Cherry or apple wood for smoking Half size deep foil pan Letâs get to cookin: Step 1:Â Pre heat your smoker to 225 degrees and add cherry or apple or both Step 2: While the smoker is warming up, slice your onion into half-moon slices a little smaller than the width of a pencil Step 3: Add your onion, beer, and a couple tablespoons of rub to your foil pan Step 4: Place foil pan of onions and brats on smoker. If you donât have room for the onions place them on your grill on medium heat or in the oven if youâre in a pinch.