Hot smoking, cold smoking, converting a grill, or, amping up an existing smoker, these cheap little accessories are capable of quite a lot! Suitable for absolutely any type of grill or smoker, they’re also an ideal gift for the barbecue enthusiast who’s already kitted out with most of the gear.
But, with so many different types of smoking pellet tubes the market, it can be hard to know that the one you’re getting will a, work well, and, b, last a long time.
We’ve made your job easy by reviewing the best pellet tube smoker options on the market today. Here, you’ll find quality options that are versatile, durable and inexpensive. It’s seriously a piece of kit that everyone could do with!
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Table of Contents
Lanney Smoker Tube
First up is the top-rated Lanney Smoker Tube. Made from high-quality 304 grade stainless steel, they’ve focused on packing the holes densely to let out as much smoke as possible for greater flavor.
The hexagonal shape is easy to place on any grill or smoker. But, this pack also comes with hanging hooks for vertical style smokers like the Pit Barrel Cooker. Whether you do or don’t need the hooks for smoking, they also double as easy storage in the kitchen or the garage. It also comes with a perfectly-sized brush to make cleaning easy.
The 12 inch size will hold enough wood pellets to smoke for about 5 hours. The end cap on the tube makes loading easy. Just remember to tap the pellets down to pack them in more tightly to maximize smoke time.
Suitable for both hot and cold smoking, the Lanney Smoker Tube also has a satisfaction guarantee, making it ideal for anyone who’s on the fence about how these simple accessories work.
Specs for the Lanney Smoker Tube
Barbecue type: Accessory
Barbecue material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: Allows for 5 hours of smoking
Heat range: Hot or cold smoking
Fuel type: Wood pellets or wood chips
Model: 12″ Stainless Steel Smoker Tube
Dimensions: 12.16 (W) x 2.4 (H) x 2.24 (D)
Weight: 9.6 oz
Warranty: None but money back guarantee
Pros of the Lanney Smoker Tube:
- High-quality 304 grade stainless steel
- Hexagonal design won’t roll around on grates
- Comes with hanging hooks for use when smoking or storing
- Also includes a properly-sized cleaning brush
- Cap at end makes filling easy
- Smokes for up to 5 hours
- Suitable for hot smoking and cold smoking
- Can be used on any type of grill or smoker
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cons of the Lanney Smoker Tube:
- A propane blow torch is the best and easiest way to light it
LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube
Similar to the Lanney, but, a little cheaper because it doesn’t come with all the accessories, the LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube is equally as well-built and as well-rated.
Just like all pellet smoker tubes, it’s suitable for use in any type of grill or smoker. And, it can be used for hot or cold smoking.
The LIZZQ takes on the hexagonal shape as well so it’s easy to place on any cooking grate. It’s 304 grade stainless steel which is food-safe, strong and rust-resistant. 12 inches of length gives you up to 5 hours of smoke time as well. Although, if you pack it well and use high quality pellets, you might be able to get a bit longer out of one fill as well.
Specs for the LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube
Barbecue type: Accessory
Barbecue material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: Allows for up to 5 hours of smoking
Heat Range: Hot or cold smoking
Fuel type: Wood pellet
Model: AMNTS12
Assembled size (in): 2(D) x 2.16(W) x 12(L)
Weight: 8.8 oz
Warranty: None
Pros of the LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube:
- One of the cheapest high-quality pellet smoker tubes on the market
- Suitable for use with any grill or smoker
- Great for both hot and cold smoking
- Made from 304 grade stainless steel for optimum durability and strength
- Cap at one end makes loading easy
- Will burn for up to 5 hours on one fill
- Comes with a free ebook with recipe ideas
Cons of the LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube:
- Difficult to light without a propane blow torch
A-MAZE-N Expanding Pellet Tube Smoker 12-18"
For a long time A-MAZE-N have been a market leader in smoking accessories with their Maze pellet burner design. But, their Expanding Pellet Tube Smoker is equally as popular and effective.
When it comes to tube smokers, circular designs create optimal airflow and smoke distribution. But, they roll around. So, A-MAZE-N created this oval shaped tube that still gets all the benefits of that circular design without being a pain to use.
Made from high-quality stainless steel, the A-MAZE-N Expanding Pellet Tube is durable, lightweight, and, won’t rust. It’s easy to slide between positions and will give you anywhere from 4 hours in the 12″ position, to 6 hours in the 18″ position of delicious smoke to add flavor to your food.
The A-MAZE-N Expanding Pellet Tube Smoker is a more expensive option on this list. But, it also comes with a 1 year limited warranty.
Specs for the A-MAZE-N Expanding Pellet Tube Smoker 12-18"
Barbecue type: Accessory
Barbecue material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: Between 4-6 hours smoke time depending on position
Temperature range: Cold or hot smoking
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: AMZ-2KIT5X8
Dimensions (in): 12.25(L) x 2(W) x 2.5(D)
Weight: 0.7 oz
Warranty: 1 year
Pros of the A-MAZE-N Oval Expanding Pellet Tube Smoker 12-18″:
- Strong, durable, and, lightweight stainless steel design
- Oval shape creates optimal airflow and smoke distribution while not rolling around on grill
- Expanding length gives the flexibility to do shorter or longer smokes with the one tool
- Produced by market leader in this type of smoking accessory
- Covered by a 1 year warranty
Cons of the A-MAZE-N Oval Expanding Pellet Tube Smoker 12-18″:
- Need to grab a propane torch to light it easily
- More expensive than most other options
Carpathen Z-Smoker Tube
Slightly different in style, but, every bit just as good, the Carpathen Z-Smoker Tube is another solid choice. Airflow is great, smoke production is plentiful and it’s strong enough to last.
