Mes Model 20070311

[Sland165]

After browsing the forums for a lengthy time, decided to join and contribute.
Wife bought me a 20070311 as an early fathers day present ($199 at Academy Sports)
on Friday.
Did Ribs on friday after seasoning and used Apple Chunks (chiseled down to size) as I hate chips, worthless junk imo. Came out amazing.
Yesterday, did more ribs haha!
I noticed that this model does have the smaller chip tray, but it is an older model so info is limited from what I could search. I drilled the rivets holding the small shield that covers the element below the chip tray itself, reinstalled, cut my chunks down again (hickory/apple) and the smoke was much better overall, but what got me is the time. Within about five minutes I had a good smoke going, and this lasted roughly 4 hours before having to add 2 more chunks(I swear chunks just work better lol)and the ribs came out amazing after 6 hours.
Yes the temperature readout and the meat probe do seem to be about 17 deg off, but funny enough my wireless therm she bought me from Walmart (14.99) was 3 degrees off boiling and freezing, so now that I know my differences, can't wait for next weekend!
Any tips/tricks others are using with this particular model?

 

[normanaj]

Don't even bother with chips/chunks.Get an AMNPS or AMNTS,single best investment for an MES!

http://www.amazenproducts.com/

 

[Sland165]

Don't even bother with chips/chunks.Get an AMNPS or AMNTS,single best investment for an MES!

http://www.amazenproducts.com/

I have been looking, but not sure how everyone has them set up in this particular unit, I'll have to do some more browsing.

 

[Sland165]

So I bit the bullet, ordered the 5x8 tray and 6lbs of Amazen Pellets. Got some ribs to do this upcoming weekend, so we shall see! I plan on putting the tray in the lower left of the unit, maybe cut up some brackets to keep it suspended off the smoker floor for airflow. I really don't want to monkey with it too much, excited!

 

[chopsaw]

maybe cut up some brackets to keep it suspended

Some of the guys that use the tray make legs out of nuts and bolts . I use the tube , so I have a u bolt to hold it up . Look thru the mailbox mod thread . Pics in there .

 

[TomKnollRFV]

I use the AMNPS for long smokes <Doesn't hurt to get my arse up every 30-45 mins to dump some chips in...and remind me why I hate it when it's 100f+ in the sun!>. I just put it on the grease pan on the bottom below the water pan <So no direct grease drips in it>. Open the top vent, remove the chip loader side tray and it seems to work just fine.

You can still use the side loading tray to add more chips as needed too. In case the tray/tube goes out, or you like to mix up your woods <I do!>.

 

[Nutshell]

So I bit the bullet, ordered the 5x8 tray and 6lbs of Amazen Pellets. Got some ribs to do this upcoming weekend, so we shall see! I plan on putting the tray in the lower left of the unit, maybe cut up some brackets to keep it suspended off the smoker floor for airflow. I really don't want to monkey with it too much, excited!

I raised mine with 4 stainless screws. Works much better than just laying on the floor.

Oh yeah, get an Auber PID controller. Works amazingly well.