MES130b and AMNPS placement

[ians]

Hello. I have tried to read through the posts but for some reason am still confused where I should place my AMNPS smoker maze.

I have used it a few times and placed it just above the water pan on the left side. I tried having the lit side facing the door but I found that the smoke went out. I then placed the lit side facing the back of the unit which seemed to have held the smoke but the chicken had a bitter aftertaste. I have the top vent open all the way and pulled the chip loader about 2 inches.

For those that have this unit, where exactly do you place your tray?
Do you place it snug against the sides and back of the unit or leave an inch or two?
Do you have the lit side facing the door or back of the smoker?
Should the chip loader be pulled out more or less, or turned in the loading position?
Do you fill the AMNPS right to the top of tray or less?

Any tips or photos would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Winterrider]

I don't have that particular unit. The closer you can get it to the chip loader ( pulled out partway for fresh air) the better. Also if using pellet, make sure completely dry. Microwave a couple times, about a minute at a time. Allow to cool slightly between. Top vent wide open.

 

[sm0kin]

Mailbox type mod works best in my experience (6 years with masterbuilt) It allows more airflow and the pellets don’t get dripped on.

 

[Omnivore]

I put mine on the right side of the lowest rack with the lit side closest to the door. I keep the chip loader half way out and never use the water pan. I'm not sure if you are filling the water pan, but if so, maybe the water is creating too much humidity to for the pellets to stay lit?

 

[ians]

I put mine on the right side of the lowest rack with the lit side closest to the door. I keep the chip loader half way out and never use the water pan. I'm not sure if you are filling the water pan, but if so, maybe the water is creating too much humidity to for the pellets to stay lit?

Thanks. I have not been filling the water pan. Will try what you have suggested and see if any difference!

 

[Omnivore]

Also forgot to mention that once the pellets are lit, I keep the initial flame going for around 10 minutes to make sure there is a good coal. I've tried to rush it and the pellets haven't stayed lit.

+1 on the microwave tip too!

 

[smokerjim]

The amnps just wont stay lit in some mes's like mine, had to go to mailbox mod which works great

 

[normanaj]

AMNTS (tube) modded with u-bolts and filled with pellets ground in a blender.Works like a champ and never goes out.Fits in the bottom left of the MES under the water pan.

 

[drewb0y]

Mailbox type mod works best in my experience (6 years with masterbuilt) It allows more airflow and the pellets don’t get dripped on.
View attachment 451403

Nice mailbox!