Wood Chip bin

[BRaines]

I have Masterbuilt MES130B and was wondering if there were any good ideas on creating more smoke, longer. I took an aluminum pie plate and folded/molded to make it fit and can now get about an hour of smoke between wood fill-ups (I have to split my wood chunks to make many, mini logs instead of chips). Is there an actual pan that fits the chip receptacle?


B

 

[Princeau99]

I also have a MES130B. Unfortunately there is not enough room for the A-Maze-N tray (less than 5 in on bottom near heating coil) I use the 6 in round version. Fits nicely on bottom near heating coil. This seems to be good for 3-4 hours of smoke. I would probably buy a second one if I planed longer smokes.

 

[fivetricks]

BRains, search these forums for the "mailbox mod" for the MES30 smoker.

Adding a mailbox, a bit of dryer hose, and a pellet tray will change your world as far as the mes is concerned.

 

[BRaines]

Thanks for the info, Guys... Looks like something I'll invest in. Getting too old to play the stick burner game any more and have enjoyed the ease of set and forget (for 35 minutes or so) electric smoking.

On the "mailbox mod", Does it draw the smoke well without any sort of fan?

 

[fivetricks]

I've never had issues. Depending on where you use your smoker (inside, outside, etc) certain adjustments may need to be made. Eg, I put my tray elevated on a piece of wood and drill a couple extra hole in the lower portion of the mail box door for improved airflow.

I have my smoker in the garage when it's going so I crack my big door a couple of inches to promote draft but I have a chimney extending off of my unit, so with increased exhaust, I need a bit of increased draft.

Tldr;

Yes, the mod is designed to promote natural, unassisted airflow.

 

[GaryHibbert]

Using stove bolts for legs at the 4 corners will raise the AMNPS off the base of the mailbox and the increased airflow really helps.
When I'm cold smoking I run my MES at 100 degrees. That gives better air flow from the AMNPS and the smoke flows freely.
Gary

 

[fivetricks]

Yeah, after much trial and error I raised mine as well. I used a piece of torch season fresh mill oak, but that's just because I'm too lazy to fit stove bolts :)

Perhaps a v2 of the amnps should include something like the bolts and reenforced welds on the corners that you light the pellets from. I had to do an ugly mod to mine. Didn't have any "L" brackets so I made do with hose clamps lol.

 

[tropics]

I don't pay any attention to the corners,mine are bent from the torch.I use spring binder clips to raise mine up.