It is not difficult to pamper yourself and your guests with smoked delicacies: the abundance on the supermarket shelves dazzles. Only the prices for them sometimes "bite", and sometimes the quality is disappointing. An alternative solution is to purchase a smokehouse and start preparing delicious meals at home.
During the smoking process, products are enveloped in hot air and soaked in smoke from smoldering sawdust. Thus, the destruction of microorganisms occurs, the dish ceases to be raw and acquires a pleasant taste and aroma. Processing time can take from 12 to 48 hours.
The advantages of the method:
Simplicity;
You can smoke food both in the country and in a city apartment;
It takes less time compared to the cold method;
Availability and variety of units for home smoking.
The disadvantages of the method include the fact that the dishes obtained with its help are stored for no more than a week.
Smoker device:
Chimney.
Storage tank. In the middle there is a grill for food. Sawdust or shavings are placed at its bottom to receive smoke from them.
Portable (mini-smokers). Good for garden use, fishing, picnic. They are lightweight and compact. They are easy to work with, however, due to their small size, you cannot smoke many products in one go.
Smokehouses for a city apartment. They help to prepare meat or fish delicacies in the home kitchen. They have a number of design features: smoke extraction (smoke is discharged to the street), a water seal (prevents smoke from the smoking container from entering the apartment), a sealed cover.
Industrial. In production, automatic smokehouses are often used, which require minimal operator attention and allow processing large volumes of raw materials. There are also household options for such units, but they are expensive.
By design
With a sliding lid. Such units are light in weight, made of sheet iron, the thickness of which is up to 1.5 mm. Not very resistant to high temperatures.
With a water seal. These smokers are more reliable and durable because are made of stainless steel or metal of a higher thickness. The presence of a water seal prevents sawdust or chips from igniting.
With a water seal and a dome cover, due to the shape of which the condensate gets into the water seal and not onto the processed products.
For home use.They have a round base so that it is convenient to install the smokehouse on the stove, as well as smoke exhaust.
By heating source
Electric, with a heating element. Their advantages are small size, ease of use, quick preparation (up to 30 minutes), temperature control, manufacturer's warranty.
Gas. They contain volcanic rocks that give off smoke when exposed to a gas burner.
Regular. They are heated with an open flame. Sometimes they are placed on gas and electric stoves.
By body material
Metal.
Stainless steel. The best option, since it is more heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant. Food steel is safe for human health: when heated, it does not emit harmful substances. With prolonged use it retains its aesthetic appearance.
How to choose a smokehouse
One of the important selection criteria is where the smoking process will take place. If you are going to smoke food while going out into the countryside, it is better to buy an iron box with a lid that can be installed on the coals of a fire. The optimal dimensions are 35x25x15 cm with a weight of about 5 kg. This model is suitable for hiking to a picnic site. The smokehouse box can also sometimes be used in the country, by placing it on the stove, stove stove or brazier. In a country house with a large area, you can place a large-volume unit weighing about 20 kg. Those who do not want to mess around with lighting a fire on the site can be advised to purchase an electric smokehouse. It is also suitable for working in a city apartment. When equipment is purchased for production needs, it must be a spacious unit capable of handling large volumes of products.
Pay attention to the material from which the smokehouse is made (including its grate): it is desirable that it be stainless steel.
The drip tray is a must.
For a smokehouse that will be used outdoors, the included removable legs are convenient.
The model may have additional functions: a thermal sensor, automatic cleaning, several different operating modes, which affects its cost.
The essential question is how much does the smokehouse cost. Different types of units differ in price. Portable single-tier models, small in weight and size, will cost about 400-1000 rubles. Smokehouses made of stainless steel, having several tiers, are estimated from 3000 to 10000 rubles. Grill smokehouses are more expensive - from 12,000 to 20,000 rubles. In the upper price segment are modern electric and coal models. Depending on the size, manufacturer, functionality, they have a price tag of 20,000 to 60,000 rubles.
The popularity of the model is an essential criterion when choosing a smokehouse. It is worth giving preference to well-known brands, well-established manufacturers that provide a guarantee for their products.
The best manufacturers: which company is better to buy a smokehouse
LLC Privolzhsky Mechanical Plant. The domestic company offers popular models of smokehouses of the Dymka brand.
