AMNPS or Tube Smoker?

[Sitty89]

I recently bought a pellet smoker (Pit Boss Austin XL) and am not getting the smoke flavor I want. Everyone talks about the tube smoker, which I am all about, but I already have an AMNPS from my MES days. I have used the AMNPS in the smoker for ribs and pork butt, but I don’t think I got good smoke flavor. So, my question is, would there be a difference between using a tube smoker? I see some info online that says the tube is best, but it isn’t necessarily a comparison of the two. Any help is really appreciated.

 

[pc farmer]

The tube puts out more smoke and works better in a low oxygen environment. So I think the tray wont work in you pellet smoker. You would need to use the tube.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

What PC said above. Tube works better in low oxygen like propane or pellet rigs. Good luck!

 

[Sitty89]

So even though I was able to get the AMNPS to burn for the entire smoke, it still won’t be as good?

 

[zwiller]

If it works, use it! Not sure what you mean by "not a good flavor". Too much/not enough. I found pellets to be a bit course and am preferring dust so if AMNPS + pellets end up too smokey, try dust. Alternately, the tube puts out more smoke, so if the tray isn't smokey enough for you grab a tube.

 

[browneyesvictim]

That depends on what your expectations are. Are you you saying you are not getting enough smoke flavor?

 

[Sitty89]

Yeah, not enough smoke flavor at all. Extremely disappointing.

 

[browneyesvictim]

I dont think its a tube vs tray thing... This is a common complaint from a lot of folks using a pellet smoker like you. First of all, try using 100% smoke wood pellets in your tray rather than pellet cooker pellets that you run your pellet smoker with. Don't get fooled by the marketing labeling on the bag! Most pellet smoker pellets will usually be a mix with either alder or oak. Pellet smokers are burning the pellets higher temp for the the BTU's which create less smoke. In the tray/tube you aren't burning the pellets per se' but rather "smoldering" them for the smoke.

I'm a HUGE fan of Amazens pellets. (same company as the tray) Many flavors to choose from!

 

[Sitty89]

Thanks for this. I first used Pit Boss Competition pellets and am now using Lumberjack Apple. I also have a bag of Lumberjack Hickory ready to go. I smoked 2 pork butts with the Lumberjack Apple and just didn’t get enough smoke. I used the AMNPS as well. Just need more smoke!

I dont think its a tube vs tray thing... This is a common complaint from a lot of folks using a pellet smoker like you. First of all, try using 100% smoke wood pellets in your tray rather than pellet cooker pellets that you run your pellet smoker with. Don't get fooled by the marketing labeling on the bag! Most pellet smoker pellets will usually be a mix with either alder or oak. Pellet smokers are burning the pellets higher temp for the the BTU's which create less smoke. In the tray/tube you aren't burning the pellets per se' but rather "smoldering" them for the smoke.

I'm a HUGE fan of Amazens pellets. (same company as the tray) Many flavors to choose from!

 

[mike243]

I run my Austin on smoke for 2-4 hours and also use a tube, when it hits about 140 not much more smoke will penetrate but i keep throwing it to it, After my set time for smoke and also set the P setting to 5-6 in order to make bigger temp swings for more smoke while in smoke mode, then kick it up to what temp you normally cook at, I have had mine over a year and love it even though the smoke is lighter

 

[BigW.]

Try the Hickory. I also use Lumberjack and have pretty good luck. If that doesn't work try another flavor. They have several blends. Hickory and Apple are my usual. I can't see a tube producing any different smoke than a tray if same pellets are used.

 

[bregent]

I use Lumberjack 100% hickory in my pellet grill and don't need any additional smoke - but everyone is different and you may still not be satisfied.

Prior to switching to hickory I tried running the tube for additional smoke but didn't care for the flavor it imparted. Many others are happy with supplemental smoke from the tube, while some say it adds nothing. Only way to know for sure is try it yourself.

Since you are able to keep the AMNPS lit in your rig, have you tried lighting both ends?

 

[Sitty89]

I did not try lighting both ends on the AMNPS. I thought about it, but the Austin XL is new to me and I am trying to get things dialed in.

I ordered the tube. Just hoping it makes some kind of difference. Fairly cheap experiment.

I use Lumberjack 100% hickory in my pellet grill and don't need any additional smoke - but everyone is different and you may still not be satisfied.

Prior to switching to hickory I tried running the tube for additional smoke but didn't care for the flavor it imparted. Many others are happy with supplemental smoke from the tube, while some say it adds nothing. Only way to know for sure is try it yourself.

Since you are able to keep the AMNPS lit in your rig, have you tried lighting both ends?

 

[mike243]

Just remember, lower the temp the more smoke will roll, that's why you set the P setting higher while your on smoke mode, try 5-6 but be advised you could have a flame out if set higher,I haven't temped fate and run past 6 for any length of time but I have on 6 with no problems

 

[Bearcarver]

I did not try lighting both ends on the AMNPS. I thought about it, but the Austin XL is new to me and I am trying to get things dialed in.

I ordered the tube. Just hoping it makes some kind of difference. Fairly cheap experiment.

The Tray is Awesome for small smokers (like MES) @ low altitudes.
Your smoker may be a little big for the tray, so I would think the Tube would be better. You don't list where you live, so I don't know what your altitude is.
You could also try lighting both ends of the Tray if your smoker is too big.
Also if it isn't smoky enough, but you're getting plenty of Smoke, try 100% Hickory Pellets.

Bear

 

[Sitty89]

Thank you for your help and thank you especially for your service.

I am in the Pittsburgh area if that helps.

The Tray is Awesome for small smokers (like MES) @ low altitudes.
Your smoker may be a little big for the tray, so I would think the Tube would be better. You don't list where you live, so I don't know what your altitude is.
You could also try lighting both ends of the Tray if your smoker is too big.
Also if it isn't smoky enough, but you're getting plenty of Smoke, try 100% Hickory Pellets.

Bear