How to Use Wood Pellets on a Gas Grill – 4 Simple Methods

Steps for Using a Smoker Tube With Wood Pellets

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Grill

Preheat the grill and then set it up for indirect cooking, with one or two burners on and the others off.

Step 2: Fill the Smoking Tube

Load your smoking tube with the wood pellets. If you want a smokier result, you can even use two tubes at once!

Step 3: Light the Pellets

Using a propane torch or a long lighter, light one end of the smoking tube for about a minute until the pellets catch fire. Allow it to burn for a few minutes, then blow out the flames. The pellets should smolder and produce smoke.

Step 4: Position the Smoking Tube

Place the smoking tube directly on the grill grates, ideally near the heat source but not directly over it. If your grill has multiple burners, position the tube over a burner set to low or turned off, and use the other burners to regulate the grill’s temperature.

Step 5: Adjust the Grill’s Temperature:

With the smoking tube in place, adjust the temperature of your grill to your desired cooking level. The smoking tube will produce smoke even at low temperatures, perfect for slow cooking and smoking.

Step 6: Cook Your Food:

Once you see a consistent stream of smoke coming from the tube, place your food over the unlit burners for indirect cooking. As it cooks, it will absorb the smoky flavors from the pellets.

Step 7: Monitor and Refill as Needed:

A fully loaded smoking tube can produce smoke for several hours, but depending on your cooking duration, you might need to refill it. If so, use heat-resistant gloves to handle the tube.

Once you’re done cooking, turn off the grill and let the smoking tube burn out on its own.