Cold smoking adds flavour without cooking the food, which suits cheese, nuts, salmon and cured items. The trick is a smouldering source that makes smoke but little heat, such as a slow-burning tube or maze and a cabinet or box that keeps the air cool.
The six picks below include two pellet burners, a handheld smoking gun, bisquettes and cabinet-style smokers. We have not used these products ourselves, and cold smoking has food safety rules, so confirm details on the current listing and follow reliable guidance before you cook.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Heat output | Cold smoke relies on very low heat, so the burner design matters |
| Burn time | Longer burn lets you smoke slowly without refuelling |
| Chamber | A cabinet or box lets smoke gather without warming the food |
| Fuel | Pellets, dust and bisquettes each burn differently |
Specs at a Glance
| Product | Type | Fuel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-MAZE-N 12 inch Tube Smoker | Pellet tube | Pellets | Stainless steel |
| A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker Maze | Pellet maze | Pellets or dust | Flat, long burn |
| PolyScience Smoking Gun Pro | Handheld smoker | Wood chips | For small items and drinks |
| Bradley Smoker Bisquettes | Flavour discs | Compressed wood | Made for the Bradley system |
| Bradley Original 4 Rack Smoker | Electric cabinet | Bisquettes | Separate smoke generator |
| Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Attachment | Smoke generator | Wood chips | Attaches to a compatible smoker |
The 6 Best Cold Smoke Generators and Tubes
1. A-MAZE-N 12 inch Pellet Tube Smoker
A stainless steel tube that burns pellets slowly, giving steady smoke with low heat. It can sit in a cabinet or smoker for cheese and fish.
Suits: cheese and nuts. Strengths: a slow burn with low heat. Weaknesses: needs airflow to keep burning. Skip it if you want a hands-off cabinet.
View A-MAZE-N 12 inch Tube Smoker on Amazon
2. A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker Maze
A flat maze-shaped smoker that burns pellets or dust along a winding path for a long, even smoke. It is a classic cold smoking tool.
Suits: long smoking sessions. Strengths: a long and even burn. Weaknesses: takes more room than a tube. Skip it if you smoke in a tiny space.
View A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker Maze on Amazon
3. PolyScience The Smoking Gun Pro
A handheld smoke infuser that sends a cool stream of smoke into a covered dish, drink or small food item. It is a quick way to add flavour without a smoker.
Suits: cocktails and small portions. Strengths: cool smoke and a quick start. Weaknesses: not for big cuts. Skip it if you need a full smoker.
View PolyScience Smoking Gun Pro on Amazon
4. Bradley Smoker Bisquettes Hickory
Compressed wood discs made for the Bradley smoker system, which feeds them to a burner one at a time. They are a handy fuel when you use that cabinet.
Suits: Bradley smoker owners. Strengths: even, steady smoke. Weaknesses: only suits that system. Skip it if you own another smoker.
View Bradley Hickory Bisquettes on Amazon
5. Bradley Original 4 Rack Smoker
An electric smoker cabinet with an external smoke generator, a design that lets you smoke at low cabinet temperatures when used as the maker directs.
Suits: fish, cheese and cured meats. Strengths: a separate smoke generator. Weaknesses: it needs power. Skip it if you prefer charcoal.
View Bradley Original 4 Rack Smoker on Amazon
6. Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Attachment
A smoke generator that attaches to a compatible smoker, sending smoke into the chamber without heating it. Confirm that it fits your model before ordering.
Suits: owners of a compatible smoker. Strengths: a way to cold smoke in an existing unit. Weaknesses: compatibility is limited. Skip it if you need a standalone unit.
View Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Attachment on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Keep cold smoke sessions short and in cool weather.
- Clean tubes and mazes after each use.
- Store pellets and dust in sealed containers.
- Keep food temperature in a safe range, as guidance advises, and use a probe thermometer in the cabinet.
- Wash cheese racks and trays well so flavours do not carry over.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Smoking in warm weather that heats the cabinet.
- Skipping curing steps for fish or meat.
- Using a burner that runs too hot.
- Not testing airflow first.
Cold Smoke FAQ
Is cold smoking safe?
It can be, but only when food is handled and cured correctly. Follow trusted safety guidance for fish and meats.
What can I cold smoke?
Cheese, nuts, salt, butter and cured fish are common choices.
Do I need a special smoker?
Not always. A tube or maze in a cooled cabinet or box can work.
Which is simplest to start with?
A pellet tube in a closed box or cabinet is the usual starting point.
How long should cold smoking take?
Times vary with the food and the smoke level. Start light, taste as you go, and keep notes for next time.
Does cold smoke cook the food?
No. The aim is flavour without cooking, which is why cool weather and a separate smoke source matter.
The Short Version
For a classic tube, the A-MAZE-N 12 inch. For long burns, the A-MAZE-N Maze. For drinks and small dishes, the PolyScience Smoking Gun Pro. For Bradley users, the Bisquettes. For a cabinet, the Bradley Original. For adding to a compatible unit, the Masterbuilt attachment.