Question regarding my new/replacement MES 30

[kryinggame]

My old smoker was giving false temperature reports and as a result, Masterbuilt sent me a replacement smoker.

With my old original smoker, i had a strong build up of a tar like substance on the top vent and as a result, it was difficult to open and close the vent. I obviously do not want this to occur on the replacement smoker.

I'm sure others have had this problem. What is a good fix?

Thanks!

 

[hkeiner]

With my old original smoker, i had a strong build up of a tar like substance on the top vent and as a result, it was difficult to open and close the vent. I obviously do not want this to occur on the replacement smoker.

I'm sure others have had this problem. What is a good fix?

You can clean the vent area once in a while to keep the accumulation of 'tar' from restricting the movement of the vent. Or you can pre-heat the smoker (to soften up the tar some) before adjusting the vent. I don't think you can keep the fats/oils in the exhaust from condensing on the vent surface, as that is what happens over time when a hotter gas contacts a colder surface. Just my experience...

 

[jsdspif]

I realize this isn't an answer to the question but just a comment. I quit messing with my top vent . So many people have stated they just leave it wide open that I've had mine open all the way for quite a while now . I used to adjust it but I've never seen a difference . I know some people say they close it to preheat but I've monkeyed around a lot experimenting with pre heating vs. not and I really haven't found any advantage of pre heating . I'm even getting to where I don't bother "peeking" . Maybe I give a little spritz if something is in there more than 6 hours . I'm pretty much to the point of "set it and forget it " except for adding wood chips and if I put my amns in there I don't even have to do that . I put my wireless probe into the meat when I first load it and then just check the temp every now and then . Same with foiling , I've tried foiled vs. non and I've quit foiling . I just don't see that much of a difference . I only add all these comments for people reading the forum trying to get an idea of what smoker to buy . I know it can be info overload , so these are just so people get the idea with an mes you can pretty much run them as simple or as complicated as you would like to and you will still get good results.

 

[hkeiner]

I find it helpful to close the vent when the smoker is not being used in order to keep bugs out of the smoker. My cover does not always keep them out.