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Smokin-It Smokers => Smokin-It Announcements! => Topic started by: BHamel on February 13, 2019, 08:25:55 PM

Title: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: BHamel on February 13, 2019, 08:25:55 PM
We at Smokin-It are thinking about selling an external smoke generator.  This would be able to connect to the smoker and provide smoke for cold smoking without the need for a cold smoke plate.  It could also be used in conjunction with the heating element for regular smoking as well.  It could be connected when needed and easily stored when not.  Let us know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Ben
Smokin-It IT Guy!
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Lonzinomaker on February 13, 2019, 08:36:19 PM
If it is a re-badged smoke-daddy, I wouldn't be interested.
A requirement for me would be ability to have smoke for at least 6 hours without intervention.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: LarryD on February 13, 2019, 10:05:55 PM
Maybe?  I've been a little reluctant to pick up a third party one because I don't want to have to find/stock whatever fuel it also requires.  So... if you start stocking one then you need to either stock fuel, too, or have a partnership with someplace that has it to keep it super easy.  Honestly, setting up some kind of relationship with Smokinlicious, Fruita Wood, and/or Bob's Smokin Hardwood could be a pretty good setup.

Otherwise, something that doesn't require that I remove the existing smoke box would be nice. 


Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on February 13, 2019, 11:26:56 PM
Hi Ben - I have not been bitten by the cold smoking bug.  But something that would be long running and attach easily would probably do well for those that like to cold smoke. If the generator was pumping smoke up through the drain hole or down through the vent no box modification would be needed.  BUT, pumping up through the drain hole would require elevating the smoker on a stand.  Fixing a permanent through wall adapter plate would be convenient if it could be plugged from inside and outside when not in use. I don't think small screws like those used to attach the D controller would be sufficient enough or robust enough.  Here's hoping you get a lot of input from the cold smoking crowd.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Walt on February 14, 2019, 09:34:14 AM
I'm set currently with the Big Kahuna.  I like it quite a lot. Runs on wood chips for 2 to 3 hours between reloads. It stays mounted on the unit even when not in use. Between smokes, the only thing that gets removed is the hose the connects it to the smoker (only pressed into place, no hardware). The only negative is, it requires a propane torch to light and some attention initially to get it rolling. Not a big negative but an electric element might be more convenient for most.

A smoke generator seems like a natural addition to your offerings.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: azbohunter on February 14, 2019, 09:44:24 AM
I would be interested to see what "it" would be. I like to smoke my salmon and kokanee low and slow starting at 110 for a couple hours and working the temps up in 20 degree increments to 170 over a period of 6 hours. I use a A-MAZE-N-PELLET-SMOKER(AMNPS) and dust with a jerky fan but keeping it going can be challenging. Will be following...
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Limey on February 14, 2019, 09:46:56 PM
My rig is essentially identical to Walt's and I find that it works well. He identified the minor issues with igniting it but it uses whatever wood chips you choose which I think is a big plus.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Jimeo on February 15, 2019, 07:48:48 AM
Following as well.  Haven’t been bitten by the bug yet either but have the cold smoke plate and have used a few times on salmon and bacon.  Awfully tedious process to use.  Still have a pellet tube smoker in the box to experiment with.  Will be curious to see what you come up with.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: kona77 on February 17, 2019, 09:16:23 PM
 I may have an interest since I am just getting into some cold smoking (bacon, sausage etc.)
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: BHamel on February 18, 2019, 08:09:42 AM
We are developing and testing a generator right now.  Key to the whole thing will be to make it simple and easy to convert an older model.  It may be a while but this forum will get the first pics of the beta version.

Thanks,
Ben
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: BHamel on February 18, 2019, 08:53:42 AM
Does anyone have issues with condensation in the pipe with the Big Kahuna?  Also do you see any issues with a square generator vs a round generator?

