With the help of smoking, they increase the shelf life of food and improve the taste parameters of meat, fish, and vegetables. This article talks about how to make a smoke generator for cold smoking with your own hands. Drawings, videos, examples of successful projects and step-by-step instructions will help you implement the project quickly, accurately, and without extra costs.
Read in the article:
What is a smokehouse smoke generator: basic definitions and problem statement
Cold smoking technology involves long-term exposure of the original products to the smoke of smoldering wood. This process destroys bacteria and blocks decomposition processes. At the same time, this treatment imparts a specific taste and smell.
The limited temperature range (+16°C to +36°C) allows moisture to be removed slowly. Using a gentle regimen helps preserve structure, healthy vitamins, and fat. Depending on the size of the pieces and other factors, the process may take several days. The information provided will be useful in creating a list of requirements for suitable equipment:
- It is necessary to create enough large quantity smoke so that smoking is quick.
- To maintain optimal temperature conditions, you need to consider a cooling system.
- The duration of the procedure forces the use of autonomous equipment that performs its functions without careful control.
To reduce costs, consider creating a cold-smoked smokehouse with a smoke generator with your own hands.
The device of a smoke generator for cold smoking, which you can make yourself
The figure shows a chamber (1), in which products are placed on hangers for subsequent processing. Sawdust (3) is poured into a firebox of a suitable size, made of a sufficiently strong, heat-resistant material. The draft adjustment here is organized using a blower (7). The compressor (6) supplies fresh air through a flexible hose (5) and pipe (4). The container is closed on top with a lid. Therefore, the smoke is directed through the connecting tube (2) into the smoking chamber.
Ejector
- the volume of the combustion area increases. The likelihood of solid fuel fading is reduced;
- In this option it is easier to ensure slow smoldering. Consequently, you will have to replenish your firewood supply less often;
- The upper location of the ejector with forced air supply creates sufficient thrust. Additional smoke filtration with a backfill layer will be useful;
- lower - contributes to the entry of large particles into the chimney, forcing it to increase its length to reduce operating temperature in the smoking chamber;
- proximity to a heated area reduces the service life of the pipe and increases the risk of damage to welded joints.
Compressor for smoke generator
This connection of the compressor minimizes the thermal impact on the ejector, which extends the service life of the unit. At the same time, sufficient air flow is ensured to supply smoke to the food processing area.
Smoking chamber
The figure shows an example of a factory smoking chamber. It is easy to guess that such functions are quite capable of being performed by old refrigerator. While maintaining optimal temperature conditions, the components of its structure will not be damaged. Typical rubber seals will perform their direct functions. Built-in guides and grids are useful for placing food items.
Various projects and schemes for creating a cold smoked smoke generator with your own hands
How to make a simple smoke generator from an electric stove with your own hands
The power regulator allows you to set optimal mode heating Wood chips are poured into an old saucepan to create a homemade smoke generator for cold smoking without a compressor.
Fasteners are screwed into the walls and the mesh is fixed. Products for processing are hung on hooks. After starting, close the top hole with a suitable sheet of heat-resistant material.
For your information! The barrel is cleaned of paint and other contaminants before use. Rust particles, unlike combustion products of petrochemical compounds, are not dangerous.
Such a smoke generator for cold smoking is capable of performing its functions on one load of firewood for 4-6 hours, no more. It consumes electricity. In this option it is difficult to ensure optimal temperature regime. Operational performance adjustment is difficult. Despite the significant shortcomings, the low cost and simplicity of the design are attractive. On summer cottage With proper preparation, you can install functional equipment in literally 20-30 minutes.
Smoke generator from fire extinguisher
To make such a smoke generator with your own hands, you need to find a suitable fire extinguisher with a metal body. You can take possession of an expired product completely free of charge.
After removing the powder and washing, 2-3 holes with a diameter of 8-12 mm are drilled at a height of 40-60 mm from the bottom. Fall asleep sawdust. A tee with pipes is screwed into the standard cover.
