Gas grills are convenient but lack authentic smoke flavor. A smoke tube solves this problem for under $20, transforming your grill into a smoke-producing machine. This guide covers everything you need to know about using a smoke tube effectively.
Quick Roundup List
- Best for Longest Duration: Kona Best Pellet Smoke Tube
- Best for Versatility: LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoke Tube
- Best Value: LANNEY Smoke Tube
- Best for Cold Smoking: A-MAZE-N Oval Pellet Smoke Tube
- Best for Compact Grills: BBQFAM 6 Inch EZ Smoke Tube
- Best Lightweight: KampFit Pellet Smoke Tube
Understanding Smoke Tubes: What They Are and How They Work
A smoke tube is a perforated metal cylinder holding wood pellets or chips to produce continuous smoke. Most use 304 stainless steel for durability and food safety. Perforations allow oxygen flow, creating controlled smoldering that generates hours of smoke without flames.
Hexagonal tubes prevent rolling, while oval designs save space. Some feature diamond-shaped air inlets for better airflow. Once lit and placed horizontally, a smoke tube produces smoke for 2 to 8 hours depending on size.
When you light pellets at one end, they burn slowly side to side. Perforations ensure steady oxygen supply. This produces clean, flavorful smoke.
Smoke tubes work on any grill type—gas, electric, charcoal, or pellet. They’re especially valuable for gas grill owners wanting smoke flavor without a dedicated smoker.
Step-by-Step: Lighting Your Smoke Tube
Proper lighting ensures your smoke tube produces smoke for the full duration.
Step 1: Choose Your Wood
Select hardwood pellets like hickory, oak, apple, or cherry. These woods impart distinct flavors—hickory for bold taste, apple for mild sweetness. Avoid softwoods like pine or cedar, which create acrid smoke and potentially harmful compounds.
Step 2: Check for Moisture
Ensure the tube and pellets are completely dry. Damp pellets won’t light properly. Store pellets in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption.
Step 3: Fill and Pack
Fill your smoke tube about 90% full, leaving a slight space at the top. Tap it on a hard surface to settle pellets and eliminate air pockets. Tighter packing means longer burn time.
Step 4: Light It
Stand the tube upright with the filled end at the top. Use a propane torch or large butane lighter to ignite pellets. Standard lighters often lack sufficient flame.
Step 5: Let It Burn
Allow flames to burn for 8-10 minutes. You’ll see pellets glowing orange. This extended burn ensures the ember establishes deep enough to continue after you blow out the flame.
Step 6: Extinguish and Verify
Blow out visible flames. You should see glowing embers and smoke rising. If smoke production seems weak, relight for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Place Horizontally
Lay the smoke tube flat on your grates. Smoke will flow through perforations for several hours.
Placement Strategy for Maximum Smoke
Placement affects smoke distribution and burn consistency. For gas grills, place the smoke tube away from direct burner flames, ideally near air vents. On pellet grills, position it to supplement existing smoke systems.
Keep the tube 12-18 inches from food. This allows smoke to disperse evenly rather than concentrating in one spot.
Horizontal placement is critical after lighting for even burn progression.
Hot Smoking vs. Cold Smoking Techniques
Smoke tubes excel at both methods with slight technique differences.
Hot smoking uses temperatures between 225-275°F with your grill actively heating. The smoke tube adds supplemental smoke while food cooks. This works for brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and chicken. Fill your tube, light it, place it on the grill, and start cooking. Most hot smoking uses 2-4 hours of smoke, so a 12-inch smoke tube lasts without refilling.
Cold smoking keeps temperatures below 90°F with the grill turned off. Only the smoke tube burns, infusing flavor without cooking food. This technique is ideal for cheese, salmon, bacon, and nuts. Light the tube, place it in your grill, close the lid, and let smoke circulate. Monitor temperature—on hot days, you may need ice packs to stay below 90°F. Cold smoking often runs 4-8 hours, so plan for potentially refilling a standard tube.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Tube Goes Out Prematurely
Insufficient initial lighting is the most common problem. If your smoke tube extinguishes within an hour, you didn’t burn it long enough. Extend the vertical burn to 12-15 minutes. Check pellet moisture—even slightly damp pellets cause extinction. Ensure adequate airflow by positioning near vents.
