New to smoking... Just a few ?'s

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

candurin

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Jun 23, 2011
120
30
Hi All, been lurking around here for an entire week.  My wife got me a smoker for father's day (the MES 30 Analog - http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/products/masterbuilt-electric-analog-30).  She got it for $90, so we'll squeeze every dime out of it.  We're located in South Jersey, near Atlantic City.

So, I've got the basics down and I also subscribed to Jeff's E-course.  But here's the few questions I have:

1.  A-MAZE-N - Which one to get?  I think it just makes sense to get the 6 x 8 but wanted to make sure.

2.  Where would you put the A-MAZE-N?  I thought about modifying the bottom shelf so that it holds the A-MAZE-N.  I know most people mention to put it on the floor away from the element, but the element takes up the entire bottom!  I have only 2" from bottom of smoker to bottom of element.

8f64d7c5_EggHarbor-20110623-00029.jpg


5280fef4_EggHarbor-20110623-00028.jpg


819a9836_EggHarbor-20110623-00027.jpg


3.  PID - I thought about building a PID controller based on http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?315-PID-Controller.  I figured this would be great, since the temp control is analog.  BUT!  If I purchase the Maverick ET732, wouldn't that allow me to adjust the analog temp guage and use the internal probe to fine tune the temp (I can simply use a sharpie to mark the analog guage with the temp "range".  Would a PID still be necessary if using the ET732 probes?

That was really my main questions.  If I'm starting this hobby/lifestyle/life choice right, I want to go all the way and enjoy it from the get-go!

Thanks for the help!
 
Welcome to the SMF!  I don't have an AMAZIN yet, but it should go near the bottom so the smoke can rise up through the racks.  I'm sure others will be along soon with some solid ideas on how they've done it.

Please head on over to Roll Call and introduce yourself so we can give ya a proper welcome!
 
If you're getting an AMNS, and I highly recommend it, go with the brand new A-Maze-N-Pellet-Smoker.   http://www.amazenproducts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=AMNPS5X8     It handles temps better, lasts longer, and will fit on the rails in your 30.  I love my AMNS, and my new AMNPS should be delivered tomorrow.  I can't wait to use it this weekend.

You're gonna love smoking!
What TromaRon said--If you're only gonna get one, get the new AMNPS (5 3/8" X 8")---It's good for Hot or Cold smokes, and you can burn pellets or dust. Use pellets for Hot smoking.

Your smoker is different than Ron's & my MES 30 though, so you'll have to find another place for it. Maybe on top of something that will block some heat, a few inches above the element. From the picture, it doesn't look like it will fit below the element.

Bear
 
Thanks for the welcome and advice.  I have been in contact with Todd and ordered up the pellet smoker and a bunch of pellets.  Would I simply replace the covered smoker tin that came with the unit (on the right in the photos) with the AMPS?  Just trying to figure out best location for it.

Also, concerning the PID, what is the general consensus?  If I can use the maverick thermometer and dial in good temps with the analog adjuster, would that be good enough?  Or is the PID the way to go?
 
Thanks for the welcome and advice.  I have been in contact with Todd and ordered up the pellet smoker and a bunch of pellets.  Would I simply replace the covered smoker tin that came with the unit (on the right in the photos) with the AMPS?  Just trying to figure out best location for it.

Also, concerning the PID, what is the general consensus?  If I can use the maverick thermometer and dial in good temps with the analog adjuster, would that be good enough?  Or is the PID the way to go?
Welcome candurin!!

I can't help you with where to put the AMNPS in that unit, because I don't know how hot it gets here & there. Todd can help you on that.

PIDs are great, but I would not spend the money on one for my MES 40. Once you know your smoker, you can pretty much get it to do what you want.

I would think the same thing would be for your smoker, but I can't say for sure.

Running consistent temps overall is easier to do than running the same temps from left to right, and the same from top to bottom, and a PID can't do anything about that.

Bear
 
 
Last edited:
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Hot Threads

Clicky