Has the Masterbuilt cold smoker been discontinued? We’ve heard conflicting reports over the years, which is why we decided to put together this guide.
If you enjoy cold smoking meats and cheeses, or if you think you might want to try doing so in the future, keep reading. We’ll attempt to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Discontinued
For a while, it was hard for consumers to get their hands on the Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Kit. It was out of stock, and the company claimed that its future was “being discussed. Currently, the unit is available, but note that it’s only compatible with Masterbuilt smokers, and doesn’t work as a stand-alone unit.
What Is Cold Smoking?
Have you ever wondered how smoked gouda gets infused with smoke flavor? Obviously, the cheese wasn’t exposed to heat during the process, or it would have melted and lost its original shape. So how does that work?
In fact, smoked cheese gets its flavor in the same way that beef jerky and smoked salmon do: through cold smoking. These products aren’t cooked exactly, but they are exposed to smoke at very low temperatures—enough to both preserve and flavor the food.
Cold smoking takes place at temperatures of 100 degrees or below. That means that it can be a hazardous process if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Meat products in particular need to cook to a certain temperature before they’re safe to consume. While that can happen at 200 degrees, it takes a long time depending on what type of meat you’re using. Learning how to cold smoke foods takes practice and knowledge.
About The Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Kit
Masterbuilt created its Cold Smoker Kit to be used in conjunction with its digital smokers. It’s an electric appliance that feeds wood chips into a firebox for up to six hours at a stretch. This infuses the ingredients with flavor while keeping the temp low.
To use the kit, all you have to do is attach it to your smoker—or more specifically, to the wood chip holder. Make sure the unit is loaded with the wood chips of your choice, then push the power button.
Assuming that the attachment was successful, the unit will produce a continuous stream of smoke, which then travels into the larger smoker box. It’s programmed to regulate the temperature so that the wood chips will continue to burn for the entire six hours.
If this sounds easy, that’s because it is. The Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Kit was designed to appeal to amateurs who had never attempted the process on their own. There’s just something appealing about the “set it and forget it” approach, especially when smoking food.
It gets better. The unit is compatible with all wood chips, giving users complete control in terms of flavor. Of course, it only works with Masterbuilt smokers, but if you have one to begin with, this is a great accessory.
Drawbacks
If you don’t already have a Masterbuilt smoker, it might not be worth the money to invest in one just so you can use this kit. This is a very specific type of smoker that doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Cleaning the unit can also be a hassle. The prolonged exposure to smoke causes creosote buildup on the inside, so you’ll need to keep an eye on that. Most beginners are turned off by this.
Finally, know that the kit will need its own source of electricity in order to work. It won’t function just because it’s attached to the smoker itself—you’ll need to have two outlets nearby if you want to power them both.
Is The Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Discontinued?
For a brief time in the early 2010s, it looked as though the kit was indeed discontinued.
Prospective buyers were told repeatedly that the unit was out of stock, even when contacting the folks at Masterbuilt directly. When asked, the representatives would say it was “being discussed.”
However, at the time of this writing, the kit was available on Amazon. It’s still being highly rated by consumers, and it’s set at a reasonable price. So while it may have been discontinued for a time, those discussions must have had a favorable outcome after all.
Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Alternatives
A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker Tray
Similar to a smoker tube, this offering is compatible with all smoker types. You can even use it with a regular grill. What’s more, it can be filled with either wood pellets or wood chips.
The A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker Tray works for up to 12 hours and is constructed of stainless steel for ultimate rust and corrosion resistance. If you don’t have a Masterbuilt smoker, or you just want to save a few bucks, this is an affordable alternative.
Smokehouse Products Smoke Chief
This unit comes highly rated and is can be hooked up to all sorts of cooking devices. You’ll be pleased with the high smoke output it provides, particularly since it can smoke for up to 3 hours on just one cup of wood pellets.
Smoke Daddy Magnum P.I.G. Cold Smoke Generator
A durable and attractive unit, the Smoke Daddy can be used for hot as well as cold smoking. Since it’s built to last, be forewarned that the price tag might be higher than you’d expect.
Meva Gun Smoker Infuser Set
While this product won’t break the bank, it might not be what you’re looking for if you want to cold smoke meats and cheeses on a regular basis. It’s battery-operated and handheld, so you can use it both indoors and outdoors.
Thanks to its portability and design, this unit can even be used for cocktails. However, know that the Meva Smoker Gun Infuser Set isn’t built to last. It might be suitable if you only plan on using it a couple of times per year.
Final Thoughts
According to our most recent research, the Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Kit is still on the market. However, that doesn’t mean that the company won’t decide to reconsider its fate in the future. If you want one, now might be the perfect time to make the investment.
Happy grilling!