Lava Rocks in Charcoal Smoker

[joenaputi]

New smoker for a first time smoker! Are lava rocks necessary for charcoal smokers? In propane BBQ grills, I felt that the lava rocks enhances the flavor. Thanks

[Andy M.]

Originally Posted by joenaputi

New smoker for a first time smoker! Are lava rocks necessary for charcoal smokers? In propane BBQ grills, I felt that the lava rocks enhances the flavor. Thanks

Hi, Joe. Welcome to DC.

No lava rocks in a smoker. You would build a charcoal/wood fire and the natural coals formed by their burning would perform the function of lava rocks.
What kind of smoker do you have?

[joenaputi]

I have a Brinkmann; thanks for the response, it's much appreciated.

[Michael in FtW]

Like Andy M. said, lava rocks are only for use in a gas grill designed to use them - some gas grills are designed to use ceramic briquettes. They are not used in a wood/charcoal smoker.

The lava rocks themselves do not add to or enhance the flavor. They simply distribute the heat from the gas burners to simulate a bed of coals. The flavor "enhancement" comes from the fats and meat juices that drip on them ... these juices hitting the hot rocks vaporize and smoke and that is what enhances the flavor.

You get the same flavor enhancement over a bed of wood or charcoal coals - plus the flavor of the wood. But, then again, that's grilling - not smoking.