Is there anything you can add to a propane gas grill to give it a more charcoal flavor?

Question

And where do you put them and how long are they good for? Thanks for your grilling expertise!

Answer 1

Smoker boxes for the wood chips are everywhere this year. They are about 6' x 3". We got a pretty sturdy one made of what I think is cast iron at Lowe's for about $15. Today I even saw one more cheaply made for about $5 at CVS. You fill it with wet wood chips and then put it right below the grates, with a burner going below it.

Our specialty meat markets carry a large variety of woods and may have the boxes as well. Our favorite woods are hickory, pecan and apple. We like mesquite for brisket. If you want the flavor in something that cooks quickly like steaks, make sure you have everything smoking really well before putting the food on.

Answer 2

Not exactly, but you can get close. We used to use propane & switched to charcoal about 7 years ago & I would never go back!! You can get a smoker box @ Wal-Mart, Lowe's, etc.....season it the first time empty while you grill. Then soak your favorite wood chips - depending on what we are grilling, we use hickory, mesquite, cherry, apple, peach, etc. Soak the chips for at least an hour - the longer the better, then place in smoker box & place box into bottom of grill..........They usually last 2 grillings or so, just look at the chips to see if they are burnt, then resoak before the next use......

Answer 3

Did the wood in a foil thing, great the first time, then just burned the second time, guess you're supposed to get that little packet out and change it each time? don't know, didn't do it. Have propane, as it's the easiest to grill on after work. Wife bought McCormick Grill Mates, different flavors, sprinkle a bit on , amazing! Do I work for them? No, should they pay me? Yup! (works on a George Foreman too, fyi)

Answer 4

You don't have to have a special box for wood chips. Just soak them in water and then wrap them in alumium foil. Poke some holes in the foil and toss th whole package on your fire. Put it on you lava rocks if you have them.

There are also some flavored sprays now from Best of the West, makers of lump charcoal. You can add the flavors directly to your meat while it is cooking.

Answer 5

You may be able to perch a little aluminum pan on the bars under the grill and fill them w/ damp, saoked chips to give a smoky flavor.

My Weber has "flav-r-bars" and they get hot. When fat drips on them, it sorta smokes and cooks on, makign good smells and tastes. If yours is a new grill and has some sort of inverted V bars, consider grilling something fatty on it to get them going.

Answer 6

If you can find some lava rocks, they work great and should last a long time. Try brushing your food with a little liquid smoke when you place it on the grill.

Answer 7

what about mesquite chips? they flavor things up real nice.

Answer 8

add some wood. it is better than charcol