TOP 10 best smoke generators for smoking

Smoking as a way to significantly extend the shelf life of food products has been known to mankind for quite some time. There are two types of such technology - hot and cold. Using hot smoking, you can keep food usable for several days, but cold increases this period up to a month. Previously, special machines called smokehouses were used for smoking. Today, they are replaced by so-called smoke generators,

Since the moment of their appearance, these devices have become very popular, so you can find more and more varieties of such models on sale. It is easy to get confused in such a wide assortment. To prevent this from happening to you, we decided to write our rating of the best smoke generators in 2019. However, before we begin to analyze the characteristics of specific models, let's try to understand the device and the principle of operation of this unit.

How to choose a smoke generator?

This equipment is not too complicated. The main source of smoke here is chips, chips or sawdust, which gradually smolder inside the product. People who are actively involved in the smoking of various products do not recommend the use of sawdust of coniferous species for this purpose, deciduous species or fruit trees are considered the most suitable. The smoke generator includes a special container, a layer of sawdust or slivers is laid out on its bottom, there is also a removable cover, smoke is let in from time to time through it. An ignition hole is also located at the bottom. A hose should be fixed on the upper part of the body, through which smoke will pass into the working chamber, where the products will lie - meat, fish and so on. In addition, an air blower is provided.

The main function of the smoke generator (in principle, this is clear from the name of the device) is to create a certain amount of smoke and supply it to the smoking cabinet. In the process of smoke interaction with products, certain chemical reactions occur that make the semi-finished product suitable for human consumption.

In total on sale today you can find four main varieties of such a product. Electrics are most commonly used on an industrial scale, as they are considered the most practical. In the smoking chamber, they are able to warm up the temperature to 300 degrees, after which the product is automatically turned off. Chips during smoldering produce smoke, the temperature of which can reach 50-70 degrees. After the camera cools down a bit, the engine turns on again and the temperature is brought back to high levels. The smoking process in this device is continuous.

Smolders are most often used by homemade smoked meat lovers, since such smoke generators have the simplest principle of action - chips or sawdust, using a special screw mechanism, are fed to an electric spiral heated to a very high temperature.Having warmed up to about 250 degrees, the wood begins to smolder and emit a large amount of smoke, the temperature of which will be approximately 50-70 degrees, which is optimal for the smoking process.

You can also find ejector and friction devices. The former are rarely used, but the latter have a very original design. The main element here is a fairly powerful electric motor that will rotate the cylinder. A wooden block is attached to it from above. In the process, due to friction, the tree will warm up very much, as a result, smoke will begin to form, entering initially into the chimney channel and subsequently entering the smoking chamber.

When choosing a device, you should check the quality of its manufacture and assembly. According to experienced users, the optimal product with a long period of operation will be a structure made of stainless steel, the thickness of which should be more than one and a half millimeters. The cover of the device should be removed without problems. It can be made of metal or wood. When choosing, you should make sure that the handle is made of heat-insulating materials, so that in the process of work, when it becomes necessary to pour chips, it does not burn your hands. The bottom should also detach with ease, because periodically there will be a need to clean this product.

Pay attention to the configuration of the model, so that in the future it did not have to buy various necessary elements. As a standard, a compressor is supplied with the device, a special tube that is resistant to high temperatures; a lighter, a set of wood chips for several smokes, fasteners and so on.

When choosing models to include in our rating of the best smoke generators of the year, we took into account these points, as well as many others. In particular, user reviews and the price / quality ratio of the model played an important role. For each device, we decided to collect the maximum amount of information so that you can decide whether it is suitable for you or, on the contrary, you should find more optimal products. So, it's time to go to our review.

Automatic ignition devices

4. Smoke generator

The product was developed by the Volga mechanical plant, which has been manufacturing and selling similar products for quite some time. Various structural elements were repeatedly processed at the equipment, important factors were taken into account, which allowed making the products of this enterprise one of the best in the country. The case is made of stainless steel, and the wall thickness is more than 2 mm, which prevents not only the occurrence of corrosion processes, but also does not allow the walls to fade over time. The period of continuous operation can be significantly increased by installing a special chip tank. The smoke ultimately turns out to be thick and very clean, free from harmful impurities, which will affect the safety of products. The design is equipped with a fairly powerful compressor that will distribute the smoke evenly throughout the chamber, which will allow the products to smoked as evenly as possible.