Thanks,
Ben
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Lonzinomaker on February 18, 2019, 10:28:05 AM
There is a gravity feed pellet stove that is made from square pipe (US Stove Wiseway). I would think you would get a more even burn from a cylinder if you're doing a vertical burn chamber.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on February 18, 2019, 10:42:00 AM
Does anyone have issues with condensation in the pipe with the Big Kahuna?  Also do you see any issues with a square generator vs a round generator?

Thanks,
Ben

I can see where there might be some condensation issues, as a result of cooling, over a long pipe run before the smoke enters the smoker.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Walt on February 18, 2019, 06:05:10 PM
There is a little condensation that drips.  I try to place the protien away from under the vent or with bacon its skin side up so the drip only stains a piece of the skin.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Limey on February 18, 2019, 09:21:34 PM
I get quite a lot of condensation with my Big Kahuna-several tablespoons per smoke. My solution was to put a belly in the smoke pipe leading from the BK to the top vent and drain it from time to time. With this setup no condensation enters the smoker.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on February 18, 2019, 10:09:38 PM
What would happen if the smoke was  physically routed through a chamber of ice enroute to the smoker?  Enter the chamber via one orifice and exit the chamber via a second orifice and onto the smoker?  Would the condensation occur in the chamber and be drier when it entered the smoker?
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: LTS on February 19, 2019, 03:50:04 PM
 Sounds like a great idea ,  I have a model  #1 and #4    The #1 has a Smokemiester and they do make condensation I installed a ball valve to drain the creosote ended up not using it. When the #4 came I enlarged  the drain hole right out of the box I use the Amazin 5x8 pellet trey and have no trouble keeping it lit. The drawback with for me the flash point of the pellets the 4 has that big heating element . For me the best that I've liked is the mail box mod. the smoke gets cooled.

      HTH    Paul
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: snakyjake on March 20, 2019, 03:06:06 PM
Might the smoke generator create a different smoke flavor profile or add more smoke layers for pulled pork?
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on March 20, 2019, 08:44:46 PM
Good question.  My own take on this, and without ever having used an external smoke source is that smoke flavor is smoke flavor regardless of whether it be hot smoke or relatively cool smoke.  Hopefully someone with experience using an external smoke device can provide some solid insight as to the flavor profile. Regarding layers, I would think (after ruining a butt) that the longer a piece of meat sits in a stream of smoke, the more flavor it gets, at least on the exterior. My ruined butt was very bitter, and the tacky coating on the exterior had the consistency of creosote.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: SmokinItInfo on April 30, 2019, 06:23:10 PM
Hello Smoker Nation,

update on the external smoke generator,  We are now working on our second prototype.  we needed to make some adjustments in the design.  Looks to be a stainless steel square vertical burn chamber. with the hope to have a large enough chamber to support a smoke for 5 or 6 hours before having to re load with more wood.  We have tried various mounting locations on the smoker and I believe we might go with a door mount.  Seems to work well with little or no condensation issues.  We should be able to also offer a pre drilled door setup for the customers that don't want to drill a hole into a smoker.  Or you could actually mount the generator anywhere you want.  We plan on posting some photos to review after we do more testing on this second prototype     
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: snakyjake on April 30, 2019, 08:01:49 PM
Here is some information posted by Meathead Goldwyn at AmazingRibs regarding electric smokers:
Quote
You can use sawdust and wood chips with some electric grills, and get a nice smoke flavor, but it is different from other smoke flavors because the wood smolders at a low temp. Electric smokers can make smoke from wood, but the burn temp is so low that the flavor is very different than gas or charcoal smokers, and in my mind, inferior for most foods.

So I'm curious if the external smoke source can be better optimized for the smoke profile flavor, since it doesn't have to also be used to produce heat?  The solution sounds simple; just need to optimize the heat temperature of the smoking wood.

