The 9 Best Weber Smokey Mountain Accessories of 2023

These tools streamline your cooking experience

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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis

Grilling is a phenomenal way to cook proteins and produce with plenty of flavor and a hint of char. Any standard gas or charcoal grill can produce a delicious grilled meal, but if you crave a deeply-infused smoky taste profile and a tender, juicy texture, then it’s time to pick up a smoker. 

The line of Weber Smokey Mountain Cookers is a popular choice for anyone looking to smoke their own meat. This charcoal-powered smoker is available in three different sizes—14, 18, and 22 inches—and it offers superior heat retention and control, as well as ample cooking space for all your favorite cuts of meat.

If you already own and love the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, you can elevate your cooking experience even further with the help of several accessories. From racks and temperature gauges to extra cooking grates, these tools will make smoking all the more enjoyable. When it comes to choosing the right accessories for your Weber Smokey Mountain, it’s important to consider a few factors. Specifically, Eli Goldman, owner of Tikkun BBQ in Astoria, New York, urges you to think about “the context of your cooking situation and desires. Do you need more capacity? Do you want something to make cooking on the Weber Smokey Mountain easier? Do you want more table storage? What about a rotisserie? Or do you want to hang ribs directly over coals like a pit barrel cooker? Thinking about the context of what you want to cook, the cooking method, who your audience is, quantity, the purpose or occasion, etc. will help guide your choices.”

To help you build your shopping list, here are the best accessories for the Weber Smokey Mountain smoker.

Best Rib Rack

Weber 6605 Original Rib Rack

Weber 6605 Original Rib Rack

Amazon

What We Like
  • Holds up to five racks of ribs

  • Fits several styles of grills

  • Allows for even cooking

What We Don't Like
  • Too short for certain cuts

There are so many grilling and cooking accessories available for good barbeque that it can be difficult to know which one to get. While it is hard to argue which one is the ultimate best for the Weber Smokey Mountain grill, some accessories simply make it easier to get the flavor you want from the meat. Anything that expands the capabilities of the smoker is worth considering, including this special rib rack.

Granger McCollough, outdoor cooking expert and co-founder of Elite Patio Direct, particularly recommends The Weber 6605 Original Rib Rack, telling us that “smoking is the best way to cook tender, juicy ribs, and this rib rack makes it that much easier” to cook your ribs to perfection by elevating the meat cuts away from the heat source. This prevents the meat from directly touching the grill, which can create charred, uneven marks along the surface. Instead, each cut is elevated to where the heat is more even in distribution. The rack will hold a total of five separate ribs for an entire meal all at once.

Price at time of publish: $21

Dimensions: 3.5 x 8 x 13.2 inches | Compatibility: Weber Q 200/2000 and larger gas grills, 18-inch and larger charcoal grills

Best Thermometer

Meater Plus Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth

4.3
Meater Plus With Bluetooth Repeater

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Calculates time to completion

  • No wires at all

  • Presets for a wide range of foods

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Minimum depth required

Weber Smokey Mountain Smokers do have built-in lid thermometers, but you'll have to stay nearby if you want to keep an eye on the inner temperature of the unit. If you're planning to smoke for several hours and want the freedom to walk away from your smoker, you could definitely benefit from a wireless meat thermometer like the Meater+.

This meat thermometer is completely wireless, and it communicates with your smartphone via its associated app, giving you real-time temperature readings from up to 165 feet away. The app offers suggests internal temperatures for a wide variety of meats, and it even estimates the time it will take you to cook your meal. It's more than just a thermometer—it's your very own grilling (or smoking) assistant!

Price at time of publish: $100

Temperature Range: Up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit | Wireless Range: 165 feet | Max Ambient Temperature: 527 degrees Fahrenheit

What Our Testers Say

"Unlike thermometers that alert when the final temperature is reached, MEATER Plus signals that the food is done a little earlier. Because it knows the speed of the temperature rise, it knows how much more the temperature will continue to rise after the food comes off the heat, so it prevents overcooking from carryover heat."Donna Currie, Product Tester

Best Grill Gloves

Artisan Griller Protective BBQ Smoker Grill Gloves

Artisan Griller Protective BBQ Smoker Grill Gloves

Amazon

What We Like
  • Several size options

  • Jersey cotton liner is comfortable against the skin

  • Neoprene coating is fireproof and protects skin from steam burns

  • Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricier than some competitors

  • The dye on the neoprene can bleed out onto skin and food

According to McCollough, a pair of quality grilling gloves should be a top priority for anyone working with the Weber Smokey Mountain. “It is always important to put health and safety first when smoking or grilling your food," McCollough points out. "You don't want to be in the burn unit instead of enjoying a perfectly smoked joint of beef."

