Quick question on curing a new MES 140b

[Kirk Hill]

I just bought a new MES 140b. I see where I need to cure it. Should I just use some wood chips in the tray or should I use an anmps tray or tube?

 

[flatbroke]

Curing your smoker will rid the unit of oil produced in the manufacturing process. First, make sure the water pan is in place without water in it. Set smoker temperature to 275°F and allow the unit to run for three hours. During the last 45 minutes, add ½ cup of wood chips in the wood chip loader to complete the pre-seasoning process. Power off the smoker and allow it to cool completely.
From their website

 

[chopsaw]

Flatbroke has you covered , however if you have a therm use it so you know the actual interior temp and keep an eye on it . I'm suggesting this as a precaution not part of the set up .

 

[SonnyE]

Flatbroke's advice is exactly per the Masterbuilt book, and sound advice.
Why is there any question about the break in procedure? Go ahead and use the MES tray.
What I did when I got my MES 30 was to do several break-in procedures over several days. I was just fascinated with watching it and smelling the smoke.
Besides getting all of any factory or mill lubes dried up and burnt off, I was building a layer of smoke over the case inside.
So I played a lot before I put anything food in mine.
When I opened it up and it smelled like a smoker, I figured Yeah, it's ready!
But the initial is to burn off and yukkie stuff. If you waft a little towards yourself you will see it stinks.
Then do several AMNPS or AMNTS loads to season the inside of your new smoker.
When you open it, cold or hot, and it smells like a smoker, you are in Nirvana.

 

[chopsaw]

Burn the oils off first so smoke don't stick to it .