A-Maze-N Products 12 inch Tube Smoker - Helpful Traeger Modifications

A-Maze-N Products 12 inch Smoke Tube

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I have the A-Maze-N Products 12 inch Smoke Tube. I sometimes use it to add extra smoke during a cook.  It worked real well when I made, ribs, Pulled pork, corn beef, Pork Loin and Pineapple.  I have never used it for cold smoking but some people have.  The first few times I used the Tube smoker it was hit or miss if would stay lit.  I have found by placing the opening towards the front of the grill once it was smoking I could push the pellets in with a metal poker and keep it burning (smoking).

I received the A-Maze-N Products 12 inch Tube Smoker as a present.  It seems to be the most popular one used on the Traeger Facebook user group pages.  Other people have talked about a Char Broil Tube smoker at target for 1/2 the price.

I use an inexpensive heat gun that I purchased at harbor freight to light my tube smoker.  I found this YouTube video very helpful when learning to light my smoker, 

How to Light your Tube Smoker

 

Front Shelf - Helpful Traeger Modifications

Fold Down Front Shelf

The front shelf by Traeger was the very first mod I did.  No real explanation needed I find it comes in real handy.  I wish this version had a bottom shelf and side shelf option but you make do with what you have,

Fire Bricks - Helpful Traeger Modifications

Fire Bricks Surround the FireBox 

Fire Bricks

The Fire bricks help maintain the Temperature especially when you open the grill,  In the winter time the Firebreaks insulate the bottom of the Grill while the insulation blanket insulates the top meaning a more steady temperature and lower pellet use,  But even in warmer temperatures because the Fire bricks retain the heat and temperature swings are much smaller.

Traeger with Insulation Blanket Window Grilling

Traeger Junior Rack - Helpful Traeger Modifications

Traeger Junior Rack

Double Decker Cooking

I love my extra rack.  It virtually doubles the size of my Junior.  It allows me to cook twice as much food with the same number of  pellats.  It also saves time because I can do 1 batch instead of 2 or 2 batches instead of 4 .....   It is a high quality product that I highly recommend.  You can get your extra rack by clicking the link http://www.barbieqt.com/product-p/jr55.htm.  You can also use this rack in larger grills to get extra space.

Traeger Grill Premium Nomex Gasket, self stick Helpful Traeger Modifications

Traeger Grill Premium Nomex Gasket, self stick 

Traeger Grill Premium Nomex Gasket, self stick was another Modification I did to help seal the Grill.  It works great but when you are using a leave in temperature probe it defeats the purpose of the gasket.  But on long cooks like pulled pork or Brisket, you don't even need to probe until 6 or more hours in.   Click here to see on Amazon

Ortech Digital Temperature Controller - Helpful Traeger Modifications

Ortech Digital Temperature Controller

When I first got my Traeger it had a very simple Temperature controller with only 3 settings, low medium and High.  I wanted a Digital Temperature Controller because I wanted the ability to set grill temperatures.  It has multiple settings Off, smoke, 180, 225, 250...375, High

I added the Ortech Digital Temperature Controller model Tr-100  because it is a good Controller at a reasonable price.  It has a  dial for P-Settings a feature not found in the Traeger Digital Temperature Controller.  The Ortech controller automatically does a shutdown cycle whenever you turn the grill off. 

Grill Grates - Helpful Traeger Modifications

Grill Grates - Helpful Traeger Modifications

While not technically a Traeger Modification the Grill grates are an amazing addition to my Traeger.  They allow me to get an amazing sear on steaks and chops and they do concentrate the heat and get hotter then the Grill does by themselves.  I use them mainly for things I want to cook at high temperatures steaks, burgers and chicken.  I have also used them just to reverse sear steaks, Burgers and pork chops. Click here for Grill Grates

See the below YouTube video on the Reverse Sear Method

Insulation blanket - Helpful Traeger Modifications

I purchased The Traeger Insulation Blanket on sale during the Thanksgiving sale Period,  I have Grilled in Weather below zero with the windchill.  It maintained the temperature well and burned less pellets.  I also have the Bottom of My grill lined with fire bricks