Rookie

[Kirk Hill]

Hey Y'all. Well, I went out and did it!!. Bought a MES140b on sale at Academy and I am ready to begin. I would love some advice on where to begin. Thanks for the help in advance!!

 

[smokerjim]

start by reading your operation instructions,I would start by seasoning it, run smoke with no food in it, also you might want to look into getting a good thermometer since the factory ones are usually not to accurate, then you know you are at the right temps. might also want to look into a amnps tray or tube lots of info on here about them. then decide what you want to smoke, I suggest starting out some chicken or ribs until you get use to your new smoker. just watch with chicken you don't want to use to much smoke as chicken takes on a lot smoke and to much will make it almost un eatable. any questions just ask a you will receive a lot answers by very knowledgeable and friendly people. congrats on the new smoker and good luck

 

[flatbroke]

Welcome to the forum, Check out the Electric smoker section there are some of MES users in there and some tips as well. Stop in the chat room if you get time

 

[gmc2003]

Welcome to the site, happy to have ya join up. There plenty of info on your smoker available. If you can't find it just ask away.

Chris

 

[kruizer]

Welcome to SMF from Minnesota.

 

[zwiller]

Welcome! Good ideas already. The SMF 5 day ecourse is free. Do that. I also highly recommend Jeff's book and rub/sauce recipes.

 

[HalfSmoked]

Welcome glad to have you on board you have received some great ideas already. Looking for more info just scroll down the listing you will find recipes and other how to's.

Warren

 

[HowlingDog]

Welcome!! Lots of info here, and it is an addicting and expensive hobby!

HowlingDog

 

[Kirk Hill]

Thanks for all of the advice. I ordered the thermometer with the coupon on the home page. I am also looking into the anmps tray or tube. Which do you think is better? Also does one need the mailbox mode or not? Can I just buy the tube and put it in the smoker itself as I see on you tube?

 

[zwiller]

Tray is designed for MES and tube was designed for other smokers and high elevation. Tube has higher smoke output. I don't think mailbox mod is not necessary but I use dust when cold smoking. My tray sits in my MES. I think you will ultimately have to decide for yourself what works.

 

[smokerjim]

another benefit of mailbox mod is it takes a lot of the creosote out before it gets inside the smoker and on your food.

 

[gary s]

A Big Ole Welcome From East Texas

Gary