooks, but the larger capacity of a smoker box often makes it better for longer smoking sessions and deeper flavor penetration. Getting one of these smoker boxes, along with a variety of smoking wood chips, can truly unlock new culinary possibilities right in your backyard.

let’s break down what a Napoleon smoker box actually is. Imagine a sturdy, gleaming container made of stainless steel. That’s essentially it. This isn’t just any metal box though. it’s specifically designed to fit into your Napoleon gas grill, often by replacing one of the sear plates directly above a burner. The idea is simple: you fill this box with wood chips or chunks, place it in your grill, and then, as the burner underneath heats it up, the wood smolders and produces smoke.

The beauty of the Napoleon smoker box lies in its integration. It’s not just sitting on top of the grates taking up precious cooking space though some universal ones do that. Instead, it typically sits underneath the cooking grids, nestled right where a sear plate would normally be. This means you get a consistent smoke output directly into the cooking chamber, without sacrificing much of your grilling surface. It’s a dedicated accessory that transforms your convenient gas grill into a smoking machine, making it a valuable addition for anyone looking to go beyond basic grilling.

Why Use a Smoker Box on Your Napoleon Grill?

You might be thinking, “Why bother with a smoker box when I have a perfectly good gas grill?” Well, it all comes down to flavor, my friend. Gas grills are incredibly convenient and easy to control, which is fantastic for quick weeknight meals. But let’s be honest, sometimes that “clean” flavor can leave you wanting a little more, right? That’s where the smoker box comes in.

• Infuse Deep Smoky Flavor: This is the big one. A smoker box allows you to add that rich, complex, authentic smoke flavor that you usually associate with charcoal or dedicated offset smokers. It elevates everything from chicken and fish to beef and vegetables, making your food taste like it came straight from a professional smokehouse.
• The Best of Both Worlds: You get the precise temperature control and quick heat-up time of your gas grill combined with the delicious results of smoking. No need to manage charcoal or struggle with inconsistent temperatures – your Napoleon grill handles the heat, and the smoker box handles the flavor.
• Versatility for Your Grill: A smoker box expands your grill’s capabilities significantly. Suddenly, you’re not just grilling. you’re hot smoking, which opens up a whole new world of recipes, like smoked ribs, briskets, or even smoked cheeses.
• Relatively Easy to Use: Compared to a traditional smoker, setting up a smoker box on a gas grill is pretty straightforward. You just fill it, place it, light a burner, and you’re good to go. It’s a low-barrier-to-entry way to get into smoking.
• Cost-Effective: While a dedicated smoker can be a significant investment, a quality stainless steel smoker box is an affordable accessory that delivers impressive results. It’s a smart way to get smoky flavor without breaking the bank.

So, if you’ve been craving that amazing barbecue flavor, but love the convenience of your gas grill, a Napoleon smoker box is definitely worth looking into. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your grilling experience and impress everyone with your culinary skills!

Choosing the Right Napoleon Smoker Box

Picking out the perfect smoker box for your Napoleon grill isn’t super complicated, but there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure you get the best experience.

Napoleon Stainless Steel Smoker Box

When you’re looking at Napoleon’s own accessories, you’ll often hear about their Stainless Steel Smoker Box. This is a popular choice for a reason. It’s built specifically to fit a range of Napoleon gas grills, including the Prestige PRO™, Prestige® Series, Freestyle™, and Rogue® Series models. That means it’s designed to integrate perfectly, replacing a sear plate right above a burner.

What’s great about this specific box?

• Durability: It’s made from robust stainless steel, so it can handle the intense heat of your grill and last a long time. This also makes it easier to clean.
• High Capacity: These boxes usually have a generous capacity, allowing you to load up plenty of wood chips or chunks for longer smoking sessions without constantly refilling. This is a big plus, as constantly opening the grill to add more chips disrupts the temperature and smoke.
• Optimal Smoke Production: By sitting directly over a lit burner, it gets the wood chips hot enough to smolder efficiently, producing that desired thin, blue smoke not thick, acrid white smoke.
• Easy to Use: You just remove a cooking grid and a sear plate, pop the smoker box in its place, fill it, and you’re good to go. Many users praise its ease of use compared to other smoking methods.

Smoker Box for Napoleon Prestige 500 and Other Models

If you own a specific model like the Napoleon Prestige 500, Prestige PRO 665, or a Rogue series grill, you’ll be happy to know that the standard Napoleon Stainless Steel Smoker Box model 67013 is typically compatible. For example, folks with a Prestige 500 often find this smoker box to be a significant upgrade from a smoker tube, noting its larger volume and easier refilling.

