Got an old fridge gathering dust in the garage or sitting sadly by the curb? Before you send it off to the dump, here’s a genius idea that’s perfectly timed for cookout season — transform it into a DIY cold smoker!
That’s right — instead of shelling out hundreds on fancy smokers, you can upcycle a clunky old refrigerator into a fully functional cold smoker. And thanks to this clever tutorial from Dengarden, the whole process is surprisingly straightforward. With cookout season knocking on the backdoor, now’s the perfect time to turn that junker into your new backyard MVP.
Cold smoking isn’t just for pros. If you’ve ever dreamed of infusing your own cheese, salmon, or jerky with smoky goodness, this DIY project makes it accessible and affordable. Summer is the time for laid-back BBQs, slow-smoked meats, and impressive foodie feats — and this upcycled fridge-turned-smoker is just the ticket.
The tutorial walks you through removing the interior shelves and parts of a non-working fridge (tall, older models work best), cutting in some ventilation, and hooking up a small smoke generator. Throw in a thermometer, and you’re good to go. It’s all done with basic tools and a little bit of sweat equity.
Besides the obvious culinary payoff, this project gets serious points for sustainability. Instead of tossing your old appliance, you’re giving it a new purpose — and one that your neighbors will definitely be jealous of.
With warm weekends ahead and grill-outs on the horizon, there’s no better time to try this out. Whether you’re a smokehouse newbie or a backyard BBQ boss, a DIY fridge smoker is a brilliant, budget-friendly addition to your outdoor cooking lineup.
Ready to impress your guests? Head over to the full tutorial on Dengarden and get smoking!
Classic Smoky BBQ Rub
Perfect for: Pork, chicken, or even smoked cheese.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp mustard powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
Tip: Pat meat dry and apply the rub generously. Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight) in the fridge before smoking.
Herb & Peppercorn Cold Smoke Rub
Perfect for: Turkey, chicken, fish (especially salmon).
Ingredients:
2 tsp cracked black pepper
2 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp lemon zest (optional but amazing on fish)
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp garlic powder
Tip: This rub is light but aromatic — perfect for delicate meats or anything you’re planning to serve chilled.
Sweet & Savory Maple Rub
Perfect for: Bacon, ham, or any pork cut.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp maple sugar (or brown sugar + a few drops of maple extract)
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp paprika
Tip: Use sparingly — a little goes a long way. Let it rest at least 6 hours to absorb those sweet-spice notes.
Garlic Mustard Rub
Perfect for: Beef, venison, or lamb.
Ingredients:
2 tsp dry mustard
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp smoked paprika
Tip: This rub works especially well on red meats and adds depth during the slow smoke infusion.