AMNS with a MES 40"

[metal man]

OK guys got a few questions for yall.

I plan to pick up a AMNS for my new 40"MES the wife got me for Christmas.   I've done a few cooks on the MES so far.I get great smoke at higher temps but not so good to none with lower temp. Nothing new right. After a little reading looks the AMNS is the answer.

First question.I need to know your opinion on what size to get. I'm thinking the 6x8 would work the best for me. Is this correct?

Second question. Does the AMNS need air to operate properly? I may be new to this electric smoker but I'm no novice when it comes to smoking. In years past i always used wood/charcoal cookers. They all have and need air dampers to work right. This MES has no air damper on the bottom. Only the vent in the top. And it seams fairly air tight.Will the AMNS work right with out good air flow? Should i remove the chip dispenser...that might help??

Thanks for any help.

 

[hkeiner]

I have used the AMNS 6x8 with my MES 40 a few times, and in short this is what I have found to work fine for me:

- For cold smoking, the air flow inside the MES is not quite enough. The few small holes in the wood chip feeder do not seem to allow enough air flow. To  increase air flow I pull the wood chip feeder out a little bit so that the air can flow through the MES is a bit better.

- For hot smoking, the air flow inside the MES is sufficient. The heat from the element seems to create enough draft through the exising small holes in the wood chip feeder. You do need to be carefull of where you place the AMNS inside the MES. I place the AMNS at the bottom left on top of the two bars that span the bottom. I also place the AMNS inside a small metal pan as a heat shield to prevent the dust from burning up too fast. Lastly, I do not fill the middle row of the AMNS with dust and light one end of each side so that there are two burning ends resulting is just the right amount of smoke density.

If you search this forum you will find a lot of other good advice.

 

[SmokinAl]

Yes get the 6x8 & what hkeiner said about air flow I agree" For cold smoking, the air flow inside the MES is not quite enough. The few small holes in the wood chip feeder do not seem to allow enough air flow. To  increase air flow I pull out the wood chip feeder out a little bit so that air can flow throught the MES is a bit better." I just take it out. For hot smoking I leave the chip holder in & put the AMNS in the water pan (dry) & put an aluminum pan above it with water in it. That way you get water & you shield the AMNS from any grease drippings. I also usually light both ends.

 

[metal man]

 I figured it might need a little air.  Soon as i get the AMNS I'll be trying it out.

Thanks guys.   Jerry

 

[bobbygee]

Dido.Definetely the 6x8,it's worth the few extra bucks for the longer burn time.You will need the extra air flow,I pull out the chip tray about an inch.Works great.Good luck.

Bobby 

 

[bilder]

Service for the AMNS is great.  I ordered one on Friday morning and it was on my doorstep when I got home from work this afternoon.