A-MAZE-N-PELLET-SMOKER 5X8 question/help

[vinniep670]

Hi all,

Been around here about a month reading and learning as much as I can. This is my first post.

I have the pellet smoker above and use it in a MES 40, the same way as I've seen in bearcarvers post here

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/235522/smoked-prime-rib-panned-3

I fill it the same as in the photos and light it as depicted by bearcarver and then put it in the smoker. Problem is that it goes out after 15 or 20 minutes or so and I have to relight it...hate opening the door of the smoker for the relighting but have to do it 2 or 3 times to keep it lit...

Any help or recommendations appreciated...

Thanks,

Vinnie

 

[crankybuzzard]

WELCOME!

Give us a few minutes and we'll be able to get you going!

WHat is your altitude?

What brand of pellets do you use?

How do you store the pellets?

Do you nuke them before using them?

All of this will help get you an answer.

 

[wade]

Hi Vinnie

In most conditions the AMNPS is very reliable but there are a couple of factors that can affect this.

• Higher altitudes (above 5,000 ft) seem to make it less reliable due to the lowed oxygen levels
• Insufficient air flow over the unit. You need to ensure that sufficient air can flow over it so do not use it in a totally sealed container or one with no exhaust outlet at the top
• Pellets. Sometimes if these are damp or too cold then these can affect to reliability. You may find this video clip helpful.

 

[vinniep670]

Cranky & Wade,

Thanks for the advice & video, will try it out today...I'm at sea level on LI, NY, pellets are Camp Chef hickory purchased from Amazon.com

Will try the nuking and a test smoke today...

BTW, Wade, see you are from UK, my wife grew up very early on in Eastcote, moved to the states in 1965. We go back every few years to visit relatives.

Vinnie

 

[LanceR]

I've had great luck with just pulling the little gadget you put chips in with out a bit to be sure there's ample air flow for the AMNS.

Lance

 

[vinniep670]

Hi again,

Thanks to all that replied, tried the nuking method first and worked like a charm. Lots of smoke and slowly burned 2 rows.

 

[crankybuzzard]

Glad to hear it worked for you!

As you progress into the world of smoke, this is the place to ask questions.  Most of us learn something new on a regular basis due to our community knowledge shares.

Again, welcome aboard!