How To Use a Smoker Tube On a Gas Grill in 2024 [UPDATED]

Cooking on a gas grill is quite easy because you can adjust the amount of heat to ensure your food cooks evenly. The only downside with this type of grill is that it does not give your food that rich smokey taste as it is with a charcoal grill.

Nothing to worry about, though! You can still achieve the smokey flavor with your gas grill by adding a smoker tube. But how do you use a smoker tube on a gas grill?

Well, it’s easy…You ignite your gas grill so it can preheat for at least 15 minutes and then put smoking pellets into your smoker tube. Next, light up the pellets and put the smoking tube inside the grill in a vertical position. And lastly, place your food on the grill and begin grilling.

In this guide, we’re going to discuss all the steps on how to use a smoker tube on a gas grill and everything else you need to know about a smoker tuber.

What is a Smoker Tube?

Also known as a pellet smoking tube, a smoker tube is a metal container designed to hold smoking pellets that are used for grilling food. The tube has holes or perforations to help distribute smoke evenly.

But you know what is the best part? The tubes are available in different shapes to choose from. You can go with a square-shaped one, which is a fancy design, a round smoker, or even a hexagonal one.

On top of that, these devices come in many sizes for you to choose from. For instance, there are 12-inches tubes which is the most ideal size for most gas grills. But if you prefer a smaller pellet tube, there are many options available. (Keep tuned in for more details on how to choose the perfect smoker tube for your needs).

How to Use a Smoker Tube On Gas Grill?

If you have never used a smoker tube on a grill, you may have a hard time getting it right. So, in this section, we are going to discuss the two common methods of using a smoker tube on a grill.

Method #1: Using Smoking Pellets

Step 1: If you are going to be hot smoking, start by lighting your grill and allowing it to preheat for at least 15 minutes. While the grill is preheating, make sure the lid is closed and then switch off the burners where you will place your meat. For the rest of the burners, you should set them at low heat.

Step 2: Next, get your smoking pellets and put them in the smoker tube and make sure the tube is in a vertical position. And using a lighter, ignite the top end of the smoker tube and leave the pellets to burn for at least 5 minutes before blowing the flame out.

Step 3: Lastly, place your smoker tube inside the grill in a horizontal position and your food on the grill so you can start grilling.

However, if you prefer cold smoking over hot smoking, you will have to skip the part of preheating the grill. Everything else on how to use a pellet smoker tube on a gas grill is similar to hot smoking.

Method #2: Using Wood Chips

Just because you don’t have smoking pellets doesn’t mean that you can’t use your smoker tube on a grill. Here are steps on how you can use a smoker tube on a gas grill using wood chips.

Step 1: First, soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes to an hour. You should not skip this step because dry wood chips are prone to catching fire. This means that they will give you flames rather than smoke.

Step 2: After 30 minutes or more have elapsed, drain the water and place the chips inside the smoker tuber.

Step 3: Now it’s time to preheat your gas grill for at least 10 minutes but not more than 15 minutes.

Step 4: Take your smoker tube and place it on one of the burners of your gas grill. Once you spot the tube smoking, simply turn off one or two of the main burners. Just make sure to leave the burner for the smoker tube on.

Step 5: Finally, add your food over the unlit burners and close the lid so that cooking can start. If you want a stronger smokey flavor, you should place your chicken or steak closer to the tube smoker.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Smoker Tube?

At first glance, you will think that all smoker tubes look the same. But this is not the case because they come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. Before buying a tube smoker, there are things to consider. These include:

Material

The first factor to consider is the type of material the tube is constructed from. Generally, stainless steel is the most preferred material because it is resistant to heat and allows great smoke emission. This means it will not get destroyed even if you use it for a long period.

Size

Another feature you should look out for is the size of the smoker tube. The size of the tube will determine how far and wide the smoke can reach your gas grill. A 12-inch tube is the most common size because it can hold more pellets and last up to 5 hours. However, you can use a smaller or larger tube as well.

