Are smudge pots still made?

Scheu Steel is still in business, in 2021. The use of smudge pots became widespread after a disastrous freeze in Southern California, January 4–8, 1913, wiped out a whole crop. Smudge pots were commonly used for seven decades in areas such as California’s numerous citrus groves and vineyards.

What fuel can you use in a smudge pot?

Smudge pots can burn a variety of fuels. Typically people use diesel. Kerosene, used cooking oil and used motor oil are other types of fuel people use.

Can you burn used motor oil in a smudge pot?

They can burn Diesel, Kerosene, used motor oil, used vegetable oil, hydraulic oil, etc. They burn really hot so there is almost no smoke when it gets going. It’s easy to light, does not spark and put out a lot of heat. The stack can get glowing it is so hot.

When did they stop using smudge pots?

In 1947, state legislation finally outlawed many types of older, smokey heaters. Freezing nights in the winter of 1949 brought the last “big smudge” to Southern California. By then, growers had begun experimenting with wind machines – 125 h.p. motors driving aircraft propellers on a tower.

Are smudge pots bad for the environment?

They’re relatively simple and inexpensive to use, but they come with many challenges. Oil-burning smudge pots discharge smoke and pollutants into the air, and they pose a risk for oil spillage or leaks. They also require a lot of labor to move them around the orchards and to manually light each one.

Do smudge pots burn clean?

“Working with NRCS has allowed us to take the old oil-burning smudge pots and convert them into propane systems, which burns incredibly clean,” he said.

Is a smudge pot illegal?

Why are smudge pots illegal in California? Be aware that they are illegal in California, possibly other states as well. Such explosions are not dangerous, but they are noisy and they produce a lot of smoke.

Does a smudge pot need a wick?

Things You’ll Need Smudge pots are oil-burning devices with a round base and a chimney extending up from the center. Smaller, modern smudge pots use a wick to draw fuel. In the early 1900s, smudge pots were used to keep orchards from frosting over in the winter.

How big of an area will a smudge pot heat?

about 15 feet radius
They heat about 15 feet radius. here are a couple of factors depending on how open your regulator is, fuel you are burning, outside temps and even elevation. If you are using for agricultural use you are just trying to keep the air above freezing and usually can get more like 20-30 feet radius from your smudge pot.

Can you paint a smudge pot?

The authors go on to advise against using paint from the smudge pot for priming. According another early journal for orchard growers, it was a common practice among growers to burn off the contents of their discarded paint pots, together with asphaltum.

How do you refill a smudge pot?

1. Pull the top off of the patio smudge pot. The wick sticks out of the top and will come out with the top when it is removed.
2. Pour the citronella oil into the opening in the top of the patio smudge pot. Fill the smudge pot roughly two-thirds of the way full.
3. Replace the top of the smudge pot.