A-MAZEN and MES Issues

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drbearsec

Newbie
Original poster
Nov 25, 2012
14
10
Chicago Suburbs
I have a MES Digital 30 model with the SS and Window. I also own an AMNPS.

I am having issues getting it to burn all the way. I've only had it work once in 4 attempts. In the middle of attempt #5.

What I have tried...

#1- on mid rack. Lit for 5 minutes. Went out. Relit or 10 minutes. Burnt out.
#2 - lit for 10 mns. After research, I put it on top of the water pan (no water in it). Remove chip loader, pull out hip tray 1.5 inches. Burned through.
#3 - tried same as #2. More food and I think drippings put it out.
#4 - tried same as #2... Was a meatloaf in a pan so didn't bother with tent. Pulled chip loader out halfway... Chip tray 1.5 inches out. Burn out quickly.

#5 - Lit for 12 minutes... Same placement as 2. Chip loader pulled all the way out. Foil tent leaving about 4 inches of space in place on AMNPS. Seems to be going out.


I don't think the issue s wih moisture as they've been in sealed bags. I'm going to Che k in a bit and see the status... Of not burn g, I'm going o pull the tray and try nuking them, and then relighting.


Anyone have by other tips?
 
First, what pellets are you using...Cherry does not like to burn on it's own, blend it with something else..maple..whatever goes with what you are doing.

Second, I have other issues with altitude and need to dry my pellets out by nuking them or throwing in the oven for a while...The nuke routine I use it to spread them out on an oven safe plate (they will get very hot) Nuke for two minutes, bring them out. I have seen them steaming big time even though I thought I had them in a tight container. Let them rest a few minutes.  I repeat this three times, or until they are not blowing off so much moisture. Sounds funky, but works for me on hot smokes.  Cold smokes, I use dust.
 
Pellets don't work for me in my MES at 6200 ft above sea level. Todd was great in helping me out - even sent me a tube to try. None of them worked. Todd sent me a bunch of dust as a replacement for my pellets. Great customer service!
 
I'm using a mix of 1:1:1:1 Cherry, Hickory, Maple, and charcoal. For today's smoke, I put the hickory down in the trail and mixed up the rest and topped off.

I live in Chicago so altitude isn't an issue. They've been outside so maybe that's an issue..,

In actuality today it's burning well... i was thinking it was going out but was mistaken...so I may have figured it out... And must have the loader fully removed.
 
Chip pan out 1 1/2"

Chip loader out 2" - Do Not Remove During Hot Smokes

Don't use water in the water pan

Exhaust vent wide open

Mixing cherry with other pellets does work, but you're better off layering the other pellets first, and then the cherry on top.  Not really sure what's the deal with 100% Cherry pellets, but that's how I get it to burn.

I've honestly never had to nuke pellets, but some guys do it as part of their smoking process.  If it works, I can't knock it!

The unit needs to draft.  Some guys will keep their MES in an enclosed porch, and it does not get any wind.  You need a little draft to keep ti going.

Todd
 
I've been doing mine in the garage with the door open. Ill try outside next time. Looks like it worked well. I've tried pulling the loader out only 2" but have had no luck at all like that. Pulled the brisket. We will see how it tastes.
 
You can replicate the wind, by using a fan and blowing across the top vent

I know it sounds crazy, but some guys who use the MES in their porch, do this.

Keep us posted!

TJ
 
I have my MES in a outdoor cooking gazebo type structure, it is covered (with tarp) over the top and on 3 sides.  The open side has the house in front of it 3ft away so hardly any wind circulates inside.  I would take a pic and show, however the the tarp finally rotted due to sun rot (cheap tarp) and Harbor Freight didn't have right size so right now there is a gap on the sides.  In fact to use my gas grill which is also in the enclosure I have to expose that side & top or the smoke will drive you out.

I am relating this because I have NO problems keeping the AWNPS lit, I start it per Todd's instructions, have the tube out 1", I don't pull out the chip tray ( I really don't think it matters) air is air pulling out the chip tray isn't going to add any more O2, some will say it helps the drafting process.  Thats kewl if it works for you.  I place the AWNPS on the left side on horz bars, with the lit end facing the back wall of the smoker (THIS IS IMPORTANT), I always had difficulty with it staying lit until I read somewhere that putting the lit end facing back wall was critical.

The biggest difference between what I do and others is my cover

           
Fashioned from disposable aluminum roasting pan.

The cover works so well I can even use regular wood chips in it.  The heat from the smoldering is reflected back down and keeps the pellets very warm and they will easily stay lit, you can use the water pan just as Masterbuilt designed (IMHO very important to better tasting Q) for the MES.  The cover is made by cutting the alum roasting pan in half and sliding the halfs together, then folding some of the edges over at the square cut and at the bottom on the other side making it one piece, there are two 3/4 inch holes drilled at the back.  Notice the height over the AWNPS, I think this is important and why people with alum foil have problems.  I always had problems when using foil because you would have to set the AWNPS on the rack and then foil over it which usually left little room on the sides.  Above you can see the clearance height is the same on all sides.

Please note my MES40 is only 800 watts so it is possible that the 1200 watt MES the above solution may not work the same or as well.
 
Interesting... I have been putting the lit end facing the door, so I'll try the reverse next.

Well it worked for me with my latest setup.  Going to see if the loader only partially pulled makes a difference and trying it with the lit end facing away.

When youy say Top Vent, are you referring to the Vent on the Upper left side?  I have no vent on the roof of the smoker, so not sure if you meant something else.  I'll try the fan if I have any issues.

Other than that, it produced a nice smoke flavor... although I may light both ends next time because I prefer a heavy smoky taste (I know I'm in the minority here, but I love that flavoring and don't find it bitter at all, in fact I like the nuance the smoky taste has with the beef or pork taste, the rub and the sweet, spicey or tangy taste of any sauce used (or multiple variants of).  
 
I like your cover idea!  You said you have the lit end of the a-maze facing the back of the smoker.  Are the  two 3/4" holes on the end of the cover faceing the back of the smoker also?
 
 
YES!,  the square opening is facing the door, it mainly is designed that way for a couple of reasons.  1st is to see what is going on inside the AWNPS quickly, 2nd it was so I could fold over the edges at the top & bottom of each half thus making it one unit.  3rd it makes it easy to take a pair of needle nose pliers and grab the AWNPS for removal or insert AWNPS into MES with the cover on.
 
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