The Artisan Griller Protective BBQ Grill Gloves strike an ideal balance between highly protective and highly wearable. These gloves feature a coating of neoprene rubber, which guards against open flames, steam, and oil splatter while also offering enough flexibility to keep your fingers bendable and ready to move. The gloves are lined with a double layer of cotton jersey, which prevents the gloves from overheating on the inside, helps you avoid sweaty palms, and simultaneously keeps the gloves fully insulated.

The long sleeve extends the glove’s protection up the arm—a handy feature for larger smokers—and these gloves can be quickly and easily cleaned in the sink with soap and water. While the gloves are resistant to flames, they should really only be used in situations under 400 degrees.

Price at time of publish: $29

Material: Neoprene, cotton, silicone | Maximum temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Best Grill Cover

Stanbroil Premium Cover for 18-Inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

Stanbroil Premium Cover

Amazon

What We Like
  • Specifically designed for the Smokey Mountain line

  • Comes in two sizes

  • Waterproof and UV-resistant

What We Don’t Like
  • Might be tricky to put on and remove

In order to keep the Weber Smokey Mountain in top working condition, owners should seek out a well-designed and well-constructed grill cover to place over the smoker when it’s not in use. These covers can shield the smoker from the elements and allow you to keep the Smokey Mountain outdoors all year long. 

The Stanbroil Premium Cover is designed specifically to fit the Weber Smokey Mountain, so there’s no need to worry about the cover leaving areas of the smoker exposed. You can order this cover for either an 18-inch WSM or a 22-inch version, and both cover sizes feature a PVC coating that repels water and guards against harmful UV rays. Stanbroil pays particular attention to the stitching on the cover’s seams, which keeps the cover carefully bound and prevents tearing and leaking. Some online reviewers mention that this can be a little tricky to put on and take off your smoker.

Price at time of publish: $32

Material: Polyester, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride | Compatibility: Fits 18-inch and 22-inch smokers

Best Shredders

Bear Paws Meat Shredder Claws

4.7
Bear-paws-meat-shredder-claws

Amazon

What We Like
  • Heat-resistant nylon construction

  • Dishwasher friendly

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't shred finely

Using the right grill is only half of the equation to making good barbecue. While the right equipment is important, the right tools ultimately make the difference. Special tools that go beyond simply grabbing and turning the meat open the door to new cooking possibilities. More importantly, the right tools also make the finished product better when you have more control over the meat.

Bear Paws will give you more control over your food as you grill or smoke meat than traditional tongs, forks, and spatulas. More importantly, these claws can also increase your grill repertoire. Shredding meats for dishes like pulled pork is much easier thanks to the tool's claw-like prongs, which are crafted from heat-resistant nylon. The shredders are made in the USA, and they come in several fun colors to boot.

Price at time of publish: $15

Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches | Material: BPA-free nylon

Best Chimney Starter

Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lights coals without lighter fluid

  • Simple to use

  • Heat shield prevents burns

What We Don't Like
  • Bottom slots aren't big enough for lighter

One of the easiest ways to start a charcoal grill or smoker is using a chimney starter like this one from Weber. The gadget might be simple, but it will have your briquettes smoking in no time! All you do is put your charcoal into the smoker with some crumbled newspaper or lighter cubes at the bottom. After you light the material in the base, the chimney smoker will take over, getting your fuel lit in around 20 to 25 minutes.

The starter's handle stays comfortable to touch thanks to the heat shield, and the unique ergonomic gives you more control over the hot coals as you pour them into your grill or smoker. Plus, you'll never have to use lighter fluid, which saves your food from developing a funky flavor.

