MES 40" with new smoke box

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kingrmn

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 14, 2011
7
10
I bought my new MES 40" in April from Sam's.  After having trouble getting smoke I did some research and bought the AMNS and then called up HR and got the new burn box.

#1 I can't keep the AMNS going.  I think there's too much moisture with the water pan.  I put the AMNS on the bottom below the water pan and under a "tent" as suggested....

#2 With the new burn box installed, I'm reloading every hr or so.  Is this typical for everyone else?

I'm just trying to work out the kinks up here in ND. 

Thanks for the help guys
 
welcome1.gif
   Glad to have you with us!

The trick to keeping the AMNS burning is using dry dust & making sure it's lit well before you put it in the smoker.
 
Welcome aboard! Make sure you have good air flow for the AMZN.Pull out the chip tray about an inch or so and nuke your dust to make sure it's nice and dry.Do those 2 things and you'll be happier than a pig in BBQ sauce.
 
I light my AMNS and my AMPS before I start letting the smoker warm up.  This way I know they are going good before I put them into the MES. Also pull your loader out of the side of the smoker to let in a little more air this will improve haw your AMNS burns.
 
Is your AMNS not burning or burning up too fast?

Are you Cold Smoking, or Hot Smoking?

Cold Smoking

Pull your Chip pan out approx 1 1/2"

Remove the chip loader

Exhaust vent wide open

Light one end or both ends, depending on the amount of smoke you desire

Place the AMNS on the rails, On top the Chip pan Housing or Lowers Rack

Hot Smoking

Pull Chip Pan out approx. 1 1/2"

Pull Chip loader out about 1/4 way to start

Exhaust vent wide open

Keep middle row of AMNS empty

Light one end or both ends

Place AMNS on the rails

Raise foil tent or do not use

If the foil tent is too close, the heat reflects back down onto the AMNS and the sawdust burns very quickly.  I used to advocate for the use of a foil pup tent, but had issues of my own, where the AMNS would jump rows.  Also, keep the middle row empty.

Todd
 
If I may ask, what are you smoking that you are putting water in the pan?

I can't remember when the last time I put water in mine was.

Also don't put that tent too close above the AMNS.

Todd covered about all I can think of.

The biggest thing is getting it lit really really good, before putting it in---That's with the AMNS & the AMNPS !!!!

Bear
 
Todd,

Thanks for the PM.  I'll vent the chip loader next time.  Like i said I've only used it a couple times and haven't figured it out yet.

Bear Carver,

I put water in the pan with everything I smoke.  Doesn't most people put water in the pan for each 6 hr smoke session?  I always have, I'll try it without next time.
 
Bear Carver,

I put water in the pan with everything I smoke.  Doesn't most people put water in the pan for each 6 hr smoke session?  I always have, I'll try it without next time.
I am curious now about using water or not.  I haven't used it for awhile............
 
Blue,

I'll let you know.  I'll do a pork loin with the same recipe as Wednesday except without the water and see how moist it is.  I've always operated on the notion that I've never heard the statement "this chicken/pork/beef is too moist".  Maybe the water is not required with these new electric smokers.  I would go through 2 coffee cans full in my old charcoal sidebox smoker.
 
King & Bomber,

I asked that, because water in the pan could effect the burning of your AMNS.

I'm not saying you should never use water in the pan. I use it with a long slow Salmon Smoke to keep it from drying out even more.

I have used it once or twice when doing spares, instead of opening the door to spritz, but that's about it.

Any more, the only thing I use it for is Hard smoked Salmon.

So many of my smokes have moisture all over the glass in the door, and I have often been fooled by the steam coming out of the exhaust vent, making me thing I was getting good smoke, when all that was coming out was steam. Putting water in the pan makes that worse.

The only thing I put in my water pan is foil. Some guys put sand in their pan, but I don't think many MES owners put water in their water pan.

I sometimes put some water in another pan, up higher in the smoker, but not often.

You should do whatever works best for you.

Bear
 
King & Bomber,

I asked that, because water in the pan could effect the burning of your AMNS.

I'm not saying you should never use water in the pan. I use it with a long slow Salmon Smoke to keep it from drying out even more.

I have used it once or twice when doing spares, instead of opening the door to spritz, but that's about it.

Any more, the only thing I use it for is Hard smoked Salmon.

So many of my smokes have moisture all over the glass in the door, and I have often been fooled by the steam coming out of the exhaust vent, making me thing I was getting good smoke, when all that was coming out was steam. Putting water in the pan makes that worse.

The only thing I put in my water pan is foil. Some guys put sand in their pan, but I don't think many MES owners put water in their water pan.

I sometimes put some water in another pan, up higher in the smoker, but not often.

You should do whatever works best for you.

Bear
Thanks Bear!!!  Just sent ya a PM but you answered my question!
 
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