I will try again to ask why people say they can't smoke in cold weather with the MES

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aquacanis

Newbie
Original poster
I have read many, many emails and net comments about my Masterbuilt 30" smoker that I was afraid I would not be able to fast smoke, slow smoke, or even cook on it when it was below 30 degrees F.  So I went rube goldberg with a insulating idea.  I used space blankets.  The plastic blankets have a melting point of 345 F and my smoker never gets that hot.  I used aluminized tape to tape each side individually with a heat reflective blanket and left the smoke roound door open and the vent open.  I have about 80 percent of the smoker "reflecting heat back to the unit" so to speak.  I started the smoker at 12:15 today and it got to 250 in 15 minutes.  The outside temperature is 18F with a slight wind on my back screened in porch.

I have a cold smoke attachment so I filled it with chips and put in a 5 lb. chicken, and a rack of Louisana style pork ribs.   It is now 4:45 pm and the ribs are looking great and the chicken is up to about 155 internal temp.  (I checked it with a separate meat thermometer).

The MBS heat probe is not accurate as far as I can figure out.  Master build internal says 166 but I do not believe it.  Perhaps I did not have to "insulate" my smoker but it is performing beautifully at 18F and is mainting temperature just fine.  Love it so far.  I am using beer in the water tray and apple and cherry wood chips.   
 
I smoke with mine all winter long in a none heated farm garage.

No insulation.
 
Ok Moses here is my second try to give you some pictures.  I am loving this thing it is 11F out right now and I am smoking venison salami and it is doing great.  Here goes for the pictures.  I have been smoking for 15-20 years and on this computer for about two years.    
 
 The only issue with the MES30 and cold weather that I am aware of is that on some models the control unit won't operate if it gets too cold. People sometimes have to take the unit inside or heat the cabinet with a hair dryer or something to get it working. There are lots of threads on the subject. Do a search.

 Once it turns on I think it stays working.

Chuck

 
 
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