Price at time of publish: $26

Dimensions: 12.5 x 8 x 12.7 inches | Material: Aluminized steel

Best Lid Hinge

Educates Stainless Lid Hinge Kit

Educates Stainless Lid Hinge Kit

Amazon

What We Like
  • Holds up smoker lid

  • Removable pin latch

  • Compatible with two smoker sizes

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Interferes with cover fit

Are you tired of setting your smoker lid down on the dirty ground every time you need to tend your meat? If so, this lid hinge kit is worth the investment. It's designed to be used with the 18-inch and 22-inch Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, and once installed, the lid will support itself when flipped open.

This lid hinge includes a removable pin latch that allows you to completely lift off the lid for cleaning. While it's fairly easy to install, keep in mind that you will need tools that allow you to drill into the side of the smoker, as well as enamel paint to touch up the exterior and prevent corrosion.

Price at time of publish: $63

Material: Stainless steel | Compatibility: 18-inch and 22-inch Weber Smokey Mountain Cookers

Best Meat Hanger

LavaLock Rib Hanger

LavaLock Rib Hanger

Amazon

What We Like
  • Includes eight hooks

  • Made from heavy-duty steel

  • Simple installation

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for long racks of ribs

You'll be able to fit more meat into your smoker at once with the help of the LavaLock Rib Hanger. Designed to work with the 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, the rack includes eight hooks where you can hang ribs and other cuts of meat. The heavy-duty frame is made from high-quality stainless steel, and you simply set it on the lip of your smoker for use—no drilling needed. Extra hooks are available for purchase if eight is not enough for you.

Price at time of publish: $70

Material: 304 stainless steel | Compatibility: 18-inch Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker

Final Verdict

If you're only going to get one accessory for your Smokey Mountain Smoker, we think it should be the Weber Original Rib Rack, which will help you to perfectly cook up to five racks of ribs at once. You also can't go wrong with the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, which allows you to quickly light charcoal without the need for any lighter fluid.

What to Look for in Weber Smokey Mountain Accessories

Compatibility

When purchasing any accessory for your Smokey Mountain Grill, the first thing you'll want to look at is its compatibility. Not all smoker accessories can be used in this particular unit, so double-check that it's listed for use with the Smokey Mountain Cooker. You'll also want to ensure you purchase the correct size accessory for your smoker, as the unit comes in three different sizes.

Versatility

If you're an avid griller or home chef, you may want to look for smoker accessories that can also be used with other appliances. For instance, certain rib racks and thermometers can be used on a variety of grills, making them more useful than a model that solely works on the Smokey Mountain line.

Installation

Certain smoker accessories require more in-depth installation, so make sure you have the tools necessary to assemble the product, whether it's a drill or touch-up paint. If you don't have these tools available, you may want to consider an accessory that's easier to install. Also, keep in mind that making alterations to your smoker will generally void its manufacturer's warranty.

FAQs

Should you use a water pan in a smoker?

The water pan can and should be used in your smoker. It goes over the heat source (in contrast to a drip pan, which goes under the meats) and helps to stabilize the cooker’s temperature. It’s also helpful because it can block a flame for those occasions when you need to cook with indirect heat. Plus, the water vapor collects on the meat and allows more smoke to stick to it, which improves the flavor.

Can you leave a thermometer in a smoker?

As long as the thermometer in question is heat resistant, it's OK to leave a thermometer in the meat inside the smoker. This is most commonly done with a leave-in digital thermometer that has wired or wireless probes.

What are good things to put in a smoker?

There are so many foods that will benefit from this cooking process. Put in a pork or lamb shoulder, rack of ribs, a whole chicken, or a coveted beef brisket. But don't stop at meats. Think about asparagus, tomatoes, cheeses, nuts, oysters, mac and cheese: So many ingredients are improved by smoke.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats who specialized in grilling content. She's written close to a dozen pieces on all styles of grills and done firsthand testing of smokers and grills featured in her articles.

Sources

Additional reporting by
Carrie Havranek
Carrie Havranek
Carrie has 10+ years experience as a food writer and editor. Her work can be found in her cookbook, Tasting Pennsylvania, and her site, the Dharma Kitchen.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
and
Taylor Tobin
Taylor Tobin
Taylor Tobin is a freelance lifestyle journalist based in Austin, Texas. Her work primarily focuses on food & beverage recipes and recommendations.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
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