SG1 vs SG2: Which Cold Smoke Generator Should You Choose?

If you already have a smoker, smokehouse, metal grill or kamado and want to add controlled external smoke, the main choice in the TISKRE-DO range is SG1 vs SG2. Both are 5.1L cold smoke generators built in Estonia from stainless steel and aluminium, but their cooling and airflow systems are different. That difference matters more than the container size.

This guide explains what the two models have in common, where they differ, and which cold smoke generator is the better fit for your setup.

SG1 vs SG2 at a glance

Feature	SG1	SG2
Wood-chip container	5.1L, Ø130 mm	5.1L, Ø130 mm
Cooling system	Passive 3-plate cooler	Active 5-layer maze cooler-filter
Condensate collection	No dedicated collection jar	Glass jar in the active cooler-filter
Air supply	YE-923 air pump	One dual-chamber YE-922 air pump
Included adapter	Universal ceramic/metal grill adapter	Universal ceramic/metal grill adapter
Included wood chips	1L alder, 3–8 mm	1L alder, 3–8 mm
Best fit	Simple, robust external smoke generation	Extra smoke cooling and condensate filtering

What both cold smoke generators have in common

SG1 and SG2 use the same basic principle: wood chips smoulder in an external generator while an air pump moves smoke toward the smoking chamber. Separating smoke production from the food chamber makes it easier to avoid adding unnecessary heat inside the smoker than with a heat source burning directly under the food.

Both models use a 5.1L chip container with a diameter of 130 mm. The air inlets are protected to reduce blockage by wood chips, and both systems can be refilled during operation. With appropriate dry chips and correct airflow, one load is intended for roughly 5–6 hours of operation before refilling becomes necessary.

Both packages include a universal adapter for ceramic and metal grills and 1L of alder wood chips in the 3–8 mm size range.

SG1: when passive cooling is enough

The SG1 cold smoke generator uses a passive 3-plate radiator-style cooler. There is no second actively driven cooling stage and no condensate jar to monitor.

That simplicity is its main advantage. Fewer components mean a straightforward setup, easy disassembly and relatively little maintenance. SG1 is a good match when the smoke path already provides enough cooling, when ambient conditions are favourable, or when you simply want a robust external smoke source without an additional filtering stage.

Choose SG1 if:

• you want the simpler system;
• passive smoke cooling is sufficient for your smoker;
• you value quick disassembly and easy cleaning;
• you use a grill, kamado or smokehouse where the distance between generator and chamber already helps the smoke cool;
• you do not need a dedicated condensate collection stage.

SG2: when active cooling and condensate collection matter

The SG2 cold smoke generator adds a 5-layer maze-type active cooler-filter with a glass jar. One dual-chamber YE-922 pump supplies the burner and the cooler circuit.

The active stage has two practical jobs: it helps reduce smoke temperature before the smoke reaches the food chamber, and it gives condensate and tar-like deposits a place to collect. This does not remove the need to monitor the smoking chamber, but it gives the operator another tool for controlling the smoke path.

Choose SG2 if:

• you want more smoke cooling before the chamber;
• you prefer a dedicated condensate collection jar;
• your setup has a short smoke path and less natural cooling distance;
• ambient temperature makes heat management more difficult;
• you are prepared to inspect and clean the cooler-filter as part of regular maintenance.

Does SG2 always mean colder smoke?

SG2 has more cooling capability than SG1, but no cold smoke generator can guarantee a specific chamber temperature on its own. Actual temperature depends on outdoor temperature, smoker size, airflow, distance from generator to chamber, sun exposure, food load and the way the smoker is ventilated.

The correct decision is therefore not “SG2 is always better.” It is whether the extra cooling and condensate management solve a real problem in your setup.

Airflow: more is not automatically better

Both generators rely on controlled airflow. The goal is stable smouldering and a steady smoke stream, not the highest possible air volume. Too little airflow can cause the chips to go out; too much airflow can make combustion more aggressive and add unnecessary heat.

Use dry 3–8 mm wood chips, fill the container without compacting the chips tightly, ignite until stable smouldering is established, then adjust airflow gradually. For a detailed startup and cleaning procedure, see How to Use a Cold Smoke Generator.

Maintenance differences

SG1 is mechanically simpler. Routine work focuses on removing ash and deposits, keeping air passages clear, and cleaning the passive cooler and hose.

SG2 requires the same basic cleaning plus attention to the active cooler-filter and glass condensate jar. Do not allow heavy condensate deposits to build up. Regular cleaning helps maintain a free smoke path and makes operating behaviour more predictable.

Which one should you buy?

For a simple external smoke source, start with SG1. It is the more straightforward option and is well suited to many grills, kamados and smokehouses where passive cooling is sufficient.

Choose SG2 when active cooling and condensate collection are important. This is the more appropriate configuration when you need additional control of the smoke before it enters the chamber.

If you are new to the subject, first make sure cold smoking is actually the process you need. Our guide Cold Smoking vs Hot Smoking explains the difference in temperature, cooking effect, flavour and food-safety considerations.

Food-safety note

Cold smoking adds smoke flavour but does not cook food in the way hot smoking does. Fish, meat and other perishable foods require appropriate curing, refrigeration and food-specific handling. Follow reliable food-safety guidance for the product you are preparing and do not treat smoke exposure as a substitute for safe preparation.

Frequently asked questions

Do SG1 and SG2 have the same wood-chip capacity?

Yes. Both use a 5.1L container with a diameter of 130 mm.

What is the main difference between SG1 and SG2?

SG1 uses passive cooling. SG2 adds an active 5-layer cooler-filter and a glass condensate collection jar.

Does the adapter come with both models?

Yes. The current packages include a universal adapter for ceramic and metal grills.

How much wood chip is included?

Both current packages include 1L of alder wood chips in the 3–8 mm size range.

Which air pump does SG2 use?

SG2 uses one dual-chamber YE-922 air pump to support its dual-airflow arrangement.

Which model is easier to maintain?

SG1 is simpler because it does not have the active maze cooler-filter or condensate jar. SG2 adds those components in exchange for additional cooling and condensate management.