Problems with first MES30 smoke

[cadiganp]

Hello all. I've been reading the forum for advice and today I am trying my first smoke on my new MES30. The issue I am having is that I am getting thick white smoke for about 15 mins, then basically no smoke coming out the vent which I have completely open. I am adding about 1/4 cup of chips every 30-45 mins.

I know everyone will recommend just buying the AMNPS which I plan to do eventually but I would still like some good eats until I buy it.

Any advice from you vets?

 

[bakedbean1970]

Are you soaking your chips? I get good smoke for a longer time if i pre soak my wood chips. You could also use more than 1/4 cup.

 

[cadiganp]

Didn't soak the chips but I will try that on my next dump. Basically I was using the 1/4 cup dry based on some older posts but that doesn't seem to be working for me here. I'll have to try some different things.

 

[beernuts]

The best way I've found to not get the white smoke is one I found here. Just start with a few ( 5 - 7) chips and let them burn down. The add the same amount again and let those smoke down. What you want to do is create an ash base for the wood. When you have that add more chips each time to get the smoke you want. I personally don't soak my chips but that's a personal preference. After you have used an AMNPS you won't need to be constantly adding chips and get the TBS you're looking for.

 

[pgsmoker64]

I have always used a full cup of chips in my chip box on my MES and never really had any problems unless the temp went below 200*.

The MES will not produce good smoke below 200* so be sure to check the temp with an accurate thermometer.

I also do not soak the chips.

As you stated before, the AMNS is the way to go.  I bought one about four months ago and am pretty happy with the results.

Good luck and good smoking.

Bill

 

[cadiganp]

I was able to get some good smoke after the ash was created as beernuts mentioned. Thighs and drumsticks turned out great for my first smoke. Only problem was the rub didn't have much flavor.

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• cadiganp
• Jan 1, 2013

 

[texacajun]

Hello all. I've been reading the forum for advice and today I am trying my first smoke on my new MES30. The issue I am having is that I am getting thick white smoke for about 15 mins, then basically no smoke coming out the vent which I have completely open. I am adding about 1/4 cup of chips every 30-45 mins.
I know everyone will recommend just buying the AMNPS which I plan to do eventually but I would still like some good eats until I buy it.
Any advice from you vets?

This works every time. Its from deltadude. Remember THIN BLUE SMOKE!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/118244/mes-30-inch-do-you-soak-the-wood-chips#post_776808

• Start the smoke with a few wood chips. The manual says 1 cup max, you will find a hand full is almost too much. 1st chip dump just a few chips 8-10, 15 minutes  later a little more chips 10-12, another 15 minutes 12-15 chips.  This should produce a nice bed of hot ash with good chip combustion.  12-20 chips every 30 minutes should work from this point on. Your goal is TBS (thin blue smoke). When its right you can smell the sweet smoke, it won't smell bitter or be cloudy white. Dark smoke is nothing but awful.