How to Use a Smoke Tube for Pellet Grills | Expert Tips & Guide

what are smoke tubes and how do they work

Unlocking Big Flavor: How to Use a Smoke Tube in a Pellet Grill

If you're looking to get that deep, rich smoke flavor from your pellet grill—especially at low temps or with milder woods—a smoke tube for pellet grills might be your secret weapon. No matter the brand of pellet grill you're cooking on, these small, affordable accessories can make a big difference in your BBQ cooking.

What Is a Smoke Tube?

A smoke tube is a small perforated metal cylinder—usually 6 to 12 inches long—designed to hold wood pellets or chips and slowly smolder them, producing steady smoke. Also called a pellet smoker tube, it works in any grill or smoker to add additional smoke flavor. Think of it as a compact, portable smoke generator you can drop right onto your grill grates.

How Do Smoke Tubes Work?

Smoke tubes operate via combustion without flame. Once filled with pellets or wood chips and properly lit, they smolder for hours inside your cooker, adding extra smoke whether your grill is running hot or low. Their design ensures a slow, oxygen-regulated burn to give your food that traditional smokehouse flavor.

Why Use a Pellet Grill Smoke Tube?

Pellet grills are loved for convenience and temperature control—but they don’t always produce strong smoke flavor, especially at higher temps. Here’s where a smoke tube for a pellet grill shines:

Adds robust smoke flavor at any temp
Great for cold smoking cheese, nuts, or jerky
Works in gas grills, electric smokers, and charcoal cookers too
Inexpensive upgrade for better results
Perfect for brands like Traeger, Pit Boss, and recteq

How to Use a Smoke Tube (Step-by-Step)

Choose your fuel: Fill the smoke tube with food-grade wood pellets or chips (avoid sawdust).
Light it: Use a torch or lighter to ignite one end for 30-60 seconds until it flames. Let it burn 5 minutes, then blow out the flame.
Place it in the grill: Lay the tube horizontally on your grill grate, away from direct flame.
Close the lid and smoke: The tube will smolder for 2–5 hours depending on length and fill.

That’s it! It’s that simple to get deeper smoke infusion using a pellet tube smoker.

Wood Pellets & Chips: Best Options

You can use wood chips in a smoke tube, but pellets burn longer and more consistently. Top flavor choices include:

Hickory – bold, bacon-like smoke
Apple – sweet, mild, perfect for pork and poultry
Mesquite – strong and earthy for beef
Cherry – fruity and great with game meats
Pecan – buttery and balanced

Looking for something unique? Try mixing woods—apple + hickory or cherry + oak are great blends.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

✅ DO:

Use a torch for fast, even ignition
Let it flame for 5+ minutes before blowing it out
Place it near intake vents or under grates for airflow
Try cold smoking fish, cheese, or bacon at < 100°F

🚫 DON’T:

Overpack the tube—leads to poor airflow
Use sawdust or damp chips—they clog and smother
Set it directly above burners on gas grills

FAQ: Smoke Tubes for Pellet Grills

How does a smoke tube work?

It smolders pellets or chips using controlled airflow, creating continuous smoke for hours without open flame.

Where do you put the smoke tube in a pellet grill?

Place it on the grill grate, usually near the side or over the drip tray—not directly on top of firepots or burners.

Can I use a smoke tube on a gas grill?

Absolutely. Smoke tubes are a popular hack for adding flavor to propane cooking setups.

How long does a smoke tube last?

6" tubes burn 2–3 hours; 12" tubes up to 5 hours depending on fill and airflow.

Do smoke tubes really work?

Yes—especially on pellet grills that produce less smoke at high temps. Many BBQ pros swear by them.

What’s the best pellet tube smoker for beginners?

A 12" hex tube offers the best blend of stability, airflow, and burn time for most grills.

Can I use wood chips instead of pellets?

Yes, but pellets typically burn longer and more evenly. Chips may smolder inconsistently unless sized correctly.

Is a smoke tube the same as a smoke box?

No—a smoke box is often heavier and designed for chips only. Smoke tubes are more versatile and work with both chips and pellets.

What’s the difference between a round and hex smoke tube?

Hex tubes are less likely to roll on grill grates and provide better surface contact, improving smoldering efficiency.

Can I make my own DIY smoke tube?

You can, using stainless mesh tubing—but store-bought models are optimized for safety and burn efficiency.

Final Thoughts: Get More Smoke with Less Hassle

If you're not getting the bold smoke profile you want from your pellet smoker, a smoke tube is the easiest and most cost-effective way to fix it. No matter what brand of grill you're using, this tool opens the door to more flavor, better control, and next-level BBQ results.

Did our blog meet your needs? You might also find these guides helpful:

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Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!

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