Smoke Tube Fail

[CMTiger]

:-(

Attempted to try it out for the first time today and bungled it. First…..forgot to soak the wood chips. Fail. Second…..couldn’t get the pellets in the tube to light. Guess I need a torch. Fail.

Oh well….chicken will still be amazing. Here’s to better luck next time.

Happy New Year everyone

 

[JPSBBQ]

I have one but never have used it. Ironically, was talking with a buddy last night at the NYE party and he’s had all kinds of trouble too. Tried pellets and then chips and couldn’t get them to stay lit. I know tons of people use them for cold smokes and smoke enhancement in pellet grills so there must be a trick to it. I’ll stay posted so I can counsel my buddy on the same issue. Hopefully someone with successful experience will chime in for ya.

 

[Slimpicker]

I don't soak anything (I don't think they burn hot enough to allow wet chips) and use a torch, I have no problem with all 3 of mine getting lit or staying lit...
Tiger, you have seen my Vid by now, that is the only way I do tubes. And I have 2 diff chips in my mix.

I will post a NEW Vid tonight when I do wings

 

[JayHog]

Great smoke tube set up video.

 

[RustyJake]

I have used my tube for smoking cheese and spices (pseudo cold smoking), as well as using it on longer cooks.
My experience with the tube is primarily with pellets (I did a mix with some small chunks mixed with pellets once).
My first few tube uses were using a small 'Micro-Jet Solder-It' to ignite the tube. I had my pellets extinguish on me twice, definitely didn't have it lit properly. Takes a while to ignite with that small of a focused flame. I wasn't getting them lit properly using that. I switched to a propane torch and haven't had a problem since.
My process is to fill the tube, stand it upright like a candle and hold the torch on it for a good minute or so until the first few layers of pellets are lit. and a re burning like a torch flame Then I leave it sit while the Traeger warms up if I am adding it with a long cook. I will blow out the flame if it still exists. on the tube if the grill is warmed up before .
If I am doing aa cold smoke I let it burn until the flames are gone and the pellets are smoldering.
I would think the process with chips should be similar. Not sure if soaking the chips is necessary. Lots of debate on that one. Personal choice comes into play for that one. I would be trying them dry.
I believe the key is getting a good start on the tube contents burning. Don't be in a hurry to blow out the flame.
I am sure there are more experienced users that will chime in with their processes

 

[Timmy]

I have used my tube for smoking cheese and spices (pseudo cold smoking), as well as using it on longer cooks.
My experience with the tube is primarily with pellets (I did a mix with some small chunks mixed with pellets once).
My first few tube uses were using a small 'Micro-Jet Solder-It' to ignite the tube. I had my pellets extinguish on me twice, definitely didn't have it lit properly. Takes a while to ignite with that small of a focused flame. I wasn't getting them lit properly using that. I switched to a propane torch and haven't had a problem since.
My process is to fill the tube, stand it upright like a candle and hold the torch on it for a good minute or so until the first few layers of pellets are lit. and a re burning like a torch flame Then I leave it sit while the Traeger warms up if I am adding it with a long cook. I will blow out the flame if it still exists. on the tube if the grill is warmed up before .
If I am doing aa cold smoke I let it burn until the flames are gone and the pellets are smoldering.
I would think the process with chips should be similar. Not sure if soaking the chips is necessary. Lots of debate on that one. Personal choice comes into play for that one. I would be trying them dry.
I believe the key is getting a good start on the tube contents burning. Don't be in a hurry to blow out the flame.
I am sure there are more experienced users that will chime in with their processes

Pretty much how I lightem.

 

[CMTiger]

Still happy with how it turned out

 

[BobbyQ]

Pretty much how I lightem.

Same for me. I light about 2-3 inches of pellets and set it on an incline in the grill.

 

[RustyJake]

Still happy with out it turned out

Looks great! Your meals are looking more and more like a meal at Timmy's. Which is a great, he prepares so many great dinners.
I think the Traeger does a fine job without the smoke tube. I am happy with the smoke flavor it produces. Nice to be able to bump it up with a tube if you want.

 

[CMTiger]

Looks great! Your meals are looking more and more like a meal at Timmy's. Which is a great, he prepares so many great dinners.
I think the Traeger does a fine job without the smoke tube. I am happy with the smoke flavor it produces. Nice to be able to bump it up with a tube if you want.

The Traeger/pellet grill really excels at poultry. My family likes the more subtle smoke flavor as is to be honest, but I wanted the tubes to be able to crank it up as an option.

Also I consider the “like Timmy” to be the highest honor one can receive around here so thanks!

 

[HotSpringsBBQ]

I use wood chips only ( the smallest size ) packed pretty tight, and i would not recommend soaking them. It produces a high quality smoke, but Its difficult enough to keep them lit when dry. And a Yellow MAPP torch is my personal favorite for the task, regular lighters etc are just too weak.

 

[BobbyQ]

I did my first cook with a combo of pellets and chips. No need to soak the chips.

 

[JPSBBQ]

Since we are discussing the topic. I’m a guy who doesn’t use them, but I’ve got several buddies who do use the tubes.

 

[Corkyjon]

You don't want to soak your chips. Actually, you want to dry them! Don't know about chips, but pellets will absorb moisture in the garage and need to be dried. I put my pellets in a baking pan in a 225 degree oven for an hour to drive off moisture, then pack the tube and follow the video and instructions on lighting above.

 

[oldbbqguy]

Pretty much how I lightem.

What Rusty said. I tied wood chips once and the burned too fast and gave too much bitter smoke taste I have found the easiest way to load pellets is to just stick the tub down in the hopper and fill as you add pellets. It is a scientific fact fully ignited pellets add no flavor. Using a smoking tube can add some distinct flavors. It makes zero difference what pellets you burn in you grill, as once fully ignited they all add no distinct smoke. Below 225 on Ironwood super smoke you might get some minor differences. Tubes rock