Thanks,
Jake

Good question.  My own take on this, and without ever having used an external smoke source is that smoke flavor is smoke flavor regardless of whether it be hot smoke or relatively cool smoke.  Hopefully someone with experience using an external smoke device can provide some solid insight as to the flavor profile. Regarding layers, I would think (after ruining a butt) that the longer a piece of meat sits in a stream of smoke, the more flavor it gets, at least on the exterior. My ruined butt was very bitter, and the tacky coating on the exterior had the consistency of creosote.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on April 30, 2019, 09:38:22 PM
Hello Smoker Nation,

update on the external smoke generator,  We are now working on our second prototype.  we needed to make some adjustments in the design.  Looks to be a stainless steel square vertical burn chamber. with the hope to have a large enough chamber to support a smoke for 5 or 6 hours before having to re load with more wood.  We have tried various mounting locations on the smoker and I believe we might go with a door mount.  Seems to work well with little or no condensation issues.  We should be able to also offer a pre drilled door setup for the customers that don't want to drill a hole into a smoker.  Or you could actually mount the generator anywhere you want.  We plan on posting some photos to review after we do more testing on this second prototype     

Thanks for thew update!
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Cheezhead on August 29, 2019, 11:52:21 AM
Hi folks
Wondering if there has been any progress on this option? I would love to keep my family’s tradition of cold smoked sausage alive with today’s technology.
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: LuvMyQ on August 31, 2019, 09:09:30 AM
Count me in as one who needs a user friendly option for cold smoking.  Anxious to see progress in this.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: martinman54 on September 07, 2019, 11:20:40 AM
 Heck ya!  Count me in on the external smoke generator.....perfect idea for smoking my homemade deer links and bacon!

Tony from Texas
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: SmokinItInfo on September 07, 2019, 05:20:46 PM
Hello Smokin-it Nation,

Thought I would post our new external smoke generator.  Made from all stainless steel, comes apart into 5 pcs for easy cleaning. Will also include a variable speed air pump.   Holds approx. 2 pounds of wood pellets.  In our testing we were able to produce smoke for up to 6 hours without reloading the generator.   We have a very limited supply at this time.
cost will be $129.99 delivered.   I will be posting more pics and a video shortly
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 07, 2019, 07:51:56 PM
Looks mighty nice from where I'm sitting. Should be a hit with the folks who cold smoke. 
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Scold on September 07, 2019, 08:45:57 PM
I’m so in!  As soon as they go on the website, I’m gonna order that, my new 3D, cart and hella accessories.  ;D
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: martinman54 on September 07, 2019, 09:07:13 PM
Looks great!  How much for one mounted on a 4-D door shipped?
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 08, 2019, 01:30:09 AM
I’m so in!  As soon as they go on the website, I’m gonna order that, my new 3D, cart and hella accessories.  ;D
Based upon what was posted about a limited supply, you may want to contact Steve direct via email regarding a purchase.  Keep in mind that to mount the unit will require drilling and stainless steel is pretty tough stuff to drill.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 08, 2019, 01:30:59 AM
Looks great!  How much for one mounted on a 4-D door shipped?

Only Steve can answer that.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: LuvMyQ on September 08, 2019, 07:22:19 PM
Yeah, I'm a handy DIY'er, but that whole drillin' stainless steel thing may be a no starter for me.  Dang it.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: LarryD on September 08, 2019, 11:10:22 PM
Yeah, I'm a handy DIY'er, but that whole drillin' stainless steel thing may be a no starter for me.  Dang it.

It's not just the stainless...  if your bit/saw catches the insulation you could completely yank it out and destroy the thermal properties of the smoker.  This seems like a bizarre design.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: EFGM on September 09, 2019, 07:17:22 AM
Yeah, I'm a handy DIY'er, but that whole drillin' stainless steel thing may be a no starter for me.  Dang it.

It's not just the stainless...  if your bit/saw catches the insulation you could completely yank it out and destroy the thermal properties of the smoker.  This seems like a bizarre design.

Good thought and valid concern on the insulation. I’ll bet Steve can share his experience on the test model (s) he had retrofitted. Must not have been an issue or he would not be proceeding with this.

