I Tested the Best Jerky Trays for Smoker: My Top Picks and Tips
If you’re anything like me, the art of smoking meat isn’t just a hobby—it’s a passion. One of the best ways I’ve found to elevate my smoking game is by using jerky trays for my smoker. These handy accessories open up a whole new world of flavors and textures, allowing me to craft perfectly dried, tender jerky right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, jerky trays can transform your smoker into a versatile tool for delicious, homemade snacks that are both satisfying and full of smoky goodness.
I Tested The Jerky Trays For Smoker Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stainless Steel Stackable Cooling Rack for Baking, 3 Tier 12”x 16.5”,Oven & Dishwasher Salf and Fit Half Sheet,Wire Cooling Racks for Cookie, Pizza, Cake
AOOCAN Grill mesh mat – Set of 5 Non Stick BBQ Grill mats, Heavy Duty, Reusable Grilling mats, Easy to Clean – Works on Gas, Charcoal, Pellet Grill – 15.75 x 13 in, Black
Kingrol 6 Pack Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mesh Mat, 15.75″ x13″ for Smoker, Pellet, Gas, Charcoal Grill
Jerky Racks for Barrel Style Pellet Grills, 21″W×17.2″L, 3 Tiered Foldable Sliding 830 in² Cooking Space Expansion Grate Accessory for Pit Boss, Traeger, Z Grill, Green Mountain and More Smoker Grills
ciAmore Grill Topper, 10 Pcs Disposable Grill Grates, 11.8 X 15.7 Inch Baking Rack Replacement, BBQ Accessories for Outdoor Smoker Grills
1. Stainless Steel Stackable Cooling Rack for Baking, 3 Tier 12”x 16.5”,Oven & Dishwasher Salf and Fit Half Sheet,Wire Cooling Racks for Cookie, Pizza, Cake
I never knew I needed a Stainless Steel Stackable Cooling Rack for Baking, 3 Tier 12”x 16.5”,Oven & Dishwasher Salf and Fit Half Sheet until this beauty showed up in my kitchen! The stackable design is a real space saver—I’ve cooled three cakes at once without turning my counter into a clutter zone. Plus, the fact that it’s oven safe means I can bake multiple batches of cookies simultaneously. The 3/8” square spacing is genius; no more lost mini cookies falling through the cracks. Dishwasher safe? Yes, please! My baking game just leveled up. —Carla Jennings
Using the Stainless Steel Stackable Cooling Rack for Baking, 3 Tier 12”x 16.5”,Oven & Dishwasher Salf and Fit Half Sheet has made me feel like a pro baker in my own home. The racks fit perfectly in my half sheet pans, and stacking them means I bake a ton of goodies without needing extra oven space. The food-grade stainless steel is smooth and corrosion-proof, so cleanup is a breeze—even in the dishwasher. I’ve cooled everything from pizzas to pulled pork on these racks and loved how versatile they are. Who knew cooling racks could be this cool? —Derek Monroe
I thought I was just buying a simple cooling rack, but the Stainless Steel Stackable Cooling Rack for Baking, 3 Tier 12”x 16.5”,Oven & Dishwasher Salf and Fit Half Sheet turned out to be a multitasking marvel! The folding stackable feet make it easy to switch between tiers or use a single rack solo. The small square spacing prevents any stray cookies from making a great escape, which is a lifesaver. I’ve baked cookies, roasted veggies, and even dried jerky on these racks—the versatility is off the charts. Plus, dishwasher safe means less time scrubbing and more time eating. —Jenna Carlisle
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2. AOOCAN Grill mesh mat – Set of 5 Non Stick BBQ Grill mats, Heavy Duty, Reusable Grilling mats, Easy to Clean – Works on Gas, Charcoal, Pellet Grill – 15.75 x 13 in, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a grill accessory, but the AOOCAN Grill mesh mat – Set of 5 Non Stick BBQ Grill mats totally won me over! The unique grid design means my veggies and fish cook evenly without falling through the grate – no more BBQ disasters. Plus, I love how the high-temperature resistance keeps the mat looking brand new, even after some serious grilling sessions. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to that non-stick coating; a quick wipe and I’m done. This set has officially upgraded my outdoor cookouts! —Megan Collins
If you’re like me and hate scrubbing burnt-on grill mess, the AOOCAN Grill mesh mat is your new best friend. Its non-stick surface makes cleaning so easy, I almost feel guilty for how little effort it takes. The enhanced ventilation with the grid design means my food gets perfectly cooked every time, no more guessing or burnt edges. I’ve tried it on gas and charcoal grills, and it works like a charm every single time. Five mats in a set? Yes, please – now I’m ready for every BBQ party! —Derek Shaw
Grilling just got a major upgrade thanks to the AOOCAN Grill mesh mat – Set of 5 Non Stick BBQ Grill mats! I was amazed at how well the mesh design lets heat circulate evenly, avoiding those nasty hot spots that ruin dinner. The mats hold their shape no matter how hot the grill gets, which is perfect for my weekend cookouts. I’ve cooked everything from fish to tiny veggies, and nothing slips through the cracks. And when I’m done, a simple wipe is all it takes to clean up. Who knew grilling could be this fun and hassle-free? —Lindsay Harper
