First of all
everyone who builds a "mailbox mod" puts the
AMNPS inside the mailbox. Otherwise, it has no purpose. Also, even though you can still put the
AMNPS inside your MES (or other smoker), and not use the external mailbox attachment, I can tell you from experience that I cannot think of one single reason to ever do that. Simply put: the external smoking attachment gives you better-quality smoke; it lets you check on the status of the pellets in the
AMNPS without opening up the smoker and losing heat; and it helps reduce creosote. One other advantage, seldom mentioned, is that when your food is ready, there are often still un-burned pellets left in the
AMNPS. If there are only a few, I just detach the mailbox mod from the smoker and let them burn out. I can then begin cleaning the smoker (I only do a little cleanup) without having to wait for the AMNPS to burn itself out. Putting the still-lit AMNSP on the ground and letting it burn out is a big no-no here in central California because of the huge wildfire risk. Here is a timelapse of last year's fire, taken from my home's balcony. It was one of the biggest fires and definitely the most expensive fire in California history:
As for the photo, yes, that is my photo and my version of the mailbox mode using a popcorn can. You can find my full post in this forum by searching for "
popcorn mailbox mod." You can buy these cans for only about $15, shipped, so it is generally cheaper than even the cheapest mailbox. The can has more volume, so you get a little more condensation and creosote deposition, resulting (perhaps) in a little better-quality smoke. There are other advantages that I describe in my post.