How To Use A Smoke Tube

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner in the art of BBQ, using a smoke tube is an easy way to upgrade your meat’s flavor profile. A smoke tube is a simple device that allows you to add additional smoke to your charcoal or wood pellet grill. This article will guide you through the steps to use a smoke tube effectively to enhance your BBQ experience.

Step 1: Choose your Smoke Tube

There are various shapes and sizes of smoke tubes available in the market. Our recommendation is to choose one with a larger surface area for maximum smoke output. You can also decide to use a smoke tube that is either perforated or meshed. A perforated smoke tube allows smoke to come out of every hole, while a meshed smoke tube will do the same but more gently. Typically, the choice depends on the kind of wood pellets you’re using.

Step 2: Pick Your Wood Pellets

It’s essential to choose wood pellets that will complement your preferred meat flavor. Lots of wood varieties impart different flavors to meat, such as hickory, apple, or mesquite. You can use a single flavor in your smoke tube or combine them to get a more complex flavor. Note that dense wood pellets like mesquite will give off more smoke than softer woods like apple.

Step 3: Set Up Your Grill

The first step to smoking is setting up your grill appropriately. Put a load of coals in your kettle grill or switch on your pellet grill so it reaches your preferred temperature. Generally, 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for most meats is suitable. However, some meats like chicken need to be cooked through to 165°F at least.

Step 4: Fill The Smoke Tube

Fill your smoke tube about two-thirds full with wood pellets. You can then shake the tube to ensure that the wood pellets are evenly distributed inside the tube. Afterward, light a propane torch and hold the flame to the wood pellets, as you rotate the smoke tube on for a few minutes till the pellets start to smolder.

Step 5: Place The Smoke Tube On The Grill

Place the smoke tube directly on the grates of the grill or inside the smoker box. Close the grills lid and wait for some minutes to start smoking. The increased heat from your coals or the gas grill’s wood chips/shavings will ignite the wood pellets in your smoke tube. The smoke will then seep into your meat as you cook it.

Step 6: Monitor The Temperature

Keep an eye on the heat level of your grill and remember to top up your wood pellets into the smoke tube every 30 to 60 minutes to continue adding additional smoke. Another important thing to consider is the duration of time that you need to cook the meat at such a temperature. Typically, BBQ takes time, so be patient as the slow-cooking process works its magic on your meat. Check your meat’s internal temperature at regular intervals to keep it from overcooking.

Step 7: Clean Up

Once you’re done smoking, it’s time to clean up. Dispose of the wood pellets that are leftover by pouring them into a resealable Ziploc bag so you can use them again next time. You can also dismantle and wash the smoke tube with warm soapy water before drying it thoroughly. Store the smoke tube in a cool, dry place in readiness for the next smoking session.

In conclusion, smoking your meat brings out the best flavors that would impress your taste buds with every bite. Using a smoke tube allows you to have a more pronounced smoky flavor without putting too much effort while barbecuing. Keep in mind that having a clean smoke tube and stocking up on your favorite wood pellets are essential to enjoying every smoking session. With this step-by-step guide, you’re now ready to explore the world of smoking meat like a pro. Have fun!