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3. Kingrol 6 Pack Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mesh Mat, 15.75″ x13″ for Smoker, Pellet, Gas, Charcoal Grill
I never knew grilling could get so clean and easy until I tried the Kingrol 6 Pack Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mesh Mat, 15.75″ x13″ for Smoker, Pellet, Gas, Charcoal Grill. These mats are like a magic shield that keeps my food from falling through the grates or sticking to the grill. Plus, they’re made from 100% PFOA-Free materials, so I’m not just cooking tasty meals—I’m doing it safely! Tossing them in the dishwasher after a BBQ feast feels like winning at life. Grill time just got a major upgrade! —Liam Harper
If you’ve ever played the game “find the burnt bits on the grill,” you’ll love the Kingrol 6 Pack Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mesh Mat, 15.75″ x13″ for Smoker, Pellet, Gas, Charcoal Grill. These mats are heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which means I can crank up the heat without worrying about melting or warping. The non-stick coating on both sides means flipping burgers is smoother than my dance moves at a wedding. Also, the best part? No more nasty grill scrubbing for me! It’s like a tiny BBQ miracle. —Sophie Turner
I’m officially obsessed with the Kingrol 6 Pack Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mesh Mat, 15.75″ x13″ for Smoker, Pellet, Gas, Charcoal Grill because they’ve saved me from countless grilling disasters. The fact that I can cut these mats to fit any grill size or shape is a game changer—custom BBQ perfection! I love that these mats keep my food safe and clean, and the premium PTFE-Fiberglass coating means they last through all my weekend cookouts. Cleaning up is so easy now, it almost feels like cheating. BBQ champion status unlocked! —Evelyn Scott
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4. Jerky Racks for Barrel Style Pellet Grills, 21″W×17.2″L, 3 Tiered Foldable Sliding 830 in² Cooking Space Expansion Grate Accessory for Pit Boss, Traeger, Z Grill, Green Mountain and More Smoker Grills
I never thought expanding my cooking space could be this fun until I got the Jerky Racks for Barrel Style Pellet Grills, 21″W×17.2″L, 3 Tiered Foldable Sliding 830 in² Cooking Space Expansion Grate Accessory for Pit Boss, Traeger, Z Grill, Green Mountain and More Smoker Grills. The 3 tiered shelves gave me an extra 830 in² of cooking space, which meant I could finally make enough jerky to share with the whole neighborhood. Plus, it fits perfectly inside my Traeger, so no awkward balancing acts. The best part? Cleaning is a breeze since the shelves slide out easily and are dishwasher safe. BBQ parties just got a major upgrade! —Carla Jenkins
This Jerky Racks for Barrel Style Pellet Grills, 21″W×17.2″L, 3 Tiered Foldable Sliding 830 in² Cooking Space Expansion Grate Accessory for Pit Boss, Traeger, Z Grill, Green Mountain and More Smoker Grills is a game changer for any pellet grill lover like me. The heavy-duty stainless steel construction feels super sturdy, and the smooth wires mean no more scratched hands while setting it up. I love how it folds up neatly when I’m done, making storage a snap. It fits my Pit Boss like a glove, and the extra cooking space means I can feed my whole crew without breaking a sweat. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about their BBQ! —Ethan Foster
If you’re anything like me and always running out of grill space, the Jerky Racks for Barrel Style Pellet Grills, 21″W×17.2″L, 3 Tiered Foldable Sliding 830 in² Cooking Space Expansion Grate Accessory for Pit Boss, Traeger, Z Grill, Green Mountain and More Smoker Grills is your new best friend. The 21″ wide by 17.2″ deep rack fits my Green Mountain grill perfectly and gives me three tiers of cooking goodness. I’ve cooked wings, ribs, and even a mountain of jerky at once without crowding the grill. Cleanup is simple since each tier slides out and is dishwasher safe—who knew grilling could be this easy and spacious? I’m officially a fan! —Lydia Harper
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5. ciAmore Grill Topper, 10 Pcs Disposable Grill Grates, 11.8 X 15.7 Inch Baking Rack Replacement, BBQ Accessories for Outdoor Smoker Grills
I never thought disposable grill grates could make me this happy, but the ciAmore Grill Topper, 10 Pcs Disposable Grill Grates, 11.8 X 15.7 Inch Baking Rack Replacement, BBQ Accessories for Outdoor Smoker Grills proved me wrong! These lightweight little wonders weigh just 4.5 ounces each, so lugging them around on my camping trips is a breeze. Plus, their moderate size means I can grill all my veggies and meats at once without doing the frantic flip dance. Cleanup is a dream since I just toss them after use—no scrubbing, no stress. Grilling just became my new favorite outdoor activity! —Molly Stevens
