Do-it-yourself natural draft smoke generator. How to make a do-it-yourself smoke generator

For many years, mankind has been practicing the process of smoking various products. The popularity of such products is based on the fact that it is possible to preserve food that is classified as perishable. Through competently carried out smoking, you can get fresh products with wonderful taste and quality characteristics. Many now use a smoke generator for cold smoking.

Compared to past centuries, in terms of technology, people have long stepped forward, but they have not stopped smoking fish and meat, they just use other, better devices. In the process of high-quality smoking, the main role is played by the smoke, which can be hot and rather cold. It conveys to all products simply unique fragrant qualities.
To be able to smoke, you will need to buy a smokehouse without fail. If the model does not have a special smoke generator, you can not worry about this. This element can be easily and simply done by yourself with your own hands.

The main types and methods of smoking

At the moment, there are two main types of smoking - hot and certain cold. The first is carried out at a fairly high temperature, reaching about 950 degrees. As for the cold smoking process, it is carried out at a special temperature not exceeding 350 degrees.

Features of the hot smoking process

With this smoking method, all products are placed in a special container, in which they are simultaneously baked, and then the products are smoked for some time. They just go through a special treatment with hot steam. This is a rather lengthy process that usually takes three or four hours. Products at the output usually turn out to be very tasty, pleasantly tender and at the same time fragrant.
It is worth knowing that after this processing and subsequent smoking, the products are not able to be stored for a very long time.
There will be no difficulties in making a generator for a special hot process with your own hands, since it is not required to provide a smoke cooling process. Therefore, the smoke generator itself and the chamber are combined into one.

The process of running a generator is simple:

• A standard barrel or large saucepan is perfect, and many people use a bucket with a lid. Furnace sawdust or various chips are poured onto the bottom of the selected element, and the smokehouse itself is set on fire, installation on a tile is suitable;
• Along with this, the rapid heating of the raw materials used is carried out, as well as the emission of smoke;
• In the process of using a special high-quality water lock and with perfect sealing of the smokehouse, it will not be necessary to control the smoking process;
• For optimal smoking, it is important to set a special temperature regime so that the fish or meat does not burn.

Advantages and features of the cold smoking process

With this method of processing products, a more thorough process of preparing raw materials will be required. In addition, products in such a smokehouse are carefully processed much longer. Before you bookmark a product - meat or fish, they must be very well salted, and then dried a little.
In the process of cold high-quality smoking, the use of special wet raw materials is not allowed, in this case the smoke produced will simply dissolve in the moisture present. Accordingly, the cooking process may be slightly delayed.

Smoke generator for home conventional smokehouse

Unlike a hot smoked device, a product intended for cold smoking is a device that is more complex in design. This is based on the fact that the smoke produced by this device must be effectively cooled. It is for this reason that the design provides for a special system that should perfectly cool the smoke.

Solving the smoke cooling problem

To establish an effective cooling process, it is recommended to proceed in two ways:
• Carry out a slight extension of the hose so that the smoke in the process of passing through it, without fail, has time to cool quickly. In this case, the smoke that enters the smokehouse will already be cooled.
• A relatively simple solution is to immerse the chimney in a special container, which is pre-filled with cool water.

The choice of one or another option is carried out strictly on the basis of certain personal capabilities and preferences.

The manufacturing process of the chimney structure

Each device that is designed to produce smoke, by its design, consists of the heat source itself, the material that produces smoke itself, as well as a system for supplying smoke to a special container, where the process of smoking products is carried out directly. There is also an effective smoke cooling system.

It is possible to make a homemade smoke generator with your own hands in three different categories and types of construction. These types differ in the heating source used for smoking, among them ordinary fire and electricity can be noted.

Three variants of the most popular smoke generators will be described below:
1. A fairly simple device for producing smoke is a relatively small metal container equipped with an outlet. To effectively remove smoke, a special corrugated pipe is usually put on the device. This container is completely filled with sawdust, and then put on fire. If there is no access to oxygen and under the simultaneous influence of the required temperature regime, the stacked sawdust immediately begins to smolder very slowly and with high quality. Such designs do not allow you to quickly add sawdust to them.
It is very difficult to use this type of generator, you have to constantly carefully control the process of smoke emission during the entire smoking process. By the way, it can last for several days.

2. The most convenient is such a smoke generator, which has a special electrical element. The presence of a special effective control unit also makes it possible to control both the sawdust ignition process and the overall temperature of the entire volume of incoming smoke. Such a plan is made from a relatively small container, which has a special outlet for a standard pipe. Inside, such a container has a home-made heating element from such a part as a tile or an electric spiral. After about two hours, the heating element is completely heated and the sawdust used for heating begins to smolder and at the same time emit smoke.

