Indoor Pellet Pooper?

[Meathead]

Here's a prototype of an interesting concept, an indoor smoker. They claim they can eliminate all smoke from escaping. Love the promo video
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a...ellet-smoker#/
More details here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQx_jZS0bcI

Smoldering pellets will no doubt make a nice flavor but not as good as burning wood (combustion produces better flavor), but I’m guessing it will be tasty. Also guessing it will be expensive. Wondering what the market is? Hard core pitmasters in retirement homes on the 13th floor? Dorm dwellers? Scientists in Antarctica? People with unlimited counter space? But more power to them.

We have a written policy of not recommending something that is not commercially on the market because a lot of these fundraisers don’t work as billed or pricing is different or delivery really late. But this one look like fun.

[captainlee]

There are commercial ventless exhaust systems available for commercial electric cooking equipment. This must be a take off of that technology. Interesting concept, will have to see how it plays out.

[RonB]

Not enough room for a brisket - maybe a briskette.

[DavidNorcross]

Gotta think this is one of many. Will be interested to watch.

[Potkettleblack]

If they're capturing all the smoke particles, in the "desmoke" that's gonna pile up somewhere, right?

[captainlee]

Thinking about that too. I would assume they would also require a UL listing. It will be interesting to see how that plays out using a live fuel indoors. They must be on to something though.

[Jim White]

There seems to be some sort of disconnect here that I can't figure out. They overshot their crowdfunding by a factor of six. They have a fully functional prototype that impresses a well-known pitmaster. They're now taking early orders.

But there will be at least a 16 month gap before deliveries begin? That just doesn't fit.

[rickgregory]

Manufacturing lead times? Also, it could be that they don't have manufacturing lined up and/or that they were counting on Chinese vendors and things in China are locked down. But this is why I don't do product kickstarter things anymore. If they actually get something into production I can evaluate it then and if I like it, buy it without the risk that I'm backing a product that will never be shipped.

[rickgregory]

Oh give me a break. They don't need to crowdfund this....

[Jim White]

Wow. That makes the manufacturing lead time even harder to understand. Good find.

[Steve R.]

Nah, I prefer housebroken grills.

I imagine the market is anyone who wants to make smoked meat at home, but lacks the space or ability to have an outdoor smoker. Apartment dwellers, condo owners, etc.

[SmokeyGator]

Condo dwellers for sure. I lived in a high rise apartment and I smuggled in a gas grill. But using it was always sketchy, because it was a violation of the rules. And fire codes. But if you snitched on me MAYBE some anarchist super glues your front door lock at 2 AM? Im just saying things happen!

[Polarbear777]

Several well established companies use Kickstarter campaigns because it raises capital quickly and relieves them of liability of actually delivering anything.

I wonder how this would get approved. Also if the smoke recapture works, how often do you have to replace proprietary filters etc, and at what cost?

[SmokeyGator]

Video says no filters. My guess is it uses electrostatic methods, like many other air purifiers already do. The method is simple, apply a negative electric charge to a metal grid, the positive charged smoke particles are attracted to it. There may be a slight ozone like smell, similar to a photocopier room. The pellets are not the heat source, an electric element is. Pellets are just for smoke, so not many will be used. All they did was take existing stuff and assemble it differently.

[rickgregory]

Oh i know they DO. But they don't need to and I'm not going to fund a product that freaking GE is developing.