Looking to revolutionize your smoking game without breaking the bank. Ditch online orders and bookstores, and instead, get creative with building your own cold smoker at home. With some basic materials and know-how, you can craft a professional-grade cold smoker that will elevate your smoking experience. The DIY approach not only saves you money but also allows for customization to fit your unique needs and preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just starting out, this comprehensive guide provides the essential blueprints and tutorials to help you build your own cold smoker from scratch.
Prepping – Building A Cold Smoker
As we dive into the world of cold smokers, it’s essential to lay some groundwork first. Before diving into our curated list of cold smoker plans, take a moment to consider the following key factors that will help you design and build an ideal cold smoker for your specific needs.
Size
When it comes to cold smoking food, one crucial factor to consider is your family size: If you’re hosting large gatherings or have a big household, a larger cold smoker is likely the way to go. This type of setup allows for more substantial quantities of food to be prepared at once, ensuring everyone gets their fill. On the other hand, if you’re flying solo or prefer smaller portions, a compact cold smoker might be the better choice.
By considering your family dynamics and smoking needs, you can choose the perfect size for your specific situation.
Location
When it comes to implementing certain plans, a considerable amount of space is often required. We’ve even featured examples that involve digging into the ground or constructing an igloo – scenarios where local regulations might prohibit such activities. As a result, it’s crucial to obtain necessary permits and clearances before setting up any outdoor equipment. This ensures a smooth and compliant execution of your project, regardless of its scope.
Budget
While the costs can vary significantly depending on the specific design and materials chosen, it’s essential to consider the estimated expenses upfront. Before embarking on the full construction process, take a moment to research and estimate the costs of your cold smoker project, as this will help you plan and budget accordingly.
Small Cold Smoker Plans
If you’re eager to smoke meat but lack the space for a commercial-sized smoker, consider building a mini cold smoker instead. This compact alternative offers flexibility and affordability while it may not be suitable for large-scale production, its portability makes it an ideal choice for those who need to move their smoking setup around. Here are some options to get you started.
How To Build A Cheap Cold Smoker
In the realm of culinary experimentation, the art of cold smoking offers a unique opportunity to infuse flavors into food without heating; this technique can significantly alter the taste of sauces, fish, meat, and vegetables with just a few minutes of exposure. The versatility of wood smoke allows for the use of various wood species, combined with additional ingredients like star anise or aromatics, making each smoking experience a new adventure.
Inspired by the desire to have a cold smoker in one’s own flat, this project transforms a coffee maker into a makeshift cold smoker; to achieve this, the first step is to remove and replace the coffee maker valve with a pneumatic fitting, allowing air to be introduced within the device. Next, a portion of the coffee funnel is cut to facilitate smoother airflow. The next step involves connecting the silicone tubing from the coffee machine to a plastic container.
With the setup complete, it’s time to introduce the wood chips – simply burn a few on the coffee funnel, wait for a few minutes, and then start smoking. This project requires minimal materials and tools, making it an accessible and fun DIY endeavor.
DIY Cold Smoke Generator
In the realm of culinary experimentation, the art of cold smoking offers a unique opportunity to infuse flavors into food without heating; this technique can significantly alter the taste of sauces, fish, meat, and vegetables with just a few minutes of exposure. The versatility of wood smoke allows for the use of various wood species, combined with additional ingredients like star anise or aromatics, making each smoking experience a new adventure.
Inspired by the desire to have a cold smoker in one’s own flat, this project transforms a coffee maker into a makeshift cold smoker; to achieve this, the first step is to remove and replace the coffee maker valve with a pneumatic fitting, allowing air to be introduced within the device. Next, a portion of the coffee funnel is cut to facilitate smoother airflow. The next step involves connecting the silicone tubing from the coffee machine to a plastic container.
With the setup complete, it’s time to introduce the wood chips – simply burn a few on the coffee funnel, wait for a few minutes, and then start smoking. This project requires minimal materials and tools, making it an accessible and fun DIY endeavor.
DIY Cold Smoker From Cocktail Shaker
In the realm of culinary experimentation, the art of cold smoking offers a unique opportunity to infuse flavors into food without heating; this technique can significantly alter the taste of sauces, fish, meat, and vegetables with just a few minutes of exposure. The versatility of wood smoke allows for the use of various wood species, combined with additional ingredients like star anise or aromatics, making each smoking experience a new adventure.
Inspired by the desire to have a cold smoker in one’s own flat, this project transforms a coffee maker into a makeshift cold smoker; to achieve this, the first step is to remove and replace the coffee maker valve with a pneumatic fitting, allowing air to be introduced within the device. Next, a portion of the coffee funnel is cut to facilitate smoother airflow. The next step involves connecting the silicone tubing from the coffee machine to a plastic container.
