Portable Mini Smoker: Convenient 7-Step Cooker

Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by teamobn

Smoking foods has become a popular method of preparing food in recent years. This cooking method can infuse food with a unique flavor that is often difficult to achieve with other cooking methods. Smoking foods can also be a great way to preserve food for a longer period of time.

Have you ever wanted to take your smoker with you on road trips or outdoor camping activities? A mini smoker can make this possible, and many models are now available on the market. Or maybe you live in an apartment where a full-size smoker is just too big for the available space. A portable smoker can be a great solution for those who want to enjoy smoked foods but don’t have the space for a full-size unit.

Well, you can have a portable mini smoker by making it yourself! It’s a beautiful summer day, and you’re enjoying the weather by smoking in your backyard. You’re not drinking alcohol, but the smoke is making you feel intoxicated. You’re relishing in the peacefulness of the day, and the warm breeze is making the experience even better.

The delicious aroma wafting from the mini smoker is enough to make your mouth water, doesn’t it? You can be smoking beef short ribs, pork tenderloin, or chicken breasts to perfection with this handy little appliance.

When you’re smoking meat, there’s nothing quite like a leisurely bath in the vapours to deepen the flavour and soften the texture. But it’s important to remember that you can smoke anything – pork, chicken, fish – and the low-and-slow cooking method will work its magic no matter what you’re smoking. So don’t be afraid to experiment – you might just be surprised at what you come up with.

You don’t need any special tools to build this DIY mini smoker. Essentially, all you need to do is put together a Weber Smokey Joe and a few other pieces of cooking and grilling equipment. With just a little bit of effort, you can create your own mini smoker that will help you cook delicious meals for your friends and family.

Making your own mini smoker is easier than you might think – and the video tutorial below will show you just how simple it is. Whether you’re looking to save money or just want to try something new, smoking your own food at home is a great way to go. All you’ll need is a few supplies and a little bit of patience, and you’ll be enjoying delicious smoked food in no time.

It works great and is easy to use so even owners of a standard smoker will probably want to have this, too. 😉

How to Build a Mini Smoker

Materials

• Weber Smokey Joe
• 32 Quart Steamer Pot
• Extra 14” Weber Grate
• 12” Terracotta Planter Tray
• Thermometer Gauge
• ¼” 20 Stainless Steel All Thread
• 5-6″ Carriage Bolt
• Handle Material (wine bottle cork)
• Lock Washers
• Nuts
• Cap Nuts
• High Temp Spray Paint

Tools:

• Drill
• Wrenches
• Center Punch and Hammer
• Measuring Tape
• Sharpie

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer Pot

1. Mark Ventilation Holes – Place the 32-quart steamer pot upside down. Use a sharpie to mark evenly spaced holes around the bottom edge for airflow.
2. Drill the Holes – Use a drill with a suitable bit to create these holes. These vents will help control airflow and maintain a steady temperature.

Step 2: Attach the Thermometer Gauge

1. Find the Best Placement – Choose a spot on the steamer pot’s side, a few inches above the base.
2. Mark the Hole – Use a center punch and hammer to create a small indentation where you will drill.
3. Drill and Install – Carefully drill the hole, insert the thermometer gauge, and secure it with the provided nut or a lock washer if necessary.

Step 3: Modify the Lid Handle

1. Drill a Handle Hole – If the lid doesn’t have a handle, drill a small hole in the center of the terracotta planter tray.
2. Attach the Handle – Insert a carriage bolt through the hole and secure it with a nut underneath.
3. Use a Wine Cork for Grip – Place a wine bottle cork over the exposed bolt for a heat-resistant, comfortable grip.

Step 4: Assemble the Smoking Chamber

1. Insert the Cooking Grate – Place the 14” Weber grate inside the steamer pot, positioning it so it rests securely.
2. Add the Charcoal Basket (Smokey Joe Base) – Set the Weber Smokey Joe base on a stable surface. This will hold your charcoal for smoking.
3. Position the Steamer Pot on the Smokey Joe Base – The steamer pot should fit snugly onto the base, forming the smoker body.

Step 5: Install the Support Rods for Multiple Grates (Optional)

1. Measure Evenly Spaced Points – Use a measuring tape to mark three or four equidistant spots inside the steamer pot where you’ll place additional support rods.
2. Drill Holes for Support Rods – Use a drill to create holes for the ¼” 20 stainless steel all-thread.
3. Insert and Secure the Rods – Push the rods through the holes and secure them using lock washers and nuts on both sides. This will allow you to add extra grates for cooking multiple layers of food.

