The Best Smoke Tubes for Grilling, Chosen by a Private Chef

What to Look for in a Smoke Tube

Size

The larger your smoker tube, the more pellets it will be able to hold, and that makes for a longer smoking time. Most 6-inch models can last you for at least two to three hours of smoke time, but as you get closer to a 12-inch model, you can smoke for upwards of five hours. Even though the actual smoke time depends on other factors like the types of pellets and the conditions of your grill, it’s fair to say that larger smoker tubes are better if you want to do long bouts of smoking. If your grill is small, you may be better off with a smaller tube because it will fit easier.

Shape

Smoke tubes that have a flat side (rectangular or hexagonal) are ideal because you don’t have to worry about them rolling around. That said, a circular cross-section is helpful because it better regulates how fast the pellets burn by using less surface area. Hexagonal shapes are a great compromise because they feature minimized surface area yet they have a flat side that makes them much easier to position on the grates.

Maintenance

Depending on the size and shape of your tube, different models will require different methods to clean. The larger the tube, the more cumbersome and tricky it can be to clean. You’ll have more residue with a larger tube, which means you'll have to properly dispose of that before you can thoroughly wipe it down. A smaller tube will be less work to deep clean.

FAQs

What is a pellet smoker tube? 

A smoker tube is a perforated metal canister that you use to load pellets into when hot or cold smoking foods. The pellets slowly burn in the tube and release their fragrance and heat. The ends are usually accessible so that you can light the pellets once they’re in the tube. The pellets burn over the course of a couple hours, but the length of time depends on the volume of the tube and the number of pellets. The point of the tube is to keep the pellets close together while at the same time restricting excessive airflow to prevent it from burning too hot.

How do you use a smoke tube? 

To use a smoker tube, fill the metal container with pellets and light it at the open end. Once the fire is lit, blow out any flames so that the pellets are gradually smoldering. This slow burn will emit a smoky flavor, which is what makes the food so succulent and tasty. Paul Sidoriak says, “Although you can ignite the wood pellets with a grill lighter, a small butane or propane torch will get the job done more efficiently. Each smoke tube is slightly different, but it’s recommended you allow a small area of the pellets to actually burn for ten minutes before you blow out the flame and allow the pellets to smolder.”

How do you use a smoke tube on a gas grill? 

Even if you don’t have a smoker, you can still replicate that smoky cooking method by using a gas grill and a smoke tube. A gas grill is typically too hot for the ideal temperature to smoke meats, but you can still imitate the results that a smoker produces with the convenience of your gas grill. To achieve this, you’ll use the gas grill burner(s) for low heat and fill the smoke tube with pellets for aromatic smoke, and that creates well-cooked, delicious meats.

How long does a smoke tube last? 

The amount of burn time that a smoke tube can provide depends on the volume of the tube as well as how many pellets you load into the tube. This can mean anywhere from one to five hours of gradual smoldering and smoking.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ease of use, material, or price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Sara Tane has written dozens of buying guides for The Spruce Eats, understanding what consumers and cooks need to consider before making a new purchase for their culinary adventures. She is a professionally trained chef in addition to an outdoor cooking enthusiast. She is no stranger to all things outdoor cooking, from grilling to smoking on gas, charcoal, and pellet grills. After researching different pellet smoker tubes and their different styles and models and interviewing grilling expert Paul Sidoriak, she can help you find the best smoke tube for your outdoor cooking desires.