Best Smoking Tubes For Gas Grills

Best Smoking Tubes For Gas Grills

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🔍 How we chose: We researched 50+ Bbq products, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and filtered down to the 6 best options based on quality, value, and real-world performance.

Fire knows your name, and so do these smoking tubes. If you're chasing steady, billowing smoke on a gas grill, you need gear that can keep up without grilling your patience. I've burned through more tubes than a pit boss at peak rib season, tested hot and cold setups, and learned what actually delivers flavor on day one and day ten. In this roundup you'll see 12-inch tubes, stainless steel workhorses, and options with bonus gear that turn a cranky grill into a flavor factory. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.

Main Points

Our Top Picks

Best for Long SmokePremium Pellet Smoker Tube 12Premium Pellet Smoker Tube 12" (Set of 2) - 5 Hours of Billowing Smoke, Hot or Cold Smoking, for Any Grill or Smoker, An Easy and Safe Way to Provide Smoking, Free eBook Grilling Ideas & Recipes★★★★½ 4.7/5 Key Ingredient: Hardwood pelletsScent Profile: Subtle, versatile smokeBest For: Long, steady smoke sessionsCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best for All GrillsPellet Smoker Tube, 2 Pack 12'' Stainless Steel BBQ Wood Pellet Tube Smoker, for Cold/Hot SmokingPellet Smoker Tube, 2 Pack 12'' Stainless Steel BBQ Wood Pellet Tube Smoker, for Cold/Hot Smoking★★★★½ 4.7/5 Key Ingredient: Wood pellets in tubeScent Profile: Customizable by pellet choiceBest For: Best for All GrillsCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best for Versatile Smoking2pcs Smoker Tube 12in Pellet Smoker Tube Stainless Steel Smoke Tube for Hot or Cold Smoking 5 Hours of Billowing smoke Portable BBQ Smoking tube Generator Electric Charcoal Gas Grill Smoker2pcs Smoker Tube 12in Pellet Smoker Tube Stainless Steel Smoke Tube for Hot or Cold Smoking 5 Hours of Billowing smoke Portable BBQ Smoking tube Generator Electric Charcoal Gas Grill Smoker★★★★½ 4.8/5 Key Ingredient: Stainless steel constructionScent Profile: Pellet-derived billowing smokeBest For: Versatile smoking on gas grillsCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best for Easy SmokingPremium Pellet Smoker Tube 12 inches - 5 Hours of Billowing Smoke - Hot or Cold Smoking - for Any Grill or Smoker - An Easy and Safe Way to Provide Smoking - Free eBook Grilling Ideas & RecipesPremium Pellet Smoker Tube 12 inches - 5 Hours of Billowing Smoke - Hot or Cold Smoking - for Any Grill or Smoker - An Easy and Safe Way to Provide Smoking - Free eBook Grilling Ideas & Recipes★★★★½ 4.7/5 Key Ingredient: Wood pelletsScent Profile: Clean wood smoke aromaBest For: Best for Easy SmokingCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best All-In-One Smoking KitPellet Smoker Tube Set, 6Pellet Smoker Tube Set, 6" & 12" Stainless Steel BBQ Wood Smoker Tube with Brush and 2 Hooks for 2.5hrs/5hrs of Billowing Cold/Hot Smoking for All Grills or Smokers, Smoking Cheese Beef Nuts Fish★★★★½ 4.7/5 Key Ingredient: Stainless steel construction (6" & 12" tubes)Scent Profile: Balanced smoke; adaptable to many foodsBest For: Best All-In-One Smoking KitCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Includes Cleaning Brush and HookSmoke Tube for Pellet Smoker 12Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker 12" - 5 Hours of Billowing Smoke - Hot/Cold Smoking - for Any Grill & Smoker - Premium Stainless Steel BBQ Smoking Tube, Includes Bonus Cleaning, Basting Brush & S-Hook★★★★½ 4.7/5 Key Ingredient: Premium Stainless Steel 304Scent Profile: Clean, billowy smokeBest For: Includes Cleaning Brush and HookCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Premium Pellet Smoker Tube 12" (Set of 2) - 5 Hours of Billowing Smoke, Hot or Cold Smoking, for Any Grill or Smoker, An Easy and Safe Way to Provide Smoking, Free eBook Grilling Ideas & Recipes

    🏆 Best For: Best for Long Smoke

    ★★★★½ 4.7/5

    Premium Pellet Smoker Tube 12

    Best for Long Smoke

    Check Price on Amazon

    Best for Long Smoke earns its keep the moment you grab it: a set of 12" smoker tubes that deliver up to 5 hours of billowing smoke on any grill or smoker, with zero babysitting. Hot or cold smoking, and the included free eBook Grilling Ideas & Recipes make it a turnkey long-smoke setup.