3. If desired, you can make a smoke generator with your own hands according to the special principle of a conventional muffle. This design has a device: a pipe made of asbestos and cement, on which a special spiral of high-quality nichrome is wound. All turns of such a spiral are necessarily insulated with high-quality fiberglass. From above the device is closed by a tin.
The design of such a plan makes it possible to quickly and at the same time easily heat all the sawdust to the required temperature regime, at which the smoldering process quickly begins in them. Immediately after switching off, the device (muffle) maintains its temperature, thereby allowing smoke to be released

Answers to common questions

In the process of arranging a cold-smoked smokehouse with their own hands, the masters have a huge number of questions. You can highlight the most basic of them and give answers to them.

What is better to smoke?
For the implementation of the smoking process, it is recommended to use all possible types of wood. Only the type of evergreen trees, which include pine or spruce, will not work. The reason is that they are able to impart a slightly bitter taste to foods. In addition, the overall size of the wood chips used is of some importance, since the use of very small elements will require a small addition to the entire design of the smoke generator.
For this purpose, you can use a special spring with special length parameters - it will play the role of a chimney, thereby allowing the smoke to optimally pass through smaller sawdust.

Smoke temperature
In this category of smoke generator, you can effectively control the temperature of the smoke that is fed into the smokehouse. For this purpose, it is possible to adjust the length of the installed pipe, which connects the chamber to the generator itself.

What to make a smoking chamber

Any capacity can be used as the main camera. It can be a barrel, a wooden box, as well as a do-it-yourself cardboard box.
Many people use an old refrigerator for this purpose. This is ideal as it is very tightly insulated and closes firmly. Thanks to this, it is possible to maintain a constant temperature regime, which is very important for cool weather.

Summing up

If desired, you can install a special temperature sensor in a smokehouse with cold smoke, which will turn off the heating element in the process of reaching the desired temperature. Thus, you can not engage in constant careful monitoring of the smoking process. In some cases, you can simply add sawdust.

This design is of higher quality and perfect for quick smoke production. In addition, a smoke generator of this kind does not need at all the process of strong cooling of the smoke used. The reason is that in the process of reaching a certain temperature, such a temperature sensor completely turns off the heating process.

Each owner who cooks fish with his own hands, as well as meat using this smokehouse or a manufactured smoke generator, will be able to proudly feed his guests with delicious home-made products.

The device responsible for the formation of smoke in the smoking chamber is commonly called a smoke generator. Its principle of operation is simple, electric heaters inside the device cause the sawdust located there to smolder, forming thick smoke. Special thermostats allow you to control the process of smoke formation, if necessary, reduce smoke flows and perform high-quality smoking of products.

There are a lot of devices for smoking products today. People have learned to produce products with smoke using many home-made devices, including smokehouses with smoke generators. This is the most environmentally friendly method of processing products. In the process of smoking with natural dense smoke, all harmful microorganisms and bacteria are removed from meat or fish. The shelf life of such food increases, and the taste is enhanced.

Valuable smoking smoke can be obtained thanks to a good smoke generator, which forms the basis of cold smoking. In the process of heating sawdust and their oxygen-free smoldering, the device creates smoke that enters the smoking chamber. Working in automatic mode, the device greatly simplifies the process of smoking. The result of his work is very fragrant and no less tasty smoked products, which you can always enjoy, having only a smoke generator for a cold smoked smokehouse in your household.

Cold smoking is the treatment of products with smoke at a temperature of 19 to 25 ° C. This process can take many hours or even days. Immediately before smoking, the products are salted and seasoned.

You can please yourself and your friends more often with delicacies from the smokehouse by making a do-it-yourself smoke generator for a home smokehouse.

Externally, the device is a small vacuum box with switches, a sawdust inlet and a small pipe at the top to remove smoke. Inside the box there is a limiter that performs the dosage of 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 was initially programmed for an acceptable mode, in which the heating element provides a stable temperature, necessary for sawdust smoldering, in order to prevent their ignition.

Characteristics of the smoke generator

Considering that the smoke generator is a device that requires a fairly long work, 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. The power of the heating element is 1 kW. The device is powered by a 220 V outlet.

The sawdust hopper has a standard volume of 1.5 kg. This amount is sufficient to perform continuous smoking for 1.5 days. Provided that the volume of the chamber is 1 m 3, the smoke generator will provide products with thick smoke and high-quality smoking.

Do-it-yourself smoke generator

The main function that a smoke generator performs in a smokehouse can be explained in this way: imagine a person smoking in a car with an open window. As you remember, all the smoke is drawn out, thanks to the fast air currents, which 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 indisputable advantage: you no longer need to be around the smokehouse endlessly in order to add sawdust. The volume of the receiving chamber of the smoke generator is enough for 24-hour continuous operation of the device. That is, once sawdust fell asleep, and you can forget about the smokehouse for a day.

It is not at all difficult to assemble a simple device for smoking products with your own hands, it all depends on the technical capabilities of the manufacturer and the options for assembling the main container, ejector and air pump.

Assembling the parts of a homemade smoke generator:

1. 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 again need to add raw materials.