On the drilling, yes, stainless steel does take patience, and slow RPM drilling with some oil. Patience is the key. Check out Spyder Products hole saw kits. Lowe’s is a great source.

Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Limey on September 09, 2019, 10:56:33 AM
When I cold smoke I use an external smoke generator(Smoke Daddy Big Kahuna) and pipe the smoke down through the blowhole. No drilling required and it works great.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 09, 2019, 04:20:29 PM
Drilling should not destroy insulation. You will lose a little when you punch through but it will be negligible if you are careful. Just push it to the side as you go through the other panel wall.

Steve has doors for all models except for the 3.5 and the 5 in stock and pre-drilled for the smoke generator. They are in limited supply right now so not listed in the site. But he can be contacted via email for a door if you want one.

The smoke generator will hold 2 lbs of pellets.   He has exceeded 7 hours of smoke. He will include 1 lb of starter pellets. The pump is included in the price for the generator.

The generator is 3 1/8 inch square and 10 inches tall. The tube is 3/4 inch diameter and extends 3 1/2 inch into the smoker.

Also,  Steve has held prices through all the trade talks but come 1 Oct 2019 you can expect prices to go up if the 25% tariff kicks in. So waiting for any specials on smokers or accessories might probe futile.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: EFGM on September 09, 2019, 04:58:59 PM
You know after all this time I never looked at the door to see how it was mounted. Looks like a couple of taps with a rubber mallet and its off.  Thanks for the info Dave.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 09, 2019, 05:45:35 PM
Lifts right off. No mallet needed.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: SmokinItInfo on September 09, 2019, 07:52:24 PM
Hello Smokin-It Nation!

Just a couple thoughts on the new smoke generator.

I did not have any issue drilling a hole thru the side of the test smoker.  I used a brand new drill bit and went very slow.   I had only a very small amount of insulation come off during the drilling process.  The doors we will offer will be drilled and a stainless steel collar will be welded on to both sides of the door for the generator tube to slide into.   This process will be done by my local machine shop.  We will also pre drill two starter holes for the (2) self tapping screws that mount to the top of the generator body to secure the generator to the smoker door.
I am hoping to have pricing for the various doors this week as I am waiting for current replacement door
 pricing.  The air pump used is a variable speed pump so you can vary the amount of smoke pushed into the smoker.  With this process you don't even need the wood box inserted in the smoker.  We actually test a generator again today and had almost 10 hours of smoke from a fully loaded generator. Approx. 2lbs.  I did tap the main body of the generator twice during the smoke to make sure no bridging of pellets happen inside the generator.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 09, 2019, 07:57:16 PM
Sounds simple enough.

Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: martinman54 on September 10, 2019, 11:41:01 AM
Ya, I like the idea of the stainless steel collar welded to the door (interior and exterior).  Looks like I'm just waiting for it to be posted on the website.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Scold on September 10, 2019, 01:34:28 PM
Ya, I like the idea of the stainless steel collar welded to the door (interior and exterior).  Looks like I'm just waiting for it to be posted on the website.

