Must-Have Meat Smoker Accessories for Grade-A BBQ Every Time

Every smokemaster knows that smoking meat is an art, a science, and let’s be honest — a bit of a lifestyle. And like any good craft, having the right tools can make all the difference between "pretty good" and "pitmaster-level perfection." In this blog, our experts have compiled a list of the top meat smoking accessories needed (and a few fun-to-haves!) to get the most out of every cut.

The best smoker accessories help you dial in flavor, control heat like a pro, and keep your smoker running at its best. From thermometers that take the guesswork out of cooking temps to wood chips that infuse smoky depth, these tools let you fine-tune every detail for mouthwatering results. With the right gear, you’ll spend less time stressing over process and more time enjoying flavorful, perfectly smoked meats.

The following must-have smoker accessories are what help you cook like a pro. Whether you’re aiming for fall-off-the-bone ribs or a brisket with that perfect bark, having the right tools makes the process smoother and the results even more delicious.

An instant-read meat thermometer provides quick and accurate temperature readings. This helps ensure your meat is cooked to the perfect level of doneness without overcooking or drying it out. However, opening the smoker too often to use this thermometer can lead to lost heat and flavor, so plan temperature monitoring carefully.

A wireless meat thermometer lets you monitor the internal temperature remotely in real-time. Instead of constantly opening the smoker and losing heat and smoke, you can track your meat's progress from your phone or receiver. This means more consistent results, less babysitting, and perfectly smoked meat every time.

Insulated grill gloves protect your hands from high heat while giving you the grip and flexibility needed to handle hot grates, meat, or tools safely. Make sure you choose gloves specifically made for grilling and smoking for best results.

Long grilling tongs let you move, flip, and adjust food without getting too close to the heat. The extra length keeps your hands safely away from the hot smoker while giving you control over larger cuts of meat. They're sturdy enough to handle briskets and ribs, yet precise enough for smaller tasks.

Boning knives trim fat and separate meat from the bone with precision before smoking, which improves flavor and cooking time. After your meat is perfectly smoked, the slicing knife gives you clean, even cuts — especially important for brisket, pork shoulder, or turkey — so your presentation looks as good as it tastes.

A basting brush lets you keep your meat juicy and flavorful by applying sauces or marinades without disrupting the bark. A sturdy cutting board gives you a clean, stable surface for resting and slicing your meat, and it helps catch all those delicious juices you don’t want to waste.

Smoker pellets are the heart of flavor when using a pellet smoker. They infuse your meat with that rich, smoky taste and come in different wood types like hickory, mesquite, or applewood so you can match the flavor to your meat. A stirring paddle helps you evenly mix or reposition pellets in the hopper or stir large pots of sauce or brine.

Charcoal chimney starters are great for charcoal smokers. They light your coals quickly and evenly without lighter fluid. Just load it with charcoal, place some crumpled newspaper underneath, and light it up. In about 15–20 minutes, you’ve got hot, glowing coals ready to go.

Over time, grease, ash, and smoke residue can build up and affect both meat flavor and smoker performance. A good cleaning kit — usually including brushes, scrapers, and cleaning solution — makes it easy to scrub grates, clean out ash, and remove gunk from hard-to-reach spots.

An assortment of rubs and grill seasonings is a must for bringing out bold, smoky flavors in every cut of meat. Whether you’re after sweet, spicy, savory, or a little of everything, the right blend adds depth and character to your barbecue. Keep a variety on hand so you can mix things up depending on what you’re smoking.

With the must-haves in place, you can start thinking about the tools that add a little extra spark to your smoking routine. These accessories aren’t required, but they can make your setup smoother, your flavors bolder, and your cookouts a whole lot more fun.

A smart meat thermometer offers real-time temperature tracking through an app. It monitors both the internal temp of your meat and the ambient temp of your smoker, so you know exactly when to wrap, rest, or pull it off. Some models even offer cooking guides and alerts, making it perfect for beginners and pros who want precision without hovering over the smoker all day.

Butcher paper helps retain moisture while still letting the meat breathe, which means you get a juicy interior without ruining the bark. Unlike foil, it won’t steam your meat — it wraps it just right to keep it tender and flavorful during the final hours of the cook.

Grill toppers, like beer can chicken stands, rib racks, and drumstick holders, take your smoking game to the next level. They maximize space and ensure even cooking by holding meat upright or in place. They're simple tools that deliver pro-level results.

Rotisserie kits offer juicy, evenly cooked meat with a perfectly crispy exterior. By slowly rotating your meat over indirect heat, it bastes itself in its own juices, locking in moisture and flavor. From whole chickens to ribs, a rotisserie setup adds that extra touch of tenderness.

BBQ prep tubs provide a clean, spacious spot to season, marinate, or transport large cuts of meat. Some even come with locking lids or cutting surfaces, making them perfect for keeping things contained during prep or travel.

Gourmet spray bottles are used to spritz meat with liquids like apple juice, vinegar, or broth to keep it moist during long cooks. Spraying helps build flavor, enhance bark, and prevent dryness without interrupting the smoke too much.

Meat shredders are a must-have when it’s time to pull that perfectly smoked pork or chicken. These claw-like tools make it easy to shred large cuts of meat quickly and evenly without burning your hands or fumbling with forks. They’re especially useful for making pulled pork sandwiches and give you that satisfying, pro-level texture that’s hard to get any other way.

At the end of the day, great barbecue is all about the right mix of patience, passion, and the right tools. If you want your brisket to be the talk of the neighborhood, fire up your smoker, grab cooking and BBQ accessories from Academy Sports + Outdoors, and get ready to impress at your next cookout.