Smoke/moisture leakage

If you are talking MES...No...JJ

Open the exhaust vent and leave it open at all times when smoking.....   Please stop into "  Roll Call   " and introduce yourself for a proper welcome...  And let us know what smoker you have....   Dave

If you have the pre-2012 MES (The one where the smoke box & exhaust vent is on the RH side), you might consider the following mod:

Remove the bottom-most cooking rack.

Cover it with Tin-Foil so that the foil is all the way over the the RH side, and there is an opening on the LH side.

Re-install the cooking rack.

Now, the smoke will rise from the smoke box, be directed to the LH side, and the "waft" over to the exhaust vent.

This should make for a better distribution of smoke

The pre 2012 MES has the large water pan, it should always be used, and if you search my aka, I explain how to use the AWNPS with a water pan and water in it.  That water pan is intended to help stabilize the heat and produce moisture.  In addition I use a buffer withic is an aluminum cookie tray (double thick with insulation sandwiched in between the layers) and place it on top the chip tray / heat element housing.  Some use ceramic tile, I prefer my solution because it is light weight and feel after many smokes the weight of a tile and the heat/cold action will eventually cause screws and welds to fatigue.

  
Here are some MES Newbie help tips