Same.  Anxiously awaiting :)
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Cheezhead on September 10, 2019, 09:44:19 PM
So just to clarify, in temps below 40*F we can set internal temps to hold at say 60-80*F and add smoke for weeks at a time... with total control?  Will blower keep airflow going after pellets quit burning?
If ordering a brand new smoker setup are all models available ??  Would like to order soon 😎👍🏼  Thanks much for your support.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 10, 2019, 10:03:04 PM
Not really sure what you are driving at with those low temperatures. Drying sausage? Jersey? Dehydrating?  But regarding the blower keeping air flow moving after the pellets are burned off, yes as it is a separate unit.  You can run it till it dies of old age  ;).
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Cheezhead on September 11, 2019, 10:31:23 AM
Old Sarge
The old school sausage makers up here in Wisconsin cold smoked at these low temperatures for say a week or longer depending on what they are doing ...hams, bacons, etc.
thanks for your input.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 11, 2019, 11:02:07 AM
You should be ok. Just dump the ash before refilling with pellets until you no longer need smoke.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: polarlys on September 16, 2019, 10:51:22 AM
I'm definitely interested in a good cold smoke generator.   That's how I like to do salmon and I'm doing some as I write this.   I was trying out a new contraption and I accept that there might be a learning curve but so far I'm not impressed.  It's one of those pentagon shaped things that you spread your wood chips on and light with a torch.   The glowing embers are supposed to slowly travel around the course providing a slow source of chosen wood smoke.    Well, ain't working too good for me.   It lights but doesn't progress.   Is it that my chips are too coarse ???   Maybe .   Are they too dry ??   Maybe.   That's what I mean about the learning curve but for me, NOW, I'm going back to my Big Kahuna and that's pumping away.    Back to the Smoking-It device.   I might, just might, be interested to look closer but there might be a deal breaker for me if I'm required to buy pellets.   I'm looking for something that will use my endless supply of scrap hardwood and hardwood wood chips.   So far that's what I have and am working with but at the same time I'm interested in seeing just what they come up with.   So,   Keep at it and let's see what you've got.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 16, 2019, 08:13:21 PM
Your pentagon device might not be getting sufficient air to keep it going. As for the new generator from SI, I don't know is Steve has tested it with chips.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: polarlys on September 17, 2019, 12:49:35 PM
ThanX Sarge,   I appreciate your input.

There was plenty of air.   I had left the door cracked open so as to lighten up on the smoke a bit.   I had an older contraption that I had built and used for years.   I had an external box ( actually a traffic light control box) where the smoke was generated.   I had a very small squirrel cage motor on the outside with a variable speed control that would blow air directed into the box through some 3/4" tubing and it would lightly blow air into a pan filled with sawdust (or fine chips).   When I got it set right it would burn for about 4 hours on one filling.  I went through a lot of sawdust with this.  The meat or fish was in an old reefer box.   Worked great until I began to do some hot smoking then there was some plastic components in the box that fell apart.  Now the salmon I did yesterday actually came out pretty nice.   I guess with repeated attempts to light things up it got enough smoke but was too time consuming.   Still working on it.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 18, 2019, 05:49:19 PM
The Bella Smoke Generator is on the site, Accessories, Outside the box.
https://www.smokin-it.com/product-p/bsmkgen.htm
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Cheezhead on September 27, 2019, 10:58:18 AM
So if I order a new smoker and the smoke generator will the unit come prepared for it?  All drilling and such done?
Thanks.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Durangosmoker on September 27, 2019, 04:01:58 PM
So if I order a new smoker and the smoke generator will the unit come prepared for it?  All drilling and such done?
Thanks.

Actually, that is a good question. Will all smokers in the future come pre drilled (and somehow plugged)? I wonder if Steve has thought about that?
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: SmokinItInfo on September 30, 2019, 08:05:40 AM
At this time current smokers do not come pre-drilled to accept the Bella smoke generator.  We will be offering pre-drilled doors for the model #1, #2 and #3 smokers.   We looking in the future to add a plugged drilled hole on all smoker models to accept the Bella generator.  I am just not sure of the time frame for this production change
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on September 30, 2019, 08:06:51 PM
Thanks for the update!
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: polarlys on November 04, 2019, 10:09:33 AM
Well I'm back at it again.   A few weeks ago I made some smoked salmon and it came out nicely.   Somehow,  actually by dumb luck it seems, I managed to get the big kahuna external smoke generator loaded just right and it lit and smoked for several hours.   But, as it happens to be,  I don't know just what I did right that time but can't seem to get it going nicely again.  I made some more salmon yesterday and had to keep trying to re-light it every 20 minutes or so.   I use mixed hardwood scraps from my workshop that I cut into small irregular pieces along with some coarse saw dust and shavings in hopes of getting it to light and stay going for awhile.   