• 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 dimensions: pipe diameter - 8-10 cm, length - 40-50 cm;
• at the bottom of the future receiving compartment, make a hole with a diameter of 10 mm. 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.

1. Ejector.

• assembly of this main part of the generator can be made 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 figures show the top and bottom position of the ejector.

Ejector at the bottom of the smoke generator.

• Suitable for small smoker chamber. Due to its 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 smoker due to the fact that the smoker and the receiving container are on the same level. As a result, when the pump is turned off, the smoke stops flowing into the smokehouse. Such inconvenience can be avoided by installing the ejector at the top of the loading chamber, as shown in the following figure.

1. Pump (compressor).

1. Raw materials for smoking.

• to create a dense smoke smoke, you can use wood of different varieties, except for pine, spruce, and other evergreens. Such sawdust will give bitterness in products;
• if your sawdust is too small, then complete the design of the smoke generator with one small detail in the receiving container - a spring to move the smoke through the poured sawdust. If the sawdust is large, then there is no need for an additional detail, since smoke smoke will easily seep through the wood.

1. In our smoke generator, the temperature of the smoke that is fed into the smoker can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the connecting pipe between the smoking chamber and the smoke generator.
2. Before you make a smoke generator for a smokehouse, decide on a smoking container. Alternatively, you can use a metal barrel, a wooden box, and even a cardboard box. A smoking cabinet can come from an old refrigerator. The door in it 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, as its plastic walls will not withstand too high temperatures.
3. When the smoke generator is assembled, it is possible to put products, pre-salted and dried, into the smoking chamber. Wet raw materials are not allowed to be used, since the smoke dissolves in moisture, and smoking will last much longer.
4. Set the appliance on fire, and the process of cold smoking fish will begin.

Do-it-yourself smokehouse for fish

In order not to deprive yourself of the pleasure of feasting on smoked fish more often, make a homemade smokehouse with a cold-smoked smoke generator.

There are no striking differences between a factory device and a home-made one, the principle of operation is still based on the same thing.

1. First, decide on the amount of products that you periodically plan to smoke. A miniature device will be just in case the smokehouse is used once a year, for example. Take an ordinary metal bucket with a lid.
2. At the bottom, drill a hole that matches the diameter of the smoke generator tube to supply smoke, and make a hole in the lid to remove smoke.
3. To make a smoke generator directly, you will need the following parts: a frame, a drum, a fan, an electric drive, a heat chamber and a remote control for an electric model.
4. Manufacturing technology of a smoke generator for a fish smokehouse:

• the mandrel for the stuffing box is best suited for the main tank of the generator. Cover it with a lid and connect a timer to the device, for example, from a washing machine or microwave;
• to maintain a normal pressure of 1 atm, install any compressor, as long as it performs its main function of pumping air;
• in the case when 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 ten for incandescent sawdust;
• put large sawdust in the main container of the generator, turn on the heating element and the compressor;
• insert the outlet tube of the device into the smoking chamber, where you need to hang the fish in advance.
• cold smoking process started. After about a day of continuous operation, check the fish for readiness and the amount of sawdust in the smoke generator.

1. Maintain smoking temperature between 30 and 35°C.
2. Dry weather will work best for the device.
3. Add some vine or cherry to the sawdust in the smoke generator. So your products will have a richer taste.
4. The taste of smoked fish or meat depends on the type of wood chosen.
5. In order for the smoking process to go faster, an electric heater must be installed inside the smoke generator to heat the sawdust.

Safety rules for the manufacture of a smoke generator

1. The smoke generator must meet the requirements of fire and electrical safety.
2. In the event of unforeseen malfunctions in operation, the control unit must be equipped with an automatic shutdown device.
3. Electrical wiring and other parts must be kept away from the heating element and protected from high temperatures.
4. The most durable housing for a smoke generator is metal, with a layer of heat-resistant paint.
5. It is recommended to install the device on a fire-resistant surface.

Rules for using the smoke generator:

1. First of all, place the device on a flat surface.
2. Connect the cord to the network.
3. Fill the chip container with sawdust for smoking.
4. Connect the outlet pipe of the smoke generator to the smoking chamber, which you fill with products in advance.
5. Turn on the start button and then the device will perform its work automatically. It is necessary to monitor the level of sawdust in the chamber and add them as they burn. Thus, the process of cold smoking can last for several days. You cannot turn off the device.

You can see the principle of creating a smoke generator for a smokehouse with your own hands in the master class on the video:

With the help of smoking, they increase the shelf life of food products, improve the taste parameters of meat, fish, and vegetables. This article tells you how to make a cold smoked smoke generator with your own hands. Drawings, videos, examples of successful projects and step-by-step instructions will help you to implement the project quickly, accurately, and at no extra cost.

Read in the article:

What is a smokehouse smoke generator: basic definitions and problem statement

Cold smoking technology implies a long-term exposure of the original products to the smoke of smoldering firewood. This process destroys bacteria, blocks decomposition processes. At the same time, this processing gives a specific taste and smell.

