A handheld cold-smoke infuser is a practical choice when you want to add smoke aroma to cheese and cocktails without cooking them. The best fit depends on whether you want a versatile kitchen tool, a sturdier option for frequent use, or a simpler kit focused on drinks. Below, we compare five options by their features, included accessories, and the trade-offs to consider before you choose.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Notable Features | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville BSM600SIL Smoking Gun | Versatile home use | Two smoke settings, silicone tube, sample wood chips | Four AA batteries, included |
| Breville Commercial CSM700 Smoking Gun Pro | Frequent or more demanding use | Removable, dishwasher-safe barrel and burn chamber; two smoke settings | Four AA batteries, included |
| BORUIT Smoking Gun | Portable, simple operation | One-button control, compact design, wood chips included | Two AA batteries, not included |
| SmokeTop Cocktail Smoker Kit | Home bar and drink presentation | Made in the USA; sample wood-chip flavor included | Not specified |
| CucinaPro Handheld Smoking Gun | Smoking under a dome | Large clear dome, cold-smoke design | Two AA batteries |
Our Picks: Best Smoker For Cheese And Cocktail reviews
1. Breville BSM600SIL: Best All-Around Smoker for Cheese and Cocktails
The Breville BSM600SIL is a handheld cold smoker for adding wood-smoke aroma to foods and drinks. Its two settings let you choose between a gentler smoke and a more intense one. That flexibility is useful when moving between mild cheese and a cocktail where you want a bolder smoky note.
The included silicone tube helps direct smoke toward a container or food. The burn chamber is removable, with a wide opening for loading wood chips and cleaning. The package also includes two mesh filters, four AA batteries, replacement filters, recipe cards, and sample hickory and applewood chips.
This is a strong match if you want one tool for cheese, drinks, fish, meat, and other delicate foods. It is battery-powered and designed for indoor use, so it does not take the place of a full-size smoker for cooking or smoking large batches. Wood-chip refills are sold separately.
Pros:
- Two smoke settings offer control over intensity.
- Silicone tube helps aim smoke where you need it.
- Includes batteries, filters, and two wood-chip samples.
Cons:
- Additional wood chips are sold separately.
- Battery-powered design may be less convenient for extended use.
Verdict: Choose the BSM600SIL if you want a well-equipped, versatile cold smoker for both cheese and cocktails.
2. Breville Commercial CSM700: Best for Frequent Use and Easier Cleaning
The Breville Commercial CSM700 is a more robust smoke infuser intended for professional and commercial kitchens. Like the standard Breville model, it uses cold smoke and offers gentle and intense settings. That makes it suitable for delicate items such as cheese and cocktails as well as a range of other foods.
Its removable die-cast stainless steel barrel and burn chamber are dishwasher-safe, a useful distinction if you plan to use the smoker often or switch between different wood-chip flavors. The silicone tube supports targeted smoke delivery, and the package includes four mesh filters, four AA batteries, a hex key, a set screw, and sample hickory and applewood chips.
The more substantial construction and cleaning features may matter more to frequent users than to someone who smokes a drink now and then. It still runs on batteries, and its extra parts and commercial positioning may be more than a casual home bar needs.
Pros:
- Removable barrel and burn chamber are dishwasher-safe.
- Two settings let you vary smoke intensity.
- Includes four mesh filters and two sample wood-chip varieties.
Cons:
- Its commercial design may be more than occasional users need.
- Requires four AA batteries.
Verdict: Pick the CSM700 if easier, more thorough cleaning and a sturdier design are priorities for your kitchen or bar.
3. BORUIT Smoking Gun: Best Compact Option with Simple Controls
The BORUIT is a compact, handheld smoke infuser for drinks and food. It uses a one-button control and is described as lightweight and easy to carry, making it a space-conscious option for a home kitchen or bar. Its cold-smoke design is intended to add aroma without heating the food or drink.
The product description says it can be used with wood chips, tea, herbs, spices, and other dry materials. A small packet of wood chips is included. The unit runs on two AA batteries, which are not included, so you will need to supply those before use.
This model may suit someone who wants straightforward controls and portability more than advanced adjustments. Unlike the Breville options, the supplied details do not list multiple smoke settings or a dishwasher-safe burn chamber. The manufacturer advises emptying the burn chamber regularly and wiping and drying it after use.
Pros:
- One-button control keeps operation simple.
- Compact design is easy to store or carry.
- Can be used with a range of dry smoking materials.
Cons:
- Two AA batteries are not included.
- No adjustable smoke settings are listed.
Verdict: Consider the BORUIT if you want a compact, uncomplicated infuser and do not mind supplying batteries and cleaning the burn chamber by hand.
4. SmokeTop Cocktail Smoker Kit: Best for a Home Bar
The SmokeTop is a drink-focused smoker kit designed to add smoky aroma to cocktails, whiskey, and bourbon. The brand describes it as a home-bar tool for creating a more sensory drink presentation. It is made in the USA and includes a sample of wood chips in one of several listed flavors: oak, cherry, cinnamon, or apple.
Despite its cocktail emphasis, the product description also lists cheese, meats, coffee, and ice cream among possible uses. That gives it some flexibility if you want to try cold-smoking food as well as drinks. The supplied details do not specify a battery type or provide the same level of cleaning and smoke-control information as the Breville models.
