you're correct, there is a wood chip loader which is on the side of the smoker so you don't have to open the door.
BUT
Just about all of us who own the MES have bought an
AMNPS. This is a device that's sold by a member here: Todd.
With this device, you use wood pellets. The device goes inside the smoker. The benefits is, if you get the pellets burning properly, you won't have to worry about adding wood. The problem with wood is, over smoking. Who the hell wants to keep adding wood every 30 minutes of so. And, when will it be to much wood. And, if you're doing a pork shoulder or a brisket, the smoking could go for over 12 hours. Do you really want to keep loading wood every 30 minutes for a 12 hour smoke??? With an
AMNPS, you're able to get about 12 hours of full smoke with the device.
Do yourself a favor, invest $39.99 for the
AMNPS and then order 5lbs of Pitmaster pellets. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.
Below is a link to the website. Enjoy!
http://www.amazenproducts.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=12