With the setup complete, it’s time to introduce the wood chips – simply burn a few on the coffee funnel, wait for a few minutes, and then start smoking. This project requires minimal materials and tools, making it an accessible and fun DIY endeavor.
DIY Cardboard Cold Smoker
When embarking on this project, it’s essential to exercise caution while working with a sharp knife to avoid any harm or damage to the material. Moreover, ensure that none of the cardboard comes into contact with your chosen source of smoke, as this could ignite a fire. This guide focuses specifically on creating a cardboard smoker for cold smoking purposes only. To start, select a clean, dry, and odor-free box, as strong scents can interfemer with the smoking process.
Additionally, ensure that the racks you choose fit comfortably within the box when assembled. The first step in this creation process is assembling the box. Mark the small inner flaps on one side of the box using a straight edge and a knife, taking care not to cut too deeply or into the surface below. Retain at least one offcut for future use before marking the holes on the side.
For this guide, the first rack is placed 15 cm from the top, the second 15 cm below that, and the bottom rack is situated 20 cm below the second. This cold smoker can be combined with various chilly smoke generators, some of which can be created using existing Instructables.
DIY Low Budget Cold Smoker
To create a functional smoker in just five minutes, you’ll need only a few basic materials and tools. The total cost of this project is around $10-$20, significantly less than other DIY cold smoker projects that can take hours to build and cost upwards of $50 to $300. The core components of this simple smoker are two aluminum foil baking pans, which will be secured together using bulldog clips.
Within the pans, you’ll place stainless steel cooling racks or searing grates, supported by a block if needed. To prepare your wood pellets for use, simply wrap them in heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a pellet tortilla. Then, punch air holes into both the top and sides of each pan. Once lit using a blowtorch, place the pellet burrito in the lower pan near the side air hole. You’re then ready to add your food of choice onto the metal racks and secure it with clips.
Large Cold Smoker Plans
Are you looking to smoke bulk quantities of meat? A commercial-grade cold smoker might be just what you need. Unlike smaller, transportable units, these larger machines are designed for high-volume processing and can handle massive amounts of food at once. For many users, they’re the perfect choice for smoking large quantities of meat. If you’re interested in building your own large cold smoker, here are a couple of plans to get you started.
Building A Cold Smoker With Wood
Smoking cold – a culinary adventure: The art of infusing flavors into food without cooking it to perfection requires precision and patience. To create this magic, you’ll need a smoker that can generate a dense, long-lasting smoke. This DIY project will guide you through building your own smoker using wood as the primary material. The frame of the smoker is 11m tall at the front and 10m tall at the back, with adjustable rack sizes determining the breadth and depth.
Begin by constructing the frame, then carve slots in the vertical timbers for holding racks. Next, clad the back and sides, including the triangular pieces at the top, starting from floor level to the top of the frame. The roof’s design will depend on your chosen supplies – you could opt for screwing a plywood roof into place or use another material of your choice to protect the exterior; apply water-based fence and shed stain.
There won’t be any need for interior painting, as the focus is on the smoky flavor rather than aesthetics. To complete this project, gather the following materials: ProQ smoke generator, four magnetic clips, ten 18m lengths of tongue-and-groove cladding board, four 25cm square 1.8m lengths of timber, a few bags of wood dust, and a set of three non-stick cooling racks.
The necessary tools are: Wood saw, water-based shed stain, screwdriver, electric drill, variety of screws, pins, fencing staples, tape measure, roof slate, and wood glue. Click for more details.
How To Build A Cold Smoker
With the goal of creating a functional cold smoker, the creators set out to repurpose an old rainwater barrel. They scavenged for scraps and pieced together the remnants with a low-cost metal trash can, a chimney collar, and jubilee clamps, ultimately spending around £40 (excluding the initial cost of the barrel). The resulting structure required some handyman skills to construct using traditional methods.
The top of the rainwater barrel was modified to create a detachable cover with a smoke vent. A chimney liner was used as the cooling pipe, with a hole cut into the barrel’s side at the bottom. The opposite end of the pipe was connected to the metal trash can, serving as the smoke generator inside the bin, a wire mesh column retained a pile of sawdust, which could burn for eight to nine hours without further assistance once lit.
Electric pokers are recommended for ignition purposes, as firelighters may impart unwanted flavors.