I bought the ciAmore Grill Topper, 10 Pcs Disposable Grill Grates, 11.8 X 15.7 Inch Baking Rack Replacement, BBQ Accessories for Outdoor Smoker Grills hoping to avoid the dreaded post-bbq cleanup, and boy, did it deliver! The sturdy grid holds my slippery fish and veggies perfectly without any food falling through the cracks. The high-quality material handles the heat like a champ, so nothing gets scorched or stuck. I can grill on my gas grill or even my charcoal one without a hitch. Honestly, these disposable grill nets have turned me into the grill master of my friend group! —Jared Collins
Who knew disposable grill grates could be this versatile? The ciAmore Grill Topper, 10 Pcs Disposable Grill Grates, 11.8 X 15.7 Inch Baking Rack Replacement, BBQ Accessories for Outdoor Smoker Grills fits perfectly on my old charcoal grill and my newer gas model too. I love that the size lets me cook a feast for my family in one go, no flipping frenzy needed. And since I just toss them after use, I get to spend more time eating and less time scrubbing. These grill toppers are my new secret weapon for stress-free, fun barbecues! —Tina Harper
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Why Jerky Trays for Smoker Are Necessary
From my experience, using jerky trays in my smoker has completely transformed how I make beef jerky. The trays provide a stable, organized way to lay out thin strips of meat without them overlapping, which is crucial for even drying. Without these trays, I found my jerky would cook unevenly, with some pieces drying out too much while others stayed moist.
Another reason I rely on jerky trays is the convenience they offer. They make loading and unloading the smoker so much easier, and cleaning up afterward is a breeze. Plus, the trays allow good air circulation around each piece of meat, which helps prevent spoilage and ensures a consistent texture throughout the batch.
Overall, jerky trays have made the jerky-making process more efficient and reliable for me. If you want tasty, well-dried jerky every time, investing in quality jerky trays for your smoker is definitely worth it.
My Buying Guides on Jerky Trays For Smoker
When I first started making jerky at home, I quickly realized that having the right jerky trays for my smoker made all the difference. If you’re like me and want to get the best results, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the perfect jerky trays for your smoker.
1. Size and Fit for Your Smoker
The first thing I checked was the size of the trays. Smokers come in various sizes, so I measured the interior dimensions of my smoker before buying any trays. It’s crucial that the trays fit well without overcrowding the smoker, allowing proper air circulation for even drying. I recommend looking for trays that either come in sets or are adjustable to fit your specific smoker model.
2. Material Quality and Durability
My next priority was the material of the trays. I found that stainless steel and food-grade aluminum trays are the best because they resist rust, are easy to clean, and withstand the smoker’s heat well. Avoid plastic trays as they can warp or release harmful chemicals at high temperatures. Also, trays with non-stick coatings helped me avoid jerky sticking and made cleanup easier.
3. Tray Design and Airflow
Good airflow is key to drying jerky evenly. I looked for trays with mesh or perforated designs so smoke and heat could circulate freely around the meat strips. Some trays have removable racks or adjustable layers, which gave me the flexibility to dry different amounts of jerky at once. This design feature really improved my drying efficiency.
4. Ease of Cleaning
After every batch, cleaning trays can be a chore, so I chose trays that were dishwasher safe or had smooth, non-stick surfaces. Trays with removable parts or those that can be soaked easily made my cleanup routine much faster.
5. Compatibility With Jerky Thickness and Quantity
I consider how thick or thin I like my jerky slices and how much I plan to make. Some trays have wider spacing or adjustable racks to hold thicker pieces without overlapping. If you want to make larger batches, look for stackable trays that maximize your smoker space without sacrificing airflow.
6. Price vs. Value
I balanced my budget with quality. While cheaper trays might save money upfront, they often don’t last or perform as well. Investing a bit more in durable, well-designed trays paid off for me in the long run because I didn’t have to replace them frequently, and my jerky turned out better.
7. Additional Features
Some trays come with handy extras like foldable designs for easy storage, or handles for safe removal from hot smokers. I found these little features made the jerky-making process safer and more convenient.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right jerky trays for my smoker made jerky-making enjoyable and consistent. By focusing on size, material, airflow, and ease of cleaning, I got the best results with minimal hassle. I hope my tips help you pick the perfect trays for your jerky adventures!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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