Stand for Amnps?

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GraSsRo0ts311

Newbie
Original poster
May 17, 2018
20
1
NJ
Hey Guys,

Long time no talk. Anyways now that smoking season is upon us, I need to figure out how to better use my AMNPS. I used it last year but didn't have much luck keeping it going. I have a MES 40' so I know most people put it in the bottom left corner or create a MAILBOX MOD. I am trying to avoid making any major mods for now. For now just wanted to see if anyone could recommend how I can elevate and get better airflow around/underneath the AMNPS. I have seen some people have built stands to elevate it just wanted to see if anyone could help me with this. I think that was my major problem was getting airflow around it which in turn keeps it lit and smoking. Planning on doing another pork shoulder Sunday for Mothers day so just getting prepped. Please let me know if anyone has suggestions pictures? Thanks guys!

Mike~
 
Spring binder clips from Staples,no drilling required
AMNPS.JPG

I do use it in my MES 40 as well as the mail box.
Richie
 
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Does that make sense? Sometimes what’s in my head doesn’t translate well to my written (or verbal) explanation. I can see it, just can’t necessarily say it. Lol
 
Hey Guys,

Long time no talk. Anyways now that smoking season is upon us, I need to figure out how to better use my AMNPS. I used it last year but didn't have much luck keeping it going. I have a MES 40' so I know most people put it in the bottom left corner or create a MAILBOX MOD. I am trying to avoid making any major mods for now. For now just wanted to see if anyone could recommend how I can elevate and get better airflow around/underneath the AMNPS. I have seen some people have built stands to elevate it just wanted to see if anyone could help me with this. I think that was my major problem was getting airflow around it which in turn keeps it lit and smoking. Planning on doing another pork shoulder Sunday for Mothers day so just getting prepped. Please let me know if anyone has suggestions pictures? Thanks guys!

Mike~


First of all, in order to tell you the best place to put your AMNPS "Inside" your MES, you have to tell me which Generation MES you have:
In an MES Gen #1, the best place is on the support rods to the left of the chip burner near the bottom.

In a Gen #2.5, the best place is on the bottom rack, on the far right, just above the Chip Dumper. Then you can pull the dumper out for more air flow & back in for less.

If you don't know which generation you have, click on my "Step by Step" Index below & one of the first links on that page will help you.
Or post a Picture of the inside & outside, and I can tell you.

Bear
 
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Thank you guys so much! I will certainly give all of these suggestions a try. Bear- I believe I have the 2.5 gen so maybe I will try putting it on rack above chip dumper on rack. That might be my first spot to try. Anyways you guys are always super helpful will keep you posted on how it goes! Thanks as always!
 
I know that a lot of people elevate their AMNPS, and it certainly can't hurt to make that mod yourself, especially since all you need is a few screws and nuts of the proper size.

However, I have never been convinced that this is really the issue in why some people have the AMNPS go out. Here is my list of other items I would puruse first:

1. Make sure you have no dust mixed in with the pellets. I posted about this a few months ago:

If Your AMNPS Won't Stay Lit, Read On

2. Consider adding airflow by adding holes to the chip loader. Some people actually drill more holes in the loader, but I hate to do anything that can't be reversed. So, back when I was still using the AMNPS inside the MES (before I built my "mod"), here's what I did:


As you can see, it was just a tin can and a 3.5" $4 elbow. Put that in place of the chip holder and add as many holes as you want. You can even add a vent control over the holes, much like the vent at the top of a traditional weber charcoal grill.

3. Make sure to add some foil on the shelve above the AMNPS so nothing drips on it.

4. Keep the drip hole at the back of the MES open. You do get a little air through that.

5. Pull the chip tray out slightly so air can go through that area to where the AMNPS is positioned in your smoker.

6. Make sure the AMNPS burns for at least five minutes before you put it inside the MES. If you can, keep it burning with a flame during this time. You want to get a really good cherry going, much like getting the charcoal in a grill burning down until it begins to turn gray.
 
May I clarify the best location for an AMNPS 5x8 in a Gen 2.5 is directly above the heating element on the right side above the existing chip tray? the pellets won't ignite from too much heat there?


Yup,
In a Gen #2.5, the best place is on the bottom rack, on the far right, just above the "Chip Dumper". Then you can pull the dumper out for more air flow & back in for less. I've been doing that in my #2.5 since I got it, about 7 years now.

Bear
 
Yup,
In a Gen #2.5, the best place is on the bottom rack, on the far right, just above the "Chip Dumper". Then you can pull the dumper out for more air flow & back in for less. I've been doing that in my #2.5 since I got it, about 7 years now.

Bear
Thanks for the advice! Saved me having to figure it out. My AMNPS arrived last week, looking to give it a try.
 
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