New to smoking, hoping for some equipment advice
- Thread starter kevin james
- Start date
-
Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
OK cool. So is the window and the radio controled remote the only difference then, or are there any other differences? If that's it then yeah I will probably go with the non window version and save the extra $100 for the AMAZEN, a good thermometer and some meat for my first smoke.
Oh, I almost forgot but I do have a couple more questions. Sorry.... I must be getting annoying at this point,but I just want to be well informed before I spend the cash. Does it matter if i need to use an extension cord (10 or 12 guage heavy grounded extension). I don't have an outlet on the patio but I have one right inside my door that I could easily plug in to with an extension.
And last, I see there are different sizes for the AMAZEN, which size would be right for the MES 30?
red dog
Smoking Fanatic
tennsmoker
Smoking Fanatic
Kevin,
maybe my two cents will help you make up you mind, lol. I had posted b/4 that I am a proud owner of the MES30 (no window) for the extra $$ I can't see the value in the window, just my thought's. I am sure that there are MES owners that rely on that window everytime they smoke but I would guess not.
If you are just starting this smoking hobby like me, a newbie (SMF born on date 7/20/2012) this smoker is just the beginning of the purchases you will be making,
for example; You may already have the equipment you need. I sure didn't!! This is some of the stuff I have bought since I started:
KA Grinder (it started this sausage thing) you would have to read my very 1st thread..
Great Sausage Recipes & meat Curing, Rytek Kutas book (this is a must)
I purchased the plain MES30 (works for me)
Grinding attachment for the KA (never no problem) KA stuffer sucks!!
Five lb vertical stuffer
Taylor 11 lb scale, oz, gram scale (love it)
This thing really comes in handy to break down pkg mixes, such as AC Leggs SS, 18oz bag for 25lbs meat. (five lbs meat would need 3.6oz seasoning) one lb' = .72oz, 7lb would be 5.04oz and so on. I found right off the bat this measuring was very difficult with TBL,s & TSP,s
Hog ring pliers & hog rigs (for hanging sacks)
3/8th SS stuffing tube for snack sticks
Vacuum Sealer
ProQ[emoji]8482[/emoji] Cold Smoke Generator (b/4 I knew about the A-Maze-N-Smoker) now I,m gonna buy the A-Maze-N-Pellet-Smoker
Casing's, spice, etc
Maverick Industries ET-73 Maverick RediChek Remote Wireless Smoker Thermometer
You see my point!!
I guess my point is, I would read up (right here on SMF) on the items that you think you might need (just like you r doing) and try to make a good educated choice,
Good Luck & start making the sausage you love,
al
maybe my two cents will help you make up you mind, lol. I had posted b/4 that I am a proud owner of the MES30 (no window) for the extra $$ I can't see the value in the window, just my thought's. I am sure that there are MES owners that rely on that window everytime they smoke but I would guess not.
If you are just starting this smoking hobby like me, a newbie (SMF born on date 7/20/2012) this smoker is just the beginning of the purchases you will be making,
for example; You may already have the equipment you need. I sure didn't!! This is some of the stuff I have bought since I started:
KA Grinder (it started this sausage thing) you would have to read my very 1st thread..
Great Sausage Recipes & meat Curing, Rytek Kutas book (this is a must)
I purchased the plain MES30 (works for me)
Grinding attachment for the KA (never no problem) KA stuffer sucks!!
Five lb vertical stuffer
Taylor 11 lb scale, oz, gram scale (love it)
This thing really comes in handy to break down pkg mixes, such as AC Leggs SS, 18oz bag for 25lbs meat. (five lbs meat would need 3.6oz seasoning) one lb' = .72oz, 7lb would be 5.04oz and so on. I found right off the bat this measuring was very difficult with TBL,s & TSP,s
Hog ring pliers & hog rigs (for hanging sacks)
3/8th SS stuffing tube for snack sticks
Vacuum Sealer
ProQ[emoji]8482[/emoji] Cold Smoke Generator (b/4 I knew about the A-Maze-N-Smoker) now I,m gonna buy the A-Maze-N-Pellet-Smoker
Casing's, spice, etc
Maverick Industries ET-73 Maverick RediChek Remote Wireless Smoker Thermometer
You see my point!!
I guess my point is, I would read up (right here on SMF) on the items that you think you might need (just like you r doing) and try to make a good educated choice,
Good Luck & start making the sausage you love,
al
Last edited:
- Jul 26, 2009
- 14,298
- 73
On the extension cord - it will depend on how far you are going to have to run the cord. I would suggest one of our electrical guys will be along with some technical info but you are going to want to get a heavy gauge cord so you don't have a current loss. Something like a 10 gauge cord will work for a short run.