Density of pores

Like we have already mentioned, smoker tubes are perforated to allow better smoke distribution. For this reason, you need to get a tube with a good number of holes. This is because the higher the density of pores your smoker tube has, the more efficient it will be.

Shape

Smoker tubes are available in different shapes to choose from. Some models are hexagonal, while others are cylindrical in shape. A hexagonal shape is more preferred because it is stable, so you don’t have to worry about it rolling around. But if you want to enjoy even smoke distribution, you should get a cylindrical-shaped tube.

How Long Does a Smoker Tube Last?

Well, it depends on the size of your smoker tube. For instance, a 12-inch tube smoker can last up to 5 hours before requiring your attention again. Some may even last up to 8 hours if using special dry pellets.

On the other hand, if you are using a smaller tube, you need to keep checking on it and refilling probably every 2 hours. For example, a tuber smoker with a length between 6-9 inches will last up to 3 hours.

Can You Use Wood Chips in a Smoker Tube?

Yes, you certainly can. In fact, wood chips provide a stronger smoky flavor to the food compared to wood pellets. And just like pellets, you can choose from a variety of wood types such as apple, cherry, mesquite, hickory, and more when using chips.

However, you should soak the chips in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. Although this is not necessary, different people swear that soaking the chips helps ensure they burn longer, especially during a long cook.

What to Do if You Don’t Have a Smoker Tube?

So, you are looking forward to some tasty, smoked meal but you realize you don’t have a smoker tube, what do you do? Well, there are many solutions you can try that we are going to discuss here.

First, you could make a homemade smoker box in less than a minute. To make the box, you will need a foil pan, aluminum foil, wood chips, and a pen.
Once you have these things, put some wood chips in the foil pan and tightly cover the pan with your aluminum foil.
Next, use your pen to make a few holes on the aluminum foil and put your smoker box directly over the burners.
Another thing you can do if you don’t have a smoker tube is to make tin foil bombs. For this particular solution, you will need aluminum foil and wood pellets. And to make the foil bombs, start by putting your wood pellets on a large piece of foil and folding the foil to cover the pellets.
Finally, pop a few holes on the foil and place your tin foil bombs on the burner before finally igniting the burners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which one is better to use with smoker tube, Hardwood or Softwood?

Hardwood is better if properly dried because it burns at a slower rate and releases clean smoke, thereby giving your food a strong smoky flavor. Softwood, on the other hand, burns very fast and its smokey flavors are quite unpleasant.

2. Is it a good idea to soak the chips in water before using them?

The truth is, it is not necessary. However, most people swear that it is a good idea as it helps the chips burn slowly and with smoke instead of flames. So, it’s up to you to decide if soaking the chips is a good idea or not.

3. Which tube shape gives the best result?

A cylindrical shape offers the best result because it allows even smoke distribution and regulates how fast the wood pellets burn. Its downside is that it is prone to rolling around compared to hexagonal shape tubes.

4. Which tube material is best and lasts long?

Stainless steel is the best material because it is resistant to heat, easy to clean, and corrosion-resistant. It also offers better smoke emission than other types of materials.

5. Are pellets or wood chips better for smoking on a gas grill?

Pellets are the best option because they last longer, smoke more evenly, and burn hotter compared to wood chips.

Final Verdict

If you love the ease of use that a gas grill offers but don’t like that if it doesn’t impart smokey flavor to your food, then it’s about time you invested in a smoker tube.

This tube is easy to use and works with all gas smokers. It produces just the perfect type and quantity of smoke to make your food more flavorful. Plus, it comes in varying sizes, shapes, etc.

So you can easily find one that matches your unique needs and specifications. Be sure to master our top methods on how to use a smoker tube on a gas grill. And in no time, you will start making different foods with your gas grill with the smoky flavor you crave for.

How To Use a Smoker Tube On a Gas Grill: An Ultimate Guide in 2024