A failed heater was removed from this equipment. The step switch allows only two speed modes. Connection - to 220 V network.
How to use an aquarium compressor to create a smoke generator
The photo shows a steel chimney with a tee (1). The aquarium compressor (3) forces air through a flexible hose (2). Sawdust is poured into the combustion chamber (5). The smoldering process is activated by flame gas burner(4). In this version " weak link"is a cute instant coffee jar. The largest container does not hold more than 250 g, so the working volume is small. You have to frequently replenish the supply of sawdust. Thin walls are deformed by an open flame and quickly become unusable.
To eliminate the listed disadvantages, the smoke generator firebox can be made on the basis of a steel square Smoke generator stove for cold smoking
The examples listed above demonstrated the features of collapsible structures. If necessary, any of them can be disassembled into its component parts and moved to a warehouse for long-term storage. However, if you have free space in your summer cottage, you can install a stationary cold-smoked smokehouse with a smoke generator with your own hands. At correct calculation can be provided high performance industrial level processing.
Compressors for the smoke generator of a cold smokehouse
This decision is explained not only by the reasonable cost of products that are produced in large series. Equipment in this category is designed for long-term use without close supervision. For household use, when working with cold smoking technology, it will be enough to choose a model with a capacity of 4 to 12 l/min. If missing electrical adjustment performance, install required level possible using a standard throttle. It is also permissible to clamp the flexible tube as necessary and fix it in an acceptable position.
It is not difficult to make such a compressor for a smoke generator with your own hands. We need to take a workable one computer fan, secure it in the hole at the bottom of a plastic bottle of suitable capacity. A hole is made in the lid. To connect a flexible hose, glue it to it plastic pipe. The speed is controlled by a variable resistor in the power circuit. Electric motors low power can be connected to batteries (accumulators).
Select a container of suitable volume. The operation of the supercharger is adjusted according to pressure levels using a special relay. Pressure gauges are installed for control. To drain the accumulated condensate, a tap is cut into the bottom. The safety valve will prevent excessive pressure build-up.
A primitive fan for a smoke generator operates constantly, and this installation is turned on as needed. For a productivity of 4-5 l/min, you can choose a storage tank with a volume of 8-12 liters. This is enough for 8-12 minutes of battery life.
How to make a smoke generator for cold smoking with your own hands: drawings, videos, step-by-step instructions, important nuances
To create the right smoke generator for cold smoking, you must ensure:
- ease of loading;
- speed of ignition;
- cleaning smoke from condensate;
- performance adjustment;
- ease of care.
To simplify the task, you can study in detail the current installation and recommendations of the project author:
| Photo | Step-by-step instructions with explanations |
 | This homemade smoke generator for a cold smoked smokehouse is equipped with an effective cleaning system. Condensation collects in a plastic bottle attached to the bottom. An intermediate tank is installed in front of the ejector. Partitions are installed inside it, which accelerate heat removal and retain drops of moisture. |
 | To get started, open plastic cover, alder chips are poured to the middle of the volume of the working chamber. Such raw materials can be purchased inexpensively or prepared yourself. |
 | A compact compressor with electronic speed control is connected to the inlet pipe of the ejector. Close the lid and ignite the wood chips with an open flame through the hole in the lower part of the working chamber. |
 | This installation begins to perform its functions literally a few seconds after ignition. The intensity of the smoke formation process is determined by changing the speed of the compressor drive. After a practical test of the installation’s functionality, we’ll figure out the manufacturing algorithm. |
 | The figure explains several important principles. In the red zone the temperature reaches 1400°C. In addition to aromatic components, the output smoke contains resins, soot, and other harmful components. If the chimney is long, it functions as a filter. |
 | The compact design must be equipped with an element that performs cleaning. To select suitable sizes homemade smoke generator For a cold smoked smokehouse, you can use the proportions shown in the diagram. The values of the top line correspond to the parameters of the standard tin can for canned fruits. |
