AMNPS ADVICE

[nate07]

I am wondering which size to get?? The 5x8 or 6x6?? Any responses on which is recommended?? And personal experience, I know there is a lot on here!

 

[redoctobyr]

I just bought the 5x8. If you hadn't seen it mentioned, the 6x6 apparently is only for use with sawdust. The 5x8 can do pellets or dust.

So if you want to use pellets, that would be a factor. Sorry if you knew this already.

FYI, I bought mine on Amazon, there was a listing for the 5x8 including some free pellets (they fill it, within the package), for $30. Versus the other $30 Amazon listing which didn't seem to mention including any pellets. Both were free Prime shipping.

The listing is "A-MAZE-N Amazen Pellet Smoker with Pitmasters Choice Pellets, 5" L x 8" W" . At least I'll get to try some of their pellets.

 

[nate07]

I just bought the 5x8. If you hadn't seen it mentioned, the 6x6 apparently is only for use with sawdust. The 5x8 can do pellets or dust.

So if you want to use pellets, that would be a factor. Sorry if you knew this already.

FYI, I bought mine on Amazon, there was a listing for the 5x8 including some free pellets (they fill it, within the package), for $30. Versus the other $30 Amazon listing which didn't seem to mention including any pellets. Both were free Prime shipping.

The listing is "A-MAZE-N Amazen Pellet Smoker with Pitmasters Choice Pellets, 5" L x 8" W" . At least I'll get to try some of their pellets.

I did not know that about the different sizes (one not being able to take dust and pellets) that is some good advice that will help with my decision!! Thanks!! I am using it for a strictly cold smoker build.. I will be posting pics of the build on another thread I have going.. And I am absolutely going to utilize the Amazon prime benifit!! Good advice thanks! Good smokes

 

[dward51]

Cold smoker gives you options.

I've had the 5x8 since they first came out with the pellet tray.  I love it.  It will handle either pellets or sawdust, but the 6x6 is for sawdust only so the 5x8 is more versatile.   Either will work fine if you going to be smoking sticks, jerky and sausage or other meat.  The tray is good up to about 235* in most smokers, but I've never run mine over 225*.  You need to go to one of the tubes for higher pit temps and the pellet tubes run just fine at lower temps for sausage.  Also a key to use of any of those models is air flow.  There must be enough air for the dust/pellets to reliably smolder.  I use my tray mostly for sticks, jerky and sausage and rarely run it in a smoker over 180*.  Mostly I run in the 130*-165* band in my heavily modified MES Custom SS.

 

[nate07]

Cold smoker gives you options.

I've had the 5x8 since they first came out with the pellet tray.  I love it.  It will handle either pellets or sawdust, but the 6x6 is for sawdust only so the 5x8 is more versatile.   Either will work fine if you going to be smoking sticks, jerky and sausage or other meat.  The tray is good up to about 235* in most smokers, but I've never run mine over 225*.  You need to go to one of the tubes for higher pit temps and the pellet tubes run just fine at lower temps for sausage.  Also a key to use of any of those models is air flow.  There must be enough air for the dust/pellets to reliably smolder.  I use my tray mostly for sticks, jerky and sausage and rarely run it in a smoker over 180*.  Mostly I run in the 130*-165* band in my heavily modified MES Custom SS.

I know for sure I am going with the 5x8 (I just ordered it)!! I haven't thought about what I will smoke on it other than cheese.. I am using a small charcoal grill and adding some mods to allow me to smoke.. No heat source, just relying on ambient temps and using the AMNPS for smoke.. I may have to add a heat source but I am going to give this a go.. Pics to come!! Good smokes

 

[daveb50]

I bought a MES 30 and ordered the 5x8 tray. They have made a change to the element on the new MES 30, and the tray no longer fits beside the element.

 

[Clenko]

I have the new MES and the tray does not fit next to the element. I put it on the first rack. Amazen recommends no water in the tray, but isn't it important to keep the meat from drying out?