How to Turn an Old Fridge Into a Cold Smoker
When an old refrigerator takes up space in your home, it’s natural to wonder what to do with it. Before deciding to dispose of it, consider turning the appliance into a functional smoke cabinet. This DIY project requires some planning and effort, but can result in a unique cooking solution. The first step is to thoroughly clean the fridge, paying attention to any grime or debris that may have accumulated. Once the fridge is spotless, you’re ready to start building your smoke cabinet.
Begin by deciding where to place your shelves inside the refrigerator. Measure the internal dimensions of the appliance and choose a configuration that suits your needs. With your shelf layout planned out, it’s time to create the slats themselves. Draw horizontal lines on the steel rods using a level and a steel rule, spacing them evenly apart. Cut the metal rods to size using a hacksaw or tin snips, leaving about 10-15mm of excess material.
Assemble the chimney by creating an alignment hole and fitting it into place. Seal any gaps with silicone sealant, then fireproof the refrranator’s bottom section. The final steps involve installing a thermometer, conducting a thorough cleaning, and testing the smoke cabinet to ensure proper function. With these tasks complete, you’ll have a functional cold smoker that can be used for a variety of cooking applications.
DIY File Cabinet Smoker
Building a simple offset smoker from an old filing cabinet requires minimal effort and costs around $50-$100. You’ll need basic tools like a drill, an unpainted metal file cabinet, and some free time. The key difference between this project and a more complex one, such as making an offset smoker out of an old gas tank, is the level of simplicity involved. To start, you’ll need to purchase an unpainted file cabinet, which can cost around $60 for used or $110 for brand new.
After acquiring your cabinet, apply heat-resistant BBQ paint to prevent any chemicals released by epoxy-based paints from affecting your food quality. Next, drill air holes through the bottom of the drawers and the top of the cabinet. Then, attach two temperature gauges to the sides of your smoker, one near the top and one near the middle. The other drawers can be used with normal BBQ racks to store your food, while the bottom drawer serves as your firebox.
With minimal effort and basic tools, this project should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
DIY Hot And Cold Smoker
Building a simple offset smoker from an old filing cabinet requires minimal effort and costs around $50-$100. You’ll need basic tools like a drill, an unpainted metal file cabinet, and some free time. The key difference between this project and a more complex one, such as making an offset smoker out of an old gas tank, is the level of simplicity involved. To start, you’ll need to purchase an unpainted file cabinet, which can cost around $60 for used or $110 for brand new.
After acquiring your cabinet, apply heat-resistant BBQ paint to prevent any chemicals released by epoxy-based paints from affecting your food quality. Next, drill air holes through the bottom of the drawers and the top of the cabinet. Then, attach two temperature gauges to the sides of your smoker, one near the top and one near the middle. The other drawers can be used with normal BBQ racks to store your food, while the bottom drawer serves as your firebox.
With minimal effort and basic tools, this project should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
Turn Old Fridge Into Cold Smoker
Building a simple offset smoker from an old filing cabinet requires minimal effort and costs around $50-$100. You’ll need basic tools like a drill, an unpainted metal file cabinet, and some free time. The key difference between this project and a more complex one, such as making an offset smoker out of an old gas tank, is the level of simplicity involved. To start, you’ll need to purchase an unpainted file cabinet, which can cost around $60 for used or $110 for brand new.
After acquiring your cabinet, apply heat-resistant BBQ paint to prevent any chemicals released by epoxy-based paints from affecting your food quality. Next, drill air holes through the bottom of the drawers and the top of the cabinet. Then, attach two temperature gauges to the sides of your smoker, one near the top and one near the middle. The other drawers can be used with normal BBQ racks to store your food, while the bottom drawer serves as your firebox.
With minimal effort and basic tools, this project should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
DIY IKEA Cold Smoker
For this DIY IKEA cold smoker project, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials and tools since it’s more cost-effective to buy each part separately; make sure to head to the store and pick up everything you need first, you’ll require some shelves – specifically, wooden strips that are 36 cm x 15 mm square (or 20 mm sq) ensure they’re precisely 36 cm long and free of any rough edges, varnish, or other treatments Next, you’ll need side supports; these should be around 341 cm long with a depth of 40-50 mm and a thickness of 30 mm drill holes in them to fit the metal pegs, making sure they’re placed closer to the top for a better cantilever feel To assemble the cabinet securely, ensure the back is properly fastened before you start building You’ll also need to cut down supports and shelves as needed – I used 20 shelves and three side supports in my build, but you can create as many or as few as you like Just remember to use the pre-drilled holes and keep everything tidyFor the door seal, you’ll need to separate the double seal into a single one apply it slowly around the door, making sure it’s the right size before finishing it off with some extra duct tape tightly Once that’s done, add the door hinges and attach the ceramic tile and Pro Q Smoke generator Some additional materials you’ll need include a wall cabinet (92 cm x 40 cm x 35.