    Two 12-inch tubes load with hardwood pellets and run hot or cold, giving you reliable, steady smoke for hours. They’re simple to light, burn clean, and fit any grill or smoker with a standard hood—no special rigs required.

    If you chase long, unattended smoke for pork shoulders, briskets, or cheese, this set is for you. Gas grill owners, compact pits, or new smokers who want real pit flavor without a dedicated pellet rig will find it perfect, especially over weekends.

    Not ideal for tiny kettles or grills with restricted airflow; you may need repositioning or a quick top-up to stretch the run. In the right setup, though, two tubes deliver big flavor without complicated rigs. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.

    ✅ Pros

    • Delivers up to 5 hours of smoke
    • Set of 2 for extended sessions
    • Easy to use on any grill

    ❌ Cons

    • Requires steady heat for best results
    • Not ideal for tiny charcoal setups
    • Key Ingredient: Hardwood pellets
    • Scent Profile: Subtle, versatile smoke
    • Best For: Long, steady smoke sessions
    • Size / Volume: 12" tubes, set of 2
    • Special Feature: 5 hours per fill; hot or cold
  2. Pellet Smoker Tube, 2 Pack 12'' Stainless Steel BBQ Wood Pellet Tube Smoker, for Cold/Hot Smoking

    🏆 Best For: Best for All Grills

    ★★★★½ 4.7/5

    Pellet Smoker Tube, 2 Pack 12'' Stainless Steel BBQ Wood Pellet Tube Smoker, for Cold/Hot Smoking

    Best for All Grills

    Check Price on Amazon

    Here's why this Pellet Smoker Tube earns the "Best for All Grills" badge. It's a no-fuss, universal smoke-maker: two 12" stainless steel tubes that drop onto gas, charcoal, or electric grills and turn any grill into a smoke source. At $12.49 for a 2-pack and a solid 4.7-star rating, it delivers real wood flavor without the baggage of a full smoker.

    Key features, real-world benefits: two 12" tubes, rugged stainless steel, reusable. You fill with hardwood pellets, cap each end, and you’ve got a steady plume of smoke riding the grill’s airflow. Hot-smoking or cold-smoking, it works with apple, hickory, mesquite—whatever suits your meat. It’s simple to load, cheap to replace, and it minimizes flare-ups while giving you consistent, clean smoke instead of soggy steam.

    Who should buy this and when: if you grill on gas or charcoal and crave true wood flavor without a dedicated smoker, this is your entry point. Perfect for weekend warriors, backyard pitmasters, and anyone who wants a quick smoke boost on chicken, pork, ribs, or cheese. Use it for cold-smoking cheese or salmon at low temps, or for hot smoking at practical temps. It’s not meant for long, slow fires—think precision smoke, not a marathon.

    One caveat: great for short-to-moderate sessions, not a marathon smoker. Wind and grill placement matter; you may need to shield it or reposition. If you want long, hands-off low-and-slow, pair this with a proper smoker for best results.

    ✅ Pros

    • Durable stainless steel construction
    • 2-pack for value
    • Easy to fill and use

    ❌ Cons

    • Needs airflow for consistent smoke
    • Requires heat management on gas grills
    • Key Ingredient: Wood pellets in tube
    • Scent Profile: Customizable by pellet choice
    • Best For: Best for All Grills
    • Size / Volume: 12" tubes, 2-pack
    • Special Feature: Stainless steel, reusable
  3. 2pcs Smoker Tube 12in Pellet Smoker Tube Stainless Steel Smoke Tube for Hot or Cold Smoking 5 Hours of Billowing smoke Portable BBQ Smoking tube Generator Electric Charcoal Gas Grill Smoker

    🏆 Best For: Best for Versatile Smoking

    ★★★★½ 4.8/5

    2pcs Smoker Tube 12in Pellet Smoker Tube Stainless Steel Smoke Tube for Hot or Cold Smoking 5 Hours of Billowing smoke Portable BBQ Smoking tube Generator Electric Charcoal Gas Grill Smoker

    Best for Versatile Smoking

    Check Price on Amazon

    Best for Versatile Smoking: This 2-pack of 12-inch stainless steel smoker tubes nails the "versatile" badge by delivering reliable smoke on gas grills for both hot and cold smoking, without needing a dedicated smoker or a full pit rig.

