Looking for some smoker info

[mojoman58]

I'm looking to buy a smoker and originally I was looking at the MPS-xtra wide but from what I've been reading it can't run at a low enough temp to do sausage in (160F & below). I'm now focusing on an electric model. I looked at the Bradley but don't want to be locked into using their wood pucks. The MES 40" is the one I'm really considering now but I've got some questions.

 1. How well insulated is this unit for smoking in cold temps? I like to smoke all through the winter & it's usually in the 30's when I do.

 2. In regards to the insulation, how hot does the outside of the smoker get? I'm wondering if I can use this on a porch on my house. There would only be a foot or so between the walls of the porch & the MES. One wall has vinyl siding, the other is wood.

 3. I know the 2012's haven't been out long but have there been many issues with the elements failing?

 I guess that's enough for now! Thanks

 

[chef jimmyj]

I'm looking to buy a smoker and originally I was looking at the MPS-xtra wide but from what I've been reading it can't run at a low enough temp to do sausage in (160F & below). I'm now focusing on an electric model. I looked at the Bradley but don't want to be locked into using their wood pucks. The MES 40" is the one I'm really considering now but I've got some questions.

 1. How well insulated is this unit for smoking in cold temps? I like to smoke all through the winter & it's usually in the 30's when I do. I live in PA and been using the MES 40 since Christmas. New Years Day was in the 30's and had no problems other than the Window got real dirty from brown condensation.

 2. In regards to the insulation, how hot does the outside of the smoker get? I'm wondering if I can use this on a porch on my house. There would only be a foot or so between the walls of the porch & the MES. One wall has vinyl siding, the other is wood. Exterior does not get hot at all only warm.

 3. I know the 2012's haven't been out long but have there been many issues with the elements failing? It's too soon to tell.

 I guess that's enough for now! Thanks Your Welcome...JJ

 

[mojoman58]

Thanks for the reply. I decided to go with the MES40 2012 version. I just got back from Bass Pro Shop in Foxborough, MA (1 hour 15 min ride, each way) with the new smoker!! I'll be setting it up soon, there's no rush since it's been downpoaring here for the last 2 hours. Supposed to be like this all today & maybe most of tomorrow

. Maybe I cursed the weather buying this!! Of course while I was there I had to pick up some sausage making supplies and go visit the New England Patriot's Hall of Fame. It's a fantastic place to visit. The complex is called Patriot Place and has a hotel, hospital, 5 or 6 restaurants, lot's of stores to shop, & a huge Bass Pro Shop. Too bad the Patriot's weren't practicing today. Well I guess it's time to start the assembly. I'll post my thoughts about this smoker later.

 One quick question; which A-Maze-N-Smoker product is best to get for this smoker? I've read the pellet one is probably the right one, but I've read that the new configuration inside doesn't allow the proper placement anymore. I'm interested in using this for both hot & cold smoking and also smoking sausages. What about the Tube Smoker? Thanks