5 cm), melamine, a door appliqué, hinge pack, dust, shelf support pins, and some Stormguard EPDM rubber P-profile in white (10m) For tools, you’ll need a drill and some duct tape That’s it With these materials and tools, you’re ready to start building your own IKEA cold smoker Happy DIY-ing.
DIY Cold Smoking In An Igloo
Start by building a sturdy foundation for your igloo, piling up enough freshly fallen snow to create a structure that’s four to five feet high. If you’re dealing with powdered snow, be sure to compact it as you go to prevent collapse. Once you have a solid base, begin carving out the interior space using a shovel and plastic sled. Chucking away each small load of snow will leave you with a cozy, compacted mound.
Next, drill a 3-4 inch opening from the exterior of the dome, directed downward toward the interior, around three feet above ground level. This will create your oculus for smoke ventilation. Now it’s time to set up your oven rack, consisting of two even stacks of bricks that should extend about two-thirds of the way up inside the structure. Place your cured fish on the rack and prepare for smoking.
To get started, place a sufficient amount of wood chips in a disposable aluminum pie pan and position it outside the igloo. Plug in an electric hot plate set to medium heat, then wait patiently for smoke to appear and the temperature to reach the perfect level for a slow, steady stream. With your materials at the ready, you’re just one step away from indulging in your deliciously smoked catch.
UDS Cold Smoker Electric Heating With PID Control
Here’s a unique DIY cold smoker built from a tank, which has become a popular project among enthusiasts. The key to this build is the combination of an ideal heating element and control system. To start, the drum was prepared by removing any residual paint using a propane weed burner or a wood fire once cooled, the ash was removed using a wire brush. Next, a damper and chimney were installed on the roof of the smoker.
A metal wastegate from a woodwork dust collection system was used instead of creating a damper, which required sawing a hole in the lid and attaching a pipe flange designed for a 5-inch pipe to seal the kerf surrounding the doors, a door seal was needed below the door, one rack was positioned to serve as a catch pan or water pan, while the other racks were spaced apart for general use.
Additional racks can be purchased if needed, and two racks can be stacked to suspend goods like sausages from strings. The drum’s exterior was finished with heat-resistant paint similar to that used on exhaust manifolds. Materials include a drum, BBQ unit, electric heating unit, adjustable shelf bracket supports and clips, 22-inch racks, galvanized steel flashing, 5-inch pipe, propane weed burner, hinges, magnets, wood, PID control kit, 40-amp relay, and K-type thermocouple.
Tools required are a drill, cutter, masking tape, saw, and more.
DIY Wood Smokehouse
For a cost-effective and long-lasting smoking solution, this DIY project offers an innovative approach. The design combines a cinder block base with a wooden smoking cabinet on top, featuring a separate, brick-lined fireplace that produces smoke independently of the cabinet. This setup provides ample space for smoking large quantities of meat, including whole animals, massive sausage links, and substantial cuts of pork or beef, as well as homemade-cured meats.
The project’s simplicity and speed make it an attractive option for those looking to create a functional smoking area without breaking the bank. With a materials list that includes an electric hot plate, grating, wood chip box, temperature gauge, and trash can with lid, among others, this DIY endeavor is accessible to most enthusiasts. The required tools are similarly straightforward, comprising doorknobs, door hinges, screws, and other common building materials.
For those interested in taking their smoking game to the next level, click for more details on how to bring this project to life.
DIY Flower Pot Smoker
Transforming a pair of clay flower pots into a makeshift smoker is a clever DIY project that requires minimal investment. To start, drill ventilation holes in the planters, gradually increasing the drill bit size to avoid damaging the ceramic for airflow regulation, trim wine corks to fit into these openings. The second pot will serve as the smoke chamber since both pots will heat up significantly.
Attach a handle to the top pot using a U-bolt by drilling holes in the bottom of the pot for this purpose. Once you’ve completed the drilling and cork trimming tasks, move on to assembling the smoker. If you have BBQ gasket tape, use it to improve the seal between the pots; however, don’t stress if you don’t have it – the world won’t end without it. To light the fire, add soaked wood chips to the grate at the bottom of the kettle.
Place your meal on a circular grill grate above this and then seal everything by placing the top pot on top with these simple materials – two clay flower planters, wine corks, a circular grill grate, U-bolt with nuts and washers, small BBQ charcoal grate, and a drill.