The total volume of the smoking chamber is 200 liters. Smoke passes through a coil, the length of which is more than 3 meters. The compressor power is high - it passes through itself about 80 liters per minute. The volume of the capacity for wood chips is 8 liters, in addition, if necessary, it can be increased. Teng's power makes 1 kW, and this indicator is adjustable. The weight of the equipment is 8.5 kg, and one load of wood chips is enough for about 10 hours of continuous operation, a temperature sensor is also provided on the case so that you can monitor the degree of heating in the smoking chamber.

Benefits:

• Looks good;
• It works for a long time on one tab of wood chips;
• There is everything you need to use;
• A temperature sensor is provided;
• It weighs a little;
• Spacious.

Disadvantages:

• The temperature of the smoke is a bit low.

3. Smoke generator Whirlwind-M

With this design you can smoke large volumes of products in a short time. The device is fully automated, a person does not have to interfere with the cooking process. It is generally referred to as professional products. Chips or sawdust are used as consumables; there is no need to purchase briquettes or tablets. One load (it is about 3-4 kg of wood chips) will be quite enough for the equipment to work continuously for 24 hours. The device operates on the basis of oxygen-free combustion. There is no need to set fire to the wood chips, as it will be supplied to the heating element, whose power is 1 kW, where it gradually begins to smolder. Many users note a uniform density of smoke, and its temperature will also be at the same level.

Complete with the product there is everything necessary to ensure stable and continuous operation of the equipment. The smoke supply level here can be adjusted - the product is able to fill the chamber with smoke, the volume of which is in the range from one and a half to ten cubic meters. The model is covered with black heat-resistant paint, the body is made of stainless steel. This smoke generator consumes about 12 kW of electricity per day. The overall dimensions are not too large - 60x25x65 cm. The nominal temperature of the PETN is approximately 270-310 degrees, so the chips will begin to smolder immediately after being on the heating element.

Benefits:

• You can immediately smoke quite large volumes;
• Fully automated work;
• There is no need to control the temperature in the chamber;
• Low material consumption.

Disadvantages:

• It is strictly forbidden to use wet or moist wood chips, since because of it, ten can fail;
• A decent amount of soot is formed, you have to clean it two or three times a month.

2. Smoke generator Summer resident

This device is a full-fledged automatic smokehouse, and you should immediately make a reservation that the temperature of the smoke in the chamber will not be too high - about 20-28 degrees. The product is designed for products such as meat, poultry, fish, lard, cheese and so on. The product operates exclusively in automatic mode, but needs to be connected to the mains. It consumes energy quite economically - only about 0.3 kW per hour. The case is made of fairly durable stainless steel. Along with it comes the heating element itself, a cabinet where food will be loaded, and many additional details. There is an automatic timer for supplying sawdust, a temperature controller is also provided. There is an indication of power-up and the operation of the electric heater.

Ash formed during the combustion of chips or sawdust is discharged into a special compartment. The smoke supply is uniform, it fills the smoke tank in full, helping the products to cook much faster. Up to 20 kg of products can be loaded into a standard configuration model at the same time; there are design options that allow smoking up to 50 kg. This automated smokehouse is equipped with a tie-in pipe and a special hood for hood extraction, which allows you to use the equipment not only on the street, but also indoors, leading the duct through the window so that smoke does not get inside.

Benefits:

• Economical in work;
• The supply of wood chips occurs in a dosed mode;
• The feed rate and temperature in the chamber are controlled by automation;
• It can be used both outside and inside.

Disadvantages:

• Smoke in the cold will not work;
• Appearance could be more interesting.

1. Hanhi Zmei

The latest equipment designed specifically for cold smoked.It appeared on sale last year. Engineers tried to carefully think through all the most important points, so the process of smoke formation has become as convenient as possible for a person working with this unit. The bunker with wood chips has an angular design, which allows for its continuous pyrolysis combustion. In addition, it will not fade. The smoke comes out of this part of the device with the help of special slots located on the corner plate, after which it is sent to the low pressure zone. The ash compartment is very convenient here, in addition, there is access to it, so you can remove and clean it if necessary. In general, the entire smoke generator, if desired, can be disassembled and cleaned of soot and tar formed.

Smoke, moving from the combustion chamber to the products, passes through a multi-level filtration system in which heavy resins are removed from it, especially since they can harm the products. During the combustion of wood chips, water, liquid resin and other substances may form, which should not come out with the smoke and get on the products. To remove all unnecessary, you must open a special tap. The product can work completely offline, you don’t have to follow its work at all, you just need to clean the ash in a timely manner and clean the smoke filters. Such a device is always in an upright position, equipped with a sufficiently comfortable and stable support.

