Frequently Asked Questions

Each SmokeTop smoker is designed for 500+ uses with proper care. The mesh screen should be cleaned between sessions and replaced after approximately 100 uses. Replacement screens are available in our shop.

The standard SmokeTop comes with a starter pack of cherry wood chips — our most versatile wood. The bundle editions include variety packs with cherry, apple, oak, and hickory chips.

Yes — any standard lighter or match works. The SmokeTop does not require butane torches or specialized equipment. The open-flame ignition approach keeps the technique accessible and equipment-light.

Allow the smoker to cool completely before cleaning. Wipe the dome interior with a damp cloth to remove residue. The base can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Never submerge the smoker in water.

SmokeTop products carry a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. See our Terms of Service for full details and the claim process.

All wood chips sold by Middleton Mixology are food-grade — sourced from untreated, pesticide-free fruit and hardwoods specifically selected for culinary use. Never use wood chips treated with preservatives, pesticides, or stains.

5 seconds is a good starting point for most cocktails. For subtle smoke character, lift the dome at 3–4 seconds. For bold smoke presence, extend to 10–15 seconds. The key is to taste as you go and find the level that works for your spirit and palate.

Cherry wood is recommended for beginners — it's sweet, mild, and pairs broadly with most spirits. Once comfortable with the technique, explore apple wood for white spirits and lighter cocktails, or oak and hickory for aged spirit drinks.

Yes — smoked wines and beers are increasingly popular. Use light woods (apple, cherry) at very short exposure times (2–3 seconds). Heavy smoke overwhelms wine and beer more readily than spirits due to lower alcohol content.

Both approaches work, and the choice changes the result. Smoking a finished cocktail coats the liquid directly — giving a more pronounced smoke flavor. Smoking an empty glass first and then pouring the drink in produces a lighter, more aromatic smoke note. Experiment with both to find your preference.

Absolutely. Smoked mocktails — ginger beer, sparkling water, juice-based drinks — are increasingly popular and work beautifully with cherry and apple woods. Cherry smoke on a ginger beer Moscow Mule-style mocktail is one of our most-requested non-alcoholic recipes.

Standard shipping typically takes 5–7 business days within the continental US. Expedited options are available at checkout. Orders typically ship within 1–2 business days of placement.

International shipping is available to select countries. Rates and delivery times vary by destination. Check the shipping options at checkout for your specific location.

Address changes can be accommodated if the order has not yet shipped. Contact our support team as quickly as possible with your order number and new address.

30-day returns on all products in original condition. Products damaged during shipping are replaced at no charge. To initiate a return, contact our support team with your order number.

If your SmokeTop arrives damaged due to shipping, contact us within 7 days with photos of the damage and packaging. We will ship a replacement at no charge.

Yes — we offer volume pricing for bar programs, restaurants, and retail accounts. Contact our wholesale team at [email protected] or through the Professionals page for pricing and minimum order details.

Minimum order quantities and pricing tiers are discussed during the wholesale onboarding process. Visit our Professionals page or see the Wholesale FAQ for more details.