Step 6: Apply High-Temperature Paint (Optional)

1. Ensure All Surfaces Are Clean and Dry – Wipe down the outside of the steamer pot and any other metal parts.
2. Spray a Thin Coat of High-Temp Paint – Hold the high-temperature spray paint 8-10 inches away and apply a light, even coat.
3. Let It Dry Completely – Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time before assembling everything.

Step 7: Final Assembly and Testing

1. Set Up the Smoker – Place the steamer pot on the Weber Smokey Joe base.
2. Add Charcoal – Fill the bottom with lit charcoal and wood chips for smoking.
3. Attach the Lid – Place the terracotta planter tray lid securely on top.
4. Monitor the Temperature – Use the thermometer gauge to ensure the smoker stays at an optimal temperature for smoking.

You can watch the video tutorial here for a visual guide:

Best Foods to Smoke in a Mini Smoker

A great approach to savor rich, smokey tastes without the bulk of a full-sized smoker is a tiny smoker. This little smoker can provide delicious results whether your grilling is for a tailgate party, on a camping trip, or in a small backyard. The secret to success is selecting the correct items that cook effectively in a limited area yet still gain from the low-and-slow smoking technique.

Beef Short Ribs

A typical smoked dish are beef short ribs. After a few hours of simmering, they tenderize and wonderfully absorb smokey tastes. For a rich, deep flavor, use hickory or oak wood chips; for a more sweet, softer taste, try cherry wood. Before smoking the ribs, season them with a dry rub of paprika, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Cook until fall-apart tenderness is reached at 225 to 250°F for optimal results, around five to six hours.

Chicken Wings

Perfect for a small smoker are chicken wings, as they cook fast and pick on smoky tastes really nicely. Add applewood or pecan wood chips for a gentle, gently sweet taste that accentuates chicken. After coating the wings in a dry rub or marinade, smoke them 250°F for 1.5 to 2 hours; then, finish with a short high-heat sear or toss them in your preferred sauce.

Pork Tenderloin

A lean cut with fast absorption of smoke, pork tenderloin is a great choice for shorter smoking sessions. To accentuate their inherent sweet taste, maple or cherry wood chips work well. The taste can be given complexity by a basic spice rub combining smoked paprika, mustard powder, and brown sugar. About two hours of smoke at 225°F will help the internal temperature to reach 145°F.

Salmon and Other Fish

Making a delicate, tasty meal from smoking fish in a little smoker is rather easy. High oil content in salmon, trout, and mackerel makes them ideal. A subtle, sweet smokiness from alder or applewood chips accentuates the fish’s inherent tastes. Lightly salted the fillet, let it rest, then smoke it at 200–225°F for around 1.5 hours until the flesh is firm and flaky.

Cheese

A Mini smoker may also function as a cold smoker, perfect for smoking cheese. In just a few hours, hard cheeses such mozzarella, gouda, and cheddar get a fantastic smokey taste. Choose a light wood such as apple or pecan to prevent overwhelming the cheese. To allow the flavors deepen, smoke at under 90°F for one to two hours; then, wrap and chill for several days before eating.

Vegetables

Vegetables smoked may be equally appetizing than meats. Serving as a side or mixed into meals, bell peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, and onions absorb smoke very effectively. Depending on the vegetable, smoke at 225°F for 45 to an hour; use oak or cherry wood for a balanced taste.

Sausages and Hot Dogs

For a laid-back dinner, sausages and hot dogs are quick and simple to smoke. Smoked with hickory or mesquite wood chips, classic bratwurst, chorizo, or even store-bought hot dogs get more depth of taste. Cook them until their internal temperature reaches 160°F, about one hour at 225°F.

Nuts

Try smoking cashews, pecans, or almonds for an unusual snack. After tossing them in a bit of oil and your preferred spices, put them single layer on a wire rack. Use light woods like apple or pecan and smoke for one to two hours at 225°F, stirring now and again.

Though small, a little smoker may nonetheless produce amazing tastes using a range of foods. There are many choices to investigate from meats and seafood to cheese and even nuts. Try many wood chips and spices to identify the ideal mix for your next smoked meal.

