Smoker boxes work, but they’re fussy.

Yes, you can get decent wood smoke flavor from a gas grill with a smoker box — just don’t expect the same intensity you’d get from an offset or charcoal setup.

The biggest mistake people make is soaking the wood chips. Don’t. Soaking creates steam, not smoke. You want dry chips that smolder and produce actual smoky flavor. Put the box directly over a burner (usually one of the side burners or the main grate over a lit burner), preheat it for a few minutes, then add your dry chips. Close the lid, let the smoke start, then put your food on the opposite side of the grill — indirect heat is key.

You’ll get a thin, clean smoke for maybe 20-30 minutes before the chips burn out. If you need longer, you’ll have to refill. That’s the “fussy” part. A packet made of heavy-duty foil works just as well and is way cheaper.

Final thought: Worth it for a quick smoke fix, but if you’re doing a long cook, consider a tube smoker instead.