Good Heat. The manufacturer specializes in the production of quality steel products.
"Old hearth". The company has been producing stainless steel smokehouses since 2007.
The firm "Alvin" offers consumers high-quality thermal electrical equipment, in the catalog of its products there are also models of high-quality household smokehouses.
Ural commodity production plant named after D.V. Shchukina offers products under the Malinovka brand.
Hanhi. A Finnish company that represents Hanhi and Fansel smokehouses on the Russian market.
Muurikka. Another manufacturer from Finland, which has been presenting products for outdoor cooking since 1978.
Budget segment (up to 5000 rubles)
Grillux smoky
Floor-standing construction in a steel case with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm, smokes products on wood chips. The product is rectangular, equipped with a water seal, a drip tray, lid and grill. Despite its compact dimensions (53.6 cm - length, 28.8 cm - width, 31.6 cm - height), the smokehouse weighs 12 kg.
Grillux smoky
Advantages:
Convenient to wash;
Reliable;
Cooks quickly and tasty;
Affordable cost.
Disadvantages:
Heavy.
The average price is 3920 rubles.
Amet 1c926
The floor chipping machine is made of 0.6 mm steel. It is equipped with a drip tray, grate and lid. Overall dimensions of the smokehouse (cm): 34.4 - length, 15 - width and diameter, 21.4 - height. Construction weight - 1 kg 600 g.
"Amet 1s926" is an ideal option for home and summer cottages for beginners.
Amet 1c926
Advantages:
Compact;
Lightweight;
Convenient;
Inexpensive;
Roomy.
Disadvantages:
Not identified.
The average price is 2560 rubles.
PALISAD 69527
One of the most budgetary floor-type smokehouses for summer cottages and houses, which runs on wood chips. Case material - steel 0.8 mm thick. The product is completed with a tray for collecting fat, a grate and a lid. Its shape is a rectangle 50 cm long and 27 cm wide, the depth of the bowl is 17.5 cm.The structure has 4 long legs and weighs only 4 kg 100 g.
PALISAD 69527
Advantages:
Budgetary;
Designed primitively (easy to use);
Productive.
Disadvantages:
Not identified.
The average price is 780 rubles.
Greentex Dymok
Inexpensive smokehouse from a domestic manufacturer. Its design is as simple as possible and is a metal box with a heating element. Suitable for smoking fish, chicken wings, bacon. It costs no more than 40 minutes to operate it according to the instructions. in one go.
smokehouse for hot smoking Grintex Dymok
Advantages:
Inexpensive;
No need to fiddle with wood;
There is a protection of tena from fat.
Disadvantages:
Heating is not controlled.
Average price: 2400 rubles.
Alvin Eku
Another model from a Russian company. It can be recommended for beginners in smoking. The smokehouse can be connected to the mains or put on an open fire. With its help it is convenient to smoke fish, meat, chicken, sausages, lard.
smokehouse for hot smoking Alvin Eku
Advantages:
Versatility;
A budget option;
Includes a recipe book.
Disadvantages:
It is inconvenient to wash the grates.
Average price: 3776 rubles.
Alvin Eku-Combi
Universal model: due to the removable heating element, you can remove the heating element and put the smoker on an open fire. For operation from the network, a start button, power adjustment of the device, and a light indicator are provided. It can be used for smoking different types of fish, chicken, meat, bacon. The housing is protected from heat by a heat-resistant coating. The stainless steel parts are dishwasher safe.
smokehouse for hot smoking Alvin Eku-Combi
Advantages:
Price-quality ratio";
Long wire;
Three-story grid;
Versatility;
Compactness;
Weight 7 kg;
Volume 20 l;
A recipe book is included.
Disadvantages:
If used frequently over an open fire, the paint will deteriorate.
Average price: 4189 rub.
Average price category (5-10 thousand rubles)
This category includes both coal and electrical installations that are available to any buyer. They differ from each other in shape, internal structure, principle of operation, however, there are no obvious differences in cost.
