New MES Bluetooth Digital smoker

[vfl57]

I use basically the same head, but I use the Green or Blue tank---Not the Map gas.


Also---I like to use the Fatboy tanks, because they don't fall over easily when I stand my torch on my porch railing.


Bear

Out of curiousity is there a reason I shouldn't use the Map gas if I get the Bernzomatic 8000 or is that just personal preference for you?

 

[mummel]

I got this one from Todd as part of his package.  Works perfectly.  Costs $16 but with the package it was cheaper.

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• mummel
• Aug 8, 2015

 

[dennispfaff]

I got this one from Todd as part of his package.  Works perfectly.  Costs $16 but with the package it was cheaper.

PT-2.jpg?1395482467

• mummel
• Aug 8, 2015

I also one one of these from Todd, Mummel, but I found that it did not throw out near the flame that the Bernzomatic MAP 8000 torch does. Maybe that's why you are having such a hard keeping your pellets going?

 

[Bearcarver]

 
I guess I am a "cheapie" ... lol 

I bought this "cheapie torch" at Home Depot and it has worked great for me so far 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-ST2200T-Butane-Micro-Torch-330194/100564678

I use those little Butane torches for sawdust, because it doesn't blow the dust away, but I get that deep Cherry in the pellets from my Propane torch.

Bear

Out of curiousity is there a reason I shouldn't use the Map gas if I get the Bernzomatic 8000 or is that just personal preference for you?

I didn't mean there was anything wrong with Map, and don't know of any problem with Map. I just used Propane torches all my life for all kinds of things, and find it to have plenty of guts for lighting pellets. 

I'm not even sure if they make fat boy tanks with Map Gas in them. I love the big tanks for the extra gas & they don't fall off my porch railing so easily.

Bear

 

[Bearcarver]

I cheated when I needed something to jack up my Smoker.

When I used to Chainsaw Carve my Bears, I had 4 of these wooden boxes I made from 2 X 12s & 3/4" Plywood. They are all 2' X 2' & 1 foot high. I used to use them to carve small Bears without having to bend over so far. Two of them on top of each other brings my Smoker up a very nice 2', to make it easy on this 6' 3" Old Guy with a bad back!!!

 

[dr k]

 
I use those little Butane torches for sawdust, because it doesn't blow the dust away, but I get that deep Cherry in the pellets from my Propane torch.

Bear

I didn't mean there was anything wrong with Map, and don't know of any problem with Map. I just used Propane torches all my life for all kinds of things, and find it to have plenty of guts for lighting pellets. 

I'm not even sure if they make fat boy tanks with Map Gas in them. I love the big tanks for the extra gas & they don't fall off my porch railing so easily.

Bear

I have had bad luck with refillable butane torches like the orange one Todd sells.  I got mine at Harbor Freight for $8.  I used quality Ronson butane as recommended because refillable butane tanks can clog, apparently.  After awhile the (heat) exit valve clogs and it's still filled with butane.  The pencil butane torches failed at the filling valve.  I got a standard $8 brass tip with a blue tank on sale at Menards a year ago that I fire up with a lighter.  The auto lighters failed with my butane torches before the valve clogged LOL.  Anyone else have problems with longevity on butane torches?

-Kurt

 

[Bearcarver]

 
I have had bad luck with refillable butane torches like the orange one Todd sells.  I got mine at Harbor Freight for $8.  I used quality Ronson butane as recommended because refillable butane tanks can clog, apparently.  After awhile the (heat) exit valve clogs and it's still filled with butane.  The pencil butane torches failed at the filling valve.  I got a standard $8 brass tip with a blue tank on sale at Menards a year ago that I fire up with a lighter.  The auto lighters failed with my butane torches before the valve clogged LOL.  Anyone else have problems with longevity on butane torches?

-Kurt

I had a cheap butane torch that seemed like it would overfill & not work. Then once you ran some out of it, it was OK.

Then I got one of the more expensive ones made for in the kitchen, with a gauge on it, and now I can tell when to stop filling it.  Duh !!!   Works Great !!

Bear

 

[dennispfaff]

I have had bad luck with refillable butane torches like the orange one Todd sells.  I got mine at Harbor Freight for $8.  I used quality Ronson butane as recommended because refillable butane tanks can clog, apparently.  After awhile the (heat) exit valve clogs and it's still filled with butane.  The pencil butane torches failed at the filling valve.  I got a standard $8 brass tip with a blue tank on sale at Menards a year ago that I fire up with a lighter.  The auto lighters failed with my butane torches before the valve clogged LOL.  Anyone else have problems with longevity on butane torches?
-Kurt

The Benzomatic 8000 MAP torch seems to last a long time, but just in case I purchased a back up tank the last time I was at Home Depot for $9.95.
Someone on this SMF recommended the MAP torch and I'm so glad that I purchased one. It works excellent!
Dennis

 

[Bearcarver]

The Benzomatic 8000 MAP torch seems to last a long time, but just in case I purchased a back up tank the last time I was at Home Depot for $9.95.
Someone on this SMF recommended the MAP torch and I'm so glad that I purchased one. It works excellent!
Dennis

Can you use it on Dust without blowing the dust out of the AMNPS?

That's why I use Propane for Pellets-----To drive the Cigar-like cherry in deep.

And I use Butane for Dust, because with my Propane torch it is hard to keep from blowing the Dust out. (Can only turn it down so low)

Bear

 

[dennispfaff]

Can you use it on Dust without blowing the dust out of the AMNPS?

That's why I use Propane for Pellets-----To drive the Cigar-like cherry in deep.