The AMNPS only comes in one size. Do yourself a favor and order both the AMNPS and the Maverick from Todd. He will stand behind both for you. Also, I use the AMNPS for cold smokes for cheese and the dust burns cooler than the pellets so if you have the $ and the room get pellets for hot smokes and dust for cold smokes. You can use pellets for cold smokes but it requires some additional steps to keep the box cool. Make sure to get some pitmasters blend either way.
Good luck
The AMNPS only comes in one size. Do yourself a favor and order both the AMNPS and the Maverick from Todd. He will stand behind both for you. Also, I use the AMNPS for cold smokes for cheese and the dust burns cooler than the pellets so if you have the $ and the room get pellets for hot smokes and dust for cold smokes. You can use pellets for cold smokes but it requires some additional steps to keep the box cool. Make sure to get some pitmasters blend either way.
Good luck
smokinhusker
Legendary Pitmaster
I mentioned I have the MES40 with window...the window is just something else to clean in my opinion. I could definitely live without it. Save the extra cash for the AMNPS and Maverick Therm.
You'll be quite happy.
For the cord, use a heavy gauge (10 or 12). I have a 25 ft that I use on mine and have had no problems but it doesn't sound like you would even need one that long
You'll be quite happy.
For the cord, use a heavy gauge (10 or 12). I have a 25 ft that I use on mine and have had no problems but it doesn't sound like you would even need one that long
Just looked on the site and now I see what you mean. There are several A-Maze-N smokers but the AMNPS is just one size so thats easy enough. I see the Maverick is a thermometer, but there are 3 different ones. Which one are you refering to?
- Jul 26, 2009
- 14,298
- 73
ET732-- email Todd and see if he has a package with the smoker - thermo and pellets. Be sure to get the pitmaster pellets they are awesome
hkeiner
Meat Mopper
I like the window a lot. It provides added enjoyment to the smoking experience. The extra cost is negligible compared to what you will spend on meats and other stuff. Just my opinion.
Last edited:
stovebolt
Smoking Fanatic
It's your choice but I love my window and it's no trouble to clean. I could cook fine without it, but I really like it.
Chuck
Chuck
Kevin, you ask a lot of good questions. It sounds like you are sold on the MES, the advice to go all the way to the MES 40 is sound advice if you were not in an apartment, most who have the place to use the larger MES who purchase a MES 30 will want the larger unit later. It's like TV's, Boats, most guys want the next bigger one. So the MES 30 is a solid performer and would fit your apartment situation better, provided you are not doing large parties and need the extra capacity.
About with window and RF control or no window and RF. Frankly the window & RF will not make you a better meat smoker, both provide constant heat source, and insulated cabinet that maintains that heat. Almost all MES owners buy a remote digital probe so that can either monitor internal cabinet temp or meat temp, or buy a Maverick which can do both and do it with RF so you can monitor those temps without having to babysit the smoker. IMHO without window is just one less thing to break down, and you can buy the mentioned accessories with the money you save. Which btw are more accurate and should provide longer/better service life.
YES, there is smoke, and it will be noticed by your neighbors. That smoke smell will be there for much of the cooking period. You might consider a venting system that, but I would need more details before I offer you a low cost possible solution. Normally if your apt complex allows BBQs they will not say anything about smokers, however the suggestion to make your neighbors happy with some free Q is really a good one.
Good luck, whichever MES you decide on is capable of making great Q. Just rem it's the cook not the cooker that make great Q.
About with window and RF control or no window and RF. Frankly the window & RF will not make you a better meat smoker, both provide constant heat source, and insulated cabinet that maintains that heat. Almost all MES owners buy a remote digital probe so that can either monitor internal cabinet temp or meat temp, or buy a Maverick which can do both and do it with RF so you can monitor those temps without having to babysit the smoker. IMHO without window is just one less thing to break down, and you can buy the mentioned accessories with the money you save. Which btw are more accurate and should provide longer/better service life.
YES, there is smoke, and it will be noticed by your neighbors. That smoke smell will be there for much of the cooking period. You might consider a venting system that, but I would need more details before I offer you a low cost possible solution. Normally if your apt complex allows BBQs they will not say anything about smokers, however the suggestion to make your neighbors happy with some free Q is really a good one.
Good luck, whichever MES you decide on is capable of making great Q. Just rem it's the cook not the cooker that make great Q.