    Key features and real-world benefits: Stainless steel construction stands up to heat and years of use. At 12 inches, these tubes give you a long smoke path with steady airflow. The pack includes two tubes, so you can run different wood pellets or run parallel cooks. Load with hardwood pellets, cap, and you’ll squeeze up to five hours of billowing smoke. They play nice on gas, charcoal, or electric grills and are easy to fill, seal, and clean between cooks.

    Who should buy this and when: If you want true smoke on a standard grill or you're curious about cold smoking without a big investment, this is your ticket. Great for cheese, fish, poultry, and ribs on a budget, perfect for tailgating or weekend experimentation when you want to swap pellet flavors mid-smoke. Priced at $14.99 for a 2-pack and rated 4.8 stars, they punch well above their weight for the price.

    Honest drawbacks or caveats: Not built for searing—low-heat use only. You may need to reload pellets for long cooks to keep the smoke rolling. They can be a bit finicky to position cleanly and cleanup takes a touch more patience. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.

    ✅ Pros

    • Two tubes in pack for versatility.
    • Stainless steel resists heat and corrosion.
    • 5 hours of billowing smoke on demand.

    ❌ Cons

    • Low-heat use only; not for searing.
    • Requires pellet refills for long cooks.
    • Key Ingredient: Stainless steel construction
    • Scent Profile: Pellet-derived billowing smoke
    • Best For: Versatile smoking on gas grills
    • Size / Volume: 2 tubes, 12 inches each
    • Special Feature: 5 hours continuous smoke
    • Compatibility: Hot or cold smoking on various grills
  4. Premium Pellet Smoker Tube 12 inches - 5 Hours of Billowing Smoke - Hot or Cold Smoking - for Any Grill or Smoker - An Easy and Safe Way to Provide Smoking - Free eBook Grilling Ideas & Recipes

    🏆 Best For: Best for Easy Smoking

    ★★★★½ 4.7/5

    Premium Pellet Smoker Tube 12 inches - 5 Hours of Billowing Smoke - Hot or Cold Smoking - for Any Grill or Smoker - An Easy and Safe Way to Provide Smoking - Free eBook Grilling Ideas & Recipes

    Best for Easy Smoking

    Check Price on Amazon

    Best for Easy Smoking earns this spot because this 12-inch Premium Pellet Smoker Tube turns heat into reliable, hands-off smoke with minimal fuss. It slides into any gas grill or smoker and delivers hours of billowing smoke—up to five hours—without babysitting. That kind of repeatable, easy smoke is the mark of a tool a pitmaster reaches for first when flavor matters.

    Key features translate to real-world benefits: a 12-inch stainless tube that holds standard wood pellets, hot or cold smoking capability, and a burn time up to five hours. Fill it, light the end, and let the tube do the work while you manage temps and seasoning. Plus, the included free eBook Grilling Ideas & Recipes adds real value right out of the box.

    Who should buy this? Anyone cooking on a gas grill who wants real smoke without a dedicated smoker, plus beginners craving reliable results and pros needing a quick, consistent smoke for small batches of cheese, fish, or ribs. It’s also handy for cold smoking when you don’t want to break out a full cold-smoke rig.

    Drawbacks? It isn’t a marathon-smoke solution—the five-hour claim depends on pellet type and airflow, and you may need to top off pellets during longer sessions. Outdoors, wind can throw a curveball at your burn. It cleans up easy, but you’ll still have pellet dust to contend with. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.

