A pellet tube smoker is a perforated tube or maze tray that holds wood pellets and smolders slowly inside a grill. It is an easy way to add real smoke flavor to a gas grill, a charcoal grill, an electric smoker or a pellet grill that makes only light smoke on its own.
The six options below cover tubes and a tray in different lengths. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm lengths, fit and burn times on the current listing before buying. Burn time depends on pellet type and airflow, so treat any quoted hours as a rough guide. Smoke tubes are simple tools that can change the character of a cook, but they are not magic. Position, airflow and dry pellets matter more than the brand name, and a little experimenting will teach you the sweet spot in your grill. Use dry food-grade hardwood pellets such as hickory, apple or pecan, and avoid damp or flavored fillers that smolder poorly.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Length | Longer tubes burn longer but need room to lie flat |
| Mesh | Fine perforations let air in and smoke out evenly |
| Format | Tubes suit long cooks, while maze trays spread the burn over a wider area |
| Pellets | Dry hardwood pellets give clean, mild smoke |
Specs at a Glance
| Smoker | Material | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-MAZE-N 12 inch Tube | Stainless steel | Tube | Long burn when filled |
| A-MAZE-N 6 inch Tube | Stainless steel | Short tube | Suits compact smokers |
| A-MAZE-N 5×8 Tray | Stainless steel | Maze tray | Wider smoke source |
| LIZZQ Smoker Tube | Stainless steel | Hex tube | Stays put on the grate |
| Cave Tools Smoker Tube | Stainless steel | Tube | Check the listing for size |
| Onlyfire Smoker Tube | Stainless steel | Tube | Simple, plain design |
The 6 Best Pellet Tube Smokers
1. A-MAZE-N 12 inch Tube Smoker
A well-known stainless steel hex tube from a company that focuses on pellet smoking. It is a go-to for cooks who want long, steady smoke.
Suits: long cooks in many grill types. Strengths: a trusted maker and a solid build. Weaknesses: needs room to lie flat. Skip it if your grill is tiny.
View A-MAZE-N 12 inch Tube Smoker on Amazon
2. A-MAZE-N 6 inch Tube Smoker
The shorter version of the same tube idea, intended for compact smokers and shorter cooks. It holds fewer pellets, so it burns for less time.
Suits: compact smokers. Strengths: fits tight spaces. Weaknesses: shorter burn. Skip it if you smoke large cuts.
View A-MAZE-N 6 inch Tube Smoker on Amazon
3. A-MAZE-N 5×8 Pellet Smoker Tray
A maze-style tray that holds pellets in a winding path and smolders slowly. It is a popular alternative to tubes, especially for cold smoking.
Suits: cold smoking and wider coverage. Strengths: a broad low profile. Weaknesses: takes more shelf space. Skip it if you want a rolling tube.
View A-MAZE-N 5×8 Pellet Smoker Tray on Amazon
4. LIZZQ Pellet Smoker Tube
A stainless hexagon tube with a mesh body. The shape helps it sit still on the grate, and it comes in several lengths.
Suits: general grill and smoker use. Strengths: stable hex shape. Weaknesses: burn time varies. Skip it if you prefer a classic tube.
View LIZZQ Pellet Smoker Tube on Amazon
5. Cave Tools Pellet Smoker Tube
A stainless steel smoker tube from a barbecue accessories brand. It is designed to be filled with pellets and lit with a torch.
Suits: grill owners adding smoke. Strengths: a simple design. Weaknesses: check the exact size. Skip it if you need a tray.
View Cave Tools Pellet Smoker Tube on Amazon
6. Onlyfire Pellet Smoker Tube
A stainless steel pellet tube that is intended for grills and smokers. It keeps the format simple and is easy to pair with a torch.
Suits: casual cooks. Strengths: plain, straightforward design. Weaknesses: less brand history. Skip it if you want premium options.
View Onlyfire Pellet Smoker Tube on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Fill the tube completely and tap it to settle the pellets.
- Light the end with a torch and let it flame for a few minutes.
- Let the tube cool fully before emptying and cleaning.
- Brush the mesh clean and store it dry.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Burying the tube under food so air cannot reach it.
- Using damp pellets that smolder poorly.
- Placing the tube too close to direct flame.
- Expecting heavy smoke from a short tube.
- Lighting a tube in a closed box with no airflow.
Pellet Tube Smoker FAQ
Do tube smokers work in gas grills?
Yes. Place the tube on the grate away from direct flame and keep an eye on the heat.
How long does a tube burn?
It depends on length, pellet type and airflow. Check the listing for the maker’s estimate.
What is the difference between a tube and a tray?
A tube smolders along its length. A tray burns along a maze path and covers more surface.
Can I reuse a tube?
Yes. Empty the ash and clean the mesh after each use.
The Short Version
For a versatile classic, the A-MAZE-N 12 inch. For a compact version, the A-MAZE-N 6 inch. For a maze-style option, the A-MAZE-N 5×8 tray. For a mesh hex shape, the LIZZQ. For a plain stainless tube, the Cave Tools. For a simple backup, the Onlyfire.