- May 12, 2011
- 22,167
- 7,168
Kevin I just moved to a second story apartment that is Electric only. I did asked the Rental Office if a Smoker was ok and to my surprise they had to discuss it with maintenance and management because...I was the First person that ever wanted to Smoke anything here! I got approval after a week but it should be interesting to see how the neighbors will react, above below and both sides. As far as size goes, I have a 6' X 10' Balcony and there is plenty of room for my MES 40, an Electric Grill, a comfy Chair and a Cooler of Beer...JJ
bordercollie
Fire Starter
I have a Smokin-it model 3 which is the large size but they make 2 smaller sizes. The food is smokey and delicious but uses very little wood. It is just efficient. I will try and post a picture of the small amount of smoke it generates. Basically, I use only about 2 -4 oz of wood,yes that is right. The smoker should be seasoned by an empty run and the darker the inside gets the more flavorful the meat becomes on down the line. Now whenever I open the door on it it smells delicious! Another thing to consider is cleanup tline the bottom with foil and put some on the wood box and that is it, besides putting the shelves on the 2 smaller units in the dishwasher. Just check out the smokin--it models before you decide. Good Luck and ask any questions about it. judy
After carefull thought and considering all the comments and advice you guys have given I think I have made my final decision and will be making the purchase today. I'm going to go with the MES 30, older version no window for $179 from Amazon, a cover for it, and I'm going to get the AMNPS and Maverick ET732.
I think this will be the best fit for me because it's better on my wallet and will fit my patio better. I don't plan to do any large smokes, just for myself and my girlfriend and at most 5 people if I have my family or a couple friends over.
Thanks to everyone who commented, you've made the decision much clearer for me and I appreciate it :)
I think this will be the best fit for me because it's better on my wallet and will fit my patio better. I don't plan to do any large smokes, just for myself and my girlfriend and at most 5 people if I have my family or a couple friends over.
Thanks to everyone who commented, you've made the decision much clearer for me and I appreciate it :)
tennsmoker
Smoking Fanatic
tennsmoker
Smoking Fanatic
If u want my 2cts, I have the MES30 works great, also bought the Masterbuilt cover from Amazon 4-5 months ago was like $19. My advice in retrospect would be DON'T buy the Masterbuilt the spec's are 12.6 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches 1 lb masterbuilt 30in (from Amazon web site!!!), this cover is so thin you can see your buddy through it.
The actual spec's are 18" wideX 17"deep X 30" long and weight's a whopping 8.1oz (not 1 Lb)
I would recommend the Veranda Square Smoker Cover, spec's are 18 x 21 x 32 inches ; 2 pound.
I bought a Veranda for my charcoal grill, man that thing is heavy. Amazon says it weighs 2lbs more like 22lbs,
Last edited:
Wow, that Veranda cover does look nice and it's only a couple bucks more. The specs look like it might be too small to fit though, the Smoker dimensions (Per Amazon) are 19.5 x 18.3 x 34 vs the cover at 18 x 21 x 32.
If u want my 2cts, I have the MES30 works great, also bought the Masterbuilt cover from Amazon 4-5 months ago was like $19. My advice in retrospect would be DON'T buy the Masterbuilt the spec's are 12.6 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches 1 lb masterbuilt 30in (from Amazon web site!!!), this cover is so thin you can see your buddy through it.
The actual spec's are 18" wideX 17"deep X 30" long and weight's a whopping 8.1oz (not 1 Lb)
I would recommend the Veranda Square Smoker Cover, spec's are 18 x 21 x 32 inches ; 2 pound.
I bought a Veranda for my charcoal grill, man that thing is heavy. Amazon says it weighs 2lbs more like 22lbs,
tennsmoker
Smoking Fanatic
Kevin,
Remember I done an actual measuement on the MES30 cover I have, which was 18x17x30. The Veranda cover per Amazon was 18x21x32 which is bigger than the actual cover...should fit OK
When I bought the MES cover I didn't know that Veranda made one other I would have instead of that MES cover u can see your buddy thru..
Al
Remember I done an actual measuement on the MES30 cover I have, which was 18x17x30. The Veranda cover per Amazon was 18x21x32 which is bigger than the actual cover...should fit OK
When I bought the MES cover I didn't know that Veranda made one other I would have instead of that MES cover u can see your buddy thru..
Al
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Similar threads
Hot Threads
-
Is my bacon bad? Please help
- Started by hooked on smoke
- Replies: 24
- Bacon
-
Featured Merry Christmas
- Started by pineywoods
- Replies: 21
- Blowing Smoke Around the Smoker.
-
New Goodwill pan . Tater tot hotdish ?
- Started by chopsaw
- Replies: 20
- General Discussion
-
Christmas Eve Dinner
- Started by Quiganomics
- Replies: 16
- Beef