This kit is a reasonable choice if drink service is your main goal and you like the idea of a dedicated bar accessory. If you expect to smoke cheese often, compare the product’s setup and cleaning details on the listing with the more fully specified handheld guns before deciding.
Pros:
- Focused on cocktails and home-bar use.
- Includes a sample of wood chips in a listed flavor.
- Described for use with both drinks and a range of foods.
Cons:
- Power and cleaning details are not specified in the supplied information.
- Less information is provided about smoke-intensity controls.
Verdict: Choose SmokeTop if cocktails are your main use and you prefer a drink-centered kit over a more fully specified general-purpose smoking gun.
5. CucinaPro Handheld Smoking Gun: Best for Smoking Under a Dome
The CucinaPro handheld smoking gun is supplied with a large transparent dome lid designed to trap smoke around food or a drink. The product description lists cheese, cocktails, meat, fish, butter, chocolate, and fruit as possible uses. Its cold-smoke design is intended to add flavor without cooking delicate ingredients.
The included dome is the main difference from the other handheld options here. It can help contain smoke around an item during preparation and create a visible presentation for serving. The smoker holds a small amount of wood chips per use and operates on two AA batteries.
The supplied product data marks this item as unavailable, though availability can change. Check the listing before planning a purchase. If it is available, it may appeal to you if the dome matters more than adjustable settings or a detailed list of cleaning features.
Pros:
- Includes a large, clear dome for containing smoke.
- Cold-smoke design is intended for delicate foods and drinks.
- Compact handheld format runs on two AA batteries.
Cons:
- The supplied availability information indicates it is unavailable.
- Wood-chip capacity is limited per use.
Verdict: Consider the CucinaPro if its dome is a priority, but confirm that it is available before choosing it over the other options.
How to Choose a Smoker for Cheese and Cocktails
Choose a Cold-Smoke Design
Cheese and finished cocktails are delicate, so look for a smoker described as a cold-smoke infuser. These handheld devices add smoke aroma without being designed to cook the food or heat the drink. They are different from full-size smokers used to cook or preserve larger quantities of food.
Look for Control Over Smoke Intensity
Smoke can quickly become the main flavor in a small serving. Models with gentle and intense settings, such as the Breville options, give you a choice of smoke output. If a product has only one control setting or does not list adjustable settings, you may have less ability to tailor the intensity.
Consider How You Will Direct or Contain the Smoke
A silicone tube can help you guide smoke into a container or toward a particular item. A dome offers another approach by trapping smoke around food or a drink. Think about whether you want to treat small portions one at a time, smoke a cocktail for serving, or create a contained presentation.
Check Cleaning Needs and Parts
Burn chambers and filters can collect residue, especially when you change wood-chip flavors. Removable parts make cleaning easier to manage. The Breville Commercial model lists a removable, dishwasher-safe barrel and burn chamber, while the BORUIT instructions call for emptying, wiping, and drying its burn chamber. Check each product’s care instructions before use.
Compare Batteries and Included Accessories
Battery requirements vary: the Breville models include four AA batteries, while the BORUIT requires two AA batteries that are sold separately. The CucinaPro also uses two AA batteries. The SmokeTop information provided does not specify its power source. Also check which filters, wood chips, and other parts come in the package, since sample chips are not the same as a regular supply of refills.
Match the Tool to Your Main Use
If you want one smoker for cheese and cocktails, a versatile handheld model with a tube and adjustable settings is a practical place to start. If drinks are your main focus, a bar-centered kit may suit your setup. For frequent use, pay close attention to construction and cleaning; for occasional use, a compact design and simple controls may be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a handheld smoker add flavor to cheese without cooking it?
Cold-smoke infusers are designed to add smoke aroma without cooking. The Breville, BORUIT, SmokeTop, and CucinaPro descriptions list cheese among their possible uses. Follow the product instructions and use an appropriate container or method for directing the smoke.
Can I use one of these smokers for cocktails?
Yes. All five product descriptions include drinks or cocktails as an intended use. A silicone tube can help direct smoke, while the SmokeTop is positioned specifically as a drink smoker.
Do these handheld smokers replace a full-size smoker?
No. These are small infusers for adding smoke to food or drinks. They are not described as equipment for cooking large cuts of meat or smoking large batches.
Which option offers the clearest smoke-intensity control?
The Breville BSM600SIL and Breville Commercial CSM700 list gentle and intense settings. The supplied information for the other models does not describe the same two-setting control.
Do I need to buy wood chips separately?
The Breville models include sample hickory and applewood chips, and the BORUIT includes a small packet of chips. SmokeTop includes a sample in one of its listed flavors. The product information says the Breville wood-chip accessory pack is sold separately, so check the listing for refill options.
Which smoker is easiest to clean?
The Breville Commercial CSM700 has the clearest cleaning advantage in the supplied details: its removable barrel and burn chamber are dishwasher-safe. The BORUIT instructions call for emptying and wiping its burn chamber. Always follow the care guidance for the specific model you choose.
Final Recommendation
For most people who want one tool for both cheese and cocktails, the Breville BSM600SIL is the most balanced choice because it combines two smoke settings, a silicone tube, and useful included accessories. Choose the Breville Commercial CSM700 if frequent use and dishwasher-safe removable parts matter more. If you mainly want a drink-focused setup, consider the SmokeTop, and check current listing details before choosing the CucinaPro because the supplied availability information marks it unavailable.