How to fill and light a smoke maze properly

What's behind it?

A smoke generator is basically an open spiral or labyrinth made of metal that you fill with fine smoking dust. The dust smolders slowly from one end to the other – similar to an incense coil. The great thing: no constant refilling, no significant heat buildup, perfect for cold smoking below 25 °C.

The most common problem is moist smoking dust or dust that's packed too loosely or too tightly. Both will kill the ember. Too moist = goes out. Too loose = burns through too fast. Too tightly packed = no airflow, ember suffocates.

How to do it right

• Check the smoking dust: The dust must be completely dry. If in doubt, dry it in the oven at 80–100 °C for 15–20 minutes and let it cool down.
• Fill it up: Place the smoke generator on a flat surface and pour in the smoking dust. Spread it evenly with a flat tool (e.g. a ruler or piece of cardboard) and press it down lightly – rule of thumb: you should still see a slight impression, but the dust shouldn't spring back.
• Remove excess: Scrape flat with the ruler so the dust sits flush with the ridges. Too much dust on top blocks airflow.
• Ignite: Light one end of the smoke generator with a fire starter cube, torch, or Bunsen burner. Hold it there for about 2–3 minutes until the dust is properly glowing.
• Wait and check: Let the smoke generator sit in the open for 5 minutes and verify it's glowing evenly with a visible ember. Only then place it in the smoker.
• Placement in the smoker: Set the smoke generator on the floor or on a fireproof grate. Important: keep enough distance from the food so there's no direct heat (cold smoking = below 25 °C).

Summary

Dry dust, packed evenly and moderately, cleanly ignited, with enough airflow – and your smoke generator will reliably run through the night.