 | Schematic diagram of the block. Pay attention to the outlet part in the firebox. There is a reflector installed there that directs the smoke upward. This solution allows you to retain heavy mechanical particles at the final stage of cleaning. |
 | In the main filter block, barriers are made of tin covers. Through the triangular cutouts, the smoke passes along a given path with swirls in the central part. Temperature drops. Resins and other impurities flow into a plastic storage bottle. |
 | The main containers of the smoke generator for the smokehouse are made by hand from tin cans. The large camera is made up of two elements, which are fastened with a standard car clamp. When the volume increases, an ash pan is installed below. For compact designs, as in this example, such an addition is not necessary. |
 | The resulting smoke mixture enters the tee. The attached screw cap is needed to connect a plastic bottle. This unit can be loosened to create additional air suction. This technique is used to reduce smoke concentration and increase the efficiency of the filtration process. |
 | The photo shows the design of the cleaning unit (direction from top to bottom): cover with ejector; partition No. 1 with slots; lattice support; partition No. 2; lattice support; partition No. 3. All components are pressed by a spring, which is cut from a tin can. |
 | The plastic lid provides a good seal. The temperature in this part is low, so the product will not be damaged. For additional protection There is a metal plate attached to the bottom side. She also performs the functions power frame to connect the ejector. |
 | This photo shows a mains-powered fan. For mobility, the author of the project uses a modification with a rechargeable battery. |
This video shows the process of assembling a factory smoke generator for cold smoking.
Cooking smoked foods is not only a tasty result, but also interesting process requiring creativity, skills and experience. Many people do not want to buy ready-made smoking systems, so they decide to create a smoke generator with their own hands. At first glance, this may seem like a rather difficult task, but in reality it is not. If you have the desire and a small list of materials and tools, you can build it yourself excellent installation for smoking, with the help of which the taste of the holidays will take on completely new shades.
Interestingly, smoked products can be useful not only for direct consumption at holidays held in nature. Smoking is also known as an excellent preservation method. Products processed in this way (meat, lard, fish) can perfectly retain their beneficial and taste qualities over a long period of time. This is why many people often want to get a smoke generator for a smokehouse so that they can use it to prepare food for storage.
Before getting down to work, it is recommended to understand what the unit in question is. A smoke generator is a device that creates a directed stream of smoke that appears during the combustion of fuel, which in most cases is firewood. The approximate structure of a typical fog generator looks like this:
- The device must have an inlet for the flow of smoke emanating from the combusted fuel.
- A connection is supplied to it through which air is supplied at high pressure. It is created through the use of a compressor.
- Under the influence of the compressor, a stream of smoke rushes to another part of the device and exits into the smokehouse.
A smoke generator for smoking is a small cylindrical device whose task is to distill smoke from burning wood into the smokehouse. The device is completely simple and easy to manufacture; its construction does not require large expenses and the use of complex tools.
The peculiarity of this type of device is its very high PDC value. Since the smoke follows the air flow from the compressor (which should not be too large), there is practically no loss of useful working substance. Anything can be used as a reservoir for smoke distillation:
- body of an old fire extinguisher;
- an old aluminum milk can;
- non-working thermos.
The best option would be to use steel pipe with a diameter of approximately 8–10 centimeters and a length of no more than half a meter. If the smoke is too long, it will lose its temperature and speed, dissipate and lead to ineffective operation of the device.
Manufacturing Basics
In general terms, the process of creating a smoke generator with a steel pipe looks like this:
- First, it is closed on both sides with plugs. On one side, you can weld the pipe tightly, but on the other, leave a tight lid through which fuel for combustion will be loaded into the installation.
- In one side on the side (where the fuel will lie) it is done big hole(rectangular or round), through which firewood and wood chips should be ignited.
- A hole is made on the other side of the pipe and a pipe is connected to it. It is needed to supply air under pressure from the compressor, due to which the smoke will be drawn out of the device and supplied to the right place.