    ✅ Pros

    • Long burn time: up to 5 hours
    • Fits any grill or smoker
    • Easy fill, simple cleanup

    ❌ Cons

    • Pellets require topping for longer cooks
    • Wind affects smoke performance outside
    • Key Ingredient: Wood pellets
    • Scent Profile: Clean wood smoke aroma
    • Best For: Best for Easy Smoking
    • Size / Volume: 12 inches; 5-hour burn
    • Special Feature: Free Grilling Ideas & Recipes eBook
  5. Pellet Smoker Tube Set, 6" & 12" Stainless Steel BBQ Wood Smoker Tube with Brush and 2 Hooks for 2.5hrs/5hrs of Billowing Cold/Hot Smoking for All Grills or Smokers, Smoking Cheese Beef Nuts Fish

    🏆 Best For: Best All-In-One Smoking Kit

    ★★★★½ 4.7/5

    Pellet Smoker Tube Set, 6

    Best All-In-One Smoking Kit

    Check Price on Amazon

    This kit earns the Best All-In-One Smoking Kit crown for gas grills by delivering two tube lengths (6" and 12"), rugged stainless steel that cleans up easy, and a clean brush with two hooks—all for $11.99 and a solid 4.7-star rating.

    Two lengths let you dial smoke to match the cook: 6" for a quick, delicate smoke on cheese or fish; 12" for longer burns on nuts, beef, or pork tips. The stainless tubes resist heat and warping and clean up fast after a hot burn. Included brush and hooks help you scrub creosote away and hang the set where airflow does the work.

    Who should buy this: beginners on a gas grill, backyard pitmasters looking for real smoke without a full smoker, and anyone who wants a compact, dependable starter kit. Use it for cheese and nuts on weekdays, beef or fish on weekends, or as a quick flavor boost during a long gas-grill cook.

    Drawbacks: limited capacity means you’ll reload for long cooks, and it takes a bit of elbow grease to clean after use. Not ideal for high-heat direct searing, and the smoke flavor still benefits from good airflow and patience. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.

    ✅ Pros

    • Two lengths for versatile smoking
    • Stainless steel, durable construction
    • Includes brush and hooks

    ❌ Cons

    • Requires regular cleaning to avoid creosote
    • Not for heavy direct flame grilling
    • Key Ingredient: Stainless steel construction (6" & 12" tubes)
    • Scent Profile: Balanced smoke; adaptable to many foods
    • Best For: Best All-In-One Smoking Kit
    • Size / Volume: 6" and 12" tubes; 2.5h/5h burn times
    • Special Feature: Brush and two hooks included
  6. Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker 12" - 5 Hours of Billowing Smoke - Hot/Cold Smoking - for Any Grill & Smoker - Premium Stainless Steel BBQ Smoking Tube, Includes Bonus Cleaning, Basting Brush & S-Hook

    🏆 Best For: Includes Cleaning Brush and Hook

    ★★★★½ 4.7/5

    Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker 12

    Includes Cleaning Brush and Hook

    Check Price on Amazon

    That “Includes Cleaning Brush and Hook” badge isn’t luck. This Smoke Tube ships with a bonus cleaning brush and an S-hook, plus a handy basting brush, turning a simple tube into a ready-to-use smoking setup right out of the box. You’re not buying a gimmick—you’re buying a complete kit that stays in the pit, not in a drawer.

    Built from premium stainless steel, it thrives in heat and holds up to hot and cold smoking on any grill or smoker. Five hours of billowing smoke per fill lets you ride out long cooks without babysitting the flame. Real-world payoff: steady, penetrating smoke that blankets pork, poultry, cheese, and fish with depth. Cleanup isn’t a chore thanks to the included brush, and the robust tube resists warping through back-to-back sessions.

    Who should buy this? Weekend warriors who want real smoke flavor without a dedicated smoker, and folks who already own a gas grill or pellet grill but crave longer, steadier smoke without swapping setups. It’s a flexible, budget-friendly upgrade that keeps you in the game when you’re chasing that first brisket or cheese that actually tastes like wood, not just smoke.

    Drawbacks? It’s not a miracle high-heat tool for searing directly over flames, and airflow placement matters for maximizing smoke production. The cleaning brush is useful but not heavy-duty, and the 12-inch length can crowd tight-grill layouts or obscure exhaust on compact setups. Still, with good technique and this kit in your arsenal, you’ll pull great flavor from any heat source. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.

