Keeping Smoke Tube Lit by Reversing Tube

[JayHog]

I've been experimenting with using the smoke tube in different positions and smoke cycles. I've found that if I put the lit end of the smoke tube toward the back of my IW650, it never goes out. I'm assuming the air circulation in the back keeps air blowing on it? I've also noticed the smoke tube produces more smoke if I use Super Smoke mode. This mode seems to vary the fan speed and I get more smoke out of the smoke tube.

I am only using a downdraft model. I don't know if this would work the same on the smoke stack Traegers.

I hope this is helpful to others.

Have a great 4th everyone! Good smokin'...

 

[Slimpicker]

I prop mine up at an angle on a wood chunk and I never ever have them go out on me and they burn slow also.

 

[RayClem]

I may be wrong, but I suspect that placing the smoke tube near the back of your Ironwood might allow much of the added smoke to escape out the back vents before ever reaching the protein. While the tube might stay lit, I am not sure you are maximizing the smoke flavor.

 

[JayHog]

I know what you mean ... you would think that would be the case, but the down draft system doesn't directly push the smoke out. It is designed to circulate before exiting as it must be slightly cooler and flow down and out. This diagram shows how it works and explains why when I opened the lid, there was much more smoke circulating in there than I've ever had before.

Maybe it's just my particular grill, but it worked great and I got much more of that perfect thin blue smoke throughout the hours of smoking. It may not be for everyone, but I thought I'd share my experience if others wanted to try it.

Have a good smoke on the 4th everyone! I'm lovin' my Traeger. Thanks for the comments.

 

[FireTechMike]

My smoke tube works great!

 

[RayClem]

My smoke tube works great!

In the photo, it looks like your grill is perilously close to your vinyl siding. I had a friend whose siding warped because his grill was too close. Traeger recommends a minimum distance of 20 inches. I cannot tell if your grill is at a safe distance.

 

[FireTechMike]

In the photo, it looks like your grill is perilously close to your vinyl siding. I had a friend whose siding warped because his grill was too close. Traeger recommends a minimum distance of 20 inches. I cannot tell if your grill is at a safe distance.

It’s been moved since that photo, but thanks. I thought I’d get comments on the crazy amount of smoke. That was from a flame out and then trying to relight it without cleaning out the fire pot. Never do that! I was lucky it didn’t explode…

 

[RayClem]

It’s been moved since that photo, but thanks. I thought I’d get comments on the crazy amount of smoke. That was from a flame out and then trying to relight it without cleaning out the fire pot. Never do that! I was lucky it didn’t explode…

I am glad the grill has been moved to a safe location.

I am also very glad your flame-out episode did not end badly. I watched a YouTube video of one that didn't. If a grill does not shut down improperly, restarting it without cleaning out the burn pot first can end in disaster. You were fortunate.

You did get some good smoke from your smoke tube.