In order for a smoke generator for a smokehouse created in this way to work well, you need to place the outlet pipe for the working substance in the optimal position. It is recommended that it be located above the combustion zone, as this will help overcome several significant negative effects:
- The size of the combustion chamber will not be limited in height; it will be possible to store a larger amount of chips or firewood.
- Rapid combustion of fuel due to too much draft.
- Regulating the draft with a pipe located above the combustion level will be much easier and more efficient.
- Unburned wood chips get into the pipe, which may cause it to become clogged and require cleaning.
- The working life of the nozzle will be significantly reduced if it is located in the combustion zone.
Constant exposure to high-temperature flames contributes to rapid wear of the material and loss of its performance and strength characteristics. If you follow these recommendations, the owner will definitely have an excellent smoke generator with his own hands, capable of working for a long time and bringing benefits to its owner.
Simple DIY smoke generator
To make good device, with which you can cold smoke food, you need very little material and available tools. An ordinary steel pipe with a diameter of 10 cm will make an excellent combustion chamber. On one side it should have a welded part, on the other - an opening lid. On the side of the welded part, a small hole is made to ignite the fuel; on the side of the lid, a hole is made to connect the pipe, through which the smoke will be directed into the smokehouse.
Others should also be made key components installations.
Compressor
A smoke generator for a smokehouse does not require a high-power compressor. Here it is enough to use the simplest device with a power of only 4–5 W. Such compressors are actively used for aquariums. Their cost is low, and their operating efficiency is quite sufficient to create a fully functional smoke generator.
For those who want to save money here and create their own compressor, there are also options, and here is one of them. To implement it you will need a regular computer fan and plastic bottle for five liters. The compressor development process is as follows:
- You need to cut out the bottom of the bottle and insert a PC cooler into the hole. You can secure it with self-tapping screws or pieces of regular wire.
- You need to attach a hose where the bottle cap is screwed on.
- It is important to do this in such a way that the connection is airtight, otherwise its operation may be in doubt.
That's all. The homemade compressor is ready and the smoking installation will become even more budget-friendly.
Smoking chamber
It is important to think over the design of the smokehouse itself, where the products that need to be processed will be located. Anything can serve as the required reservoir:
- a rectangular box with a door welded from metal sheets;
- old metal barrel.
If you have a useless, non-working old refrigerator lying around your household, it will be ideal as a smokehouse. To blow smoke into this device, you can simply lead a hose to it from the nozzle.
Important nuances
In order for a smoke generator for a smokehouse to function as it should, you need to carefully consider some of the features of its operation. This primarily concerns such things as adjusting the combustion draft, collecting ash and combating unwanted condensation.
In the simple design of a smoking generator, one significant problem can arise - it is difficult to regulate the intensity of the combustion process. The main options for influencing this parameter are: adjusting the power of the compressor and installing a so-called blower. The first option is often impossible, since the system will use the simplest or homemade compressor. All that remains is to spend some effort on the construction of the blower.
Making a smoke generator with your own hands, the best way adjusting the draft will create a damper of variable area. This is done like this:
- A hole is made in the lower part of the steel pipe body (smoke generator body) and a short piece of pipe is welded to it.
- In this pipe you need to make two parallel holes into which a steel rod will be inserted.
- A round or square plate should be made for the rod itself (depending on the pipe used for the blower) and installed inside the structure.
Now the draft in the device is adjustable - you just need to turn the rod in the blower, increasing or decreasing the level of opening of the plate.
Additional settings
If you plan to use the smokehouse regularly, then it would be useful to provide an ash pan so that periodically, without extra effort, remove residues after burned fuel. You can make it from a little pipe larger diameter than that used in the device, with a door mounted on the side. Between the combustion chamber and the ash pans there is a metal mesh through which the ash falls down and is periodically removed.
