Cold smoking when it’s hot, hot, hot.

[cooker613]

I have my new amazen pellet smoker ready, got a nice side of salmon, ready to make lox. But...it’s been about 109 here in Phoenix and is expected to stay in the 100+ degree range. Are there any special steps or techniques I should employ to keep my temps in proper range when it’s so hot?
Thanks

 

[TomKnollRFV]

All I've read is filling the water pan with ice. Which If it's over 90 I'm not sure will do much good, was wondering this my self!

 

[gmc2003]

Ice by itself could lead to moisture. I usually use frozen quart soda bottles.

Chris

 

[SmokinAl]

I use frozen 1 gallon jugs, but in that heat I doubt you will be able to keep the smoker temp under 90 degrees, which is where you need to be for lox.
Al

 

[cooker613]

Thanks guys. That was just the kind of help I needed. I think as next week it will be in the mid 90’s and in the 70’s at night, there could be a late night smoking in my future. I’ll try to remember to document my efforts.

 

[TomKnollRFV]

I'm some how guessing my brain sidelining to 'Hey Dry Ice' is a bad idea LOL

 

[daveomak]

Pellets create quite a bit of heat.... Dust doesn't create near the heat as pellets...
Try turning your pellets into dust... I have done it and it works very well... The dust gives off less smoke but it burns longer so #/# I think the smoke is close to the same...
With dust, you can start the smoke about midnight and let it go through to the morning... I have done that... waiting until the evening temp drops...
Below is how I made dust from pellets....

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/making-dust-from-pellets.271863/

 

[cooker613]

Pellets create quite a bit of heat.... Dust doesn't create near the heat as pellets...
Try turning your pellets into dust... I have done it and it works very well... The dust gives off less smoke but it burns longer so #/# I think the smoke is close to the same...
With dust, you can start the smoke about midnight and let it go through to the morning... I have done that... waiting until the evening temp drops...
Below is how I made dust from pellets....

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/making-dust-from-pellets.271863/

Excellent idea. But I’m not sure I could talk my wife into letting me use the food processor.

 

[daveomak]

Wet dissolved pellets break apart in the water.. Tell her it's time for a new blender... use something old and keep it... Get her a new something....