Smoking dust grain size explained: 500/1000 vs. 750/2000
The grain numbers on the smoking dust bag indicate the grain size in micrometres: 500/1000 is fine dust (0.5–1.0 mm), 750/2000 is medium to coarse (0.75–2.0 mm). The rule for practice is simple and important: fine in the maze smoker (pressed down firmly, it smoulders evenly), coarse in the smoke generator (air pockets keep the embers alive), and both work in the sawdust tray.
Last updated: 23 July 2026 · Author: Michael Vering, Beelonia GmbH · All prices: as of July 2026
Recommended reading: Which wood provides which aroma – the second half of the dust question – is in the smoking dust guide.
Grain size × device: the allocation table
| Device | Correct grain size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maze smoker / cold smoke insert | fine (500/1000), press down firmly | dense ember path, travels evenly |
| Smoke generator | coarse (from 750/2000) | air pockets – supply doesn't suffocate |
| Sawdust tray (hot) | both, preferably coarser | more smoke development over the heater |
| Wood chips | own class (e.g. alder) | for embers and BBQ applications |
The physics behind it: Smouldering needs the balance of fuel density and oxygen. In the maze smoker, the wire mesh provides air from the outside – inside, the fine dust can be densely pressed. In the generator shaft, on the other hand, the air must travel through the bulk itself: coarse chips leave channels open, fine dust compacts into an airtight mass and suffocates the embers halfway up. This is exactly what the Beelonia smoke generator video explains – and why "one dust for everything" doesn't work.
The RÄUCHERGOLD translation: Beech HB 500-1000 (fine, 15 kg: 27.37 €) for maze smoker and cold smoke; Beech 750-1000/750-2000 for generator and tray; plus specialities like cherry (mild-sweet) and the spiced beech mixtures. One bag of each class covers all devices.
Frequently asked questions about grain size
Can I mix grain sizes?
In the tray yes, in the maze smoker and generator no – there the mixture destroys the respective smouldering principle. Leftovers from different bags belong in the hot smoke tray.
Why does my maze smoker go out with coarse dust?
Coarse chips cannot be pressed densely enough – the embers cannot find a continuous path. Fine 500/1000 dust, pressed down firmly, solves the problem; the entire list of errors is in the maze smoker guide.
Is fine dust "better" than coarse?
Neither – they are tools for different devices. The aroma is determined by the type of wood, not the grain size.
Recommended reading: How dust turns into clean smoke is explained in Blue smoke, white smoke.
The right dust for the right device
RÄUCHERGOLD in all grain sizes – perfectly matched to maze smoker, tray, and generator. From Beelonia GmbH, since 1880.
Sources and technical basis: Smoking woods dossier (grain types 500/1000 and 750/2000); Beelonia smoke generator video (coarse grain, air pocket principle); maze smoker rules from the error dossier. Prices: as of July 2026.
