Cold Smoker "Widowmaker" Igniter for Reliable Starting

[geostriata]

After purchasing the Bella Cold Smoke generator, I was a little discouraged that it wasn't as easy to light as I had hoped. Either I'd not light it enough, coming back to no smoke, or I lit it too much, starting a little mini fire that I have to blow out. This led to me having to hang out next to my smoker, lighting and relighting until I'm convinced it worked. Then having to shower since I then smell like smoke, since my family is sensitive to this. Frustrated, I decided to take matters into my own hand and try building an electric igniter.

It's working absolutely perfectly so far. Reliable smoke starting every time. As such, I thought I'd share it here.

First off, a bit of a warning. I called this a "Widowmaker" igniter because that's basically what it is. It can be dangerous if assembled incorrectly (like rewiring the main power lines on your MES for an Auber controller). So don't build this thing unless you're versed in electrical stuff and safety. Once built, treat it like a propane torch, and don't use it without watching it, etc...

With that being said, here are my parts list:

• Extension Cord
• Power Switch
• 100W Heating Element
• Heat Shrink Butt Connectors, or Solder, Soldering Iron, and Shrink Tubing

Simply cut off the end of an extension cord, and strip the two wires (creating a widowmaker). Strip the heater wires, and insert a butt connector on both ends and use a heat gun or lighter to shrink the butt connector. Then ensure the power switch is off, plug the assembly into the power switch, and then plug the power switch into a power strip with a safety fuse.

Insert the heating element into the cold smoke generator (where you're supposed to light it), turn on your air pump, load up the pellets, and flip the switch until you see smoke (~30 secs). Wait a couple secs, and then turn it off. Done. Perfectly ignited smoke every time without smelling like smoke or having to keep relighting the system.

 

[bill1]

These Chinese cartridge heaters are quite cheap and sure beat the aggravation of match-lighting...I seldom get things to "catch" on just one light. The heaters work 1st time every time. You may want to consider wiring in a ~30 minute (max) countdown timer switch instead of on/off toggle. Then it's more set and forget. 5 or 10 minutes works well for me.

 

[normanaj]

Why bother. Seems like a lot of trouble and taking a risk of a fire to not smell like smoke.

 

[geostriata]

These Chinese cartridge heaters are quite cheap and sure beat the aggravation of match-lighting...I seldom get things to "catch" on just one light. The heaters work 1st time every time. You may want to consider wiring in a ~30 minute (max) countdown timer switch instead of on/off toggle. Then it's more set and forget. 5 or 10 minutes works well for me.

Oh wow, possibly mine is a little more powerful? It's 100W, and I only need 60 seconds for a guaranteed light. That works out well, since I'd rather not leave it on unattended.

Why bother. Seems like a lot of trouble and taking a risk of a fire to not smell like smoke.

If I smell like smoke, I need to change my clothes in the garage and possibly take a shower (otherwise I bring the smoke smell inside and it lingers there). That can be a bit of a hassle.

Moreover, it's a whole lot quicker. One minute vs. 9 minutes or so of standing around and trying to get it lit. I've also had several batches where it's not lit properly, so I need to go back outside after 20 mins or so to check and re-attempt an ignite if needed.

Lastly, since it's in the smoker and I'm there while I'm lighting it (only a minute), I think it's no more risk of a fire than a torch.

That being said, I only have one exterior outlet, which is on a circuit shared with the inside of the house. With the interior lighting, the smoker, the circulation fan, and the igniter all on the same circuit, I have had the GFCI trip. For this reason, I've since switched to a butane lighter instead of a propane torch. The butane lighter allows me to set the fuel-flow really low, to have a short (and not windy) flame. This seems to do a better job of lighting the AMNPS. Still takes a bit of watching, but so far I'm having more reliability with it.

 

[bill1]

I'm not sure why this is any more a fire risk than any other way of burning wood products to cook food outdoors. Electrical shock for sure. But with ANYTHING outdoors that's supplied by the power company mains, make sure you use GFCI. Black and white wires to the cartridge heater, keep them enclosed and ensure EVERY metal surface is green-wire grounded.

Personally I don't mind getting a little smoky from cooking. But there are plenty of reasons to use additional smoke generators, both inside and outside (like the Bella) the cook chamber, than just localizing the smoke and minimizing getting your clothes and hair smoky.