Smoke Tubes will not stay lit / or smoke.

[HotSpringsBBQ]

I am curious if people have recommendations to keep smoke tubes lit ( smoldering and producing smoke ) more than 30 min at a time. Im in a dry environment and the wood chips are dry. I am using 100% wood chips and light the chips with a torch and let it flame for 30 sec. The chips always die after 20-30 min. Any recommendations to fix this. I dont pack the tubes very tight, I am wondering if this could cause it. Will adding pellets or changing the tube location to get more air make a difference. Thank you.

 

[arthurdent]

I light the chips 2 to 3 inches below their initial level. That starting bidirectional fire seem to work or me.

 

[Slimpicker]

I am using 100% wood chips

That's the problem if you ask me... I wouldn't use even 50% wood chips, more like 70/30 pellets to chips... it'll stay lit then.

 

[GrillMeister]

I used a mixture and light it with a MAPP torch and let it burn for several minutes like a candle before blowing it out and placing it in the Traeger. I will check on it in 30 minutes and if not smoldering, will hit it with the MAPP torch again.

They always burn through.

 

[JayHog]

I am curious if people have recommendations to keep smoke tubes lit ( smoldering and producing smoke ) more than 30 min at a time. Im in a dry environment and the wood chips are dry. I am using 100% wood chips and light the chips with a torch and let it flame for 30 sec. The chips always die after 20-30 min. Any recommendations to fix this. I dont pack the tubes very tight, I am wondering if this could cause it. Will adding pellets or changing the tube location to get more air make a difference. Thank you.

I use about 90% wood chips and just fill in with pellets. If you pack them in tight, it should last 3-4 hours. I use a steel rod or large kabob rod to pack them in tight. You will get a lot more wood chips in the tubes if you pack them in. I put some chips in, add a few pellets, then pack them down. Repeat.

Also, I let it burn about 5 to 10 minutes. It gets a good bit of burn going. If you use too many pellets, you take away real smoke flavor. Pellets have no flavor compared to wood chips.

 

[HotSpringsBBQ]

Thanks everyone for your replies, good info, i will try this, thanks !

 

[BobbyQ]

I haven't tried chips yet but I'm planning on using some on my next cook. With pellets only I usually light a good 2-3 inches worth with a propane torch and let it burn for 10 minutes. I also found it helps to prop the tube up at an angle because laying it down flat causes the pellets to separate.

 

[Georgia George]

In another smoker I would soak the wood overnight. I suggest you put pellets on the botto, get them burning and add wet wood above.

 

[chillerman]

I am curious if people have recommendations to keep smoke tubes lit ( smoldering and producing smoke ) more than 30 min at a time. Im in a dry environment and the wood chips are dry. I am using 100% wood chips and light the chips with a torch and let it flame for 30 sec. The chips always die after 20-30 min. Any recommendations to fix this. I dont pack the tubes very tight, I am wondering if this could cause it. Will adding pellets or changing the tube location to get more air make a difference. Thank you.

I use pellets and a hot air gun. See the attached link.

how to use a smoke tube in a pellet - Search Videos

www.bing.com