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Cold smoking in NJ on XL BGE w/ A-MAZE-N smoker, possible? Tips?

nutshellml
nutshellml Posts: 167
in EggHead Forum
So I have only warm/hot smoked my bacon and now wanted to try and cold smoke some.  I plan on ordering the a-maze-n smoker, but have a few questions that I'm hoping to clear up.
Am I correct to assume the A-MAZE-N smoker just produces the smoke and very minimal heat?
If so, is it possible to cold smoke now (here in New Jersey) on my XL BGE?  If so, any tips on how to keep that temp between 50-80*?

Any advice from some of the gurus is appreciated.
Northern Jersey
XL BGE  |  MiniMax
XL Adjustable Rig Combo  |  CyberQ  |  Thermoworks Singal/Billows |  Maverick 733
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Comments

  • poster
    poster Posts: 1,358
    It will add just about zero degrees to the ambient temp in your egg
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  • nutshellml
    nutshellml Posts: 167
    poster said:
    It will add just about zero degrees to the ambient temp in your egg
    That what I thought... any ideas on cold smoking in winter?
    Northern Jersey
    XL BGE  |  MiniMax
    XL Adjustable Rig Combo  |  CyberQ  |  Thermoworks Singal/Billows |  Maverick 733
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  • 20stone
    20stone Posts: 1,961
    nutshellml said:
    Am I correct to assume the A-MAZE-N smoker just produces the smoke and very minimal heat?

    If so, is it possible to cold smoke now (here in New Jersey) on my XL BGE?  If so, any tips on how to keep that temp between 50-80*?
    Yes and yes.

    Pro Tip 1 - really get the pellets lit before walking away.  Think of it as really big incense, get a flame and blow it out.  I use a MAP torch, but other options will work as well.

    Pro Tip 2 - I fridge dry (or meat locker dry) the bacon a day or so after it comes out of the cure before smoking
    (now only 16 stone)

    Joule SV
    GE induction stove
    Gasser by the community pool (currently unavailable)
    Scale (which one of my friends refuses to use)
    Friends with BGEs and myriad other fired devices (currently unavail IRL)
    Occasional access to a KBQ and Webber Kettle
    Charcuterie and sourdough enthusiast
    Prosciuttos in an undisclosed location

    Austin, TX
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  • dshaffes
    dshaffes Posts: 29
    I use an old coffee can and use a few coals to generate heat.  
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  • theyolksonyou
    theyolksonyou Posts: 18,459
    Don't have one, but have read to dry pellets on the oven prior to smoking.  

    I I just use a dryer vent line between the mm and L. 
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  • blasting
    blasting Posts: 6,262

    The smoking tray ads very little heat, but it's enough to melt cheese right above it.  I learned to use a diffuser.  
    Phoenix 
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  • The Cen-Tex Smoker
    The Cen-Tex Smoker Posts: 23,179
    You are on the right track. I’ve been cold smoking in a large for a few years with an AMS. It won’t add much heat if any to an XL- especially this time of year. I do it all year long but it’s even better in the winter (assuming it’s not freezing out). 

    I have an Amaze-N-Smoker tutorial on here somewhere that will show you how to get it lit and to stay lit. I can say I’ve had much better luck with Traeger pellets staying lit over the AMS pellets that came with the smoker. They stay lit for 14 hours straight if you get it going right. It seems like most of the people that have posted about them going out on here were all using AMS pellets. If you want to use those, I would put them in a warm oven for a few hours to dry them out good before your smoke. 

    Have fun. You are in for a treat! 
    Keepin' It Weird in The ATX FBTX
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  • SmokingPiney
    SmokingPiney Posts: 2,319
    I install the plate setter when smoking with the AMNPS. It diffuses the smoke.
    Living the good life smoking and joking
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  • DMW
    DMW Posts: 13,836
    I used a light bulb to warm up the egg a bit when cold smoking this time of year.

    http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1160620/salmon-in-progress

    You'll want to monitor temp, the egg doesn't need much heat to warm it from ambient to cold smoking temps.
    They/Them
    Morgantown, PA

    XL BGE - S BGE - KJ Jr - HB Legacy - BS Pizza Oven - 30" Firepit - King Kooker Fryer -  PR72T - WSJ - BS 17" Griddle - XXL BGE  - BS SS36" Griddle - 2 Burner Gasser - Pellet Smoker
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  • SmokingPiney
    SmokingPiney Posts: 2,319
    DMW said:
    I used a light bulb to warm up the egg a bit when cold smoking this time of year.

    http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1160620/salmon-in-progress

    You'll want to monitor temp, the egg doesn't need much heat to warm it from ambient to cold smoking temps.
    That's a great tip. I prefer the ambient temp to be between 35 to 45 when cold smoking. Down in the teens like it is today, it's like smoking a brick. 
    Living the good life smoking and joking
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  • nutshellml
    nutshellml Posts: 167
    DMW said:
    I used a light bulb to warm up the egg a bit when cold smoking this time of year.

    http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1160620/salmon-in-progress

    You'll want to monitor temp, the egg doesn't need much heat to warm it from ambient to cold smoking temps.
    @DMW

    Interesting idea and tip.  Thanks.  So assuming you ran the power down and out through the bottom damper correct? 

    Another question - you keep top daisy wheel wide open?
    Northern Jersey
    XL BGE  |  MiniMax
    XL Adjustable Rig Combo  |  CyberQ  |  Thermoworks Singal/Billows |  Maverick 733
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  • SmokingPiney
    SmokingPiney Posts: 2,319
    edited December 2017
    I don't install the daisy wheel when cold smoking. I also leave the bottom vent wide open. I want maximum draft.
    Living the good life smoking and joking
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  • DMW
    DMW Posts: 13,836
    nutshellml said:
    DMW said:
    I used a light bulb to warm up the egg a bit when cold smoking this time of year.

    http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1160620/salmon-in-progress

    You'll want to monitor temp, the egg doesn't need much heat to warm it from ambient to cold smoking temps.
    @DMW

    Interesting idea and tip.  Thanks.  So assuming you ran the power down and out through the bottom damper correct? 

    Another question - you keep top daisy wheel wide open?
    Correct, cord out the bottom vent. Draft door wide open, no Daisy wheel on top.
    They/Them
    Morgantown, PA

    XL BGE - S BGE - KJ Jr - HB Legacy - BS Pizza Oven - 30" Firepit - King Kooker Fryer -  PR72T - WSJ - BS 17" Griddle - XXL BGE  - BS SS36" Griddle - 2 Burner Gasser - Pellet Smoker
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