The limited temperature range (+16°C to +36°C) allows the moisture to be removed slowly. The use of a gentle mode helps to preserve the structure, useful vitamins, fat. Depending on the size of the pieces and other factors, the duration of the process can be several days. The following information will be useful for creating a list of requirements for suitable equipment:

1. It is necessary to create a sufficiently large amount of smoke so that smoking is fast.
2. To maintain optimal temperature conditions, it is necessary to think over the cooling system.
3. 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 do-it-yourself smoke generator.

Do-it-yourself smoke generator device for cold smoking

The figure shows a chamber (1), in which products are placed on hangers for further processing. Wood sawdust (3) is poured into a firebox of a suitable size, made of a sufficiently strong heat-resistant material. Thrust adjustment here is organized using a blower (7). The compressor (6) supplies fresh air through a flexible hose (5) and a spigot (4). The container is closed on top with a lid. Therefore, the smoke is directed through the connecting tube (2) to the smoking chamber.

Ejector

• the volume of the combustion area increases. The probability of attenuation of solid fuel is reduced;
• in this embodiment, it is easier to ensure slow smoldering. Consequently, less often you will have to replenish the supply of firewood;
• the top location of the ejector with forced air supply creates sufficient traction. Additional smoke filtration with a layer of backfill will come in handy;
• lower - contributes to the entry of large particles into the chimney, makes it longer to reduce the operating temperature in the smoking chamber;
• proximity to the heated area reduces the service life of the nozzle, increases the risk of damage to welded joints.

Smoke generator compressor

This connection of the compressor minimizes the thermal effect on the ejector, which prolongs the life of the unit. At the same time, sufficient air flow velocity is provided 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 an old refrigerator is quite capable of performing such functions. While maintaining the optimum temperature conditions, the components of its design will not be damaged. Typical rubber seals will perform their direct functions. Built-in rails and grids are useful for placing food.

Various projects and schemes for creating a cold smoked smoke generator with your own hands

How to make a simple electric stove smoke generator with your own hands

The power regulator allows you to set the optimal heating mode. Chips are poured into an old saucepan - it turns out a home-made smoke generator for cold smoking without a compressor.

Fasteners are screwed into the walls, the mesh is fixed. Products are hung on hooks for processing. After start-up, close the top opening with a suitable sheet of heat-resistant material.

Note! The barrel is cleaned before use from paint, other contaminants. Rust particles, unlike the combustion products of petrochemical compounds, are not dangerous.

Such a smoke generator for cold smoking is able to perform its functions on one load of firewood for 4-6 hours, no more. It consumes electricity. In this embodiment, it is difficult to ensure the optimal temperature regime. Difficulty adjusting performance. Despite significant shortcomings, it attracts cheapness and simplicity of design. At the summer cottage, you can install workable equipment with appropriate preparation in just 20-30 minutes.

Fire extinguisher smoke generator

To make such a smoke generator with your own hands, you need to find a suitable fire extinguisher with a metal case. An expired product can be obtained free of charge.

After removing the powder and washing at a height of 40–60 mm from the bottom, 2–3 holes with a diameter of 8–12 mm are drilled. Fall asleep sawdust. A tee with branch pipes is screwed into the standard cover.

The failed heater was removed from this technique. The step switch only allows two speed settings. Connection - to the network 220 V.

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) pumps air through a flexible hose (2). Sawdust is poured into the combustion chamber (5). The smoldering process is activated by the flame of a gas burner (4). In this version, the “weak link” is a pretty jar of instant coffee. The largest container does not contain more than 250 g, so the working volume is small. We often have to replenish the supply of sawdust. Thin walls are deformed by an open flame, quickly become unusable.

Smoke generator 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, moved to a warehouse for long-term storage. However, if there is free space in the summer cottage, you can install a stationary cold-smoked smokehouse with a smoke generator with your own hands. With the right calculation, you can achieve high production-level processing performance.

Compressors for the smoke generator of a cold smoked smokehouse

This decision is explained not only by the reasonable cost of products that are produced in large batches. Techniques in this category are designed for long-term use without close supervision. For household scales, when working with cold smoking technology, it will be enough to choose a model with a capacity of 4 to 12 l / min. If there is no electrical capacity adjustment, you can set the desired level using a typical throttle. It is also acceptable to pinch the flexible tube as needed and fix it in an acceptable position.

It is not difficult to make such a compressor for a smoke generator with your own hands. You need to take a workable computer fan, fix it in the hole at the bottom of a plastic bottle of a suitable capacity. Make a hole in the lid. To connect a flexible hose, a plastic pipe is glued to it. Regulate the speed with a variable resistor in the power circuit. Low power motors can be connected to batteries (accumulators).

Select a container of suitable size. The operation of the supercharger is adjusted according to pressure levels using a special relay. Manometers are installed for control. To drain the accumulated condensate, a tap is cut into the lower part. The safety valve will prevent excessive pressure build-up.