Insufficient Smoke
Weak smoke indicates too much airflow cooling the ember, or pellets packed too loosely. Adjust vents to reduce excessive draft. When filling, tap the tube firmly to compact pellets. Dense packing slows burn rate and intensifies smoke output.
Uneven Burning
If pellets burn unevenly, pellet quality may be the issue. Low-quality pellets contain fillers or inconsistent moisture. Switch to premium hardwood pellets. Store pellets in airtight containers.
Safety, Cleaning, and Maintenance
Always use heat-resistant gloves when handling the tube during or after use. The metal gets extremely hot. Never use flammable liquids to light the tube.
After each use, let the tube cool completely (45-60 minutes). Tap out remaining ash. Use a grill brush to clean the interior, removing residue.
For deep cleaning, rinse with warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Dry thoroughly before storing—moisture promotes rust. Store in a dry location.
Choosing the Right Smoke Tube: Buying Guide
Key features to consider:
Size determines duration. A 12-inch tube provides 4-8 hours, perfect for long cooks. A 6-inch tube provides 2-3 hours for quicker sessions.
Material should be 304 stainless steel—food-grade, rust-resistant, and heat-tolerant.
Design affects stability. Hexagonal and oval shapes prevent rolling. Round tubes work but require careful placement.
Product Reviews
Kona Best Pellet Smoke Tube – Best for Longest Duration
The Kona Best Pellet Smoke Tube delivers up to 8 hours of continuous smoke from its 12-inch length and diamond-shaped air inlets. The innovative air inlet design provides superior oxygen flow, ensuring consistent smoke production throughout extended cooking sessions. This tube excels at long low-and-slow cooks like brisket and pork shoulder where uninterrupted smoke is essential.
Highlights
- Diamond-shaped air inlets optimize oxygen flow for consistent burning
- 12-inch length provides up to 8 hours of smoke production
- 304 stainless steel construction ensures durability and food safety
- Hexagonal design prevents rolling on grill grates
- Works with all pellet types and grill brands
Specifications
- Length: 12 inches
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Smoke Duration: Up to 8 hours
- Shape: Hexagonal with diamond air inlets
- Weight: Approximately 8 ounces
Customer Reviews
- “The diamond air holes make a huge difference – burns perfectly every time.”
- “Eight hours of smoke means I don’t have to refill during long cooks.”
- “Best smoke tube I’ve owned – the hexagonal design is genius.”
LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoke Tube – Best for Versatility
The LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoke Tube offers a 12-inch hexagonal design providing 5 hours of consistent smoke production. The hexagonal shape prevents rolling and ensures stable placement on any grill surface. This tube works equally well for both hot smoking and cold smoking applications, making it an excellent all-around choice for barbecue enthusiasts who want one reliable tool for multiple smoking techniques.
Highlights
- Hexagonal design prevents rolling for secure placement
- 12-inch length provides 5 hours of smoke
- Versatile for hot smoking and cold smoking applications
- 304 stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion
- Easy to fill, light, and clean after use
Specifications
- Length: 12 inches
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Smoke Duration: Up to 5 hours
- Shape: Hexagonal
- Compatibility: All grill types
Customer Reviews
- “Perfect for both hot and cold smoking – very versatile.”
- “The hexagonal shape is a game changer for stability.”
- “Five hours is plenty for most of my cooks, and it’s easy to use.”
LANNEY Smoke Tube – Best Value
The LANNEY Smoke Tube offers a 12-inch hexagonal design providing 5 hours of smoke production with bonus accessories included. This package typically includes a cleaning brush and other helpful tools, making it an excellent value for beginners who want everything needed to get started. The quality construction matches more expensive options while the included accessories eliminate the need for separate purchases.
