From sizzling breakfasts to smash burgers and teppanyaki-style dinners, the Daytona Pro 5 Burner NitroGuard™ Griddle delivers powerful heat, fast cooking, and a durable cooking surface built for every backyard cookout. Watch how easy outdoor cooking can be.
We position ourselves as delivering high-end outdoor cooking features and performance without premium-brand pricing, emphasizing “Quality Grills. Unbelievable Value.”
Wide range of outdoor cooking products for every use case
We offer gas grills, pellet grills, griddles, smokers, pizza ovens, portable/tabletop grills, electric grills, accessories, and replacement parts — allowing customers to stay within one ecosystem for all outdoor cooking needs.
Innovation-focused outdoor cooking with smart technology
We differentiate ourselves through smart grilling products like the Oakford smart pellet grill, including app-connected cooking controls and modern outdoor cooking technology.
Find griddle recipes, cooking techniques, cleaning tips, and outdoor meal ideas designed for Nexgrill griddles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions
Gas grills provide instant heat and precise temperature control, making them easier to use. Charcoal grills offer a smoky flavor and high heat for searing but require more time to heat up and manage.
Pellet grills combine the convenience of gas with the flavor of wood, allowing for smoking, baking, and grilling. Traditional gas grills, however, are quicker to start and often easier to clean.
Charcoal grills typically reach higher temperatures quicker than gas grills, making them better for searing meat. However, high-quality gas grills can also provide adequate heat for effective searing.
Nexgrill offers models designed specifically for gas, charcoal, and pellets, allowing users to choose based on their cooking style and flavor preferences. Each type is built to optimize the characteristics of its respective fuel.
Choosing between gas and charcoal grills depends on your cooking preferences and lifestyle. If you value convenience and quick cooking, a gas grill may suit you better; if you prefer the taste and experience of traditional grilling, a charcoal grill would be ideal.
In This Article
Wood Chip Varieties
Explore diverse wood chips for unique flavors.
Preparation Techniques
Learn how to soak and use wood chips effectively.
Advanced Grilling Tips
Master advanced techniques for smoky perfection.
Why Use Wood Chips for Grilling?
Grilling with wood chips introduces a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the taste of your food, transforming your backyard barbecue into a culinary delight. Different types of wood chips, such as hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry, offer unique flavor profiles, allowing you to customize the taste of your grilled dishes. This technique is especially popular among grill enthusiasts who appreciate the depth and complexity that smoke can add to meats, vegetables, and even fruits.
Tip: Try using apple wood chips for a sweet and mild flavor, perfect for poultry and pork.
Types of Wood Chips and Their Flavors
Choosing the right type of wood chip is crucial for achieving the desired flavor. Here's a quick guide:
Wood Type
Flavor Profile
Best For
Hickory
Strong, smoky, bacon-like
Red meat, ribs
Mesquite
Intense, earthy
Beef, lamb
Apple
Sweet, fruity
Poultry, pork
Cherry
Mild, sweet
Chicken, fish
Preparing Wood Chips for Grilling
To maximize the flavor infusion, it's essential to prepare your wood chips properly. Start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning too quickly and allows them to smolder, releasing more smoke over a longer period. For added flavor, you can soak the chips in different liquids such as apple juice, beer, or wine.
Info: Soaking wood chips in apple juice adds a subtle sweetness to your grilled dishes.
Once soaked, drain the excess liquid and place the wood chips in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil, poking holes to allow smoke to escape. Position the smoker box or foil directly on the grill grates or over the charcoal for charcoal grills.
Integrating Wood Chips with Different Grill Types
Using wood chips varies slightly depending on your grill type:
Gas Grills: Place the smoker box on top of the burners. Preheat the grill until smoke appears, then lower the heat and add your food.
Charcoal Grills: Add the wood chips directly onto the coals or in a smoker box. This method works well for long, slow cooks.
Electric Grills: Ensure your grill has a smoker box feature, or create one using foil. This method is less common but still effective.
Experiment with different combinations and soaking liquids to find your perfect smoke flavor profile. Try comparing two products side by side below to see which fits best:
Advanced Techniques in Wood Chip Grilling
Once you've mastered the basics, consider exploring more advanced techniques to elevate your grilling game. A popular method is the 'smoke bomb,' where wood chips are wrapped loosely in foil without soaking, creating a concentrated burst of smoke ideal for quick grills like steaks or burgers.
