Thiz iz good stuff!

[ddawson31]

New to this, Have a Masterbuilt elec smoker. Just not sure how much too keep top vent open or closed.

 

[beer-b-q]

Welcome, Glad to have you with us. This is the place to learn, lots of good info and helpful friendly Members.

For Those of you New to Smoking, be sure to check out Jeff's 5 Day Smoking Basics eCourse.
Click Here it's "FREE"... 5 Day eCourse

How to post Qview to Forum:

When you uploading to Photobucket I always use the Large IMG setting, 640 x 480 it is a nice size...

Everyone here enjoys seeing the Qview so be sure to post plenty of pics...

Large ones that us old people with bad eyes can see.



For Step By Step Instructions On Posting Qview Check Out This Tutorial

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ad.php?t=82034

 

[orlandosmoking]

Welcome to the SMF. Like Beer-B-Q said, take the free 5 day course. It's a good introduction of the basics. Spend a few hours reading here on SMF and at Jeff's site as well and you should have all the information to get a good start. Feel free to ask questions as the folks on here are very helpful and quite friendly.
I too have a new MES since Black Friday but am still in the learning phase. Someone with more experience may come along and correct me but I always keep the vent at least 1/2 to 3/4 open as you want good circulation to prevent the formation of creosote.
Hope this helps and good luck. Don't forget to take some pictures and post the qview for all to enjoy your results

Don

 

[fire it up]

Welcome to the site Dawson.
Lots of MES users on here who will be able to tell you better than me but I think the top vent should be open all the way but I'm only basing that on figuring all top vents should be open all the way almost all the time.

 

[irishteabear]

Welcome to SMF. Glad you joined us.

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Have fun and,

 

[pignit]

The only reason you would ever close the vent on the MES is to create more humidity. That is usually not going to be the case so just keep it open all the time. If you were smoking in a very dry climate and the humidity level is very very low... you could close the vent to establish more humidity in the smoker. You never want to see moisture inside the smoke box (which the window allows you to peek into) in the way of droplets on the wall or the window. This will give you a sour taste in your meat. Seein that your in Florida where the humidity is relatively high... you won't ever need to close off the vent. You want to keep a steady flow of heat passing through the unit.

 

[walle]

Welcome aboard, Ddawn!

 

[chef jeff tx]

Howdy, welcome aboard!

 

[treegje]

Welcome to the SMF,We are glad to have you onboard

 

[pineywoods]

DD welcome to SMF from Crystal River way. Have fun and happy smoking

 

[bmudd14474]

Welcome to SMF.

 

[etcher1]

Welcome to the SMF forum, You came to the right place. Good people and good info.

 

[ddawson31]

Thankzzzzzzzzz

 

[richoso1]

Welcome to the SMF my new friend. On most smokers, the top vent is open, when it's shut you're encouraging stale smoke to linger in the cabinet. It can produce creosote, which is a health issue.

 

[meateater]

Welcome to the SMF. Glad to have you here. Lots of good folks here and knowledge. Looking forward to your first qview.

I would say keep it wide open so the smoke flows freely.