Just thinking about cold smoked meat makes you drool, isn’t it right? Well, it should, who wouldn’t love the satisfying cold smoked dishes made in the comfort of their home?
Cold smoking is a simple way to add that unique and exceptional smoky flavor to your meals.
In contrast to hot smoking, it does not cook food but imparts smoky flavor and color. Cold smoking operates at temperatures less than 85°F. It will allow you to smoke food like salmon and cheese that would spoil if overheated.
The best cold smoke generator will ensure you get optimal cooking results and won’t spoil your food in the process.
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If you want quick recommendations about the best cold smoke generator out there, consider the top three products in the table below to get started.
If you have time, read on!
8 of the Best Cold Smoke Generator
The manufacturers of this cold smoke generator produced it, especially for grill enthusiast who want extended smoking times, and a large smoking container.
The fuel container on the Smoke Daddy Cold Smoke Generator can hold up to six cups of wood chunks and chips, so, you can use this device for up to four hours. This is perfect if you want to cold smoke your food before bed, and get it in the morning.
The large fuel and the smoke volume this cold generator produces makes it the ideal choice if you have a large smoker or a grill as your smoking container.
However, the Smoke Daddy Cold Smoke Generator uses a 1-1/8-inch mounting hole. Therefore, you may need to fashion a tubing system or drill a hole to deliver the smoke.
Many customers have found the Smoke Daddy Cold Smoke Generator easy to install and operate. Also, since it is mounted outside of your container, you can use it as a makeshift hot smoker with a barbecue. To achieve this, set the grill to low heat, and turn on the cold smoke generator. This way, you will achieve the same smoke and heat processing found in a standard hot smoker.
However, this cold smoke generator does not work with pellets or forced-air grills.
- Easy to operate
- Can be used as a hot smoker with a grill
- Smokes up to 4 hours
- Pricey
This cold smoke generator unit from A-MAZE-N is versatile and easy to use. Just fill the stainless steel “maze” with pellet and light it up. That’s all! Then load it with food. With this setup, you will be able to make one of the best-smoked salmon around.
Since this cold smoke generator is powered by pellet, the smoke and heat can last for several hours at every use. Thanks to the maze-like design it comes in, the pellet burns slower, hence its long-lasting smokiness.
Perhaps the most fascinating feature about this cold smoking generator is the straightforward design of the pellet smoker. It is well-made, very efficient, and easy to use. It produces a lot of smokes for an extended period. Regulating it is simple as well.
Load your smoke generator with pellets, light both ends one at a time with a torch, holding the flame pellets until ignition. Allow the pellets to burn until it is glowing hot, and then blow out the flame. Carefully place the smoker in your cooker, and you are ready to cold smoke.
The A-MAZE-N-SMOKER Cold Smoke Generator is lightweight and portable. It provides up to 4 hours of smoke.
However, some customers complained it can make the outdoor grill cook like a smoker pit.
- Maze-like design for effortless loading of pellet
- Can smoke for up to 4 hours
- Can be ignited from both ends
- May turn your outdoor grill to a smoker pit
The LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker comes with a well-balanced design, and it does not require a lot of babysitting during operation.
It is suitable for cold and hot smoking alike and can be used with a variety of wood pellets such as pecan, apple, mesquite, hickory, cherry, and many more.
This cold smoke generator is designed to work in any smoker and grill (gas, charcoal, or electric) and with any smoker. It will give a great flavor to your fish or meat by exposing them to a delicious smell of smoldering wood.
This pellet smoker tube can produce smoke for up to 5 hours making it ideal for both cold and hot smoking of bacon, corn, fruit, nuts, fish, lamb, cheese, chicken, sausages, hot dogs, cured meat, ribs, pork and many more.
The LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker comes in a hexagon shape that allows for efficient diffusion of smoke; therefore, you are guaranteed the best smoking result.
Unlike traditional cold smoke generators that roll around during use, this pellet smoker tube stays in place. Thanks to a solid construct and its hexagonal shape, you will experience the joy of balanced smoking. It is made from stainless steel, easy to clean, and safe to use.
However, some users complained the pellet holder has a small capacity.
- Made from stainless steel
- Easy to clean
- Compatible with many varieties of pellets
- Stays in place during smoking
- Pellet holder has a small capacity.
If you need a cold smoke grill that gives you freedom and convenience, make this unit your product of choice. It is designed to seamlessly add smoky flavor in any smoker or grill while being suitable for both cold and hot smoking.
The A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker comes in a compact size that makes it very easy to transport from your home to a tailgate event, camping, or any BBQ party.
It is made from high-quality stainless steel, making it durable and rust-resistant. Not neglecting the fact that you do not need to drill any holes, fashion a tubing system, or plug in any cords into this cold smoke generator.
Designed to be small, light, and portable; it is super easy to use and clean, and it’s the perfect cold smoke generator for all types of occasions.
The older models were designed to burn sawdust for cold smoking. However, this newer model is designed to burn pellets or sawdust. Load up pellets or sawdust - whichever appeals to you, ignite, and you are good to go.