Like the others on this list, the Z-Smoker is stainless steel, giving it premium durability and protection from the heat and rust. There’s a neat cap on the end for easy filling. And, it’s 12″ length should give you around 5 hours of smoking time before you need to refill.
If you’re looking for a smoker tube for a gift, we do like the Carpathen because it comes in such a stylish box. It looks good. Plus, it’s easy to wrap.
Specs for the Carpathen Z-Smoker Tube
Barbecue type: Accessory
Barbecue material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: Up to 5 hours of smoke time
Temperature Range: Cold and hot smoke
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: Z-Smoker
Dimensions: 12″ H x 2″ D x 2″ W
Weight: 9 oz
Warranty: None
Pros of the Carpathen Z-Smoker Tube:
- Sits nice and flat anywhere on the grates
- Durable and rust-resistant stainless steel design
- Holes create good airflow and distribute the smoke well
- 12″ size allows for up to 5 hours of smoke time
- One end is capped for easy loading
- Comes in a nice box for gifting
- Includes free ebooks
Cons of the Carpathen Z-Smoker Tube:
- If you don’t already have one, grab yourself a propane blow torch to make lighting it easy
BBQFAM 6 Inch EZ Smoker Tube
Sometimes bigger isn’t always better. And, when it comes to smoker tubes, the 6″ varieties can be really handy.
Yes, they hold less pellets so they don’t smoke for as long (2-3 hours vs the 5-6 hours of a 12″). But, when you’re trying to do a quick smoke on a gas grill, or, just want the maximum smoke absorption you get from the first couple of hours only, a 6″ tube is handy. Plus, you don’t need to waste any leftover pellets by letting them burn out or try to put them out when they’re really hot.
So, for a smaller smoker tube that works really well, we like the BBQFAM 6″ EZ Smoker Tube.
Made from stainless steel with excellent hole distribution, it’s both durable and effective. The hexagonal shape sits well on any barbecue while getting maximum smoke flow through your food.
And, as a bonus, BBQFAM donate a portion of all sales to the National Humane Society.
They also make a 12″ model, and, sell a pack of the 6″ and 12″ which will save you some money if you’re after both.
Specs for the BBQFAM 6 Inch EZ Smoker Tube
Barbecue type: Accessory
Barbecue material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 2-3 hours of smoke time
Temperature range: Hot and cold smoking
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: 6″ EZ
Assembled size (in): 6.2(L) x 2.3(W) x 2.1(D)
Weight: 5.6 oz
Warranty: None
Pros of the BBQFAM 6 Inch EZ Smoker Tube:
- Smaller 6″ size is ideal for shorter smokes, or, just getting maximum smokiness from using it for the first 2 hours
- Don’t need to worry about putting out leftover pellets
- Stainless steel construction gives durability and strength
- Cap on one end for easy filling
- Good hole distribution for optimal airflow and smokiness
- Comes with bonus ebooks
- Available in a 12″ size as well
- Save some money by buying the combined 6″ and 12″ pack
Cons of the BBQFAM 6 Inch EZ Smoker Tube:
- You will need to refill it if you want to do longer smokes
- Need a propane torch to light it easily
FAQ's About Pellet Tube Smokers
What Is A Pellet Smoker Tube?
A pellet smoker tube is a small, perforated metal tube that’s filled with smoking pellets, lit and placed inside a grill or smoker to give the food a smoky flavor.
Pellet tube smokers don’t put out a lot of heat so they’re a great option for cold smoking foods like cheeses and nuts. But, they’re also great for boosting the overall smokiness of electric, propane or regular pellet smokers.
Pellet tube smokers can also be used to convert a grill into a smoker without having to buy a whole new barbecue.
How Do I Use A Pellet Tube Smoker?
- Fill the pellet tube smoker with quality smoking pellets
- Light it at one end (using a propane blow torch is by far the easiest way)
- Let it burn for about 5 minutes to really get going
- Blow out the flame
- Place it on the cooking grate next to the food you’re cooking
What Type of Barbecue Works With A Pellet Tube Smoker?
Literally, any type of barbecue works with a pellet tube smoker. Whether you want to hot smoke on your gas grill, cold smoke on your charcoal offset, or, get a stronger smoky flavor out of your electric or propane smoker, it’ll work well.
Can You Use Wood Chips In A Pellet Tube Smoker?
Yes, you can use wood chips in a pellet smoker tube. But, because wood chips are larger, they’ll need more airflow to burn well. If there’s not enough airflow (space between the chips), you’ll find the chips will go out and you’ll have to relight them. It might even happen every 15 minutes or so. In my opinion, pellet tube smokers work best with what they were designed for, smoking pellets.
