Ok, so I tried both for the first time today in my fridge conversion. Ambient temperature was about 65* today. I had originally planned on using the PID+ heating element to keep it at 75*, but that turned out to be unnecessary, as the smoldering AMNPS put out more heat than I anticipated for such a large space. In fact, I had to put in a pan of ice about halfway thru.
I used some of the oak pellets supplied by Todd to get the burn going, and then onto some Bear Mountain applewood pellets, because I can get them fairly cheaply here. But the applewood pellets smelled rather harsh, not sweet like the chunks I normally use.
Not much problem keeping them lit, except for the occasional breeze that would blow it out before I was ready.
The chosen victims: Sharp cheddar, colby-jack, and some string cheese.
Removed the string cheese at about 2 hours. Let the rest go for 3. You can see my ice pan underneath. Even with that, the temp was close to 80* just from the AMNPS.
Vacuum packed and awaiting their 2 week nap.
One bit of advise for other newbies, next time I will wear latex gloves when handling the finished cheese. I have showered and washed my hands at least 5 times, and they still smell heavily of smoke.
So the AMNPS worked like a charm, and I couldn't be happier with it. But perhaps I'll try one of Todds pellet blends next time.
I used some of the oak pellets supplied by Todd to get the burn going, and then onto some Bear Mountain applewood pellets, because I can get them fairly cheaply here. But the applewood pellets smelled rather harsh, not sweet like the chunks I normally use.
Not much problem keeping them lit, except for the occasional breeze that would blow it out before I was ready.
The chosen victims: Sharp cheddar, colby-jack, and some string cheese.
Removed the string cheese at about 2 hours. Let the rest go for 3. You can see my ice pan underneath. Even with that, the temp was close to 80* just from the AMNPS.
Vacuum packed and awaiting their 2 week nap.
One bit of advise for other newbies, next time I will wear latex gloves when handling the finished cheese. I have showered and washed my hands at least 5 times, and they still smell heavily of smoke.
So the AMNPS worked like a charm, and I couldn't be happier with it. But perhaps I'll try one of Todds pellet blends next time.