Newbie to the MES 40

[silverfox]

Hello all,

I've been lurking and recently joined and have found tons of good info here. I recently purchase and 40" MES from SAMs and have been experimenting with it on slim jims, chicken and pork butts.  I did notice after I seasoned it the first time, I wanted to check the temps inside the box. So, using several thermometers I noticed 10-15 degree fluctuations from top and bottom and burner side (right) vs the left side.  I did place a thin sheet of stainless above the smoker box and this seemed to work as far as dispersing the heat.. oh, I did have to drill about a dozen holes throughout the sheet to help with this.

Also, I noticed that people have talked about a retro kit for the smoker box.  My box or chip holder is small and if I put too many chips (not much at all in my opinion), the chip loader will get hung up a bit and I have to turn it both directions to free it up.  I also email Masterbuilt about the unit not generating any smoke at temps below 200 and was informed that the unit is not designed for that purpose.  So, I am considering the AMAZE--N-Smoker for this purpose.... I've seen many posts about how to setup/use/tweak this product to prevent flare up, etc.

Anyway, glad to be here and lots of good info and lots of good ideas on what I want to try in the MES!

Thanks for any info and input on how to improve my MES smoker!!

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome to SMF. There are a lot of very friendly & knowledgeable folks here to help you. I urge you to sign up for the free E-course. It will give you the basics. Then start asking questions. Good luck & glad to have you aboard. As far as the temp variations go, all smokers vary you just have to be aware where the hot spots are. I have an MES, and I just put the thicker end of the meat toward the r.r. corner. For consistent smoke you can't beat an AMNS. Get one & you can forget about all the problems with the chip holder.

 

[beer-b-q]

 

Welcome to SMF, Glad to have you with us.
 

This is the place to learn, lots of good info and helpful friendly Members.
 

For those of you new to Smoking, be sure to check out Jeff's 5 Day Smoking Basics eCourse.

Click Here it's "FREE" ... 5 Day eCourseE

 

[meateater]

Welcome to the SMF. Glad to have you here. Lots of good folks, great recipes and knowledge. Looking forward to your first qview.
 

 

[Fife]

Good info as I too just started to use a MES40. I get good blue smoke with mine and soaked the chips. Seems to put out good amount.:grilling_smilie:

 

[Bearcarver]

Good info as I too just started to use a MES40. I get good blue smoke with mine and soaked the chips. Seems to put out good amount.

They might have fixed the problem they had a few months ago, as far as not much smoke below 200˚.

Glad yours is making happy meals!

Bear

 

[scarbelly]

Welcome to SMF - glad to have you here - I highly recommend using the AMNS for all your smokes. Ya cant beat it

 

[Fife]

:yahoo:Today I got a bag of chunks to try an boy talk about smoke it put out a lot compared to chips. I will give an update as to how the grub turned out with it.
Enjoy good eats.