amznps issues using apple pellets?

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smokinfam

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Sep 27, 2007
89
14
Indiana
I attempted to smoke salmon in my MES 40 today using my amznps.  I filled the amznps with apple pellets.  I used the blow torch to light boths ends of the pellets.  I lit the ends and let them burn for around 10 minutes as directed.  I closed up the smoker and checked around 15 minutes later and it was still smoking.  Two hours later I went back and no smoke.  When I looked at the amznps,there was only a small portion of the pellets burned.  I restarted the pellets burning again.  I made sure to really put the blow torch to it.  Go them burning good and blew out and relit several times.  Once I let it burn for awhile, I put back into the smoker.  I have the tray pulled out about 1 1/2 " and the wood feeder is out about 1".  It went out again!  I am not sure if it's the apple pellets that are hard to burn or something else.  I used hictory pellets last weekend and didn't have this issue.

any advice?
 
Did you follow the directions on opening the chip loader and vents? 
 
If the pellets are not staying lit it is due to not having enough oxygen - they need plenty to burn correctly. How was the airflow around the MES 
 
Your Pellets may have picked up some moisture and need a minute or two in the microwave. This can really help if it has been humid out. 
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You might try mixing with a hotter burning pellet. Put a layer of oak first then layer the apple on top. This has worked for me with cherry.
 
Try some pellets from the same batch in the AMZNPS "outside" the smoker.  If they still go out, it's wet/damp pellets.  If they burn fine, then look for an airflow issue in the smoker (ie, not enough oxygen to sustain the smolder).
 
I was having similar issues with the pellets not staying lit even after burning for almost 30 min before putting it in my mes.  I think most of my problem was air flow.  I use my mes in the back of my garage with both garage doors open.  So I figured I had plenty of air.  It finally dawned on me to open a small window above the smoker, & now it seems to stay lit. 
 
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