Although this smoker is initially designed to supplement smoke in an electric smoker, it is equally suitable for grills and smokers of all types.
The A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker is capable of supplying smoke for up to 12 hours. However, the smoke time you can get from this product is dependent on the chips or pellets you are using.
- Can supply up to 12 hours of smoke
- Can use both sawdust and pellet
- Small, light and portable
- Suitable for both hot and cold smoking
- Trouble keeping the Pellet lit
The Smoke Chief Cold Smoke Generator from the smoke chief is designed to be extremely efficient, capable of producing up to three hours’ worth of smoke from combusting a single cup of wood pellets.
Another advantage this product has is the fact that it can accept pellets rather than chunks or chips. It is easier to find a variety of wood pellets on the market.
This cold smoke generator is small. It is deliberately made that way for seamless fitting into your smoking or grilling cabinet with a 3/8-inch hole. This means you do not need to drill a new hole into your BBQ frame. Because it can be mounted to a grill, you can use this product for either hot or cold smoking.
Another fascinating feature about this product is that it can be connected to a standard wall outlet or a 12-volt DC outlet found in most cars. This makes it possible for this cold smoke generator to be used on the go, and for occasions such as tailgating or camping without a generator.
The Smoke Chief Cold Smoke Generator can be used with charcoal grills, pellet grills, smokers, gas grills, and many other outdoor cooking devices. Connect this product to these devices is pretty easy, and setting up requires little effort.
However, it comes with a small pipe that tends to clog quickly.
- Can operate on a standard wall outlet or a 12-volt DC outlet found in most cars
- Accepts wood pellets
- Can produce smoke for up to three hours
- It comes with a small pipe that tends to clog quickly.
Let’s get to know one of the most affordable pellet smoker tubes on the market! Not only is this Lanney tube budget-friendly, but it also shines in quality! No wonder it’s one of Amazon’s best-selling items. Come on, and it’s time we take a closer look.
To begin with, the Lanney pellet smoker tube has an excellent capacity for even airflow! The design follows large diffusion holes so the airflow can go directly into the food you are smoking, creating a better aroma.
The tube features a perforated hexagon design that will offer a longer and better burn for the pellets. The 12 inches large design is enough for a 5-hour burn which is magnificent.
What we appreciate the most about this tube smoke generator is its versatility! You can use various woods such as cherry, apple, hickory, pecan, and other delicious tastes. Plus, the design is compatible with wood chips, so you have another bonus fuel choice.
Yes, you can use this tube for cold smoking, but did you know you can use it for cold smoking as well? That’s right; the Lanney pellet smoker adds a delicate aroma to different types of food ranging from meat to cheeses and many more!
But, nothing would be complete if this pellet smoker tube didn’t fit on all types of grills and smokers. You heard that correctly! The Lanney pellet smoker can hold on charcoal, gas, pellet, and other combo grills of low and slow and slow all sizes and shapes.
- Affordable
- Highly versatile
- Stainless steel design
- Hexagon design
- Requires a lightning torch for pellet ignition
Next up, we have the unique Skoo hexagonal smoking tube. This is another trendy 12’’ tube you will love! If you wish to have a versatile smoking tube, your search is over because the Skoo cold smoke generator is here to save the day.
The versatility of this product comes from its ability to work on practically any grill, a smoker that runs on pellet, charcoal, gas, or any other fuel source. This means you don’t need to splurge and get an additional smokebox! With Skoo tube, you will get the job done on the budget!
The Skoo cold generator tube comes with the perfect grilling accessories kit. You will receive a cleaning brush that is the same length as the generator tube and the hook.
Like most of the generator tubes, this one will provide 5 hours of billowing smoke. Plus, it gives you the option to use a variety of wood chips and pellets.
That being said, you can use this Skoo cold smoke generator tube with applewood, cherry, mesquite, oak, or any other to deliver the rich aroma to meat, fish, veggies, or cheese. The options are limitless, which is one of the main reasons we appreciate this cold smoke generator tube.
Lastly, we should mention the high-quality build of this generator tube. It’s designed from stainless steel, so it’s rust-free and designed to offer you prolonged use.
- Affordable
- Stainless steel
- Versatile use
- Works with both wood chips and pellets
- Low-quality coating
Let’s move on to our next pick, and that is the Lihao pellet smoker tray generator! Yes, the entire concept of smoker trays seems impressive, but is it worth your time and money? It’s time we find out.
For starters, the Lihao pellet smoker tray generator surprised us entirely with the built quality. It’s designed out of stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about decay or rust. However, this does not mean that the tray generator is indestructible. It requires minimal care and maintenance for a long service!
It comes with a 17cm brush so you can clean it better after use! Moreover, the generator is suitable for both BBQ smokers and grills. But, what truly surprised us was that this incredible generator works both with cold and hot smoking so that you can get versatile cooking with one unit.
If you want a space-saving design, then this is the generator you should get. It has a round shape that lets you put more wood sawdust in and reduce space spending!
For those who value ease of use, this model is a top choice! All you should do is fill the smoker with wood pellets and insert it in the BBQ. Simple as that! There is no need to make smoking and grilling hard, especially when this kind of design offers convenience and versatile use!
