Cardboard Box Cold Smoker

[tjohnson]

Do you think the "Cardboard Box Police" are watching?

TJ

 

[nwdave]

Cardboard Police??

 

[Bearcarver]

Do you think the "Cardboard Box Police" are watching?

TJ

You better hope not!

They are a dastardly bunch!

They'd tell the Bobbies, and have you dragged off to some cold dark dungeon, never to be seem or heard from again!

Please be careful,

Bear

 

[squirrel]

Make my day cardboard boy....

 

[jojo22]

I see a lot of posts on here about temperature, and I have to say that I can see a distinct advantage to this design over some of the fancier ones such as old smokers and fridges. IF the ambient temperature is within acceptable smoking ranges (and I'm a noob just building my first cold smoker) then this design would work best, as cardboard is not a great insulator, which means any small amounts of heat would be easily transfered to the outside of the box and preventing overheating of the cheese/fish/bacon. 

Am I wrong here?? Also does anyone see an issue with running one of these in ones garage or basement?

 

[tjohnson]

I see a lot of posts on here about temperature, and I have to say that I can see a distinct advantage to this design over some of the fancier ones such as old smokers and fridges. IF the ambient temperature is within acceptable smoking ranges (and I'm a noob just building my first cold smoker) then this design would work best, as cardboard is not a great insulator, which means any small amounts of heat would be easily transfered to the outside of the box and preventing overheating of the cheese/fish/bacon. 

Am I wrong here?? Also does anyone see an issue with running one of these in ones garage or basement?

The cardboard box was kind of a "Tongue In Cheek" post because I have always claimed "You could even smoke in a cardboard box."  I tried it and it worked beyond my expectations. 

Ambient temps greatly effect the process, and an insulated smoker box can be a benefit from extreme cold, but also you can put ice blocks inside an insulated box when the ambient temps are warmer.

I'm not a big fan of smoking in the garage, but I suppose you could.  Smoking in the house just plain old creeps me out!  In the right conditions, with the right ventilation, you could get away with it.

Todd
 

 

[jojo22]

Cool, Since I figured this could be done for under $20 (using the can and solder gun method) I would give it a go, got everything but some smokin chips (and I'll get those tomorrow). If things work out I'll be looking into the a-maz-n-smoker or something similar for ease of use, but for some reason I like to start rough (my first smoke was on a small square grill with coals on one side meat on the other). So we'll see how it goes!

 

[scarbelly]

Cardboard Police??

 I hear they have Todd boxed in

 

[tjohnson]

Duplicate Post

Delete Me Please!

 

[tjohnson]

jojo22,

Here's a pic of a cardboard box on my grill.  I did this to show customers that they really do not need expensive equipment to get started.  I was really surprised how well it worked.  I used my A-MAZE-N-SMOKER, but a soldering iron in a can with chips or pellets would work too.  You don't need a lot of money to get started cold smoking. 

You need to keep the flap open to let out excess heat and smoke.

Very simple to use, cost effective and good results.

Todd

 

[Bearcarver]

Hey Todd,

Probably get even more smoke, if you light that gas grill, but it wouldn't last long.

I'd probably move the thermometer first though.

Bear

 

[scarbelly]

I also notice that you are using free boxes for this gig

 Just sayin LOL

 

[dave54]

I also notice that you are using free boxes for this gig

 Just sayin LOL

 That's called being cost effective

 

[squirrel]

I totally love the cardboard box method. It works great for me as I have it set up on my back porch. I'm thinking about getting a giant cardboard box like say a refrigerator would come in and make a few mods. and get a few more AMS's, some cinder blocks, some shelving. Man please, I could do some cold smokin' then. Especially with the temps around freezing outside. Maybe I can get a BEAR in there.

 

[tjohnson]

Cold Smoked Bear?

Now that would be interesting!!

TJ

 

[Bearcarver]

I totally love the cardboard box method. It works great for me as I have it set up on my back porch. I'm thinking about getting a giant cardboard box like say a refrigerator would come in and make a few mods. and get a few more AMS's, some cinder blocks, some shelving. Man please, I could do some cold smokin' then. Especially with the temps around freezing outside. Maybe I can get a BEAR in there.

You can't do that:

Nice Bears are too nice to smoke, and mean Bears aren't nice enough to smoke. 

 

[monoxide]

i hate to bump a old thread but when using a small box like the last pic how did you put the rack and the smoker. also is the vent on the side the only vent you used? i am just getting into smoking and would like to try this.

 

[alblancher]

Monoxide

You just don't want stale smoke.  As long as it is moving you are fine with the vents.  Also depending on what you are using as your smoke source you may need to let the heat escape

 

[monoxide]

Monoxide

You just don't want stale smoke.  As long as it is moving you are fine with the vents.  Also depending on what you are using as your smoke source you may need to let the heat escape

i was looking at getting a a-maze-n pellet smoker since i see so many good reviews here and seems very easy to use. but at first i may use a hot plate and try to control the temp.