Some Questions for the 40" MES owners, please

[shtrdave]

I have a cookshack smokette it is about 12 years old and still works great. There are some things that is doesn't do to my liking.

So I am looking to maybe buy one of the new 40 MES models.

ANyone have a picture of where the exhaust comes out, this will be set up in my garage so I would need to figure out what I need to do to adapt it to my venting.

Do they leak around the door any?

Are they a humid smoker, the cookshack is very humid and that is what creates some of my issues.

Will they reach 300 or 325 for making chicken crisp?

Where is the drain pan for the drippings, the CS drips out the bottom a 9X13 cake pan from the dollar store works well for me even with 30# of butts in it.

What type of wood does it use, I usually have chunks here guess I could make some chips if needed, I also have an Amazin Pellet smoker from Todd.

How sturdy of a unit is it?

Anyone do sausage or snack sticks in theirs, the CS is to small for me to do these types of things in, I usually like to do 15+ pounds at a time.

There is probably more just not sure right now but it will give those willing to help a start.

thank you very much.

 

[deltadude]

Q. ANyone have a picture of where the exhaust comes out, this will be set up in my garage so I would need to figure out what I need to do to adapt it to my venting.

A. It will depend on which model you buy, latest model or one of the older ones, let us know and someone can help.

Q. Do they leak around the door any?

A.  Some do leak slightly others don't, you can add a better gasket system to prevent leakage.

Q. Are they a humid smoker, the cookshack is very humid and that is what creates some of my issues.

A. If you use the water pan, yes they are humid.  However that moist environment is important for maximum smoke absorption, (this is the reason even competitive smoke BBQer's us a water pan even in wood fired smokers.  Knowing when to remove the water pan so you can develop the bark texture you seek is part of the learning process.  Many MES owners do not use the water pan, which is fine.  IMHO not using the water pan is not optimum smoking.

Q Will they reach 300 or 325 for making chicken crisp?

A. NO,  average highest temp is approx 275-285º.  Some report higher temps with their after market remote thermometers, but rarely over 300º

Q. Where is the drain pan for the drippings, the CS drips out the bottom a 9X13 cake pan from the dollar store works well for me even with 30# of butts in it.

A.  Again depends on the model if latest or older.  Older the pan is inside in the bottom, with a overflow that runs out the back.  If your intention is to catch meat juices or fat run-off for sauces or gravy, that bottom pan frequently will have wood chips, ashes, residue.  Instead with the MES 40 you have the room to put the meat on an upper rack and can put a disposable drip pan on the rack below.

Q.What type of wood does it use, I usually have chunks here guess I could make some chips if needed, I also have an Amazin Pellet smoker from Todd.

A. The MES internal smoke system uses wood chips, you can use wood chunks provided they fit.  Most SMF members that are MES owners use the AWNPS  from Todd.  Note, you should learn how to use the MES smoke system just in case.

Q. How sturdy of a unit is it?

A. I don't think its as heavily built as a cookshack.  However it is sturdy enough to get the job done and last you 20 years.

Q.Anyone do sausage or snack sticks in theirs, the CS is to small for me to do these types of things in, I usually like to do 15+ pounds at a time.

A.   Yes, and Yes,  Sausage , jerky are done by many.

Q.There is probably more just not sure right now but it will give those willing to help a start.

A.  Simply read through the Electric forum  go back at least a 4 or 5 pages, there is a ton of info.

 

[smokinhusker]

Great answers from DD and I'd take his suggestion and read through the electric smokers forum here.

 

[mike johnson]

There is nothing left to say. Spot on Deltadude.

 

[shtrdave]

I will spend some time looking through the past pages.

I would be looking to get one of the new model 40"

I see Sam's has a deal on them.

thanks for the info

ANd welcome more if there is any.