Prestige 2 mm
This model is made of medical steel: it does not rust or oxidize, it is easy to clean. They represent a rectangular box, inside of which there is a tray with alder, a tray for dripping fat, and in the middle there are grills for products. Due to its particularly robust housing, the unit can be used on coals for a long time. The built-in odor trap allows you to smoke at home, you just need to purchase a pipe for smoke extraction. There are two options for the size of the container: large sizes make it possible to cook in large volumes.
smokehouse for hot smoking Prestige 2 mm
Advantages:
The shelves are installed in two tiers;
There are two handles on the sides of the body and on the lid;
Recipe book included;
Gift bag with chips upon purchase;
2 years warranty;
There is a bag for transportation.
Disadvantages:
A rather big cost;
Large models weigh 26 kg;
The handles have no insulation: the use of tacks is mandatory.
Average price: 7900 rubles.
Kind heat 45x25x20 cm
Suitable for smoking in the kitchen in an apartment or private house.The model is made of steel 1.5 mm thick, which protects it from deformation when heated. The design provides for the presence of a special double-sided side with a gutter into which water is poured. When the edges of the cover are placed in it, reliable insulation occurs, and the smoke does not get outside. A branch pipe is intended for its removal into the window.
smokehouse for hot smoking Kind heat 45x25x20 cm
Advantages:
Two tiers of lattices with handles;
It can be smoked both on coals and using a conventional oven;
Compactness;
Carrying case included.
Disadvantages:
The smoke exhaust hose must be purchased separately;
Water from the shutter is not very convenient to drain;
The top cover gets very hot;
The handles do not have additional insulation;
An expensive option.
Average price: 5850 rub.
Alder Smoke Pro
The presence of a water seal and compact dimensions (50x30x30 cm) allow you to use the smokehouse on a regular stove without resorting to making a fire. Its robust 2mm housing resists heat deformation.
smokehouse for hot smoking Alder smoke Profi
Advantages:
All parts are made of food grade stainless steel;
Grate extraction handles;
Carrying bag and alder bag included;
There is a drip tray.
Disadvantages:
High price;
There is no support for heating on coals;
All handles are not insulated: risk of burns;
The distance between the grate rods is large enough: it will not be possible to smoke small vegetables and fruits.
Average price: 6 700 rubles.
Alvin Eku 40x50 cm gift
This stainless steel technique will be an excellent gift for the hostess. Its small (12 kg weight) allows you to use the smokehouse not only in the kitchen, but also to take it out on the balcony or outside. The lower part, on which the start button, power indicator and temperature control are located, is protected by an additional metal layer.
smokehouse for hot smoking Alvin Eku 40x50 cm gift
Advantages:
Compactness;
Three tiers of lattices can be used simultaneously;
Power is adjustable from 300 to 800 W;
Does not corrode;
Teng is removable.
Disadvantages:
The lid has no handle;
Small distance between tiers: a whole chicken can only be placed on top;
An expensive option.
Average price: 5490 rub.
Smokehouses of premium class (over 10 thousand rubles)
Grillkoff Viking
The floor-standing coal-fired model is made of 1.5 mm steel. It is a small rectangular cauldron with legs with metal handles and wooden pads on them (to avoid burns on the hands). The package includes: a tray for coal, for wood chips, a grate with a working surface 34 x 33 cm. The body of the smokehouse is equipped with a thermometer and a temperature regulator.
Sturdy floor standing unit made of 2 mm thick steel with water trap and drip tray. It is equipped with 3 grates, a lid and a storage case, and packaging for alder chips. Smokehouse dimensions: 70/40/40 cm.
Alder smoke Astrakhanka
Advantages:
Equipment;
Build quality;
Ease of operation.
Disadvantages:
Not identified.
The average cost is 13,100 rubles.
1100 W Muurikka
Horizontal loading model from a Finnish manufacturer. Inside the body there are two stainless steel grates and a drip tray. All handles are protected by additional wood insulation to prevent burns. Large capacity allows you to quickly smoke the raw material (1 kg of fish for 40 minutes).
hot smoker 1100 W Muurikka
Advantages:
In one approach, you can process up to 2 kg of products;
Weighs 5.5 kg;
All elements are made of stainless steel;
Storage case included;
Stable legs.
Disadvantages:
High price;
No pads on the legs;
The cover has a cutout for the heating element, so smoke can enter the room.
Average price: 12,000 rubles.
Choosing a hot smoked smokehouse is not so difficult. The main thing is to decide under what conditions and how often you will smoke, and choose models with suitable characteristics. Modern technology makes the process of preparing delicacies affordable, simple and fun.