For those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, mixing different wood types can yield unique results. For example, combining hickory and applewood can provide a balanced smoke suitable for pork or poultry. Consider creating a wood chip blend to explore new taste dimensions.
Warning: Avoid using softwoods like pine or cedar, as these can produce unpleasant flavors and harmful chemicals.
Monitoring Smoke and Heat Levels
Consistent temperature control is essential for successful smoking. Use a grill thermometer to monitor the heat, ensuring it stays within the optimal range for smoking, typically between 225°F and 250°F (107°C to 121°C). Adjust vents on charcoal grills to regulate airflow and maintain steady temperatures. For more guidance, refer to grill temperature control tips.
With gas grills, you might need to adjust the burners to maintain the desired temperature, especially when opening the lid frequently can cause heat loss.
Perfect Pairings: Foods to Smoke with Wood Chips
The versatility of wood chips allows for smoking a wide variety of foods beyond the traditional meats. Here are some creative ideas:
Vegetables: Try smoking bell peppers, onions, or even corn on the cob for a smoky twist.
Cheese: Use milder wood chips like apple or cherry to smoke cheese, adding a gourmet touch to your cheese board.
Nuts: Smoking almonds or pecans can transform them into a savory snack, perfect for entertaining.
Once you've weighed two options against each other, here's what else matters: always ensure the food is compatible with the wood chip's intensity. For example, delicate fish like trout pair well with milder woods, while robust meats like beef can handle stronger flavors like mesquite.
Sources for Quality Wood Chips
Investing in high-quality wood chips can make a noticeable difference in your grilling results. Look for products that are free from additives and chemicals, ensuring a clean burn and pure flavor infusion.
Nexgrill's Collection - Explore a range of quality grilling products, including wood chips.
BBQ Guys - A variety of wood chips available for different flavor profiles.
Amazon - Convenient options with customer reviews to guide your purchase.
Conclusion
Grilling with wood chips is an art that combines flavor, technique, and creativity. By understanding the nuances of different wood types and preparation methods, you can bring a new dimension to your outdoor cooking. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or just starting, experimenting with wood chips can enhance your culinary repertoire and delight your guests with unforgettable flavors.
More grilling tips and products are available at Nexgrill.
We position ourselves as delivering high-end outdoor cooking features and performance without premium-brand pricing, emphasizing “Quality Grills. Unbelievable Value.”
Wide range of outdoor cooking products for every use case
We offer gas grills, pellet grills, griddles, smokers, pizza ovens, portable/tabletop grills, electric grills, accessories, and replacement parts — allowing customers to stay within one ecosystem for all outdoor cooking needs.
Innovation-focused outdoor cooking with smart technology
We differentiate ourselves through smart grilling products like the Oakford smart pellet grill, including app-connected cooking controls and modern outdoor cooking technology.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it
“I’ve been using the Nexgrill Daytona 4-Burner Gas Griddle for a while now, and I’ve been really happy with it. First off, it’s super sturdy and feels really well-made, like it’s going to last me a long time. The cooking space is awesome—plenty of room for making big meals. So far I’ve cooked pancakes, burgers, bacon and some veggies. The 4 burners make it easy to control the heat in different areas. I love that I can keep one side hotter for searing and leave the other side cooler for things that don’t need as much heat. Plus, it heats evenly, which I was really glad to see. The shelves underneath and on its sides are a nice bonus. I’ve used them to keep things like plates, tools, and ingredients handy while I’m cooking, it’s very convenient. Cleaning it is super simple too. Once it cools down, I just wipe off the cooking surface and let the grease funnel into the trap. It’s quick and easy, and honestly, it barely looks like I even used it. If I had to nitpick, the grease trap can fill up kind of quickly during bigger cooking sessions, but as long as you keep an eye on it, it’s not a big deal. Overall, this griddle has been great. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and makes cooking outside a lot of fun. If you’re into grilling or want something versatile, I think this is a solid choice. Originally posted on influenster.com”
M
martind23_2941
Sturdy, easy to use, and perfect for cooking big m
“took about 2-3 hrs for complete assembly. took about 15-20 minutes to fully heat to 700. used a pan liner and a drip cup liner due to previous issues with those rusting away. this is about the 3-4 grill i have assembled. dont try to do it alone or ask the wife for help with the firebox its awkward. always check the directions 2-3 times before tightening down and dont over tighten the screws. hopeing for 5 years of grilling on this but i havent checked the warrenty yet.”
