Gas
barbecue grills may incorporate smoker elements into their designs.
These additional portions are known as "smoker boxes." Wood
chips may be placed within these metal features. This can encourage
a smoky flavor to be added to the grilled foods.
In different regions, different materials may be favored for the smoker
boxes of gas barbecue grills. For instance, alder was the traditional
choice of wood in Europe, though oak is more often preferred today.
Popular options in North America include hickory, mesquite, and cherry
tree.
It could be argued that gas barbecue grills are not ideal for creating
a true smoky flavor. This is because the process requires the food to
be cooked low and slow. However, it is difficult for a gas barbecue
to maintain the low temperatures required.