When you need to use the smokehouse in the cold season, you will have to face the problem of condensation in the pipe. This can be worked around as follows. The pipe, instead of running perpendicular to the body of the device, is lowered to the ground, where a pair of tubes are welded to it:
Smoke generator with ash pan
- one faces down and removes condensed liquid from the device;
- the other rises up again and passes the smoke further into the smokehouse.
When planning to make a smoke generator with your own hands, it is recommended to think about this point in advance. Cold smoke will easily rise up the tube and enter the product processing chamber, and residual moisture will simply flow down the lower tube into the provided container and will not create any problems.
Making a smoke generator from an electric stove
For those who do not like complex decisions, there are always simpler options. The most basic smoke generator can be made with your own hands using a simple electric stove. It is done like this:
- A metal container (which will no longer be needed on the household) with sawdust poured into it is placed on the electric stove.
- A wide metal “body” is installed on top of the tiles, for example, from a barrel without a bottom or top.
- At the top of the barrel, a primitive fastening is created for placing products (tensioned wire, crossed rods, etc.).
- The stove turns on and smoke begins to emit.
Smoking takes approximately 3–4 hours. The advantages of the method are that there are no problems in manufacturing a smoking cabinet; the entire design is extremely simple and very cheap.
If you are going to make a smoke generator for smoking with my own hands, then there is nothing complicated about it. It is enough to stock up on a small supply of material, a steel pipe, and also welding machine and the idea will come to life in a matter of hours.
The device responsible for the formation of smoke in the smoking chamber is usually called a smoke generator. Its operating principle is simple: electric heaters inside the device cause the sawdust there to smolder, producing thick smoke. Special thermostats allow you to control the smoke formation process,, if necessary, reduce smoke flows and perform high-quality smoking of products.
Today there are a lot of devices for smoking products. People have learned to produce smoky products using many homemade devices, including smokehouses with smoke generators. This is the most environmentally friendly method of food processing. During the smoking process, natural thick smoke removes all harmful microorganisms and bacteria from meat or fish. The shelf life of such food is increased, and the taste is enhanced.
Valuable smoke smoke can be obtained thanks to a good smoke generator, which forms the basis of cold smoking. During the process of heating sawdust and its oxygen-free smoldering, the device creates smoke that enters the smoking chamber. Working in automatic mode, the device greatly simplifies the smoking process. The result of his work is very aromatic and no less tasty smoked products, which you can always enjoy if you only have a smoke generator for a cold smoked smokehouse in your household.
Cold smoking is the processing of products with smoke at a temperature of 19 to 25°C. This process can last many hours, or even several days. Immediately before smoking, the products are salted and treated with seasonings.
You can delight yourself and your friends more often with delicacies from the smokehouse by making a smoke generator with your own hands for your home smokehouse.
Externally, the device is a small vacuum box with switches, a receiving hole for sawdust and a small pipe at the top for removing smoke. Inside the box there is a limiter that dispenses sawdust entering the heating element. There is also a container for ash and a control device that is responsible for the temperature of the smoke and the supply of sawdust. This device is initially programmed for an acceptable mode in which the heating element provides a stable temperature necessary for sawdust smoldering, in order to avoid their ignition.
Characteristics of the smoke generator
Considering that a smoke generator is a device that requires quite a long time of operation, it is logical if it consumes a little electrical energy. As a rule, a smoke generator for a smokehouse consumes up to 4 kW per day after the heating element reaches the required smoking temperature and turns off. In this case, the power of the heating element is 1 kW. The device is powered from a 220 V outlet.
The sawdust hopper has a standard volume of 1.5 kg. This amount is enough to carry out continuous smoking for 1.5 days. Provided that the chamber volume is 1 m 3, the smoke generator will provide the products with thick smoke and high-quality smoking.
DIY smoke generator
The main function that a smoke generator performs in a smokehouse can be explained this way: imagine a person smoking in a car with an open window. As you remember, all the smoke is pulled out thanks to fast air currents that discharge the air and pull the smoke out of the cabin. Smoke generators work on the same principle.
