Cheese rack placement?

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superdave

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
Aug 13, 2007
389
28
Sacramento, CA
With a tall smoker, should my cheese rack be at the top or the bottom of the smoker?  I plan on having it directly over the ice pan rack either way but was wondering if there were any advantages to where it was placed in the smoker.

Thanks.
 
Each smoker is different.  To avoid uneven color, place your cheese were the smoke is concentrated, most likely toward the top, not too close to the vent. In time you will find the sweet spot.  If smoking in a confined space a diffuser may be helpful.

Enjoy your cheese.

Tom
 
Today's smoke, my second cheese attempt, was textbook perfect.  In addition to my ice tray and ceramic tile I used in first smoke, I added a big pan of sand.  Overall box temp was 20 degrees less than the first smoke, 65 today.  I don't think it could have gone much better.  I went high in the box for the cheese rack.

 
 
Today's smoke, my second cheese attempt, was textbook perfect.  In addition to my ice tray and ceramic tile I used in first smoke, I added a big pan of sand.  Overall box temp was 20 degrees less than the first smoke, 65 today.  I don't think it could have gone much better.  I went high in the box for the cheese rack.

Now that's some fine looking cheese, Dave.  Nice even color.  Are you keeping good notes on what you are doing?  They will help on subsequent smokes.

Enjoy,

Tom
 
What is the optimum size chunk for smoking?  Has anyone experimented with 2" 4" 6" or larger blocks?  What about round cheese, like Gouda, what would be the optimum for the largest part of the wedge be?
 
 
What is the optimum size chunk for smoking?  Has anyone experimented with 2" 4" 6" or larger blocks?  What about round cheese, like Gouda, what would be the optimum for the largest part of the wedge be?
I started and have stuck with 1 to 1.25 pound chunks and been very happy. 
 
 
What is the optimum size chunk for smoking?  Has anyone experimented with 2" 4" 6" or larger blocks?  What about round cheese, like Gouda, what would be the optimum for the largest part of the wedge be?
Very good questions, 007.  The optimum size may be different for each of us.  It will depend on your patience. If you need cheese for supper you could apply a heavier smoke to some sliced cheese for a few minutes and be done with it.  On the other hand, you could smoke a two-pound block and let it cure for a few months and be happy with it.  As for the gouda, I cut a wedge about two and a half to three inches wide from the outside and smoke it with the rind on.

Tom 
 
 
What is the optimum size chunk for smoking?  Has anyone experimented with 2" 4" 6" or larger blocks?  What about round cheese, like Gouda, what would be the optimum for the largest part of the wedge be?
as example my logs I try to get them in the 5-10lb size (average 5-51/2lbs) I will slice into 4-6 pieces (1 1/2 thick-2) depending on my needs. my round logs (gouda, provolone) I try to keep them at (2-4") lengths for our needs. I have seen that many cut theirs in it appears to be about 6" then quarter them (resembles a cube of butter). perfect gift sized (after waxing) so on this next run I am going to try that size as well. might become my standard size. I have just cut the logs in half and then smoked them separately (much, much longer) when I know they are going straight to the slicer.

too many choices......

happy smoking,

Tom
 
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