Am I doing something wrong here ????   When I attempt to light it with my torch it smokes very well for awhile but just won't stay lighted as I hoped it would.   

I was looking at this Bella device that Smoking-It is offering and like the concept ( seems to be much like the Kahuna) but I don't like that it takes pellets.  So that might be a deal breaker for me.

So, still working on a workable (for me) cold smoke method.

ThanX all,
Roger from NJ
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Walt on November 04, 2019, 06:07:06 PM
Roger, I light the Big Kahuna with a mapp gas torch (for soldering copper). once it's smoking good (with fish pump on max) I put the top cap on & leave the bottom cap off. When i check on it, 20 min later, once all is smoking well, I put the bottom on.
When smoking bacon, I usually work in the yard all day which gives me an opportunity to check in every couple hours to refill & augment with a bit more heat if needed. I only use chips or slivers & have great success.  I try for 6 to 8 hours of cold smoke finishing it off with a 2 hour hot smoke (useing no wood).  When I eventually upgrade to a 3 I will probably give this new SI unit a try as well. I wonder how it would do with chips & slivers. I have a small orchid  of about 40 trees and access to plenty pecan so would prefer to continue useing available source, like you seem to be doing. Good luck
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: polarlys on November 06, 2019, 03:00:25 PM
ThanX Walt.   I use a propane torch and get it smoking but I put the bottom cap on right away.   I'll try leaving it off for awhile maybe I'm causing too much air flow restriction and smothering it.   I would resist trying out the one they are talking about only because of the need to drill holes to mount it and supply the smoke.   

Thanx for the input. 
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Glock_21 on November 29, 2019, 11:10:01 AM
I have a couple of questions on the Bella.

Does it need to be removed when not in use for hot smoking?  The FAQ page says to remove the firebox when using the smoke generator.  Can both pieces coexist?

Could the washers / bushings that are welded to the door be provided with the Bella unit?  I assume those are stainless and are TIG welded to the production doors??

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on November 30, 2019, 11:39:07 AM
I have a couple of questions on the Bella.

Does it need to be removed when not in use for hot smoking?  The FAQ page says to remove the firebox when using the smoke generator.  Can both pieces coexist?

According to Steve, the Bella can be used for hot smoking so they can indeed co-exist.  If you are going to hot smoke and use the Bella, keep the wood box on.

Could the washers / bushings that are welded to the door be provided with the Bella unit?  I assume those are stainless and are TIG welded to the production doors??

What you see in the photos are welded.  You need to ask Steve if the washers and bushings are available for separate purchase. 

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Glock_21 on December 06, 2019, 03:05:01 PM
Bella is on the way.  Time to figure out this smoked cheese thing.

Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Li-T on April 02, 2020, 05:05:48 AM
Let me know when Bella comes to you. I'm choosing my first smoker now. Can you recommend any of them (https://wisepick.org/best-pellet-smoker/)?
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on April 10, 2020, 01:30:57 AM
I don't do any cold smoking.  Not yet, anyway.  But if I were to have to choose either the Bella or the Smoke Daddy, it would be the Bella hands down.  The video comparison of the two units definitely shows the Bella as the better of the two.

While I have steered clear of pellet grills for my own use, they are popular.  I checked out a couple before getting my first electric smoker.  They seemed problematic back then so I went electric. Of the units you have listed, they all have a strong following.  But if I had to decide, it would be the Fast Eddy.  All stainless steel. Having said that, I would still go with a smoker from SI over a pellet grill.  These smokers are simple and reliable and versatile. And that is what I prefer.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Reeg on April 12, 2020, 08:55:39 AM
I purchased the Bella's CSG with my new #2DW and last weekend used it for the first time to cold smoke a rack of various cheeses and Himalayan salt. I only filled the CSG about halfway with pellets thinking that I only wanted to go 2 hours with the cheese. Once fired up I was getting a lot of smoke, so I set the pump to about 25-30%. Things were going fine until about 1.75 hours in when I checked on it and there was little to no smoke coming out. I checked on the pellets and they were just about gone, but a clump of semi-burned pellets on one side appeared to be a bit wet. I also noticed some creosote-like liquid dribbling down the outside of the CSG. I moved the ash and wet pellets to one side as best I could, added more pellets and got to the two hour mark.

