Survival situation or no, even if you just like smoked meat, this incredible design, made of coffee cans and an ignition system is brilliant.

Remember, though, as always safety is critical.

I decided to use a 16oz. can as burner chamber and a coffee can as reservoir for the wood pellets.

Attaching the Burner

Put the smaller can centered in the middle of the bottom of the coffee can and mark with a pen. I divided the circle in 8 pie shaped pieces and drilled a hole in the middle of this circle. With the help of a jigsaw I cut along the lines so that I could connect these 2 cans. Bend the sheet metal up, set the smaller can on top and use metal screws to secure it.

Preparing the Venturi Tube

In my parts drawer I found this 8″ piece of 3/8″ galvanized iron pipe. With the help of a drill and a file I made a slit roughly in the middle. The plastic hose, coming from the aquarium air pump, was attached with some connectors and brass fittings.

Preparing the Burner

In order to make the burner work, you will have to drill 3 holes; 2 to push the venturi pipe through, and 1 to ignite the hardwood pellets and provide oxygen for the embers. I used a 9/16″ drill which is about the right size for the 3/8″ pipe to fit through snug.

Preparing the Burner

In order to make the burner work, you will have to drill 3 holes; 2 to push the venturi pipe through, and 1 to ignite the hardwood pellets and provide oxygen for the embers. I used a 9/16″ drill which is about the right size for the 3/8″ pipe to fit through snug.

Assembling the Cold Smoke Generator

I had 3 shelf brackets at hand to use as feet which works great but I am sure there are plenty other ways to stabilize the smoke generator. This latest version works at least 2 hours without maintenance which is sufficient.

This type of cold smoker is easy to make and in a survival situation, know how to make it is critical.

In a SHTF moment, if you have time, smoking meat or vegetables this way (even fruits,) could be a game changer. For more amazing survival DIY ideas, please visit Instructables.