And I use Butane for Dust, because with my Propane torch it is hard to keep from blowing the Dust out. (Can only turn it down so low)


Bear

I have never used "dust" so I can't answer that.
Dennis

 

[mori55]

I just don't understand the problem with using the amnps with the new mes Bluetooth ??? Mine works fine, I don't raise or anything else just light using a charcoal fire starter and let it sit for about 20 min Then I just put in and it's good to go.
Seriously what's the big deal ? Endless post about this ? Are you guys not letting it start before putting in the mes ??

 

[vfl57]

I picked up the Bernzomatic 8000 today with a $50 Lowes Gift card I had. I also bought my 2nd MES 40 today from Sams since yesterday I couldn't fit both in my car. My AMNPS's should arrive sometime this week as well as the pellets and other gadgets I bought from Amazon. Hopefully during the week I'll have some time to put them together and look at the instructions for seasoning the MES's. I'm really excited to start smoking on these. Thank you all again for all of your help. I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions and your insight is really appreciated.

 

[floridasteve]

I have a small red butane tourch I that I've had for at least 5 years, without any problems. I think I got it at McMaster-Carr, but don't remember for sure. Was more that 5 bucks.

 

[dr k]

The Benzomatic 8000 MAP torch seems to last a long time, but just in case I purchased a back up tank the last time I was at Home Depot for $9.95.
Someone on this SMF recommended the MAP torch and I'm so glad that I purchased one. It works excellent!
Dennis

I like the plain brass torch with any one pound bottle of propane. Since I also have fat boy camping/lantern one pounders to use.
-Kurt

 

[candurin]

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• candurin
• Aug 11, 2015

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• candurin
• Aug 11, 2015

This seems to work perfectly. Height adjustable too (took photos at different set heights).

Already got a few smokes on this (took the picture right after I assembled it) and the setup has been flawless.

 

[vfl57]

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• candurin
• Aug 11, 2015

That looks like a great idea. I know

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• candurin
• Aug 11, 2015

This seems to work perfectly. Height adjustable too (took photos at different set heights).

Already got a few smokes on this (took the picture right after I assembled it) and the setup has been flawless.

Does this configuration work over the water pan and heat element? It looks like it'd be a great idea but I've also read on here by some people who say you should have the AMNPS overtop the water pan and heat element. I haven't had a chance to set my smoker up yet I'm hoping to do it this weekend and I will be really interested in the best way to incorporate the AMNPS to get the best flavor. The other thing I'm worried about is rack space because from what I've seen the people who put it over the water pan loose a rack but they also say they never use that rack anyway. I'm having a big party next month with over 75 people and will have to use all the rack space I have because I need to smoke a lot of food. People have said they don't cook on the bottom rack because it gets too hot but I might not have a choice. Has anyone used the bottom rack and if so does the food still come out ok?

 

[dennispfaff]

Does this configuration work over the water pan and heat element? It looks like it'd be a great idea but I've also read on here by some people who say you should have the AMNPS overtop the water pan and heat element. I haven't had a chance to set my smoker up yet I'm hoping to do it this weekend and I will be really interested in the best way to incorporate the AMNPS to get the best flavor. The other thing I'm worried about is rack space because from what I've seen the people who put it over the water pan loose a rack but they also say they never use that rack anyway. I'm having a big party next month with over 75 people and will have to use all the rack space I have because I need to smoke a lot of food. People have said they don't cook on the bottom rack because it gets too hot but I might not have a choice. Has anyone used the bottom rack and if so does the food still come out ok?

That's a nice set-up for your AMNPS, and the rack sells for less than $8. I know some say that the water pan in place helps the heat distribution. I have smoked with and without it - both turned out fine, although I only used a couple of higher up shelves. I sent an email to Masterbuilt asking that question about needing the water pan for heat distribution a month ago. They never answered, surprise, surprise! I would also agree that obviously the bottom shelf would be hotter than higher up.
Dennis

 

[brickguy221]

That's a nice set-up for your AMNPS, and the rack sells for less than $8. I know some say that the water pan in place helps the heat distribution. I have smoked with and without it - both turned out fine, although I only used a couple of higher up shelves. I sent an email to Masterbuilt asking that question about needing the water pan for heat distribution a month ago. They never answered, surprise, surprise! I would also agree that obviously the bottom shelf would be hotter than higher up.
Dennis

I've had that experience of them not answering sometimes also. Then another time, they will. One time early this year, I wrote 5 times over 4 weeks before I got a response, and her excuse was that it was the first of the year and she was too busy to respond. Since that time though, she has been pretty good "most of the time".  There was one woman (I won't mention her name) that almost  always answered the Emails when they did answer, but the last couple times, a different woman answered. I have to communicate by Email becasue I am hearing impaired enough that I can't hear well enough on the phone, but do great face to face in person.

 

[candurin]

I haven't had any issues in 4 smokes. My thought is the oem chip tray is under the water pan as well.

I get plenty of smoke permeation throughout the cabinet and food.

I've seen it both ways (above and below).

 

[Bearcarver]

A Few comments:

#1  Canduran---That rack is awesome!!!

#2  I find the bottom rack to be too hot, regardless of whether the water pan is in or not, but worse with the pan out. Therefore I never use mine without the Water pan in. If I had to use the bottom rack, I would rotate the stuff on that rack with another.

#3  Also---I think the reason they don't want to answer anything about using the MES without the Water pan in position is because they still say you should have water in it. Most of the people there have a lot less knowledge of the MES than many of the MES owners on this forum. They still think you should put water in the pan & also soak the chips.

Just my 2 cents.

Bear