The primitive fan for the smoke generator operates constantly, and this installation turns on as needed. For a performance 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 download;
• ignition speed;
• smoke removal from condensate;
• performance adjustment;
• ease of care.

To simplify the task, you can study in detail the current installation and the recommendations of the author of the project:

A 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 mounted inside it, which accelerate heat dissipation, retain drops of moisture.
	To start work, open the plastic cover, pour alder chips to the middle of the volume of the working chamber. Such raw materials can be purchased inexpensively or prepared by yourself.
	A compact compressor with electronic speed control is attached to the inlet pipe of the ejector. The lid is closed, the chips are set on fire with an open flame through the hole in the lower part of the working chamber.
	This installation begins to perform its functions just a few seconds after ignition. The intensity of the smoke formation process is set by changing the speed of the compressor drive. After a practical check of the installation's viability, we will deal with 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 tar, soot, and other harmful components. With a long length, the chimney acts as a filter.
	The compact design must be equipped with a cleaning element. To select the appropriate dimensions for a home-made smoke generator for a cold smoked smokehouse, you can use the proportions shown in the diagram. The values ​​on the top line correspond to the parameters of a standard fruit can.
	Schematic diagram of the block. Pay attention to the outlet in the firebox. There is a reflector installed that directs the smoke upwards. This solution allows you to retain heavy mechanical particles at the final stage of cleaning.
	In the main block of the filter, the barriers are made of tin covers. Through triangular cutouts, smoke passes along a given path with swirls in the central part. The temperature is dropping. Resins and other impurities drain into a plastic storage bottle.
	The main containers of a do-it-yourself smoke generator for a smokehouse are made from cans. The large camera is made up of two elements, which are fastened with a typical car clamp. With an increase in volume, an ash pan is installed at the bottom. For compact designs, as in this example, such an addition is not needed.
	The resulting flue mixture enters the tee. An attached screw cap is needed to connect a plastic bottle. This assembly can be loosened to create additional air leakage. This technique is used to reduce the concentration of smoke, increase the efficiency of the filtration process.
	The photo shows the design of the cleaning unit (direction from top to bottom): a cover with an 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 out of a tin can.
	The plastic lid provides a good seal. The temperature is low in this part, so the product will not be damaged. For additional protection, a metal plate is attached to the underside. It also performs the functions of a power frame for connecting 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 cold smoke generator.

There are many ways to prepare meat products at home, one of them is cold smoking. With this method, fragrant fish or poultry are obtained, which are stored for a long time due to special processing conditions. An important element of this process is a smoke generator for cold smoking.

It has a clear principle of operation, which requires a heater and a certain amount of prepared sawdust. Due to thermostats, it is possible to keep the process of smoke formation under control. You can make a smoke generator for cold smoking with your own hands - drawings, photos for this are offered on the pages of the site.

Application at home

Cold smoking is an environmentally friendly process, since there are no harmful ingredients or questionable procedures with harmful preservatives in the base. Due to the passage of smoke from meat, fat or fish, bacteria are removed and harmful microorganisms die, which positively affects the taste properties and shelf life of products.

Inside the smoke generator for cold smoking, the photo and video of which are presented on this page, wood chips or sawdust of a certain fraction are heated. Due to the oxygen-free process of burning them, dense smoke is produced. It is forcibly redirected to a special container, where semi-finished products are located.

The whole procedure is simplified due to all kinds of process automation. As a result, the owner receives fragrant products that are superior in many respects to store goods.

The developed do-it-yourself smoke generator for a cold-smoked smokehouse uses smoke at a temperature of 20-250C for processing. The duration of the process depends on various factors and takes from one to 3-5 days. Before laying the products, they are treated with salt and various spices.

The device consists of a body with electric starters, a supply area for wood chips, a small tube on top that removes accumulated smoke in the right direction. Dosing of wood chips is limited by a limiter, so the heater is not overloaded with excess sawdust.

After working out, the ash gets into a special container, the device also contains an element that controls the temperature regime and the addition of wood chips. The unit has a setting to ensure the stability of the regime to maintain the sawdust exclusively in a smoldering state, preventing burning.

Characteristics

A high-quality cold-smoked smokehouse with a do-it-yourself smoke generator created must be economical, since its continuous operation is not designed for one day. The normal parameter is the consumption of electricity at the level of 4 kW per day, which can be achieved when using a heater of 1 kW and thermal switches. Power is supplied from the household network.

Up to one and a half kilograms of material is easily placed in a container for wood chips or sawdust. This mass is enough for stable and continuous operation for 24-36 hours for a volume of about 1 m3.

Principle of operation

To make a smoke generator for cold smoking with your own hands, you need to understand its operation. Due to the fact that the air flow is driven through the supply pipe, a vacuum is formed, entraining smoke through the technological opening. The main advantage of this assembly is maximum autonomy.