At the same time, such a device has one undeniable advantage: you no longer need to constantly be near the smokehouse in order to add sawdust. The volume of the smoke generator receiving chamber is sufficient for 24-hour continuous operation of the device. That is, once you add sawdust, you can forget about the smokehouse for a day.
It is not at all difficult to assemble a simple device for smoking food with your own hands; it all depends on the technical capabilities of the manufacturer and the assembly options for the main container, ejector and air pump.
Assembling the parts of a homemade smoke generator:
- Main container. We are talking about the combustion chamber, where the sawdust will directly smolder. The smaller the volume of this container, the faster the sawdust will burn in it, and you will need to add raw materials again.
- Therefore, in order to make a container, use any fireproof container: be it a thermos or an unnecessary used fire extinguisher. The most suitable container sizes: pipe diameter – 8-10 cm, length – 40-50 cm;
- Make a hole with a diameter of 10 mm at the bottom of the future reception area. It is necessary to connect the compressor with oxygen and maintain the combustion process;
- make the upper part vacuum so that there is no air leakage.
- Ejector.
- assembly of this main part of the generator can be done using various metal tubes and any of their connections: by welding, soldering, or ordinary thread;
- Place the ejector at the top or bottom of the main container. The pictures show the upper and lower location of the ejector.
Ejector at the bottom of the smoke generator.
- Suitable for small smokehouse chamber. In view of their design features the lower ejector often fades; for this it is necessary to limit the height of the combustion chamber. Thus, the operating time of the smoke generator in continuous mode is reduced. The lower location of the tube does not provide natural draft in the smokehouse due to the fact that the smokehouse and the receiving container are at the same level. As a result, when the pump is turned off, smoke stops flowing into the smokehouse. Such inconveniences can be avoided by installing the ejector at the top of the loading chamber, as shown in the following figure.
- Pump (compressor).
- Raw materials for smoking.
- Wood can be used to create dense smoke different varieties, except pine, spruce, and other evergreens. Such sawdust will cause bitterness in products;
- if your sawdust is too small, then supplement the design of the smoke generator with one small part in the receiving container - a spring for moving smoke through the poured sawdust. If the sawdust is large, then there is no need for an additional part, since smoke smoke will easily seep through the wood.
- In our smoke generator, the temperature of the smoke that is supplied to the smokehouse can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the connecting pipe between the smoking chamber and the smoke generator.
- Before making a smoke generator for a smokehouse, decide on the smoking container. Alternatively, you can use metal barrel, a wooden box and even a cardboard box. A smoking cabinet can be made from an old refrigerator. The door closes tightly, which means that a constant temperature will be maintained inside at any time of the year. The refrigerator is not suitable only for hot smoking, since its plastic walls will not withstand too much high temperatures.
- When the smoke generator is assembled, you can put food, previously salted and dried, into the smoking chamber. Wet raw materials are not allowed to be used, as smoke dissolves in moisture and smoking will last much longer.
- Place the device on the fire and the process of cold smoking of fish will begin.
DIY fish smokehouse
In order not to deprive yourself of the pleasure of feasting on fish with “smoke” more often, make home smokehouse with a smoke generator for cold smoking.
There are no striking differences between a factory device and a homemade one; the principle of operation is still based on the same thing.
- First, decide on the amount of food you plan to smoke periodically. A miniature device will be just in case the smokehouse is used once a year, for example. Take a regular metal bucket with a lid.
- Drill a hole at the bottom that matches the diameter of the smoke generator tube to supply smoke, and make a hole in the lid to remove the smoke.
- To make a smoke generator itself, you will need the following parts: frame, drum, fan, electric drive, heat chamber and remote control for the electric model.
- Manufacturing technology of a smoke generator for a fish smokehouse:
- The oil seal mandrel is best suited for the main generator tank. Cover it with a lid and connect a timer to the device, for example from washing machine or microwave;
- to maintain normal pressure of 1 atm, install any compressor as long as it performs its main function of pumping air;
- if the distance between the smoke generator and the smoking chamber is less than 100 cm, then come up with an additional smoke cooling device;
- At the bottom of the device, install a heater for heating sawdust;
- Place large sawdust in the main container of the generator, turn on the heater and compressor;
- Insert the outlet tube of the device into the smoking chamber, where you need to hang the fish in advance.
