Large Dadant Smoker with Finger Shield
Large-barrel Dadant smoker. More fuel capacity for longer inspections or multiple-hive sessions.
- Larger barrel holds more fuel for longer inspections or multiple hives
- Wire finger shield with hook
- Spring-loaded bellows — consistent output with minimal effort
- Dadant quality construction
What it is
The large stainless steel smoker from Dadant & Sons — the Hamilton, Illinois family-owned manufacturer that's been supplying beekeepers for over a century. "Large" refers to the firebox size, which holds enough fuel for extended inspection work without repacking mid-session.
Why the large size
Small smokers run out of fuel in 20–30 minutes. A large smoker with a full load of compressed fuel lasts 60–90 minutes of steady puffing — enough to inspect multiple colonies without pausing to relight. Beekeepers working more than one hive per session usually step up to the large.
The finger shield
The wire shield wrapping around the firebox is the hot-metal guard. Without it, the smoker's outer shell gets hot enough to blister skin by the end of a session. The shield gives you somewhere to grab and somewhere to rest the smoker against your leg during frame inspections without burning through your pants.
Construction
Stainless steel body, stainless bellows cap. Rustproof construction means the smoker survives being left on the truck bed in the rain — a regular occurrence for sideliner operations.
Fuel and lighting
Compressed cotton fuel, burlap, pine needles, or dried grass all work. Light the bottom, pack loose fuel on top, work the bellows to establish heat, then pack dense fuel on top of that for the long burn. Cool smoke (not hot) is what you want for hive work.