The smoke generator circuit consists of three main components:

• main container;
• smoke ejector;
• air blower.

The main container is used for the sawdust smoldering process. With its small volume, it will be necessary to add chips with sawdust more often, since the device supports the combustion process continuously. Making a smoke generator for cold smoking with your own hands begins with the selection of this container. For her, an old discharged fire extinguisher is suitable.

The most comfortable cavity size will be with an inner diameter of 10 ± 2 cm and a length of 50 ± 5 cm. The container is placed in a vertical position, and the bottom is drilled to obtain a hole with a diameter of 10 mm. The compressor will be connected through it, and the upper part must be hermetically sealed without cracks.

This element of a do-it-yourself cold-smoked smokehouse in a smoke generator can be located in the upper zone and in the lower one in relation to the container. In the bottom layout, it can contribute to the attenuation of the chips, and also needs to be added more often. Due to such features, the battery life of the device is reduced.

Natural draft is not formed when the ejector is installed at the bottom, since the smoke transmission and reception tanks have the same level. It will be possible to get rid of the disadvantages of this arrangement with the upper location of the ejector relative to the sawdust container.

Air supply

The air supply in the system is carried out by a compressor for a do-it-yourself cold-smoked smoke generator. As this unit, any air blower is suitable, for example, used in aquariums. Power is allowed from 5-6 watts. In some cases, home-made devices made of plastic and a fan from a computer are used.

Preparation of wood material

The basis for obtaining a quality product is the types of wood used. It is undesirable to use resinous conifers, which will add bitterness to the final product. Also, during the use of fine fraction raw materials, the design is supplemented with a spring in the receiving tank so that the sawdust is mixed.

When using coarse chips, the need for a spring is eliminated, since the smoke passes through it more freely. By adjusting the length of the tube between the generator and the working area of ​​smoking, the desired temperature of the smoke flow is selected.

On sites such as YouTube, do-it-yourself cold-smoked smoke generators are offered to be made using various containers: from a metal barrel to a cardboard box. However, maximum tightness can be obtained from an old refrigerator. It may not withstand hot smoking, and good thermal insulation is provided for cold smoking.

Before laying inside the products, they must be dried from the marinade.

Excess moisture leads to a lengthening of the process in time due to its long evaporation.

1. A temperature of 30-35 0 C will slightly speed up the process, while the quality of the product will not decrease.
2. It is more comfortable to work with the device in dry windy weather with low humidity.
3. Sawdust of alder, vine, cherry is added to the smoke generator. Due to the use of this wood chips, the aroma and pleasant golden color of the product will be provided.
4. The installed electric heating element inside will accelerate the process of smoke formation.

Rules for the safe use of cold smoked smoke generators

The device must comply with fire safety standards. During an emergency situation, the automation must independently disconnect the device from the power supply. Electrical wiring must be structurally removed from high-temperature zones. It is desirable to treat the body of the smoke generator with heat-resistant paint. The structure must be securely supported and placed on a flat, level surface.

Reading time ≈ 12 minutes

When choosing smoked meat in a supermarket, the question arose: is it possible to cook meat products on your own at home, making it yourself according to the developed drawings? This will be discussed in today's article. What is a smoke generator, what types are there and how to assemble it from the material at hand.

Smoke generator for cold smoking

What is a smoke plant

A home smoking installation is a fairly simple device and consists of a smoking chamber and a smoke generator. In the past, it had something like this: as a rule, a metal barrel that served as a chamber was installed on an embankment or a small foundation of bricks and poured in so that there were no gaps at the base.

A horizontal underground channel, lined with bricks or old tiles, was brought under the barrel, 20-30 centimeters high and 2 meters long. This channel was a chimney for a fire, which was bred on the side opposite from the barrel in a closed pit. A small hole was left for the inflow of air, which provided not active combustion, but smoldering firewood in a fire with abundant smoke.

In the smoking cabinet, on grids, pallets or hooks, there were products that were cooked on the cooled smoke.

Smoking plant

Another design option is laid out from stone. In the lower part, a firebox with a blower is equipped to be able to control the intensity of combustion. The chimney channel does not rise up, but enters the smoking chamber located nearby, and from it an exit is made to the street.

Scheme of the smoke plant

But in the modern world, nothing stands still, everything develops and moves forward. In modern installations, fireboxes and fires have been replaced by smoke generators - small, compact devices equipped with electric fans or compressors to force air.

It is about such a device that will be discussed today. What materials will be needed to make a smoke generator for cold smoking. What tools and equipment do you need to use.

