quote:Originally posted by TN Q:
you can cold smoke in any CS; it just take a bit more effort. Basically the design of a CS is counter intuitive to cold smoking. If using the baffle (CS or customized) the temp probe is located above the baffle; therefore technically the temp would never get to a level to cause the heating element to cut off. Thus the unit is generating lots of heat that has to go somewhere; ice bath on top of baffle only works so long. So to make it work as a cold smoker you end up turning on and off manually to maintain smoke; this is if using the wood box and heating element for the smoke. Alternately there are various 'smoke generators' that can be used; thus using the CS as a 'cold smoke box'. I've successfully used charcoal briquettes and wood chips in the smoke box for cold smoking; just one to three briquettes covered with chips will generate little heat but lots of smoke. To dissipate the little heat that is generated just place a tray of ice on the bottom rack; tho' personally I haven't had the need this would help keep the 'box' colder in warmer weather.
Saw a little pictorial of a fellow using a pan with few brquettes and a chunk or two for cold smokng just the other day. Looked like a feasible plan.