- Aug 23, 2011
- 15
- 10
Just looking for some tips here. I tried pulling out the chip drawer and that helped a little, but once one row is completely burned up, it goes out. Any advice from you ol' pros would be appreciated.
What smoker do you use MES 30" or 40"?Just looking for some tips here. I tried pulling out the chip drawer and that helped a little, but once one row is completely burned up, it goes out. Any advice from you ol' pros would be appreciated.
I'm tellin' ya, the chimney helps more than anything else!I've used the AMNPS in my 30" MES for probably 15 smokes (cold and hot) with dust and pellets. I've taken the chip tray out and the loader out every time with no problem of smoke extinguish before all the fuel was burned. I do have a metal duct joint on my exhaust vent that could create the negative pressure Todd was talking about. That being said, it seems as if the advice of guys way more experienced than me (including the inventor of the product) is not to pull them all the way out and I will definitely be trying that out this weekend to see what kind of difference it makes.
Is that "metal duct joint " attached to the MES or is it just sitting on top? If it is attached, how was it attached? I am thinking of doing the same thing.I've used the AMNPS in my 30" MES for probably 15 smokes (cold and hot) with dust and pellets. I've taken the chip tray out and the loader out every time with no problem of smoke extinguish before all the fuel was burned. I do have a metal duct joint on my exhaust vent that could create the negative pressure Todd was talking about. That being said, it seems as if the advice of guys way more experienced than me (including the inventor of the product) is not to pull them all the way out and I will definitely be trying that out this weekend to see what kind of difference it makes.
Yes it is. I believe it's a 3" joint and the beveled end fits snugly in the top of the mes so there's no attachment necessary. Picked it up for a couple of bucks at home depot. I originally put it on to direct smoke away from the control panel to keep it from getting all gunked up but apparently it helps my AMNPS burn as well.Is that "metal duct joint " attached to the MES or is it just sitting on top? If it is attached, how was it attached? I am thinking of doing the same thing.
I'll have to try the chimney! So far, I've used the AMNPS in my MES30 twice and each time, I ended up having to remove the chip tray, chip loader, AND put the AMNPS on top of the element housing (instead of the rails to the left of it). I've even had to occasionally put a fan near the smoker to get airflow in thru where the chip loader normally is.
I just didn't seem to get enough airflow without doing all those things. I would get it smoking pretty good outside, but it would stop smoking after a few minutes once it was inside. As soon as I would open the door and take it out (giving it oxygen), it would start smoking again. Does that sound like an issue the chimney will fix?
Thanks. -Tracy
Todd knows his Amazing products 1000 times better than I do.Tracy,
The MES and many other electric smokers are starved for oxygen. Most have less intake and exhaust than the MES. The Analog Masterbuilt, only has the drain hole for the intake, and guys have used a cheap aquarium pump to add intake air with great success. I'm not saying you have to do this with the MES, but there are a few tricks to keep the AMNPS smoking in the MES.
The trick is to get a draft going thru your MES.
Are you Cold Smoking or Hot Smoking?
On hot days, with no wind, I've had to place the AMNPS on top the chip pan housing or even on the lowest shelf.
Another trick is to start the MES and set it to 100°-125° to get a draft going thru the MES, then shut it off. This does not work well for smoking cheese, unless you like "Melted Cheese"!
Do Not Rush The Starting Procedure!
The biggest mistake guys make, is not following the starting procedure. Get a good flame burning on the pellets, and allow it to burn for at least 5 minutes, before you blow it out. You really need to get a good bed of coals to keep the AMNPS burning. If it's too windy to keep the flame going, place the AMNPS inside your smoker, but do not latch the door tight. Some guys just light the AMNPS and it keeps going. Once you get the hang of it, you be smoking up a storm!
Adding the chimney helps create negative pressure in the MES. Without a chimney, you'll notice the unit will "Back Draft" thru the exhaust, when the wind blows. The chimney keeps the back draft from happening.
If you're "Hot Smoking" with the AMNPS, DO NOT remove the Chip Loader. Only pull it out 1/4 way MAX.
Cold Smoking
Pull the chip pan out 1 ½”
Remove the chip loader ¼ way to all the way out
Place the AMNPS on the rails, or on top the chip pan housing
Install Water Pan - Use as a heat deflector
Hot Smoking
Pull the chip pan out on 1 ½” - Do Not Remove!...Chip Pan Doubles as a "Heat Shield" for the door and bottom.
Pull the chip loader up to ¼ way out MAX - Control Draft buy pushing in or pulling out
Place AMNPS on the rails - Lighted side away from the element or flame
Install Water Pan with No Water in the water pan - Excess moisture will keep the pellets or sawdust from burning.
Happy Smoking!
Todd