Principle of operation

To figure out what device to work with, you need to understand what it is. The device of the smoke generator and its principle of operation is as follows:

• Wood chips or shavings are poured into a metal flask with a lid on top. The bottom is removable so that the ashes can be removed. The fuel is placed on a metal mesh that acts as a grate. Approximately 5-10 millimeters above the level of the grid there is a hole with a diameter of 1 cm. Wood is set on fire through it and air is supplied during the combustion process.
• A ¾ inch flue pipe is attached to the top of the cylinder. On the opposite side, through the hole in the wall enters the ejector tube, having a thickness of ¼ inch, and crossing the entire space of the flask enters the chimney by 10 mm. A branch pipe is connected to the outer end of the ejector, through which air is supplied from a compressor or other air blower.
• The chimney pipe goes inside the smoking chamber.
• With the help of a gas burner, fuel is ignited through a special hole. The air compressor turns on.
• The air flow enters the chimney. Thanks to the design, draft is created in the generator flask, and the wood combustion products are drawn into the chimney. Chilled smoke from the chimney fills the smokehouse.

This is a schematic description of the process. The fact is that, for example, ejectors have a different design, so when working with a specific device, some differences and nuances will appear. But the principle itself does not change.

Smoke generator for cold smoking

Drawing preparation

As in any process associated with the assembly of composite structures, it is first necessary to prepare drawings with the dimensions of all parts and assemblies. It can be prepared based on your own views and visions, and materials can be selected in accordance with the dimensions indicated in the diagram. An alternative is to adjust the drawing according to the dimensions of the materials available.

In either case, it is important that the resulting proportions make it possible to design a workable product.

The photo below shows an example of a drawing that can be used as an example to draw up your own design solution. Before you decide on the final version of the sketch, you need to make a choice from several types of smoke generators, which have some differences:

• With top or bottom ejection. This design feature suggests the location of the ejector: air supply and smoke exhaust pipes - in the upper part of the generator housing or in the lower one.
• With or without cooler. This solution assumes the presence of an additional element in the scheme for supplying smoke to the smoking chamber, which acts as a cooler and an additional filter for condensate.

Scheme of work

In order to consider in more detail all the subtleties and nuances that arise and occur in the manufacture of a smokehouse at home, we will choose the option with lower ejection, a cooler and a condensate collector.

Smoke generator installation method

Before starting assembly work, you need to choose a place where the structure will be installed. The method of mounting the device, as well as some features of the location of parts, will depend on this.

On the body of the smoking cabinet. In this case, the main load will fall on the chimney pipes, since it is the outlet pipe that will become the connection point with the cabinet. To distribute the load, an additional mount can be welded to the smoke generator body.

Floor placement of the device will allow you to move the fulcrum to the lower end of the case. In this case, the bottom must be welded, and an additional door must be made to clean the ash.

Principle of operation

Materials and tools

In order to make a cold smoked smoke generator with your own hands, having the necessary drawings, video and photographic materials, you will need:

• Pipe metal with a diameter of 100 and a length of 650 mm. The body will be made from it.
• Steel cylinder Ø100 150 mm long for the manufacture of a filter-cooler.
• A set of tubes Ø25mm of different lengths with threads for assembling the chimney - 5 pieces.
• Iron sheet 2 mm thick. The size should allow cutting 4 circles with a diameter of 100 mm and 2 circles with a diameter of 90 mm.
• Spurs Ø25 mm of various configurations - cross and tee.
• Quick coupling (25 mm thread) and 10 cm of tubing of sufficient diameter to fit snugly in the quick coupling.
• Self-tapping screws for metal.
• The filter rod is 120 mm long and 10 mm thick.
• High temperature paint.
• The compressor aquarium with a productivity from 10l/min.
• Glass jar with a metal cap on the thread to collect condensate.

To cope with such a set of materials, you must have the following tools and devices at hand:

• Ruler and scriber - for marking.
• Angle grinder with cutting wheels for metal.
• Electric drill with drills.
• Welding machine with electrodes.
• Pipe wrench.

After completing all the necessary preparations, you can get to work. The sequence of actions is described in detail in the step-by-step instructions presented in the next section.

Assembling the smoke generator

Consider how you can make a smoke generator for cold smoking with your own hands, breaking down the installation work into stages.

Frame

• We take a pipe with a diameter of 100 millimeters and a length of 60 cm. Align the ends so that later covers can be installed on them.
• The branch pipe Ø25 mm and 15 cm long, from which the smoke intake will be made, must be threaded at one end. From the opposite end, in a section of 10 cm, we equip slots through which smoke will enter the pipe. From the bottom side, opposite the slots, we drill holes.

Pipe branch

• The grates will be installed at a height of 50mm from the bottom edge, and the smoke intake will be located approximately 4cm above. Accordingly, by welding, we make a hole in the body at a mark of 9 cm from the bottom end.
• We install the prepared pipe on the place prepared for it with the slots up and scald.

