Smoking is an excellent method of preparing food like meat. It gives the food a distinct woody and earthy relish.
Typically, to smoke your food, you need a smoker. However, if you do not have this appliance, there is no need to worry. You can opt for a smoking tube.
What is a Smoking Tube?
The smoking tube is a cooker and grill accessory for smoking. It looks like a meshed tube and may be rectangular or hexagonal. To use it, you fill it with wood pellets and light them from the open end. Place it in your grill and let the flavorful smoke infuse into your food.
Looking at how easy it is to use, you may want to get one for your grill. This review will help you land on the most suitable one.
Best Overall
Lanney Pellet Smoker Tube 12” Stainless Steel
The Lanney Pellet Smoker Tube is the greatest option overall. Its amazing selection of features earns it the #1 rank. Because of their hexagonal shape, the pellets may burn continuously and generate a lot of smoke.
Its holes also aid in providing the cooking chamber with an adequate amount of smoke. Because it is made of stainless steel, it will last for a long time and require little upkeep. The 12-inch Lanney smoker tube is made of metal. This length is suitable for holding enough pellets.
Its adaptability is shown in the fact that it may be used with a variety of cookers and wood pellets. It is suitable for use on gas, charcoal, and electric barbecues. For enhancing smoke in your conventional smoker, the smoking tube is also perfect.
This add-on is included as a complete set with additional extras. They consist of a user guide, a tube brush, hanging hooks, and a basting brush.
Pros
- Excellent smoke production.
- It is durable.
- Easy to clean.
- Compatible with different wood types and works on various grills.
- The tube is longer; hence, it accommodates enough smoke pellets.
- It comes with plenty of accessories like S-hooks and a tube brush.
Con
- If not lit well, the pellets in this smoking tube will go off.
Runner Up
LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube 12-Inches
LIZZQ Premium pellet smoker takes the second spot in this review. A thing to love about this smoking utility is its 5-hour smoking time. It is 12-inches long, and when full of pellets, it produces smoke nonstop for 5-hours. This is adequate time to prepare most meat dishes.
You will also appreciate its versatility. It will go into any grill, from charcoal, electric to gas grills. Furthermore, you can use it with various types of wood pellets.
LIZZQ’s smoker tube has a hexagonal cross-section. The shape is ideal for stability on the grill, as it won’t rollover.
This smoker is a 304 stainless steel construction, a guarantee of longevity.
Pros
- A 5-hour smoking time.
- It is 2-inches long, meaning it can hold a significant amount of pellets.
- Compatible with various grill types.
- It is stable on the grill.
- Efficient smoke production.
- Solid construction that makes it durable.
Con
- The metal may get very hot and can give your meals a faint metallic taste, when new.
Top Budget Option
Dymeshi Pellet Smoker Tube- 12-Inches
The budget pick is the Dymeshi pellet smoker tube. This smoker tube offers you unique features and comes at a reasonable cost. Its selling appeal is its flexibility, which you notice in different aspects.
First of all, you can use it on gas, electric, and charcoal grills. It is perfect for the two smoking techniques, cold and hot smoking. All you have to do is to be keen with the pellet amount you feed it. For example, for cold smoking, you use fewer pellets for a lower smoking heat.
Furthermore, it can hold different wood types. You can use hickory, apple, or mesquite, as per your tastes. This Dymeshi smoke tube is also easy to use. A square cross-section allows for the effortless filling of pellets.
The shape is stable, and the tube won’t roll over in the grill. The perforations provide ample smoke and can go up to 5-hours when full. The smoke tube is 304-stainless steel construction. This material meets food health standards and is durable.
For your convenience, you get a smoker brush and user manual when you purchase this appliance.
Pros
- Very flexible in that it works on different types of grills.
- Easy to use.
- The square shape prevents it from rolling over.
- A 5-hour smoking time.
- High-quality material.
- It comes with a smoker brush and a user manual.
- Suitable for both cold and hot smoking.
Con
If not correctly lit, the pellets may burn ineffectively, producing black smoke.
Top Choice for Cold Smoking
Carpathen Stainless Steel Smoke Tube
Cold smoking is a delicate food preparation method that needs the right equipment. The Carpathen stainless steel smoking tube is such equipment. Conversely, you may use it for hot smoking. This tube has a small size, translating to effortless handling.
The square design and holes on its body bring about clean blue smoke. The results will impress you with a rich smack. The Carpathen smoke tube is adaptable, as you may use it with different grill types. When on your cooker, it can work for up to 5-hours.
This smoker’s primary material is stainless steel, an assurance of lengthy service. It also comes with plenty of accessories. A smoking guide with recipes, a digital temperature chart, a user manual, and a canvas storage bag are some of the supplements.
Pros
- Ideal for hot and cold smoking.
- Economical on space.
- A high-quality construction.
- The smoking tube has plenty of accessories.
- Produces clean blue smoke.
- You can use it on different kinds of grills.
Con
At times, the pellets may burn very fast, which is not economical
Most Suitable for a Gas Grill
A-MAZE-N Oval Expanding Pellet Tube Smoker
A-MAZE-N oval expanding pellet tube smoker works well with gas grills. A striking feature of this smoker is that it is expandable. Its standard length is 12-inches, but you can increase it to 18-inches.
The size increase comes with many benefits. You can add more pellets for sustained smoking time. When 12-inches long, it can smoke for around 4-hours. If expanded to 18-inches, it can sustain you for 6-hours.
A-MAZE-N’s smoker has an ovular shape, contributing to its stability on the grill. Moreover, it is very sturdy due to its stainless steel construction. Cleaning is effortless, and it is corrosion-resistant.
While this utility is fit for gas grills, you can use it on charcoal and electric grills. It supports both hot and cold smoking.
