New Guy Bisket Question

[Matt Bell]

Hey everyone!
I'm new to the smoking game and currently using a Masterbuilt Portable gas smoker (gift from in-laws). I've done a few cooks (chuck roast and brisket point) but I can't seem to get a good bark. My question is if I keep having to replace my wood chips every half hour, and opening the door which loses heat and smoke, how am I to get a good product?

Thanks!

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Get one of these...

https://www.amazenproducts.com/product_p/amnps5x8.htm

 

[Preacher Man]

Get one of these...

https://www.amazenproducts.com/product_p/amnps5x8.htm

Ditto what he said. That totally changed my smoking game using a MES30. Depending on which amazen product you get, you'll get several hours of solid smoke without opening a door. I use the 12" tube smoker and get 4-5 hours of solid smoke. However, I'm asking for the 5x8 maze for Christmas.

Also, make sure you don't have too much moisture in your chamber. I don't fill the water pan in my MES30 because it creates a sauna, rather than a smoking chamber.

 

[DGaddie]

I have a Masterbuilt and had the same problem with chips burning up too fast. I stopped using the supplied tray for chips and got a 10-inch cast iron pie pan from amazon. It was about $15. Now I use chunks and they last a long time.

I also started using a disposable tin pan for water since the provided one is so small. Just put it on the lowest rack.

 

[Matt Bell]

I like the pie pan idea! How long does it take to get smoke from the pan?

 

[DGaddie]

I like the pie pan idea! How long does it take to get smoke from the pan?

5-10 minutes. Usually smoking before the box gets up the temperature. Take the other one out completely so the cast iron is directly over the flame (assuming you are using propane). I use a brick on each side of the burner to hold the cast iron a couple inches above the “ring” so air can flow properly.

 

[DGaddie]

Here’s a picture of the turkey I did with that setup on Thanksgiving.

 

[gmc2003]

Seeing that your using a propane smoker, I think you'd need to go with the tube instead of the maze. If you decided to go that route.

https://www.amazenproducts.com/Default.asp

Chris

 

[ab canuck]

Get one of these...

https://www.amazenproducts.com/product_p/amnps5x8.htm

I second this ^^^^ You won't be sorry, I got