Newbie in Austin, TX

[tbarreth]

I got a MES 30 for Christmas off my wish list. I decided on the MES after several days spent trolling around the forums here looking at what everyone was using and the various pros and cons.

I also got an AMNPS to use with it that just arrived in the mail last night. I was hoping to season the smoker today and then do a smoke tomorrow but its been drizzly and cold here all day, maybe this afternoon it will clear off.

I'm doing a few modifications to the smoker upfront, like removing all the original chip pan stuff and replacing it with just a basic heat distribution shield. Also thinking about adding an internal chimney to help direct heat and smoke more through the middle of the smoker and I want to add a mailbox to put the AMNPS in, just need to figure out what kind of mailbox the wife wants for the street so I can go scavenge the old dented one that is out there now.

I've got a Beef Top Round Roast that I am going to smoke once I get everything seasoned. I know its not the best piece of meat to smoke but it was cheap at the CostCo.  I love brisket and want to start smoking them myself, its the reason I decided I wanted a smoker.  Figure I will start out with a few smaller/cheaper hunks of meat till I get everything dialed in with the smoker, then move on to the big boys.

Any advice is always welcome! I'll post pictures of the smoker in action whenever the weather gets a little nicer and I can fire it up.

-Barret

 

[s2k9k]

Hi Barret! 

to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 40,000 members and over 800,000 posts so you should be able to find almost anything you want to know. Remember the search bar at the top can be your best friend for finding answers fast!

Would you do us a favor and update your profile to include your location, Thanks!

You might want to check out Jeff's Free 5 day E-course it will teach you all the basics and a whole lot more!

If you have any questions about the forums or need any help navigating around don’t hesitate to ask or send me a PM, I am more than happy to help out!

 

[kathrynn]

Hey there Barrett....Love the Kitty in your Avitar!  Welcome to the group...sounds like you are going to be busy with all the mods on your Smoker!  You will have fun here and learn a bunch....will be looking forward to pictures of your smokes!

 

[smokinhusker]

Hello and welcome to SMF! I've got the MES 40 and paired with the AMNPS you've got a winning combo!

 

[pwillie]

Hi Barret,

You have already learned a lot if you are already making modifications.  I am not sure about the internal chemeny but the other things are a must, especially if you plan to do any cold smoking.  Welcome to the crowd and enjoy your new toy.

Paul