- The cold smoking process has started. After about a day of continuous operation, check the fish for readiness and the amount of sawdust in the smoke generator.
- Maintain smoking temperature between 30 and 35°C.
- For best work The device is suitable for dry weather.
- Add some grapevine or cherry to the sawdust in the smoke generator. This way your products will have a richer taste.
- The taste of smoked fish or meat depends on the type of wood chosen.
- To make the smoking process faster, you need to install an electric heater inside the smoke generator to heat the sawdust.
Safety rules for the manufacture of a smoke generator
- The smoke generator must meet fire and electrical safety requirements.
- In the event of unexpected operational problems, the control unit must be equipped with an automatic shutdown device.
- Electrical wiring and other parts should be kept away from the heating element and away from high temperatures.
- The most durable housing for a smoke generator is metal, with a layer of heat-resistant paint.
- It is recommended to install the device on a fire-resistant surface.
Rules for using a smoke generator:
- First of all, install the device on a flat surface.
- Connect the cord to the network.
- Fill the container for shavings with sawdust for smoking.
- Connect the outlet pipe of the smoke generator to the smoking chamber, which you fill in advance with products.
- Turn on the start button and the device will then perform its work automatically. It is necessary to monitor the level of sawdust in the chamber and add it as it burns. Thus, the cold smoking process can last several days. The device cannot be turned off.
You can see the principle of creating a smoke generator for a smokehouse with your own hands in the video master class:
Smoking meat and fish products, as a way to give them a unique taste and aroma, as well as to preserve them to increase shelf life, has been known for a very long time. Smoked fish- an expensive, and at the same time very healthy delicacy. Smoked chicken or lard are rich sources of protein for the body. Many fellow citizens, buying these delicacy products in the store, wonder whether it is possible to prepare aromatic smoked fish or chicken on their own.
With the spread of the Internet, information about smoking methods, devices for this and ways to make these devices from scrap materials with your own hands has become publicly available. Fashion also played an important role in the spread of home smoking. The trend of eating environmentally friendly products is pushing people to invent. As Lenin would say, “the creative energy of the masses” gives birth to more and more new designs for home smokehouses.
Actually, the definition contains meaning.
Cold smoking is a process of processing products with smoke, the temperature of which does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. This type of smoking takes from 3 hours to several days, depending on the mass and type of product, and smoke temperature.
Hot smoking is a similar procedure, the only difference being that the processing is also accompanied by thermal effects. The smoke temperature during this preparation ranges from 45 to 120 degrees Celsius. The time spent on hot smoking is much less, 2-4 hours is enough, but cold smoked products will last longer.
Both methods of smoking meat, fish or chicken can be accelerated using a high-voltage electrostatic field and smoke ionization.
To carry out the process of smoking products, equipment and technology are required. It is possible to mount the structure that does this with your own hands. Homemade device does its job perfectly. The smoke generator for cold smoking will correspond to individual needs.
This is a method of culinary processing of food products, in which they acquire excellent taste. Their shelf life increases. Spices and firewood from various breeds trees will make a variety of dishes from meat, fish, and poultry.
Cooking food by smoking is a long process. A traditional appliance requires a certain amount of firewood and must run for several days. The combustion continues continuously. A smoke generator for cold smoking produces smoke, which is supplied to the cabinet with the processed workpieces. As a result, foods that are pre-marinated special method, turn into delicious dishes, ready to eat.
The device of the cold smoked smoke generator has simple design, which you can install yourself. . The materials for this are sometimes at hand. The temperature inside the smoking cabinet is not very high, so the food does not burn. Smoke is obtained from smoldering sawdust, wood chips or shavings. The task is to make the combustion constant, uniform and somehow feed it into the cabinet. You can set up automatic operation.
