Below is a picture of what I do.
The heat element of the MES is mostly on the right.
The heat likes to run straight up the right side to the top right exhaust, making the right side hotter.
That foil coated sheet of aluminum on the bottom right is tilted up on the left, to deflect the heat over to the middle of the smoker.
This would probably help even if your exhaust vent is on the top of the left wall.
The upside down half of a foil pan, on the left is just to protect my
AMNPS from dripping.
Hope this helps,
Bear
I just got mine (40" gen 2 model) about a month ago after they were backordered from
Amazon since before the Super Bowl. I haven't had any real problems, other then when I set it at 225°, it likes to fluctuate between 210-237° depending on if the burner kicks on. Granted I don't see this as problem. Should I?
Also, I keep reading about not using the smoking tray and water pan? Is this true? So far (other then having to load wood chips ever .75-1.5 hours) I have produced great smoked foods. Esp the next day after it really has time to rest. Also it seems, no matter what liquid I put in the water pan, it seems like never uses any. Am I not doing something I should?
Also can you explain how and why you did your mods? Should/can I do the 3" dryer mod myself? And what is the "
AMNPS"?
Sorry for everything. Like I said I am new, but so far the results are pretty good for being such a novice.
Thanks for everything.