Pros
- Cleaning and maintenance are hassle-free.
- You can expand its length.
- A large pellet holding capacity.
- Its oval shape makes it stable.
- The smoke will work on charcoal and electric grills.
- Supports both cold and hot smoking.
- A solid stainless steel construction.
Con
You have to constantly check on it as the pellets may catch fire and increase the temperatures.
More Recommended Smoking Tubes
A-MAZE-N Maze pellet smoker
The A-MAZE-N maze pellet smoker is more of a smoking tray. It looks like a maze, a design suitable for cold smoking. The configuration contributes to efficient smoke infusion and pellet economy. Using it is straightforward, where you fill it with pellets and light them.
The same applies to cleaning, as it has an open design. You can put it in the dishwasher. The maze pellet smoker is a stainless steel build which translates to durability – a crucial factor to consider when getting kitchen utilities.
The tray is light at 12.6-ounces, making it is easy to carry. Another impressive thing about this A-MAZE-N tube is its compact build. In the grill, it takes little space, allowing more for your food.
This grilling accessory works with a variety of grills including charcoal and electricity.
Pros
- Effortless to use and maintain.
- It is dishwasher-friendly.
- You can use it on charcoal, electric, and gas grills.
- The smoker is durable.
- Lightweight.
- Economical on space.
- Easily portable making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Con
- Pellets may have a problem lighting. Sometimes they light up then go off shortly afterward.
Skoo BBQ Hexagonal Smoking Tube
Skoo BBQ hexagonal smoking tube is a convenient selection. If you want an easy time smoking your food, it is an ideal pick. A hint at convenience is where it can provide smoke for around 5-hours. It is a sustainable duration, particularly for dishes like beef, chicken, and pork.
Furthermore, it comes with several add-ons for an easy time when using it. They include a cleaning brush, hooks, and a user manual. Its body is primarily 304-stainless steel. This material is safe to use and resistant to corrosive agents like rust and heat.
The Skoo BBQ grill is versatile, as you can use it on charcoal, electric, and propane cookers. It supports cold and hot smoking.
The smoker’s hexagonal shape makes it stable on the grilling surface and contributes to uniform smoke production.
A problem many people encounter with smoking tubes is unsustainable heat. The fire may go off; thus, there is no smoke production. This smoker lights up efficiently, and you do not have to check on it constantly.
The smoker upholds space economy due to its compact build, hence does not take much space on the cooker or when storing it.
Pros
- Convenient to use.
- It is rust and heat resistant.
- Ample smoke production.
- The smoke tube is stable on the grilling surface.
- A 5-hour working time when filled with smoke pellets.
- Works on many types of grills.
- The tube’s package has accessories like a cleaning brush and a user manual.
Con
- When cold smoking, you have to be keen as it may get extra hot.
Steps on Lighting a Pellet Tube
With your grill set up, you have to bring the pellet tube to provide smoke. To light, the pellet tube, start by filling it with pellets of your choice. Be careful not to spill any pellets. You can have the tube in an upright position for easy filling.
Once full to your desired level, fire up the pellets. With the fuel lighting up, give a 10-minute allowance for the flame to pick up. You can put it in the open for the wind to fan the fire. When properly lit, blow off the fire and put it in the grill.
If you are cold smoking your food, you can put a few pellets spread evenly over the length of the tube. Place the tube far from the food to maintain a low temperature.
Check on the tube after 20-minutes to be sure that it is smoking. If not, you will have to relight it.
What is a Pellet Tube Good For?
The pellet tube converts your typical grill into a smoker. This accessory has many applications. Below is a handful of them.
Hot Smoking with a Charcoal Grill
The pellet tube will complement the charcoal grill, making it an all-rounded appliance. The grill will provide heat for your food, while the smoking tube brings smoke. If using a cooker with multiple grill levels, place the smoker below your food for the best results.
Hot Smoking with a Gas Grill
Gas grills are popular due to their uniform heat levels. However, they are not good for smoking. With a smoker, you can prepare tasty food, whereby, the gas should be at low settings. This provides the required heat threshold. The smoker will work with the heat produced to give your food an excellent smack.
Cold Smoking
The smoking tubes do an excellent job in cold smoking. This smoking technique requires relatively low temperatures, peaking at 80-degrees Fahrenheit. To cold smoke your food, you can place a small number of pellets in the tube. Spread them evenly and light the tube. The smoke will be more controlled.
You should place the tube far from the food to maintain low and steady heat.
What to Look for in a Smoking Tube
When looking for a smoking tube, there are several factors to consider to get the best. Cost is one of the factors. Your budget should guide you to a smoker that offers great value.
Smoker shape is another crucial factor. These appliances come in various shapes and sizes. Cylindrical tubes are good as they can accommodate a lot of pellets. Their main downside is that they can roll over on the grill surface. It may be messy or cause an uneven heat distribution.
Edged tubes with shapes like square rectangular or hexagonal are more stable. Also, pay attention to product quality. Stainless steel is a common material you will find in most tubes. It is robust and less prone to wear.
The Ultimate List of Smoking Tips
- Know your food and compatible smoking woods.
- Avoid flipping food, mainly meat, when smoking. Doing so leads to the loss of built-up heat.
- Be patient. Smoking, especially cold smoking, needs a lot of time.
- Use a water pan to regulate heat as it provides some humidity in the cooking chamber.
- Take note of the smoke’s color. White to a bluish hue is fine. However, black smoke is a cause of alarm, indicating issues like dirt.
- Don’t leave the cooker unattended. Check on it occasionally to ensure things are going as planned.
Final Words
The smoke tube is an excellent grilling accessory. It complements your cooker by adding a smoking functionality. This review brings you the crème of this cooking utility. Pick the most preferable and have a fulfilling experience smoking your food.