Smoke intake

• We make poles. We cut out a circle from a sheet of metal and drill holes of 5-7 mm in size in it over the entire plane.
• We weld the workpiece 5 centimeters from the bottom of the body.
• Approximately 0.5 - 1 cm above the grate, we drill a hole Ø 10mm. It will serve to ignite the fuel and intake air for combustion.
• From sheet iron we cut out a valve for the bottom of the flask. It must be removable so that the ashes can be removed. We weld small eyes like a sled to the end, into which we install the valve.
• In order for the case to close from above, we grind a hardwood cork on the upper end. Preferably oak.
• The body of the smoke generator is almost ready. Let's move on to the filter and pipeline.

Installation of a chimney and a cooler with a filter

• We screw the crosspiece onto the thread of the smoke intake pipe.

We screw on the cross

• We screw 2 pipes into the cross:

1. In the bottom hole 5 cm long with a thread on the second end. We make a hole in the lid of the can, put it on the pipe and fix it tightly with a nut.
2. A tube 10 cm long is inserted into the upper hole. A cooler will be welded to the second end.

• We close the free central exit of the cross with a plug. It will be used to clean the smoke intake.

cooler housing

• From a sheet of iron we cut out a circle Ø100mm. We cut a 2.5 cm hole in the center for the chimney pipe by welding. This will be the bottom of the filter.
• We attach the prepared bottom to the lower end of the pipe 100x150 mm using a welding machine.
• We weld a rim with holes for attaching the cover to the upper end.

cooler housing

• We cut out the lid from iron and drill holes that exactly match the holes in the rim. In the center we make a hole for the pipe.

filter element

• We prepare 2 plates with a diameter of 90 mm, make holes in the center and install them on a steel pin 1 cm thick.
• We attach the legs to the bottom plate.
• In order to firmly fix the filter device in the cooler housing, we turn a small spring from steel wire.

filter element

• We install the filter element with a spring into the cooler body and screw the cover using metal screws, having previously treated the joint with a heat-resistant sealant.

Ejector

We weld a branch pipe 10 cm long with a thread at the other end into the top cover.

• We wind the tee onto the thread using its central outlet. For the convenience of further use, we place the tee perpendicular to the exit of the smoke intake from the body.
• In one of the free outlets of the tee, we install a branch pipe, the length of which will allow it to be inserted into the smoking chamber. As practice shows, this is at least 25-30 centimeters.
• We screw a quick-detachable connection into the opposite hole of the tee, into the shank of which a metal tube is inserted through the seal.
• A vinyl or polyethylene supply tube from an air compressor is put on the outer end of the tube. As already mentioned, its capacity should not be less than 10 liters / minute, otherwise the efficiency of the entire installation will be reduced to zero.
• The end of the tube located inside should be longer than the tee and go 10 mm inside the chimney pipe.

Operating procedure

Before starting work, we carefully check the reliability of all mechanical connections: the covers must be installed in their places and closed, the nozzles must be tightly fixed in the sleeves.

A container for collecting condensate is attached to the lid. No matter how dry the fuel is, it still contains moisture. In addition - various resins and heavy impurities. To get rid of these additives, a filter is installed in the cooler, on the “plates” of which everything superfluous settles, and, condensing, flows down into the collection tank.

The air supply pipe from the compressor is connected to the ejector inlet. The electrical cable of the compressor is laid and connected to the power supply in compliance with all safety standards and regulations. It must always be remembered that the installation uses an open fire and generates high temperatures, which creates an increased danger to nearby electrical communications.

Pour dry chips or shavings into the generator flask and close the lid. With the help of a lighter, and best of all - a gas burner, we set fire to the fuel. The wood begins to burn, releasing thick smoke.

We turn on the compressor. The jet of air mixes with the smoke, creating draft in the chimney and increasing the power of the flow.

The wood chips should lie fairly tight, but they should not be rammed too hard, as they can clog the smoke intake.

Fuel selection

As for wood species, it is categorically not recommended to use waste resinous tree species, such as spruce, pine. Walnut shavings will add bitterness to the smoke.

Fuel from fruit trees has a pleasant aroma, directly dependent on the breed. The most suitable are apple, pear, apricot and alder.

Smoking cabinet

It must be tightly closed and have a chimney in the upper part to remove smoke. The smokehouse, depending on the intensity of use, can be made in the form of a "house" or a cabinet made of metal or wood.

To accommodate products prepared for smoke processing, special shelves, nets or hangers with hooks are equipped.

The simplest and most budget option is an ordinary metal barrel with a capacity of 100-200 liters. They cut off the top of it so that you can load the products, and then I cover it back with a lid. A more “civilized” solution - the barrel is placed in a supine position, a part of the side surface is cut out, then fixing it on hinges, making a door. A continuous grid shelf is installed inside.

If after reading the material of the article and viewing the photo you still have questions, the video posted at the end of this section will help clarify some points.

You yourself could make sure that, having the right drawings, building a smoke generator for cold smoking with your own hands is not such a difficult task. Undoubtedly, it requires certain skills and training. Not everyone knows how to use a welding machine or has it at home. But - with the help of friends or acquaintances, you can make such a device that will become a source of fragrant and tasty dishes on your table.

Video: smoke generator