Benefits:

• High-quality smoke removal system from harmful substances;
• All elements are made of high quality stainless steel;
• Fully fireproof equipment;
• Consumes the minimum amount of electricity.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

Manual-fired smoke generators

3. Merkel Standard

This model is characterized by many users as innovative and improved, so that by its useful qualities it is significantly superior to similar models from other companies. The design includes a body and a chimney, a cover made of durable wood. The bottom here is perfectly flat, a condensation chamber is provided, with which the smoke passes through an additional cleaning. Here its temperature decreases, making smoke suitable for working with any kind of product. The model is designed for both cold and hot smoking. All elements are made of reliable stainless steel, resistant to physical damage, the occurrence of corrosion processes. Its thickness is 2 mm. The mass of the device is not too large - about 2 kg. Assembling a model and preparing it for work is very simple, so even a person who has not dealt with similar equipment before can handle it.

For the product to work stably, it is necessary to achieve stable smoldering. At first the smoke is formed quite hot, but later it passes through a kind of filter from the chips, tar and condensate will come out of it. Then the entire volume of smoke enters the condensation chamber. Drops of water form on its walls and harmful combustion products remain. All of them are easily removed. The lid is made of reliable and durable wood, which will not dry out and become too hot during operation, so you will not be able to get a burn. It fits snugly against the body, so the smoke will not go beyond the smoke generator.

Benefits:

• Very attractive appearance, the case is made of polished stainless steel;
• In the manufacture of used exclusively high quality materials;
• For smoking, you can use wood of any species;
• Convenient and easy loading of chips;
• Consumes the minimum amount of electricity;
• The compressor allows you to adjust the amount of air supplied;
• Reasonable cost.

Disadvantages:

• Condensation has a characteristic unpleasant odor.

2. Smoke generator Finlandia 1.2 L

It has a body made of stainless steel, the thickness of which is 2.5 mm, the maximum smokehouse volume is 3 cubic meters. The pipe is located at the bottom, so you can smoke both hot and cold technology. The main advantage of this location of the pipe is that the active phase of the process starts immediately from the moment the chip is fired, so the container with products for smoking is filled with smoke immediately. The release of resins harmful to the human body is minimal, the same can be said about condensate. Fresh air is supplied to the combustion zone using a special compressor, the average consumption of wood chips is within 200 grams. Thanks to a carefully thought-out design, the optimum smoke temperature is reached about three times faster than when using other smoke generators.

The compressor power is adjustable, the temperature of the smoke at the outlet will be in the range from 30 to 90 degrees. For hot smoking, a temperature of 60 degrees or higher is used. This is the fastest technology, the products will be fully ready in a couple of hours at most. If the temperature is in the middle range (35-60 degrees), then you can get products with a longer shelf life. Smoking can take from 3 hours to 2 days. Cold smoking involves the use of smoke with a temperature of not more than 32 degrees. Thanks to this treatment, it will be possible to maintain the density and hardness of the products over time. The assembly of this smoke generator takes several minutes; if necessary, it can be connected to any convenient container.

Benefits:

• It can be used for both cold and hot smoking;
• Wide range of temperature adjustment;
• Simplicity of operation;
• Reasonable cost;
• Compact overall dimensions.

Disadvantages:

• Weak tight design.

1. Hobbi Smoke 3.0+

Another design of Russian production. It is capable of producing a decent amount of cold smoke, which can reach about 20 cubic meters, the maximum battery life of the device is 16 hours. The average fuel consumption is about 150 grams per hour. The cover is made of high-quality wood, which will not swell when the temperature or humidity changes. The bottom is removable - you can quickly and easily remove the remnants of wood chips. The ignition is manual, it has two holes on the sides of the product. The kit comes with a very convenient lighter, there is also alder wood chips for one filling. The compressor is equipped with heat-resistant tubes, all mounts are universal. A recipe book is supplied with the smoke generator, which is very suitable for a person who for the first time decides to engage in a process such as smoking.

The performance of the device is quite high, it is convenient to use. All products are quite aromatic and tasty. The body of the structure is made of stainless steel, resistant to thermal and physical stress. The combustion chamber is equipped with a volume that allows you to load up to one and a half kilograms of chips. The pipe is located below, so the chips always remain in a dry state, do not fade. The device does not need to be connected to the mains, but it allows you to get quite thick and saturated smoke.