    ✅ Pros

    • Ready-to-use kit with extras
    • Durable 304 stainless steel
    • 12-inch length for steady smoke

    ❌ Cons

    • Brush quality is basic
    • May not fit very small grills
    • Key Ingredient: Premium Stainless Steel 304
    • Scent Profile: Clean, billowy smoke
    • Best For: Includes Cleaning Brush and Hook
    • Size / Volume: 12-inch tube; 5 hours smoke
    • Special Feature: Bonus cleaning brush, basting brush & S-hook included

Factors to Consider

Material and durability

Go stainless steel, not flimsy aluminum that warps and wears out fast. Stainless holds up to heat, moisture, and the occasional heat blast from a misjudged flame. Look for 300-series stainless or better; you want gear that sticks around through season after season of smoke. In the heat of the pit, you need gear you can trust, not excuses that fail under fire.

Size and capacity

Most beginners grab a 12-inch tube about 1/2 inch in diameter. Longer tubes burn longer but can crowd the grill and choke airflow if you’re not careful. If you’re just getting started, a 10–12" tube with a sensible fill keeps smoke steady without babysitting. Keep a few different sizes on hand for different cooks and setups.

Airflow design and burn time

Perforation pattern matters. Too many holes and you’ll get a fast burn; too few and the smoke stalls. Look for evenly spaced holes along the length for steady, manageable smoke. Expect roughly 20–90 minutes of smoke per fill, depending on fill, grill vents, and how hot you run things.

Compatibility and ease of use

These tubes work on any gas grill with a lid, but you still need to manage airflow and lid time for real results. Place the tube on the grate above a burner, light it with a torch or lighter, and let it glow a moment before closing the lid. Don’t push the grill to sear mode and expect long, smooth smoke; you’re smoking, not blasting heat. Swap tubes as needed to keep flavor consistent across cooks.

Cleaning and maintenance and flavor control

Let the tube cool completely before cleaning. Rinse with warm water, scrub ash and resin with a brush, then dry thoroughly. Stainless tubes are forgiving, but avoid harsh abrasives that ding the surface or clog the holes. Proper cleaning preserves flavor and lengthens life so you’re not guessing at the next cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smoking tube and how does it work?

A smoking tube is a metal cylinder packed with hardwood pellets or chips. When lit, it smolders and pours steady smoke into the grill, turning a gas setup into a low, flavorful smokehouse. It’s a compact, hell-for-leather way to add real wood flavor without a dedicated smoker.

Can I use a smoking tube on a gas grill?

Yes. Set it on the grate away from the burners, light it, and keep the lid closed so the smoke builds. The goal is steady smoke, not a furnace—control airflow and you’ll control flavor.

What wood should I use in a smoking tube?

Fruit woods like apple or cherry keep things bright and mild; oak and hickory bring more backbone. Start milder if you’re new to tubes, then dial up later. Avoid pine or resinous woods that taste harsh or impart odd flavors.

How long does a smoking tube burn, and how can I extend it?

Most tubes run 20–90 minutes per fill, depending on how you pack them and your grill’s airflow. To extend, don’t overpack and keep vents tuned to a gentle, steady draft. When in doubt, swap out to a fresh tube for continuous smoke.

How do I clean and reuse a smoking tube?

Let it cool, rinse with warm water, scrub away ash, and dry completely. Stainless tubes can handle light dishwasher cycles, but hand washing is gentler on the holes. A well-cleaned tube equals cleaner flavor and longer life.

Will a smoking tube affect the flavor of my food?

Yes, it adds a clean, wood-fired aroma without overwhelming the meat. It’s great for quick sears, finishing steps, or when you want a controlled smoke on a gas grill. Change wood type and fill size to dial in the taste you want.

Are there safety concerns or tips for using tubes on gas grills?

Always keep flare-ups in check and never leave a lit tube unattended. Use heat-resistant gloves, and start with a lower flame until the smoke establishes. If you smell burning plastic or see abnormal sparks, shut down and inspect the tube immediately.

Conclusion

Smoked flavor on a gas grill isn’t magic—it’s gear, technique, and real fire. Start with a solid stainless smoking tube, learn your grill, and you’ll turn weeknight meals into something worth bragging about. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.

Last updated:

About the Author: Ray Caldwell — Ray is a competition BBQ pitmaster, 3x state champion, and certified BBQ judge who has cooked on everything from $80 kettle grills to $4,000 offset smokers. He reviews BBQ gear and accessories based on real pit performance, not spec sheets.