A simple design goes like this.
- Fuel (wood) is smoldering in one of the chambers.
- The chamber in which food products are suspended is connected to it by a cylinder with a soldered pipe having an outlet. Air moves through it under low pressure.
- The flow moves to the second chamber, followed by smoke from the smoke generator.
A combustion chamber equipped with a device that creates a flow of smoke and air directed towards the products is nothing more than a smoke generator. Its size should be optimized according to the principle: the larger it is, the longer the process. To make it yourself, you can use an aluminum milk can, a fire extinguisher body, or an old thermos.
But The best decision - create a smoke generator from a steel pipe with the following parameters: diameter up to 10 cm, length - 0.5 m. One side must be closed with a lid by welding. The second one is open, but a hole is made on the side for ignition. You will also need a side hole to attach a branch pipe (short tube - outlet), through which the air forced by the compressor will flow.
The location of the pipe is important. Optimally, it should be located further from the combustion area for the following reasons.
- If this is not the case, then the combustion chamber will have height restrictions, which will lead to fire extinguishing.
- And also the service life of the smoke generator may be reduced. Intensive smoke suction means rapid combustion.
- The draft inside the smokehouse will decrease, especially at times when the compressor is not working.
- If the pipe is low, wood chips can get inside and block the passage.
- In the high temperature area (bottom), the service life of the nozzle may be reduced.
There are other options for manufacturing the intermediate part. Pipes can be connected using threads with the installation of a tee - fitting between them.
Principle of operation
A smoke generator for cold smoking produces smoke that flows through a cylinder with a pipe and an outlet to the chamber with the products. The air supplied under pressure carries it along with it. At the same time, it is completely absorbed by the product and does not leave the device. That is, it is consumed without loss. The larger the volume of the combustion chamber, the longer the food is smoked.
The smokehouse consists of two parts: for burning fuel and for hanging food. The firewood should only smolder, so little fresh air and oxygen should enter this chamber. These parts are connected by a pipeline through which smoke flows. The more it is, the more intense the smoking occurs. There should be a hole in this middle part to allow excess smoke to escape. With its help, a rarefied atmosphere is created.
When smoking food for several hours, the fuel needs to be constantly smoldering. Firewood is added, which forces you to be nearby. By making a smoke generator with your own hands, it is possible to eliminate this need.
When the smoke from burning wood ends up in the chamber with the hung products, they become soaked, which gives the effect of canning. They also acquire a unique taste and appetizing aroma. The stages of operation of the device are as follows.
- The smoke generator is loaded with wood chips or sawdust to a volume of up to 1 liter and sealed with a lid.
- The compressor pipe is connected, the chimney is combined with the smoking chamber.
- Using the side hole, we set fire to the wood.
- The fan turns on. The smoking has begun.
The operating principle of a smoking smoke generator is implemented using an injector, the role of which is played by a tee with a fan. A rarefied atmosphere is formed in the chimney, which draws out smoke. The flow goes to the smoking cabinet. The side openings of the smoke generator provide a simultaneous flow of external air. Thanks to this, combustion occurs without human intervention. A built-in thermometer monitors the temperature inside. If the length of the chimney is changed, the conditions are adjusted from hot to cold smoking.
Equipment
In order to make a smoke generator for cold smoking yourself, you need to prepare the following components.
- Square or round stainless steel pipe up to 120 mm in diameter.
- Pipe sections (diameter from 2.5 to 4 cm, length - up to 0.4 m) for the smoke channel for hot smoking.
- A corrugated plastic hose (pipe) up to 3 m long or a metal sleeve with a diameter similar to that of a chimney. This is necessary for cold smoking.
- Electric fan as part of a compressor. You can take it from the aquarium.
- Tee fitting designed for pipelines with a diameter similar to the size of the pipes.
- Switch, wires for connecting to the electrical network.
- Temperature meter (thermometer).