- Versatile use
- Space-saving design
- Allows you to use more sawdust
- Easy to use
- Suitable for hot and cold smoking
- Tricky to use with pellets
Difference Between Hot and Cold Smoking
The main difference is that the hot smoking cooks your food as well as adds a smoky flavor to tantalize your taste buds.
If you want to smoke raw meat, the cooking process is important. It will help make the meat safe to eat. Oppositely, if you want to smoke food like cheese and sausages, exposing it even to low temperatures will cause the food to melt, spoiling it in the process.
Cold smokers are designed to operate at temperatures below 85°F, so, melting is not an issue.
Most cold smoked food is eaten raw, such as cured sausage or cured fish. It is therefore important to get the temperature right.
Cold smoke generators are specially designed to produce a flame that stays low and cool, placed at a safe distance from the food.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Cold Smoke Generator
The cold smoke generator operates on the principle of creating low-temperature smoke accompanied by little heat. There are salient points to know when making a buying decision.
Here we cover some of the features you should take note of, and how they can affect your cooking process.
1. Smoke Generator Type
There are two variants of cold smoke generators, the electric and non-electric version.
The electric models use an electric heating element that produces just enough heat needed to cause the fuel in the heating chamber to produce smoke.
Electric cold smokers are very easy to operate, they require no matches, and can work with any type of container.
On the other hand, the non-electric variant is designed to be ignited with matches.
They operate by forcing the flame to move through a maze of fuel, which prolongs the smoke-creating burn for more than four hours.
They are a little bit more complicated to operate than the electric models, but they are relatively simple to use and inexpensive.
2. Fuel Source
Wood is a common fuel source for the electric and non-electric cold smoke generators, but the size of the wood each one accepts is different. For instance, some non-electric models require fine bits of wood, such as wood dust or small wood chips.
On the other hand, some electric variant requires larger wood chips or even larger wood pellets.
3. Smoking Time
This is the amount of smoldering time a cold smoke generator is engineered to produce from a full load of fuel.
Some electric cold smoke generators produce only a few hours of smoke from one load of wood. This is enough to optimally smoke most types of food, such as sausages and cheese. Additionally, electric cold smoke generators are designed to be easy to refill if you need the smoke to stay on for a more extended period.
On the other hand, the smoking time of non-electric cold smokers is dependent on their design.
4. Smoking Dimensions
You need to consider the dimension of your cold smoke generator if you plan to place the smoker and your food into the cooking container.
You do not need to worry about this if you select the electric cold smoke generators from this list. That’s because the most electric-powered models come with a mounting system that funnels the smoke from the generator into the container.
If you are buying any of the non-electric models that allow you to set the smoking container with your food, ensure that the dimension of the smoker will fit well inside your intended cooking container.
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FAQs
What is a cold smoke generator used for?
A cold smoke generator is used to cause the fuel in the fire chamber to heat up and create smoke. In this way, they promote better airflow and allow for the meat or any other type of product to achieve a smokey aroma we all love!
Cold smoke generators are available in electric and non-electric models, so you can pick the one that works best for you. Non-electric generators require a match to light up, while electric cold smoke generators are simpler to use as they are easy to start up.
What do you put in a cold smoke generator?
With a cold smoker generator, you can use wood chips, sawdust, or pellet. Depending on the type of aroma you are looking to achieve, you will use different types of wood. Therefore, you can put apples, oak, cherry, or other hardwoods.
However, you should know that pellets burn a lot slower than woodchips, so if you look for a low-and-slow smoking process, go with pellets as a fuel source.
What temperature is cold smoke?
The cold smoking process is usually done at 20-30°C. If you go any higher, you risk ruining the whole process of cold smoking.
Setting a lower temperature, the meat, veggies, or any other produce will achieve a smokey aroma but still retain moisture.
Ensure you treat the meat before using cold smoke, as this process is not used for cooking.
How can I cold smoke without a smoker?
You can achieve cold smoke indoors without a smoker by using this simple method.
Start by wrapping woodchips in aluminum foil (you can use pecan, apple, cherry, etc.) Flip the foil over and poke around 15 holes. In this way, you allow for the airflow to circulate freely.
Once you put the aluminum package in the baking tray, sprinkle ice cubes on top of it. Place a rack on top of it and lay the meat down.
You can place it on the stove and see that in around 20 minutes, the smoke will arise from the foil once the chips are heated up.
Conclusion
We hope you find this guide informative. Cold smoking is pretty easy and can be done at your home. It produces delicious results when done correctly. Cooking with a cold smoke generator is an adventure that you should definitely try.
Our top-rated cold smoke generator is the Smoke Daddy Cold Smoke Generator. It is easy to set up and can be used as a makeshift hot smoker with a barbecue. You can load up to six cups of wood chunks and chips on the fuel container. This cold smoke generator gives you up to four hours of smoking time.
Have you tried cold smoking? How did it go? Do you have any unresolved question? We would love to hear how did it go for you, so leave your comments below!
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Its a details article about this product, Nicely describe.