However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the compatibility for your exact grill model. Napoleon often specifies which series their accessories fit. For example, some older or entry-level models might not have the same sear plate setup, so a universal smoker box for gas grill that sits on the grates might be a better fit, or a Napoleon smoker pipe if the box is not compatible.

Quick Tip: If you’re unsure, just check your grill’s manual or the product description for the smoker box. Napoleon’s accessories are usually well-documented regarding compatibility.

Essential Wood Chips for Smoking

When you’re venturing into the world of smoking on your Napoleon grill, the type of wood chips you use is super important. It’s like picking the right spice for a dish – it dramatically changes the final flavor profile.

Popular Wood Chip Flavors

There’s a whole spectrum of wood chip flavors out there, each bringing its own unique character to your food:

• Hickory: This is probably the most classic, delivering a bold, southern-style barbecue flavor. It’s excellent with red meats like beef briskets, lamb, and especially with pork, like ribs and bacon. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much can sometimes be overpowering.
• Mesquite: Known for a strong, earthy, and often pungent flavor, mesquite is fantastic for red meats, poultry, and even some game. It’s a very distinct flavor, so use it when you want a strong smoky presence.
• Apple: If you’re looking for something milder and sweeter, applewood is a fantastic choice. It imparts a delicate, fruity smoke that pairs beautifully with pork like ham and ribs, poultry, fish, and even fruits and vegetables. It’s a great all-rounder for a subtle smoke.
• Cherry: Similar to apple, cherry wood offers a sweet and subtle fruit flavor with a beautiful reddish hue to your food. It’s ideal for poultry, pork, beef, and venison.
• Maple: Sweet and balanced, maple wood provides a mild smoke that’s great for pork, poultry, and desserts.
• Oak Whisky/Brandy Barrel: These are fantastic. Oak generally gives a medium, distinct smoky flavor. When sourced from whisky or brandy barrels, the wood chips retain some of those rich spirit notes, adding a unique, subtle layer to whatever you’re smoking. These are versatile and go well with almost everything.

Important Note: Always use wood chips or chunks specifically sold for smoking. Avoid treated wood or anything that might contain harmful chemicals. You want pure, natural wood for the best and safest flavor.

Prepping Your Wood Chips

One question that comes up a lot is whether to soak your wood chips. For gas grills and smoker boxes, soaking your wood chips is generally recommended. Here’s why:

• Slow Burning: Soaked chips burn slower, which means they produce smoke for a longer period. This is crucial on a gas grill where the heat source is often more direct than in a traditional smoker.
• Extended Smoke Time: By slowing down the burn, you get more smoke out of a single load of chips, reducing the need to constantly refill the smoker box. This is especially helpful if your cook will last longer than 20 minutes, which is often the case for good smoke penetration.
• Prevent Flare-ups: Soaked chips are less likely to burst into flames, which can produce an acrid, bitter smoke you definitely don’t want. You’re aiming for a gentle smolder, not a bonfire.

How to Soak: Just place your desired amount of wood chips in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, up to an hour. Some people like to get creative and soak them in things like apple juice for an added flavor twist. After soaking, drain them well before adding them to your smoker box. Some pros even suggest using a mix of soaked and unsoaked chips to get an initial burst of smoke followed by a longer, sustained smoke.

How to Use Your Napoleon Smoker Box: Step-by-Step Guide

Using your Napoleon smoker box might seem a little daunting at first, but trust me, it’s really quite straightforward. Here’s how you get that incredible smoky flavor onto your food:

