New Smoker Exhaust Question

[panfishonthefly]

I am completely new to smoking, and today I just purchased an electric Masterbuilt Signature Series 30 inch smoker from Lowes. It had great reviews, but after I put it together, I realized that it does not include any type of exhaust vent that can be adjusted. Instead, there is just a hole (maybe 1/2 inch or so) in the top right of the unit. Is this normal?

 

[PAS]

What does the instruction book say? It should have an adjustable vent on top.

 

[panfishonthefly]

It doesn't really address it. Very small manual. It just says that it's the rear air vent, but it's just a small hole in the back. I mean I don't think I have a defective unit or anything; I'm just wondering if that (being unable to really adjust the vent) is a huge issue with an electric.

 

[cmayna]

Cannot find your smoker on the net. Do you have a model number?

 

[panfishonthefly]

20075517

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuil...cIaZZR__eOytJSLgqxcf_GKeKjmf1mYwaAqQvEALw_wcB

 

[normanaj]

.

 

[cmayna]

Yup, per the provided link there is a very small hole on the back wall which for me is way too small. Sounds like it's hole saw time......:) I typically keep my exhaust vents totally open on all my smokers. I do question how much inlet vent is designed into this smoker and where is it? Is it just the drip hole at the bottom?

 

[PAS]

Kind of pricey! I was gifted an MES sportsman elite (digital) with bonus racks with free shipping, a $25 gift coupon for $125. Cabelas at Christmas

 

[panfishonthefly]

Yup, per the provided link there is a very small hole on the back wall which for me is way too small. Sounds like it's hole saw time......:) I typically keep my exhaust vents totally open on all my smokers. I do question how much inlet vent is designed into this smoker and where is it? Is it just the drip hole at the bottom?

I am going to return it tomorrow and get the digital version (with vent/damper). If I couldn't I would definitely be up to modifying it, but I figure I might as well spend the extra 30 and get what I really want. Thanks!

 

[cmayna]

If you plan to return it for an exchange, any thoughts or possibilities on bumping up to a MES 40?

 

[panfishonthefly]

Thought about it, but I went with the 30 inch. I just ordered it from Amazon, so it should be here on Wednesday. I just don't think I need the extra space with the 40.

 

[daveomak]

It would have worked with a few holes drilled in the side walls...
You could have drilled 4 1/2" holes around the top of the side walls and 4 1/2" holes around the bottom of the side walls...
It would have been a pretty good smoker....

 

[tag0401]

I currently use this same smoker and I often wondered about the venting, but it seems to perform fine. Correct me if I am wrong (because I really don't know) but the vents are more for temp control right?