The photo at the top of this post shows the maiden voyage of a DIY cold smoke generator that I’ve been wanting to build for a while. I enjoy smoked mozzarella on my pizza wanted to see for myself how different woods effect the flavor and final outcome.

The sources that I obtained my information from will be posted below, but I want to add some of my discoveries that may be of help to you if this is something that interests you.

1. A regular decorative tin (think holiday cookies or nuts) will work just fine. A stainless steel vessel is really difficult to drill, and a much more difficult path.
2. When making the larger penetration in whatever container you choose, consider a “step drill bit”. They are the least expensive option, and will work just fine for this application. Harbor Freight and Amazon are two sources, but you’re likely to find a friend or relative with one you can borrow for the short time you’ll need it.
3. The aquarium pump is critical, and too small of one will not create the venturi effect that you need to keep your charcoal glowing. The Jebo 9908 is used in the first video below. It’s adjustable, the price is modest, and shipping ran me $5 at the time this post was written.
4. I found all of my components at a specialized plumbing supply store. ACE hardware came close to having everything, and Home Depot and Lowe’s were limited in their offerings.
5. TAKE A PIECE OF AQUARIUM TUBING WITH YOU TO THE STORE! It will take a little trial and error in making sure everything matches up. My greatest difficulty was finding 1/4 in tubing that fit the copper 1/2 in to 1/4 in reducer. ACE hardware had the most variety of the smaller tubing, and sells their tubing by the foot.
6. Don’t stress over the quality of your soldering joints if they turn out ugly. There is no need for things to be air or water tight, the fittings just need to be held in place.

The following Instructables includes many unnecessary steps ( and involves drilling into stainless), but has a good parts list of the fittings for the venturi tube you’ll be building.

Cold Smoker From A Cocktail Shaker

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