DT
Dave the Griller
finally got around to building this.bought in 2025
“We just bought this guy and I recommend always buy it assembled, we just use the grill 2 times and really works good; is perfect size and the side burn is very useful plus the caddy attach for spices; the material quality is in medium rate; no too cheap no too expensive I'll be glad if it works for minimum 5 years. Nexgrill could improve with the way, and cleaners to not damage the grates and the burners. I protect the removable pan with heavy duty aluminum foil, when the grease drop I only change the foil. Well I am enjoying my new Nexgrill !!! P.s. always clean the grill after use it....ALWAYS :-)”
KA
Karl A
Nice Grill
“Thank you to Influencer and Nexgrill for sending this to me for free, in exchange for my honest opinion. My 17 year old son put this together for me. It was easy but time consuming, it took about 2 hours. This is great for families, because you can cook a good amount of food in a short time. We did tacos, but it’s also great for breakfast, pancakes, eggs, breakfast burritos. It’s easy to clean if you have the right tools, you’ll need a scraper and metal spatula. Overall I would recommend this flat grill, it’s a great addition to our household. Originally posted on influenster.com”
K
KellyL
Quick and easy cooking
“My old Nexgrill is 25 years old and still looking and performing well! This new one is going on our back patio to partner with the old one in our courtyard. Obviously quality products to last that long. I hope the new one does as well. The only concern I have is that the sides are painted metal rather than stainless like the old one. I hope it doesn’t rust over time. But, We are very happy grillers!”
JS
Judy S
New grill to partner with my old one
“Bought grill 3 years ago stainless grates rusted out had to order new ones to replace Yes, I recommend this product.”
G
GaryS329
Stainless
“I’ve always been a smoker, fryer kind of guy. But recently with my new job keeping me super busy I’ve been cooking on my father in-laws 2 burner grill and it takes so long to cook ribs and chicken. I love just lighting the burners and cooking so I decided to upgrade by buying my own and I got this 5 burner with side burner for veggies , took me maybe 20 minutes to get all the dinner done tonight after I seasoned the grill with an onion. Love it so far, I hope it lasts a long time! It’s beautiful!”
JB
Jason B
Love it so far! My first propane grill I’ve ever bought myself!
“I love your grills. This is a replacement grill for a fully stainless steel one (was suppose to be). We originally bought it for our daughter's new townhouse, but her patio was not "ready" for it. We have kept it for 5 years now. My husband passed, I sold the house and move it, in the original box, with me and just put it together. The”
LG
Lisa G
Replacement
“Purchased a 5 burner with side burner grill probably 7-8 years ago. You can only replace things for so long. Opted on a smaller 4 burner grill this time. Hoping to get lots of use for many years to come.”
BS
Brian S
2nd grill with out
“Easy grill to use & grills well. Last grill lasted a little over 6 years. Had to replace burners twice (just worn out - lots of use). Here is old grill & new grill.”
RE
Russell E
2nd Nexgrill
“I had either recieved or bought a grill from either webber or Charbroil. Both had lasted roughly 5 years each before rusting out. For the price point and the way this grill feels I think this one should last longer. Looks awsome new so hopes are high.”
VA
Victor A
3rd grill so far...
“I’m just setting up my second 5 burner nexgrill!!! My first one was purchased in 2015!! I live in New England and the grill lived outside for 7 1/2 years!! That is an impressive lifespan for a grill in my area! I’ll be a loyal Nexgrill customer for life. Thanks very much. Yes, I recommend this product.”
L
Litch
Robust grill with Longevity to boot
“This grill is good for an economy grill. My 10 year old assembled most of it. I knew that I was getting a budget grill and didn't expect a Cadillac. I bought it mainly because the burners have flame on the left and right, instead of one row on the top. I checked the temperature gauge vs my digital and it runs 50° high, didn't expect it to be right on. The burner tents are higher in the front, making it hotter in the front. I have snips so I'll cut the front to set level. I seasoned the grill with bacon, it leaked from the screw to the drip pan, which was tight. The corners are sharp. I had corner protectors for my smoker and put some on the Nexgrill, hoping to get more life from the cover. Overall it's pretty good for the price.”
