Outset Q177 Smoker Review
Our verdict
The Outset Q177 is a compact wood smoker box that brings smoke flavor to gas or charcoal grills at a budget price of $25.58. With 571 reviews at 4.4 stars, it has earned a reliable reputation for a straightforward accessory.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Grillers who want a small, easy-to-store smoker box for occasional smoke flavor on any grill type
Skip if
You want a large-capacity box for extended smoking sessions or need heavy output for thick cuts
- Fuel Wood
- Dimensions 5.25 X 8.25 X 1.25 In
- Priced 92% below the category median ($329.50 across 122 tracked models)
Pros
- Very compact size fits any grill without blocking cooking space
- Works on gas and charcoal grills
- Affordable at $25.58
- Solid owner satisfaction at 4.4 stars across 571 reviews
Cons
- Small capacity means more frequent chip refills during long cooks
- Material not specified, which makes durability harder to assess before buying
- Thin profile may not retain heat as long as heavier cast iron boxes
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 571 owner ratings
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Popularity3.7/5
571 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Outset Q177 is a wood-fueled smoker box measuring 5.25 x 8.25 x 1.25 inches, making it one of the more compact options in this category. Its small footprint means it fits easily on most grill grates without taking up prime cooking real estate.', 'With wood as the fuel type, this box works on both gas and charcoal grills. You load it with wood chips, place it over a heat source, and the enclosed design controls airflow to produce steady smoke rather than open flames from the chips.', 'At $25.58 it sits at the lower end of smoker box pricing. Material specs are not listed, but the compact dimensions and low profile are consistent with sheet steel construction common to this price range.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Wood |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.25 X 8.25 X 1.25 In |
Performance notes
Fuel type is wood chips, which means smoke output depends directly on the heat source beneath the box. At 5.25 x 8.25 x 1.25 inches, the internal chip capacity is limited compared to full-length smoker boxes. This is fine for shorter cooks like chicken or fish but may require reloading on longer low-and-slow cooks. No BTU, cooking area or material specs are available.
What buyers say
571 reviews at 4.4 stars shows consistent satisfaction for a budget accessory. Owners tend to mention it as a reliable starter box that does what it promises. Some note the small size as a limitation for long smoking sessions.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use this smoker box on a charcoal grill?
Yes, the Q177 works on both gas and charcoal grills. On a charcoal grill, place it directly on the coals or on the grate above them. The heat from the charcoal will ignite the chips and produce smoke just as it would on a gas grill.
How long does a load of chips last in the Q177?
At 5.25 x 8.25 x 1.25 inches the internal capacity is modest, so expect roughly 20 to 45 minutes of active smoke per load depending on grill temperature and chip size. Soaking chips beforehand can extend that window. For longer cooks, plan to refill once or twice.