Design, Fabrication, and Evaluation of a Low-Cost and Mobile Fish Smokehouse for Smoked Soft-Boned Milkfish

Abstract

This study details the design, fabrication, and evaluation of a low-cost (PhP 20,867.63), mobile fish smokehouse to support livelihood programs in Naic, Cavite, Philippines. The unit, built from a recycled 200-liter drum, was tested using a 2 x 2 factorial experiment. Results showed smoking time significantly impacted moisture removal (p < 0.01), achieving an average rate of 52.63 ± 2.86 %/hr. A cost-benefit analysis demonstrated high financial viability, with a 167% ROI and a 7.19-month payback period. A key limitation was identified: comparative testing showed the unit had a significantly lower moisture removal rate (p=0.004) and received lower sensory acceptability scores (p=0.045) than a conventional smokehouse, likely due to suboptimal thermal efficiency and smoke distribution. Despite these performance trade-offs, the smokehouse proves to be a financially viable and portable solution for community-level extension and supplementary livelihood.