Highlights
- Includes bonus accessories like cleaning brush
- 12-inch hexagonal design for 5 hours of smoke
- Excellent value package for beginners
- 304 stainless steel construction
- Hexagonal shape prevents rolling
Specifications
- Length: 12 inches
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Smoke Duration: Up to 5 hours
- Shape: Hexagonal
- Includes: Cleaning brush and accessories
Customer Reviews
- “Great value with the included accessories – everything you need.”
- “Works just as well as more expensive tubes.”
- “The cleaning brush that comes with it is actually useful.”
A-MAZE-N Oval Pellet Smoke Tube – Best for Cold Smoking
The A-MAZE-N Oval Pellet Smoke Tube features an oval design that fits tight spaces and produces 4 hours of smoke. This unique shape makes it ideal for pellet grills with limited space or for positioning in specific areas of your grill. The oval design also provides excellent stability and excels at cold smoking applications where consistent, controlled smoke is essential for delicate foods like cheese and fish.
Highlights
- Oval design fits in tight spaces and narrow grills
- Excellent for cold smoking cheese, salmon, and nuts
- 4 hours of consistent smoke production
- Space-efficient design maximizes grill real estate
- 304 stainless steel construction
Specifications
- Shape: Oval
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Smoke Duration: Up to 4 hours
- Best Use: Cold smoking and tight spaces
- Compatibility: All grill types, especially pellet grills
Customer Reviews
- “Perfect for cold smoking cheese – fits perfectly in my pellet grill.”
- “The oval shape is brilliant for tight spaces.”
- “Four hours is ideal for most cold smoking projects.”
BBQFAM 6 Inch EZ Smoke Tube – Best for Compact Grills
The BBQFAM 6 Inch EZ Smoke Tube provides 2 hours of smoke in a compact 6-inch format. This shorter tube is perfect for smaller grills, shorter cooking sessions, or situations where space is limited. The reduced size makes it easier to position and maneuver while still providing enough smoke for typical grilling sessions with chicken, burgers, or smaller cuts of meat.
Highlights
- Compact 6-inch design perfect for small grills
- Provides 2 hours of smoke for shorter sessions
- Easy to position and maneuver
- 304 stainless steel construction
- Ideal for quick grilling sessions
Specifications
- Length: 6 inches
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Smoke Duration: Up to 2 hours
- Best Use: Compact grills and shorter cooking sessions
- Weight: Approximately 4 ounces
Customer Reviews
- “Perfect size for my small balcony grill.”
- “Two hours is plenty for chicken and burgers.”
- “Takes up minimal space but adds great flavor.”
KampFit Pellet Smoke Tube – Best Lightweight
The KampFit Pellet Smoke Tube provides 2 hours of smoke in a 6-inch format while weighing just 5.2 ounces. This ultralight design makes it ideal for camping, tailgating, or any situation where portability matters. Despite the minimal weight, it maintains the same 304 stainless steel construction as heavier models, proving that lightweight doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or durability.
Highlights
- Ultralight at just 5.2 ounces
- 6-inch compact design for portability
- Perfect for camping and tailgating
- Provides 2 hours of smoke
- 304 stainless steel construction
Specifications
- Length: 6 inches
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Weight: 5.2 ounces
- Smoke Duration: Up to 2 hours
- Best Use: Portable grilling and camping
Customer Reviews
- “So light I barely notice it in my camping gear.”
- “Perfect for tailgating – easy to pack and use.”
- “Lightweight but still well-made and durable.”
Conclusion
A smoke tube is the most cost-effective way to add authentic smoke flavor to your gas grill. For under $20, you get hours of continuous smoke with minimal effort. The key is proper lighting—burn those pellets for 8-10 minutes before placing the smoke tube on your grill. Experiment with different wood types to discover your preferred flavors. Start with hot smoking on familiar foods like chicken or ribs, then advance to cold smoking cheese once you’ve mastered the basics.
Contents
- Quick Roundup List
- Understanding Smoke Tubes: What They Are and How They Work
- Step-by-Step: Lighting Your Smoke Tube
- Placement Strategy for Maximum Smoke
- Hot Smoking vs. Cold Smoking Techniques
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Safety, Cleaning, and Maintenance
- Choosing the Right Smoke Tube: Buying Guide
- Product Reviews
- Conclusion
