A smoker tube is a perforated metal tube you fill with wood pellets and light at one end. It burns slowly along its length, sending steady smoke into a gas grill, electric smoker or pellet grill that needs more flavour.
The picks below include two tubes, a lighter, and fuel options, since a tube is only as good as the pellets and flame that start it. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm lengths, hex or round designs and pack sizes on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Length | Longer tubes burn longer, but must fit the smoker |
| Shape | Hex tubes resist rolling; round ones fit tight spots |
| Material | Stainless steel resists rust and lasts through many cooks |
| Fuel | Pellets should be dry and food-grade, with no additives |
Specs at a Glance
| Product | Type | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-MAZE-N 6 inch Tube Smoker | Pellet tube | Stainless steel | Shorter burn for small smokers |
| LIZZQ 12 inch Pellet Smoker Tube | Pellet tube | Stainless steel | Longer burn |
| Bernzomatic TS8000 Torch | Lighter | Metal | Lights pellets fast |
| Bear Mountain BBQ Pellets | Pellets | Hardwood | Flavour blends |
| Lumber Jack Pellets | Pellets | Hardwood | Single-wood choices |
| Traeger Signature Blend Pellets | Pellets | Hardwood blend | Balanced smoke |
The 6 Best Smoker Tubes
1. A-MAZE-N 6 inch Pellet Tube Smoker
A short stainless steel pellet tube from a company known for pellet-based smoke accessories. It suits smaller cooks and tight spaces.
Suits: small smokers and short cooks. Strengths: a trusted maker and a compact size. Weaknesses: short burn time. Skip it if you smoke for a full day.
View A-MAZE-N 6 inch Tube Smoker on Amazon
2. LIZZQ 12 inch Pellet Smoker Tube
A 12 inch stainless steel smoker tube with a perforated design, made for longer burns. It gives more pellets than shorter tubes.
Suits: long smokes. Strengths: a longer burn on one fill. Weaknesses: needs enough room in the smoker. Skip it if you have a small smoker.
View LIZZQ 12 inch Pellet Smoker Tube on Amazon
3. Bernzomatic TS8000 Trigger Start Torch
A trigger-start torch that lights pellets in seconds, so you spend less time hovering over the tube. Fuel cylinders are sold separately.
Suits: quick, reliable lighting. Strengths: a fast, easy light. Weaknesses: needs a fuel cylinder. Skip it if you already own a torch.
View Bernzomatic TS8000 Torch on Amazon
4. Bear Mountain BBQ Premium Hardwood Pellets
Hardwood pellets sold in flavour blends for smoker tubes and pellet grills. Keep them dry so they burn evenly in a tube.
Suits: flavour experiments. Strengths: several flavours to try. Weaknesses: blends may suit some foods better. Skip it if you want one specific wood.
View Bear Mountain BBQ Pellets on Amazon
5. Lumber Jack BBQ Hardwood Pellets
Hardwood pellets available in single-wood and blend options, used in tubes and pellet grills. A good pick if you want to test one wood at a time.
Suits: single-wood testing. Strengths: clear flavour choices. Weaknesses: bags are bulky. Skip it if you only need a few pellets.
View Lumber Jack Pellets on Amazon
6. Traeger Signature Blend Pellets
A balanced blend of hardwood pellets from a major pellet grill brand. It works across many foods and burns well in a tube.
Suits: all-round smoking. Strengths: a mild, balanced flavour. Weaknesses: it is a general blend. Skip it if you want a strong, single-wood smoke.
View Traeger Signature Blend Pellets on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Fill the tube fully and tap it to settle the pellets.
- Let the tube cool completely before cleaning.
- Brush out ash and store the tube dry.
- Store pellets in a sealed container away from moisture.
- Place the lit tube on the grate where air can reach both ends, as makers suggest.
- Keep a heat-safe tray beneath the tube to catch stray embers.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling past the end of the tube.
- Lighting the tube and closing the lid before the pellets catch.
- Using a long tube in a smoker that is too small for it.
- Using flavored pellets that contain additives.
- Burning the tube on a surface that traps heat.
- Using damp pellets.
- Ignoring the manual for your grill before using a tube inside it.
Smoker Tube FAQ
How long does a pellet tube burn?
Burn times depend on the tube and the pellets. Check the listing and expect to test it.
Can I use a tube in a gas grill?
Yes, if the lid closes and the tube sits safely on the grate.
Do tubes work in electric smokers?
Yes. They add stronger smoke when the chip tray alone is not enough.
Is a tube a replacement for chunks?
Not really. A tube gives steady light smoke, while chunks burn hotter.
Which flavour should I start with?
Hickory and apple are common starting points. Hickory is stronger, while apple is milder and suits poultry, pork and cheese.
Do I need to soak the pellets?
No. Pellets should stay dry, since they turn to mush when wet and will not burn well in a tube.
The Short Version
For a compact option, the A-MAZE-N 6 inch. For longer burns, the LIZZQ 12 inch. For fast lighting, the Bernzomatic torch. For flavour variety, the Bear Mountain pellets. For single woods, the Lumber Jack. For a balanced blend, the Traeger Signature.