1. Prep Your Wood Chips: As we just discussed, it’s a good idea to soak your wood chips for at least 30 minutes. This helps them smolder longer and prevents them from igniting too quickly. While the chips are soaking, you can also consider grabbing some aluminum foil drip pans to catch any drippings, especially for longer cooks.
2. Fill the Smoker Box: Once your chips are adequately soaked, drain them and fill your Napoleon stainless steel smoker box to capacity. You can mix different flavors if you want to experiment!
3. Place the Smoker Box: Now, this is where Napoleon’s design shines. Remove one of your cooking grids and the sear plate also known as a heat tent or deflector bar directly above a burner. Place the filled smoker box on the sear plate supports, directly over that burner. Then, put the cooking grid back over the smoker box. For models like the Prestige PRO 665 that have a built-in smoker tray and burner, you’d place the chips directly into that integrated tray.
4. Light the Burner: Turn on the burner directly underneath the smoker box to its lowest setting. If you have other burners, light them as needed to achieve your desired cooking temperature for the food you’re grilling.
5. Preheat and Wait for Smoke: Close the grill lid and let your grill preheat. You’re essentially creating a two-zone setup: hot directly under the smoker box, and indirect heat where your food will eventually cook. It’ll take some time for the chips to start smoking – typically, you’re looking for a thin, wispy white or blue smoke, not thick, billowy white smoke. Thick white smoke often means the wood is burning too fast or not getting enough oxygen, which can lead to a bitter taste.
6. Place Your Food: Once you see consistent smoke, place your food on the indirect side of the grill away from the lit burner under the smoker box. You want to smoke your food early in the cooking process, as smoke penetrates raw meat much better. Aim for about 20-30 minutes of smoke for optimal flavor infusion.
7. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye on your grill’s temperature, aiming for that sweet spot for low and slow cooking, typically between 225°F and 275°F. You might need to adjust other burners to maintain this. If the smoke stops, and your food still has a while to go, carefully refill the smoker box with more pre-soaked chips. Always use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot accessories.
8. Cool Down and Clean: Once your food is done and the grill has cooled down completely, remove the smoker box. Dispose of the spent wood chips safely in a fireproof container. Give the smoker box a good scrub after each use to keep it clean and prevent buildup.

This method, often called the reverse sear or indirect cooking, is perfect for longer cooks like roasts, ribs, or even reverse-seared steaks, as it allows the smoke to really work its magic.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Smoked Flavor

Getting that perfect smoky flavor from your Napoleon grill is an art, but these tips will help you master it:

• Don’t Over-Smoke: This is probably the most crucial tip. More smoke doesn’t always mean better flavor. Too much smoke, especially thick, white smoke, can make your food bitter and acrid. You’re aiming for a thin, blue, wispy smoke, which is often called “good smoke.” If you see heavy white smoke, it means incomplete combustion, and that’s not what you want. Think of it as a gentle kiss of smoke, not a suffocating hug.
• Smoke Early: Smoke penetrates raw meat much more effectively than cooked meat. So, try to get your smoke going in the first part of your cook, typically within the first 20-30 minutes. For longer cooks, you might only need smoke for the initial 50% of the cooking process.
• Maintain Consistent Low Temperature: Smoking is all about “low and slow”. Keep your grill temperature between 200°F and 275°F for most smoking projects. Use your grill’s lid thermometer, but a good digital meat thermometer with an ambient probe will give you more accurate readings inside the cooking chamber.
• Avoid Constantly Opening the Lid: Every time you open the grill lid, you lose heat and, more importantly, you lose precious smoke. Try to peek as little as possible to maintain a stable environment. “If you’re looking, it ain’t cooking” definitely applies here.
• Use a Water Pan: For longer cooks, placing a disposable aluminum pan filled with water on the indirect side of your grill can help maintain consistent temperature and add moisture to the cooking environment. This is especially helpful for keeping larger cuts of meat juicy and preventing them from drying out.
• Experiment with Wood Combinations: Don’t be afraid to mix different types of wood chips! A blend of apple and hickory, for example, can create a fantastic, balanced flavor profile that’s both sweet and bold.
• Clean Your Grill: Before each smoke, make sure your grill grates and flavorizer bars are clean. This prevents old, burnt-on residue from negatively affecting the flavor of your new smoke. A good grill brush is your best friend here.
• Consider a “Snake” or “Maze” for Longer Burns for other smoker box types: While the Napoleon box is great, if you ever use a different style of smoker box or a smoker tube, some folks create a “snake” or “maze” pattern with wood chips or pellets to get a longer, more controlled burn. For the Napoleon box, simply refilling it is the intended method.
• Let the Meat Rest: After all that effort, don’t forget the final, crucial step: resting your meat. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end product.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering, smoky masterpieces on your Napoleon gas grill!

Cleaning and Maintenance of Your Smoker Box

Keeping your Napoleon smoker box clean isn’t just about aesthetics. it’s about making sure you get good, clean smoke every time and extending the life of your accessory. Plus, who wants old, burnt residue influencing the flavor of their next meal?

