Starting wood chips...

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

fishacura

Fire Starter
Original poster
Mar 20, 2014
38
10
So I have my new MES sitting in the garage and I can't wait to get started and have some time this Sunday.

I've read enough to know I want to get the Amaze-N-Pellet product and some pellets but do not yet have it on hand so I'm going to use the stock tray and chips that I have in my garage.

So here's my very dumb question as I have never done this and haven't read on using regular chips. HOW do you get them started. I'm assuming I somehow need to get them started because 200 degrees won't be enough to ignite them....so what process can I use if I don't have a chimney???
 
Just put the chips in the chip loader per the instructions you got with your MES. They are dumped into a tray that sits right over your heating element and it will get hot enough, with your temp. set point at 200, to start the smoke rolling.
 
Wow thanks!  Had no idea that was the case.  I'll give it a shot.  Maybe I'll test as I heat it up to burn off all the packaging gunk...
 
 
Wow thanks!  Had no idea that was the case.  I'll give it a shot.  Maybe I'll test as I heat it up to burn off all the packaging gunk...
You should season it a little before doing a smoke. Wipe a lite coat of vegetable oil on the inside.The first time you do this I suggest staying out side while it is seasoning, the chip tray on mine blew out spewing burning wood on my deck.

Post some pics of your que when you do it.
 
I actually saw another method I'm curious if anyone's used.  It was some discussion about the wood not really catching so it suggested placing two pieces of charcoal on the wood tray...burning them down, then adding the wood once they are piping hot.

Again, long term I am getting the pellet smoker but wanted to ask since I am trying this this weekend.
 
Some of this might not apply to your specific use but I'll list in case some does and might benefit others.  My approach to my wood selection is varying sizes from sawdust to large chunks.  I always throw some saw dust in the pan as "starter", then some chips and chunks.  The sawdust starts rolling smoke pretty quickly.  About the time that has smoldered out, the chips start and finally the chunks.  At the beginning of the smoke, the pan is well covered with just a little air allowed so that the wood doesn't actually ignite.  Subsequent wood is thrown on the previous coals and burns much longer than the first batch as there is now a bit of a buffer from the heating element. 
 
 
Some of this might not apply to your specific use but I'll list in case some does and might benefit others.  My approach to my wood selection is varying sizes from sawdust to large chunks.  I always throw some saw dust in the pan as "starter", then some chips and chunks.  The sawdust starts rolling smoke pretty quickly.  About the time that has smoldered out, the chips start and finally the chunks.  At the beginning of the smoke, the pan is well covered with just a little air allowed so that the wood doesn't actually ignite.  Subsequent wood is thrown on the previous coals and burns much longer than the first batch as there is now a bit of a buffer from the heating element. 
How do you get chunks into an MES?
 
How do you get chunks into an MES?


You don't want to use chunks in the MES.... Dust is best..... Chips work so-so......
At times, you may get a "flash-over" from the smoke "exploding".... pulling the chip chute out an inch or so may prevent this due to the added "continuous" supply of oxygen.... The 3 small hole in the chip chute don't supply enough oxygen to prevent the flash over... Also, if your chip are black, you are making charcoal and more oxygen is required....

Complete burn of pellets in the AMNPS.... White ash is a good sign.....

 
I only have chips so I think I'll just give it a whirl and stop worrying.  Worst thing that happens is I get less flavor than I will in the future.  May as well just fire it up!!!
 
Suggestion. Start a 'Log' of all your cooks , then start with a cheap meat aka,,,,Chicken , and cure the unit as well as learning the capabilities of your smoker . Go by their (factory) recommendations and start your learning curve there.

If you have problems , jump on here and ask someone for advise.

Learn patience , have a good time , and . . .
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky