MES in freezing temps

[GatorAGR]

Anyone have any issues with an MES maintaining temp in below freezing temps? Thinking about smoking some sausage tomorrow but temp will be single digits outside. I have an auber pid by the way.

 

[bigfurmn]

Toss a welding blanket over it. Can get one cheap at harbor freight or a like store. Just make sure not to cover the vents. If you can get some plywood or something to block the wind is helpful as well.

 

[Winterrider]

Shouldn't be a problem. Have smoked a turkey down to -20°. You won't need that high of temps so should be good. I do have my 40 wrapped in reflectix and weld blanket. Key as bigfurmn stated, block the wind. That is worse than the ambient temp.

 

[normanaj]

I can't say that I've had any real issues. I do exactly as bigfurmn suggests,I bought one at Harbor Freight just for that purpose.

 

[chef k-dude]

What THEY said. Only problem I've had with my MES is in the african heat of summer. When it's too hot the element doesn't cycle enough to burn chips well.

 

[Jim_C]

This is what I like about SMF........

I have been fighting the wind for awhile with the upright Smoke Vault. I also have issues with temperature swings in colder weather.

I was going down the road of building an insulated box around three sides and the top, but that's one more large thing to store someplace. I never considered a welding blanket. Great idea. I can punch a hole for the top vent.

 

[chopsaw]

I let mine heat up with the top vent closed , and give it time to heat the cabinet .
Add what I'm smoking , close the door , then open the top vent .
Biggest trouble I have is evap cooling from opening the door , so keep that in mind .

 

[Kevin DeShazo]

In the South Carolina winters, only issue I ever have is, I have to throw a hair dryer in it for a few seconds before turning it on. Otherwise, if it was below say 20 in the morn, it would just beep at me and not start heating up.