Here’s a simple routine to keep your smoker box in top shape:

1. Let it Cool Down Completely: This might seem obvious, but it’s the most important first step. Never try to clean a hot smoker box. Wait until your grill and the smoker box are completely cool to the touch. Safety first!
2. Dispose of Ash and Spent Chips: Once cool, open the smoker box and carefully discard any leftover ash and spent wood chips. They should be completely cool and extinguished before going into a regular bin. A metal bucket is always a good idea for disposal, just in case.
3. Scrape Off Residue: You’ll likely find some burnt-on residue inside the box. Use a stiff grill brush or a metal scraper to scrape off any stubborn bits. Don’t be afraid to put a little elbow grease into it.
4. Wash with Soap and Water: For a more thorough clean, especially if there’s a lot of sticky residue, wash the smoker box in warm, soapy water. A good dish soap and a scrub brush or scour pad should do the trick.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the smoker box completely to remove all soap residue. You don’t want any soapy taste on your next smoked meal!
6. Dry Completely: Allow the smoker box to air dry completely before storing it. This helps prevent rust, especially since it’s stainless steel, but moisture can still cause issues over time. You can also wipe it down with a towel.
7. Regular Cleaning is Key: Don’t let residue build up over multiple uses. A quick clean after each smoking session will make the job much easier and ensure consistent performance. Think of it like cleaning your grill grates – it’s just part of the routine.

By following these simple steps, your Napoleon smoker box will be ready to deliver fantastic smoky flavor whenever you are!

Troubleshooting Common Smoker Box Issues

Even seasoned grill masters run into little snags now and then, especially when they’re trying out new techniques like using a smoker box. Don’t worry, most common issues with a Napoleon smoker box are pretty easy to fix.

• “My Wood Chips Aren’t Smoking!”

  • Burner Too Low: Is the burner directly underneath your smoker box set to low? Sometimes, “low” might still not be quite enough heat, especially if your grill runs cool. Try bumping it up just a touch, but be careful not to make it too hot.
  • Chips Not Soaked or too dry: If your chips are bone dry, they might burn up too fast rather than smolder, or even catch fire. Ensure you’ve soaked them for at least 30 minutes. The moisture helps them produce smoke.
  • Lack of Airflow: While Napoleon’s design is good, if the box is completely packed and the lid is sealed too tightly, the chips might struggle to get enough oxygen to smolder.
  • Insufficient Preheating: Sometimes, the grill simply hasn’t had enough time to get hot enough. Give it a good 10-15 minutes after lighting the burner under the box for the chips to start doing their thing.

• “My Wood Chips Keep Catching Fire!”

  • Burner Too High: This is the most common culprit. If the burner under the smoker box is too high, the chips will ignite rather than smolder. Turn that burner down to the absolute lowest setting. You want gentle heat, not searing heat.
  • Chips Not Soaked Enough: Again, properly soaked chips are less likely to burst into flames.
  • Too Much Oxygen: If you have too many vents open directly above the box, or if the lid is open too much, it can feed the flames. Keep the lid closed once the smoke starts. Some users have even tried partially blocking holes in other boxes to restrict oxygen, but Napoleon’s design usually manages this well.
  • Grease Dripping: If there’s excessive grease buildup on your grill, or if meat drippings are falling directly onto the hot smoker box, it can cause flare-ups. Keep your grill clean and consider a drip pan if you’re cooking fatty foods.

• “The Smoke Tastes Bitter/Acrid!”

  • Too Much Smoke/Bad Smoke: This usually means the wood is burning too hot and producing thick, white, acrid smoke. You’re aiming for a thin, wispy blue or white smoke. Reduce the heat under the smoker box.
  • Wrong Wood Type: Using wood that isn’t meant for smoking like construction lumber or resinous softwoods can produce terrible flavors. Always use clean, untreated smoking wood.
  • Old/Dirty Box: If your smoker box is full of old, burnt-on residue, it can negatively impact the smoke flavor. Give it a good clean.

• “Smoke Doesn’t Last Long Enough!”

  • Not Soaking Chips: Dry chips burn quickly. Soaking them will help them last longer.
  • Smoker Box Capacity: If you’re doing a really long smoke, you might just need a larger capacity smoker box or be prepared to refill your current one. The Napoleon box generally has good capacity for most cooks.
  • Refill Proactively: For longer cooks over 1-2 hours, plan to refill your smoker box every hour or so, as needed, once the smoke starts to dwindle.

By understanding these common issues, you’ll be able to quickly diagnose and fix any problems, ensuring a smooth and flavorful smoking experience every time you fire up your Napoleon grill!

Napoleon Smoker Box Review: Is It Worth It?

Alright, let’s get down to the brass tacks: is the Napoleon Smoker Box really worth your hard-earned cash? From what I’ve seen and heard from other grill enthusiasts, the answer is a resounding yes for most Napoleon gas grill owners.

Many people who own Napoleon grills, especially the Prestige PRO™, Prestige® Series, and Rogue® Series, find the Napoleon Stainless Steel Smoker Box model 67013 to be a fantastic accessory. One of the biggest praises it receives is its seamless integration. It’s not just a generic box you plop on the grates. it’s designed to replace a sear plate, sitting directly over a burner. This thoughtful design means you get direct heat to your wood chips, promoting efficient smoldering and consistent smoke production.