Benefits:

• Everything you need for smoking is included;
• Smoked products do not absorb toxins and various odors;
• Heat resistant housing;
• Wide range of applications.

Disadvantages:

• It is problematic to kindle wood chips with a moisture content of more than 30%.

Smokehouse equipped smoke generators

3. Smoke generator Grilek

The design was originally developed for cold smoking. It is equipped with a spacious smoking chamber, whose volume is 30 liters - this figure is enough to organize the production of smoked products at home. The product produces and delivers chilled and intended for cold smoking smoke.The smoke generator is made of sufficiently thick stainless steel, which allows for the hygiene of the process and the equipment with the necessary safety margin. The mass of the product is only 9 kg with overall dimensions of 35x60x40 cm. The temperature of the smoke is in the range from 30 to 40 degrees. The device is capable of continuous operation from 4 to 6 hours. AISI430 grade stainless steel is used for manufacturing, which fully complies with Russian state standards.

The smokehouse is quite simple, you can assemble it even without using any kind of tools. The smoke is dense and devoid of moisture, so it is possible to smoke food in the shortest possible time. The product is ideally suited for working with very fatty foods, which, upon passing through this processing, will acquire excellent taste. A maximum of 3 kg of wood chips can be loaded into the smoke generator. The ignition is manual, double-sided. The use of wet wood chips is undesirable, as it will produce too wet smoke, and smoldering will be uneven.

Benefits:

• Reasonable cost;
• Excellent working qualities;
• Easy to assemble;
• No special maintenance required;
• Convenient to use.

Disadvantages:

• Kindle a regular lighter is not as easy as it might seem at first glance.

2. Smoke Dymych 02B

This is a fairly well-known domestic manufacturer of electric smokehouses, designed specifically for cold smoking. The principle of operation is standard here - the product has a fan, which intensively directs the flow of smoke into the smoking compartment. It is allowed to use this design even indoors, but first there will need to provide a good ventilation system and reduce humidity to the lowest possible level. If smoking is carried out during the winter months, then lower temperatures should not be allowed below zero. The temperature of the smoke will be in the range from 20 to 40 degrees, and in the smoke itself, the moisture content will be minimal. According to users, this model is characterized by a rather large smoking chamber and a body that is resistant to all kinds of influences. This allows you to use the model even in industrial volumes.

The power of the equipment is 2.9 W, the volume of the smoking chamber is 50 liters here - even too much for home use. The thickness of the case is not too large: only 0.8 mm, but stainless steel is additionally coated with special compounds that increase its strength. The maximum compressor capacity is 5 liters per minute - the indicator is not too large, but it is quite enough to ensure the process of cold smoking and to maintain the optimum temperature in the smoking chamber.

Benefits:

• Low cost;
• Full set;
• You can bring the products to a golden crust.

Disadvantages:

• No stand provided;
• It is not too convenient to put on and take off the cover.

1. Bradley Smoker Original Smoker BS611EU

This is a recognized leader in our ranking of the best smoke generators, characterized by the versatility of use. Smoke is generated without operator intervention - fully automatic. Inside the smoking chamber there are as many as four removable grilles, the dimensions of which are 35x28 cm, so you can simultaneously smoke a large number of different products. The smoke generator runs on wood briquettes, which are automatically fed into the combustion zone every five minutes. The automation here is high-quality and adjustable, so the user only needs to choose the most suitable mode. The device is able to work without interruption up to 9 hours. You can get products of both hot and cold smoked. The maximum smoke temperature in this device can reach 160 degrees. The volume of the camera is not too large - it is only 120 liters, which makes the device quite mobile.

The design has a very attractive appearance. It is very convenient to use, and the developers have taken care of security.The grilles are equipped with special clamps so that they cannot be knocked over during extraction from the smoking chamber. At the same time, the camera itself has excellent tightness, so it is quite acceptable to use it indoors. The front legs are enlarged, so that the design has acquired even greater stability.

Benefits:

• Universality of equipment;
• Long working time without interruption;
• No human intervention required;
• The original design of the grilles;
• Attractive appearance.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive.

In conclusion, a useful video

So our rating of the best smoke generators of 2019 has come to an end. We hope that the information we collect will be useful to you. If any questions remain unexplained for you, ask them in the comments to our article. We will promptly respond to every message.

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