New smokers (Me and my MES 30)

[azbullfrog]

MES 30.jpg

• azbullfrog
• Feb 3, 2013

Just got an MES 30 to replace my Little Chief that finally gave out on me, it was an oldie but a goodie...

I have read thru some of the forum articles for the final results from all the trials and errors of the Pioneers who have come before, hats off to you for the valuable info!!  :0)

I have been a beef jerky kind of guy in the Little Chief, now have decided to kick it up a little to shoulders and butts.  Just put my 3rd batch of jerky in the MES, water pan filled with sand, mesquite chips in the smoke box, temp set at 150 degrees after two hour preheat at 250.  Very little smoke coming out of hole in right back corner.  I loosened the latch a little to allow 1/32 inch or so opening.  Is 150 degrees too low to expect smoke?

I am thinking of a "Mailbox" modification with the pellet box.  I have read in the forum that very little grease runs off into the bottom grease pan, see picture.  So, the question is:  What are the thoughts on my removing the grease collection pan, and replacing it with a flat mailbox to hold the pellet tray.  Hole saw 1 1/2 inch hole in bottom of MES 30, and match up hole in mailbox.  I am smoking on my patio in a limited amount of space, so I hesitate to get into the HVAC venting.

Your thoughts and suggestions are very much appreciated.

AZBullfrog

 

[daveomak]

Randy, morning and welcome to the forum.....  Manufacturers seem to have a problem engineering a smoker that works well.... 

Additional air intakes and exhausts is usually needed to make them perform well...  Good air flow is a necessity for great Q....  

Most electrics won't produce smoke under 180 or so...  smoking foods at lower temps is the best...

So, Todd saw an opportunity to capitalize on poor engineering, and designed and built the AMNPS....

The AMNPS won't work unless there is good air flow...  Using a step drill, add a few 1/2" holes for starters...  On the sides, near the bottom and near the top of the smoker..  Installing the mailbox, outside the smoker, is best as the pellets will burn/smoke at a slower rate than they will do inside the smoker where it is hot...   either way will be an improvement..   Dave

 

[azbullfrog]

Thanks for the response, Dave. Yes, more ventilation is needed. Do you think I'll be OK mounting the flat mail box under the smoker, venting directly into the box? I am thinking of designing an exhaust vent with damper coming out of the back or top to get the TBS rolling thru. Definitely need the AMNPS generate it.
Thx

 

[daveomak]

Randy, If the smoke has to travel through the flame, it's history.... Poof.... Gone....  The smoke has to be introduced above the flame by several inches....  Maybe use a small stack to get the smoke above the flame...  A 6" piece of 1 1/4" iron pipe ??  just guessing... 

Dave

 

[azbullfrog]

By flame do you mean the electric heating coil?

image.jpg

• azbullfrog
• Feb 4, 2013

 

[daveomak]

By flame do you mean the electric heating coil?

image.jpg

• azbullfrog
• Feb 4, 2013

Randy, Boy am I a dummy...  Thanks for catching my error....  I was just telling another member that converted his smoker to propane about the flame... Sorry...

I get confused at times ... No problem with electric...  if the AMNPS is inside, the extra heat can cause the pellets to burn to fast...  If you can put the AMNPS under the smoker, that will work fine... remember if grease gets in it, you could have a fire... 

Dave ( who seems a little slow at times )

Sorry for the confusion... I'm getting CRS disease....   Dave