Customers often highlight:

• Ease of Use: People love how simple it is to set up and use. Just load it with chips, place it, light the burner, and you’re smoking. There’s no complex setup or finicky adjustments like with some other smoking methods.
• Effective Smoke Production: Users report that it produces a good, steady stream of smoke, effectively infusing food with flavor. For those who’ve struggled with wood chips catching fire in other smoker boxes, Napoleon’s design seems to manage this better due to its placement and the ability to control the underlying burner.
• Durable Construction: Being made of stainless steel, it’s built to last and withstand the high temperatures of grilling.
• Enhanced Flavor: Ultimately, it delivers on its promise of adding delicious smoky flavor to meals cooked on a gas grill. This capability broadens the culinary horizons of a gas grill, allowing for fantastic smoked ribs, chicken, or even briskets.

Compared to Smoker Tubes: Some users, particularly those with a Prestige 500, specifically mention preferring the Napoleon smoker box over a smoker tube. The box has more volume, meaning you can load more chips for longer smoke times, and it’s generally easier to refill if needed. Smoker tubes are good for quick bursts of smoke but might not be ideal for longer, low-and-slow cooks.

Potential Downsides and how Napoleon addresses them:

• Wood Chips Catching Fire: While a common issue with any smoker box on a gas grill if the heat is too high, Napoleon’s specific instruction to use the lowest burner setting helps mitigate this significantly. Proper soaking also plays a huge role.
• Temperature Control: Some general smoker box reviews mention potential temperature drops. However, users of the Napoleon box haven’t reported significant temperature issues, likely due to the grill’s robust design and burner control.

The Verdict: If you own a compatible Napoleon gas grill Prestige PRO™, Prestige® Series, Freestyle™, or Rogue® Series and you’re eager to add authentic smoky flavor to your food, the Napoleon Stainless Steel Smoker Box is generally considered an excellent investment. It’s well-designed, effective, and relatively easy to use, making it a valuable accessory for any grilling enthusiast. It truly helps you exploit the full capabilities of your Napoleon grill, taking your BBQ to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wood chips can I use in a Napoleon smoker box?

You can use a variety of wood chips in your Napoleon smoker box, including popular options like hickory, mesquite, apple, cherry, maple, and oak especially whisky or brandy barrel oak. Each wood type imparts a different flavor profile, so you can choose based on the food you’re cooking and your desired taste. Always make sure to use untreated wood chips specifically made for smoking.

Do I need to soak wood chips for my Napoleon smoker box?

Yes, it’s generally recommended to soak your wood chips for at least 30 minutes before placing them in the Napoleon smoker box. Soaking helps the chips smolder slowly instead of burning quickly or catching fire, which provides a longer, more consistent smoke and helps prevent bitter-tasting smoke.

Where do I place the smoker box on my Napoleon grill?

The Napoleon Stainless Steel Smoker Box is designed to replace one of your grill’s sear plates. You’ll remove a cooking grid, then remove the sear plate directly above a burner, and place the smoker box in its place on the sear plate supports. Then, put the cooking grid back over the smoker box. For models with a dedicated smoker tray, like the Prestige PRO 665, you place the chips directly into that built-in tray.

How long does the smoke last from a Napoleon smoker box?

The duration of smoke depends on several factors, including the type and amount of wood chips, whether they were soaked, and the heat setting of the burner underneath. Properly soaked chips on a low burner setting will typically produce smoke for a good period, often requiring a refill for longer cooks. For most recipes, you’ll want to get smoke for at least 20-30 minutes for flavor infusion, and you might need to add more chips during a longer cooking session. Where to Buy Zzoton Sanrio Specifically

Can I use a smoker box on any Napoleon gas grill?

The Napoleon Stainless Steel Smoker Box model 67013 is specifically designed to fit Napoleon Prestige PRO™, Prestige® Series, Freestyle™, and Rogue® Series gas barbecue grills. It’s always best to check the product description or your grill’s manual to ensure compatibility with your specific model. If your grill doesn’t have the sear plate setup for this box, you might consider a universal smoker box that sits on the grates or a smoker pipe as an alternative.

What temperature should I use for smoking with a gas grill and smoker box?

For most smoking on a gas grill, you should aim for a “low and slow” temperature range, typically between 200°F and 275°F. You’ll achieve this by turning the burner directly under the smoker box to its lowest setting and adjusting other burners on your grill to maintain the overall desired cooking temperature in the indirect cooking zone. This low temperature allows the smoke to infuse the food without cooking it too quickly.