Built-In Cold Smoker for Electric Smoker
Transforming a pair of clay flower pots into a makeshift smoker is a clever DIY project that requires minimal investment. To start, drill ventilation holes in the planters, gradually increasing the drill bit size to avoid damaging the ceramic for airflow regulation, trim wine corks to fit into these openings. The second pot will serve as the smoke chamber since both pots will heat up significantly.
Attach a handle to the top pot using a U-bolt by drilling holes in the bottom of the pot for this purpose. Once you’ve completed the drilling and cork trimming tasks, move on to assembling the smoker. If you have BBQ gasket tape, use it to improve the seal between the pots; however, don’t stress if you don’t have it – the world won’t end without it. To light the fire, add soaked wood chips to the grate at the bottom of the kettle.
Place your meal on a circular grill grate above this and then seal everything by placing the top pot on top with these simple materials – two clay flower planters, wine corks, a circular grill grate, U-bolt with nuts and washers, small BBQ charcoal grate, and a drill.
Cold Smokers Plans With Gas Tank
Gas tanks have evolved beyond their traditional role of storing and heating car fumes. Today, they’re a versatile building material that can add a touch of rustic charm to your projects. If you have an old gas tank lying around, don’t let it collect dust – we’ll guide you through some creative DIY plans for cold smokers that will breathe new life into this often-overlooked resource.
DIY Cold Smoker With Propane Tank
Transforming an ordinary propane tank into a unique DIY Weber Smokey Mountain-style smoker is a creative project that can be achieved with minimal materials. To begin, inject a small amount of water into the valve to fill the tank’s canister and prevent any remaining propane from igniting. Next, drill a hole at the bottom of the tank and fill it completely with freshwater, displacing any residual propane. Allow the water to drain once the tank is full.
Cut off the top of the tank using an angle grinder, taking care to remove the valve. The meat shelves and firebox require careful removal, after which you can solder hinges onto the cut-out sections and reattach them as doors for the grates. Consider using expanding metal mesh or circular BBQ grates that fit your design. Make a cut for a temperature gauge to complete this project.
To gather the necessary materials: expanded metal mesh, hinges, an expired propane tank, temperature gauge, steel pipe, and heat-resistant handles; tools include a drill, angle grinder, spot grinder, and other basic DIY equipment.
How To Make a Cold Smoker
To create a vent for your smoke generator, you’ll need to use some standard components. The process involves constructing three parts: the vent, door, and pump. In this guide, we’ll focus on building the vent. The first step is to cut out the vent shape from metal, such as aluminum, which is a relatively soft metal, so it’s easy to work with. Simply sketch the pattern directly onto the metal using a sharpened scribe as your guide.
To draw the circle, use the dividers on the compass to help you get the right size. Next, clamp the metal to some wood or chipboard and cut through it against anything flat, this will give you the vent shape. At this point, drill a 3mm hole in the center of the vent. To bend the larger component into shape, clamp the lug portion in a vice, giving the vent a little rigidity and making it easier to handle. Once you’ve built the vent and door, you can move on to constructing the pump.
The complete guide will show you how to assemble all the materials together using the necessary tools.
DIY Cold Smoker
To create a cold smoker that’s both budget-friendly and efficient, you can follow these steps. This setup allows you to smoke fish or meat for several days without interrupting your daily routine, as it continues smoking for 10-12 hours with each refill. Simply fill it up when you wake up or return from work, turn it on, and let it run. The concept behind this cold smoker is simple: by encasing a narrow tube within a thicker one, you can create airflow using a compressor.
This design has been popularized in some commercial smokers available for purchase. To get started, you’ll need a stainless steel cylinder with an interior diameter of 140mm and a height of approximately 500mm. The thickness of the cylinder is around 2mm, so any cross-sectional shape will work if you want your smoker to be able to run for an extended period, make sure it has sufficient capacity.
Once you’re done, secure the setup using screws attached to either side of the cylinder to prevent it from toppling over and igniting nearby wood. Setting up the piping is a straightforward process: simply bore a hole, add the piping, and ensure there are no loose ends. For more detailed instructions, check out our separate page on the topic.
Materials needed: * Stainless steel cylinder (140mm x 500mm) * Screws * Steel plate * Glowing wood * Short 22mm copper tube * 22mm T-joint * 12mm copper tube * 2000W plate with thermostat * Industry-sized compressor Tools needed: * Drill * Wrench.
Final Words
Whether you’re an avid hobbyist or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons, the importance of having a solid smoker plan cannot be overstated. With so many options available, it’s essential to take your time and carefully consider which cold smoking plan best aligns with your needs and goals. By opting for DIY solutions over expensive equipment, you’ll not only save valuable resources but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the art of slow-cooked delights.