So next time I will keep the pump at 50% as recommended in the BK vs Bella CSG youtube video, and see if I get a cleaner, dryer burn. I assume that it was my mistake in letting it smolder at the lower pump setting?

BTW, the other mistake I made was in putting the salt below the cheese. I assumed that at 65 degrees high temperature in the smoker, that the cheese wouldn't sweat, but it did and at the end the salt was a bit wet. But who knows? Maybe having cheese fat-infused smoked salt will be even better? Haven't tried it yet but will let you know. The cheese has been in the fridge for a week, will try some next weekend.

BTW BTW, you may notice the skewer at the bottom of the CSG on the door photo... I found it a bit fiddly to screw the bottom plate back on the unit so I found that a meat skewer could easily be inserted through both holes of the bottom plate. If I ever need to add more pellets during a smoke, I can hold the bottom plate with one (gloved) hand, pull the skewer with the other drop the ash, replace the plate and skewer, load more pellets and refire. Should be that easy.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on April 12, 2020, 10:56:21 AM
Looks like you went all in with you smoker purchase. Enjoy the fruits of your labors!
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: Reeg on April 13, 2020, 08:16:27 AM
Quote
Looks like you went all in with you smoker purchase.

I did, but even with all the bells 'n whistles, it still amounted to less than the Kamado Joe grill that I almost bought last year. And no need to baby sit the cook, no ash cleanout... you know the rest.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: old sarge on April 13, 2020, 02:16:44 PM
I think you made the right choice.
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: barelfly on July 19, 2020, 10:40:43 AM
I’ve been reading into the Bella more the last few days and love what it provides for cold smoking - and may just get it for that. But I’m curious to see if anyone is using it as a supplement smoke for hot smoking and what this adds to smoke profile of the end product.

Anyone have any comments/feedback on this? Perhaps I’d do some cold smoking but if this adds to the smoke profile, that will seal the deal for me.

Thanks!
Title: Re: External Smoke Generator - What's your thoughts
Post by: smokehead on November 08, 2021, 08:37:38 AM
We have the Bella (and the #3.5D) and absolutely LOVE IT! We are now able to cold smoke 16lbs of lox at one time. We cold smoke raw chicken breast/thighs, chuck roast (for stew meat) and meat bones. We then throw them in the freezer and then use them in the crockpot, or other recipes later. The meat bones make the most awesome smoked soup you can ever imagine! All cold smoking we do is once temps are no higher than 40 degrees outside. (So we were just able to get back to cold smoking recently). Next up is cheese and nuts...

Cold Smoking while letting meat rest
I have also found it VERY useful to cold smoke the meat as I am letting it rest out of the fridge before smoking. (You let your meat rest on the counter for an hour, right? Why not put it in a smokey heaven to wake up in...) That goes for anything. We do pork butt, beans and mac-n-cheese at the same time, so we let everything rest in the cold smoker. So I set my timer for no heat for 1-2 hrs (and then kickoff the heat from there).

Fuel:
After many experiments, I have to say that wood shavings are the best way to go. There is still some moisture, but not like pellets, or the pellet/chip mix. I really like either straight Alder (or mixing in some Apple really gives it a nice profile). Here is my go to:
Camerons Products Smoking Chips ~ (Alder) - 2 Pound Bag, 260 cu. in. - Kiln Dried, Natural Extra Fine Wood Smoker Sawdust Shavings -Barbecue Chips
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q5B3VL3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Keep on smokin!
G&A