Mini Cooker Gallery

Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.

Mini Smoker vs. Full-Size Smoker: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between a mini smoker and a full-size smoker depends on your cooking style, space, and how often you plan to smoke food. Both options have their advantages, but one may suit your needs better than the other. If you’re deciding which one to invest in, here’s a breakdown of their differences to help you make the right choice.

Portability and Space Requirements

A mini smoker is designed for convenience. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, and apartment balconies. You can store it in a small space when not in use and set it up quickly when you’re ready to smoke food.

A full-size smoker, on the other hand, is bulkier and requires a dedicated cooking space. If you have a backyard or patio with plenty of room, a full-size model may be a great long-term investment. However, if space is limited, a mini smoker is a more practical choice.

Capacity and Cooking Volume

A mini smoker is ideal for smoking smaller portions. It works best for single meals, small gatherings, or trying out new recipes before committing to a larger batch. If you’re cooking for yourself or just a few people, a mini smoker gets the job done without wasting fuel or space.

A full-size smoker can handle larger cuts of meat, multiple racks of ribs, or an entire brisket. If you frequently host barbecues or cook for a big family, a full-size smoker provides the capacity you need. Some larger models even come with multiple shelves, allowing you to smoke different foods simultaneously.

Ease of Use and Setup

A mini smoker is simple to set up and use. It requires fewer materials, less charcoal or wood, and heats up quickly. Most mini smokers are ready to cook within 10–15 minutes, making them great for quick smoking sessions.

A full-size smoker takes longer to reach the desired temperature and may require more experience to operate. Maintaining consistent heat over several hours can be a challenge, especially in unpredictable weather. However, many full-size models come with advanced temperature controls, digital displays, and built-in thermometers, making it easier to manage long smoking sessions.

Fuel Efficiency and Cost

A mini smoker uses less fuel, whether it’s charcoal, wood, or pellets. This makes it an energy-efficient and cost-effective option, especially if you’re new to smoking and want to experiment without spending too much. It’s also cheaper to build if you go the DIY route, using materials like a Weber Smokey Joe and a steamer pot.

A full-size smoker consumes more fuel to maintain steady heat, which means higher ongoing costs. While full-size models offer advanced features like automatic feeders or WiFi controls, they come with a higher upfront price. The investment may be worth it if you plan to smoke large quantities often.

Cooking Time and Flavor Infusion

A mini smoker is best for foods that cook faster, like chicken wings, pork tenderloin, sausages, or fish. It allows you to achieve great smoky flavors without waiting several hours for a brisket or whole turkey to cook.

A full-size smoker is designed for low-and-slow cooking over extended periods. It’s ideal for tougher cuts of meat, like beef brisket, pork shoulders, and whole racks of ribs, that need hours of smoke to break down and develop deep flavor.

Versatility and Customization

Experimenting with several recipes, trying out fresh wood chips, or smoking on-demand calls for a tiny smoker. You may still personalize it with thermometers, additional grates, and airflow changes even if it might lack the sophisticated capabilities of a full-size smoker.

A full-size smoker provides more freedom regarding temperature control, different cooking zones, and smoking vast amounts at once. Apart from classic BBQ, several versions let hot and cold smoking, so they are perfect for cheese, nuts, and cured meats.

Which One Should You Choose?

A little smoker is an ideal option if you require a portable, space-saving, reasonably priced smoker for sporadic use or small dinners. It still produces great smoked cuisine, uses less fuel, and is simple to use.

A full-size smoker is a preferable choice if you often host big events, cook for a family, or wish to master protracted smoking sessions. It provides superior heat control, larger cooking area, and the capacity to smoke big portions of meat for long lengths of time.

The ideal smoker ultimately comes from your cooking style, way of life, and available space. If you’re just starting out, a cheap approach to get into smoking before upgrading to a full-size model later is a DIY little smoker.

Conclusion

Building a DIY mini smoker is a simple and rewarding project that lets you enjoy rich, smoky flavors without needing a bulky, expensive setup. With just a Weber Smokey Joe, a steamer pot, and a few basic tools, you can create a portable, efficient smoker perfect for backyard cooking, camping trips, or apartment balconies. Whether you’re smoking meats, fish, or even cheese, this compact smoker delivers impressive results while saving space and fuel.

If you need to prepare large quantities of meat and vegetables, check out our wood smoker building guide!