How to Design the Cold Smoker

That old bbq grill is a perfect container for your new cold smoker.

Cold smokers are ideal for making delicately smoked foods such as cheddar cheese or Scottish-style salmon. Cold smoking is different from hot smoking in that the process takes much longer and is performed at a lower temperature, typically around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The materials you can use to make a cold smoker are nearly endless; common household items often used include: refrigerators, trash cans, old barbecue grills, water coolers and even cardboard boxes.

Things You'll Need

• Soldering iron
• Tin can
• Large container
• Thermometer

Instructions

1. Remove the label and any glue from an old, tin can. Keep the top of the can partially attached so that it can be closed again.

2. Cut a hole in the top of the can just large enough to insert the tip of the soldering iron.

3. Fill the can between two-thirds and three-quarters full with your favorite smoking wood, such as apple, hickory, mesquite, oak, maple or some other fruit wood.

4. Place the tip of the soldering iron in the can and turn on the soldering iron. Make sure the soldering iron is clean. It is preferable to use a new soldering iron for cold smoking.

5. Place the soldering iron and the can in a large container that can accommodate your food and will seal well. A clean, metal trash can or a barbecue grill are both good choices.

6. Monitor the temperature of your smoking device using a thermometer. The point of cold smoking is to add flavor and preserve the meat through a slow cooking process. If the temperature gets too high, your food will overcook and dry out.

7. Add wood to the can every few hours or when it appears to be used up.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more-professional cold smoker, create a separate smoke box and use a dryer duct and a small fan to blow the smoke into your food chamber.

• Make sure your container does not contain any type of material that could melt during the cooking process and add bad flavor and dangerous chemicals to your food.

References

• NickDawson.net: DIY: Trash Can Cold Smoker
• Smoker Cooking.com: Meat Smokers
• The Texas Bbq Forum: Cold Smoker
• Smoke Daddy: Smoke Daddy Cold Smoke Generator

Resources

• YouTube: Build a Cold Smoker
• Smoking Meat Forums: Cardboard Box Cold Smoker