Abstract: An assembly for generating a continuous stream of smoke for food processing such as barbecue cooking includes a reusable cartridge holder for holding upright a disposable smoke generating cartridge. The cartridge includes an outer covering enclosing a chamber. The covering includes a perforated top, a non-perforated upper portion designed to not burn during the process and a readily combustible lower portion. At the bottom of the chamber is a readily combustible tinder material that is easily set afire by the burning lower portion. The balance of the chamber is filled with wood pellets that smolder and emit desirable smoke when ignited by the tinder, the smoke passing upward through the perforated top. The convection currents produce a stream of smoke without the need for a fan. The pellets don't fall through the cartridge after the bottom portion burns away because they swell up and are held in place within the upper portion.

Abstract: A smoke generator has an air pump with control valve to supply a continuous controllable air supply to a smoking fuel on a grid in a fire box. Smoke is directed to the food processor from a smoke output within the fire box and above the grid. A chimney extends from the top of the fire box. It is filled with fuel. This fuel is fuel is not in the air stream, so it does not burn. As fuel on the grid is consumed, fuel from the chimney drops onto the grid. This provides a continuous feed of fresh so that the device can generate a uniform controllable stream of smoke over a long period of time unattended. A disposable fuel cartridge is also provided for ease of use.