Pellet/chip combinations that work perfectly with a smoke tube

[FLo_575]

Hello everyone from France, 😄


I’ve already spent a lot of time reading here about smoke tubes, but I’d like to go a little further on this issue.

I just signed up and I have a crazy passion for this universe. After an investigation of several weeks, the acquisition of all the material, many books, I would like to start directly with this subject.

I would like to know your specific habits please (brand, pellet/chip ratio) regarding pellet and chip associations that have been proven with the use of a smoke tube.

I plan to start with the Lumber Jack pellets I was lucky enough to find in France.

I would really like this topic to be dedicated to this subject if some agree to share their experience, I think it is a topic that deserves a topic

What do you think are the combinations that work? Are the quantities to be respected? Are the brands that agree?

Do you have any tips to ensure correct smoke and avoid disappointment when using a mixture of chips and pellets with a smoke tube?

What should you avoid? Feel free to be precise in your answers and share your little secrets

 

[Shedd]

I’m in the US southeastern region where we rely heavily on hickory and oak wood and chips and chunks. I use a handful of pellets (any brands or types) to help get the wood chips burning. In my smoke tube I put wood chips 1/4 volume, then a wood chunk approximately 1/2” diameter and a couple inches long surrounded by pellets, then more wood chips leaving about one inch room at top of the tube for pellets. I light the pellets from the opening at the top (leaving tube standing on a solid fire resistant surface) lighting until the pellets are burning/flaming. I let them burn/ flame for about 5 minutes then blow out the flame and carefully/gently lay the tube on its side inside the grill on the grate but not too close to the meat you’re cooking. I actually use an extension type smoke tube that I adjust the volume accordingly to what meat/size I’m cooking. I also elevate the meat’s I cook so the smoke can flow completely around it. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[dw3679]

I've visited your wonderful country before, but I wasn't shopping for BBQ supplies, so I'm not sure what's available there. From your question I’m assuming that wood chips are available. I’ll put a handful of wood chips into the smoke tube, then add maybe half a handful of pellets or less to fill in the empty spots. Then I knock the bottom of the smoke tube on a hard surface several times so that the mix packs in. Then I repeat this process until the tube in nearly full. I then use a small handheld torch to light the mix until there is a well-established flame. I keep the flame lit for about five minutes, blow it out, and start smoking.

As far as type of pellets and wood chips, use what you like or can find. To me part of the fun is experimenting. I primarily use hickory pellets/chips and apple pellets/chips. I also use a pellet blend of hickory/cherry/oak that I like.

Te souhaite bonne chance. Bon appétit !

 

[FLo_575]

Thank you for this first feedback.

Does the pellet/chip mixture cause dirty smoke?

Have you ever had a bad taste result and dirty smoke with a smoke tube? And why ?

Sorry, I'm using google translate

 

[patstock11]

This is what im curious about. I have a smoke tube and I've been messing with it prior to actually using it. Whenever i put the smoke tube horizontally i get dirty smoke, when i put it upright i get nice thin blue smoke. Obviously im playing around with it cold, would it burn better and cleaner, horizontally, on a warm grill? I have just been hesitant to try and use this thing and ruin a nice big expensive piece of meat.

 

[Slimpicker]

I ALWAYS use bourbon barrel chips, fruit chips, and fruit pellets... the aroma is out of this world!!!

 

[Clint62]

I just fill the tubes with whatever pellets are already in the hopper. Some folks mix chips in, but I just use pellets. Make sure you leave it lit for a solid 10m before blowing it out. Just set tube on its side wherever you have room on the grate.