The
AMNPS should fit on the Rails next to the Smoke Box but can be moved if needed. Here is some useful info and the thread it came from...JJ
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!
Above courtesy of Todd Johnson
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/111307/problem-keeping-amnps-lit-in-mes-30