AMAZ-N Placement

[mikelens]

In an MES30, digital control up front, vent on top left. If I remove the bottom drip pan I can slide the AMAZING-N in next to the element but the maze touches the element housing. Does the housing get to hot to let it touch. Just got the maze & using it for the first time. Will go with it on the lower shelf till I get some input. Thanx.

 

[jimalbert]

I removed my drip pan and put it on the bottom of the smoker and never had a problem.  With that being said, check out the mailbox mod.  The AMNPS runs much better in that environment.  Not only that, you can check the AMNPS without opening the smoker door.  

Heres a thread.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/127770/mes-mailbox-mod-for-use-with-amnps

Jim

 

[mikelens]

I'll get to the mailbox mod, just wanted to try out the amnps with a picnic I had coming out of the brine. I'll try it on the bottom next time. Wasn't sure if heat transfer would ignite the pellets. Thanx for the help

 

[Bearcarver]

I'll get to the mailbox mod, just wanted to try out the amnps with a picnic I had coming out of the brine. I'll try it on the bottom next time. Wasn't sure if heat transfer would ignite the pellets. Thanx for the help

If that's the Generation #2.5 MES you have, I've found the best place to put the AMNPS is to put the bottom rack in. Then put the AMNPS on the far right of that bottom rack. Then if you need more air for the AMNPS, Pull the Chip Dumper out a few inches & rotate it 180°. For less air flow, push it back in.

Bear

 

[mikelens]

Hey Bear
I'm not sure what version I have. I have researched it & came away confused. Mine has an angled drip plate with a small rectangular water pan hung on the left side below the plate. Water pan is to the left of the chip pan. 2? 2.5? ???

 

[browneyesvictim]

mikelens-

I'm afraid you do have a conundrum. On the newer MES30's you are right- It is a tight fit alongside at the bottom. If you put it there you probably will have a hard time keeping it lit anyway as many have reported, and I have also experienced. Listen to Bear. He's got the experience with these different units, but I will add the following:

Some folks will say to put it right on top of the drip deflector hole and move the small water pan to the floor below it.

1. 
   This puts the AMNPS tray right under the drips. Adding a foil or disposable aluminum cover over it is possible, but this doesn't seem optimal either.
2. 
   Unlike the 40” units, there is minimal clearance from there to the bottom rack position and it becomes unusable. This is unacceptable to me.
3. 
   Putting the AMNPS on the floor is not an option because it will not fit next to the big chip burner housing!
4. 
   My conclusion I am coming to is a mailbox mod is the best route to go with this version of MES.

Airflow will be an issue to keep the Amazen lit properly. Todd at Amazen has done a lot of experiments with modifying things as there are hot spots/circulation issues

 

[Bearcarver]

Hey Bear
I'm not sure what version I have. I have researched it & came away confused. Mine has an angled drip plate with a small rectangular water pan hung on the left side below the plate. Water pan is to the left of the chip pan. 2? 2.5? ???

That's a Gen #2.

Best place I've seen is to remove the little water pan, and straddle the square hole with the AMNPS.

Then put a throw-away foil pan on the floor under it to catch any drips that might run down the slanted drip plate.

Then cut a 9 X 11 foil pan in half & put it on an upper rack (upside down) above the AMNPS to protect it from drips. 

Save the other half for when that first half is shot.

Hope that helps,

Bear

 

[mikelens]

Most helpful, Thanx.

 

[browneyesvictim]

Judging by the succulent picnic ham on the carousel, you must have got it all dialed in! Did you use the AMNPS and where/how Bear said?

 

[mikelens]

 
Judging by the succulent picnic ham on the carousel, you must have got it all dialed in! Did you use the AMNPS and where/how Bear said?

I did use the AMNPS but set it on the lower shelf. Put the picnic in a shallow pan above it. Follow Bear's advice next go round.