The Complete Guide to Indoor & Outdoor Smoking with the Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker

1. Indoor & Outdoor Smoking Made Easy with the Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker
2. What Is the Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker?
3. Indoor Smoker & Outdoor Smoker in One
4. What Can You Smoke On The Kettle Smoker?  
5. What Comes with the Kettle Smoker?
6. How to Use the Nordic Ware Indoor/Outdoor Kettle Smoker
7. Kettle Smoker Cooking Times
8. Should You Open the Smoker While Cooking?
9. Smoker How-To Videos
10. Favorite Kettle Smoker Recipes

Indoor & Outdoor Smoking Made Easy with the Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker

Want to make smoked ribs in the middle of winter? Craving smoked salmon or wood-fired pizza in your apartment? The Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker makes it easy to create authentic smoky flavor indoors or outdoors with minimal effort.

This versatile indoor/outdoor smoker is designed for stovetop smoking, grilling, and oven use, making it one of the most convenient ways to enjoy homemade smoked foods year-round. Whether you’re smoking meats, seafood, vegetables, or pizza, this compact smoker delivers delicious wood-smoked flavor in about an hour or less.

What Is the Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker?

The Kettle Smoker is a stovetop smoker and outdoor grill smoker designed to infuse food with authentic hardwood smoke flavor without the need for a large backyard smoker setup.

Using a small amount of hardwood smoking chips, this smoker creates rich smoky flavor while helping keep smoke contained, making it ideal for apartment cooking, small kitchens, patios, campsites, and backyard grilling alike.

The high-domed lid allows you to smoke larger foods like whole chickens, roasts, and racks of ribs, while the adjustable vent lets you control smoke intensity and cooking temperature for customizable results.

Indoor Smoker & Outdoor Smoker in One

One of the biggest advantages of the Kettle Smoker is its versatility. Unlike traditional smokers, this compact smoker works almost anywhere you cook.

Use it on:

• Gas stovetops
• Electric stovetops
• Ceramic cooktops
• Induction burners
• Outdoor grills
• In the oven

Whether you’re looking for an indoor smoker for apartment cooking or an outdoor smoker for summer grilling, this smoker does both with ease.

What Can You Smoke On The Kettle Smoker?

Almost anything can be cooked on the kettle smoker! Try meat, fish, tofu, seitan, vegetables, or even pizza. The Kettle Smoker works beautifully with dry rubs, marinades, brines, and spice blends, giving you endless ways to customize flavor. Check below for our favorite recipes!

What Comes with the Kettle Smoker?

Each Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker comes with everything you need to start smoking food at home. The set includes a smoker base, water drip pan, smoking rack, high-domed cover, built-in temperature gauge, food thermometer, and superfine hardwood smoking chips for creating authentic wood-smoked flavor. The included hardwood chips provide a quick, clean burn for consistent results, while the built-in thermometer helps maintain ideal smoking temperatures between 190°F–210°F. The high-domed lid also allows you to smoke larger foods like whole chickens, roasts, and racks of ribs with ease. 

How to Use the Nordic Ware Indoor/Outdoor Kettle Smoker

These instructions work for all Nordic Ware Kettle Smokers.

Step 1: Add Wood Chips

Spread a thin layer of hardwood smoking chips in a 3-inch circle across the bottom of the smoker.

• Regular smoker: 1–2 Tbsp wood chips
• Personal smoker: 1 Tbsp wood chips

For best results, use kiln-dried hardwood smoking chips intended for food smoking.

Step 2: Choose Dry Smoke or Wet Smoke

Place the drip pan directly over the wood chips.

Dry Smoking

Leave the drip pan empty for concentrated smoke flavor and crispier results.

Wet Smoking

Add ½–¾ cup of liquid to the drip pan for a combination of steaming and smoking. Great options include:

• Water
• Beer
• Wine
• Broth
• Juice

Wet smoking is especially great for seafood, vegetables, and delicate proteins.

Step 3: Add Food

Place the smoking rack inside the smoker and arrange food in a single layer when possible to allow smoke circulation.

Foods can be layered, though thicker or stacked foods may require additional cooking time.

Pro tip: While optional, brushing the smoking tray lightly with vegetable oil prior to adding food will make cleanup a breeze.

Step 4: Start Smoking

Place the lid securely on the smoker and adjust the vent:

• Closed vent = stronger smoke flavor
• Slightly open vent = lighter smoke flavor and slower cooking

Set the smoker over medium-low heat on your stovetop or grill.

For indoor smoking, run your kitchen vent fan during cooking.

Recommended Smoking Temperature

For best results, maintain an internal smoker temperature between 190°F–210°F.

Because the food cooks with indirect heat, the Kettle Smoker works similarly to an oven while adding authentic smoke flavor.

Start the cooking timer once the smoker reaches 190°F.

*Note, these cooking times are a rough guideline. Cooking times may vary depending on food thickness and desired doneness.

Should You Open the Smoker While Cooking?

For the best smoky flavor and temperature consistency, keep the lid closed for at least 15 minutes before checking food.

Opening the smoker releases both heat and smoke, which can increase cooking times.

An instant-read thermometer is recommended for checking doneness on meats and seafood.

Smoker How-To Videos

• For Nordic Ware’s full how-to, watch our video here!
• Project Smoke star Steven Raichlen made two recipe videos using our smoker. Take a look!
  • How to Make Smoked Pecans
  • How to Make NOLA Smoked Shrimp

Favorite Kettle Smoker Recipes

For recipes, instructions, and care notes, see instructional booklet. Looking for inspiration? Try these flavorful smoked recipes:

• BBQ Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Jalapeño Coleslaw
• Smoked Soy Ginger Glazed Salmon
• Barbecued Smoked Shrimp
• Wood-Fired Smoked Pizza
• Honey Orange Smoked Chicken

Discover why home cooks love the Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker and start creating flavorful smoked recipes indoors or outdoors.