Masterbuilt digital smokehouse. No smoke at 140?

[500grhollowpoint]

So I got this smoker...used it a couple of times but I have noticed on the lower temprature settings it won't get any smoke going. I left it for 3 1/2 hours this morning at 140 to come home to see the chips in there were not burned down in the least... Any suggestions? It says in the book to soak the chips for 1/2 hour. I tried it without soaking them, still no smoke. Could it be that I have it on an extention cord and the voltage drop is too high?

[Jarhead]

16 Gauge Cords Any 16 gauge cord between 0 and 100 feet long will adequately handle tool loads up to 10 amps.

14 Gauge Cords Any 14 gauge cord between 0 and 50 feet long will adequately handle loads between 10 and 15 amps.

12 Gauge Cords If your tool load is between 10 and 15 amps and the length of the cord is 50 to 100 feet, you need a 12 gauge cord to safely power any tool.
Ref: http://www.askthebuilder.com/B174_Extension_Cord_Size_Chart.shtml

What amp draw do you have? How long is the cord?
_________________
Gunny 3073/4044/8411

Jarhead's World Blog
KCBS CBJ & HMFIC Debbie's Q Shack

[500grhollowpoint]

Well I ditched the extention cord. Still no smoke at all. Is this normal for these things? I have to crank up the heat to get any smoke at all. I'm finding the whole process rather frustrating.

[Jarhead]

Have you tried cranking up the temp past 140, that may not be hot enough to get the wood to smoking.. Dunno.

Edit: never mind just saw you cranked it up, Bad element? or thermostat?
If it's new, take it back.
_________________
Gunny 3073/4044/8411

Jarhead's World Blog
KCBS CBJ & HMFIC Debbie's Q Shack

[500grhollowpoint]

Oh yea no problem past 140. Smokes like crazy. But I want to smoke stuff at 140. If I crank it up to get the smoke going and then turn it down....

[500grhollowpoint]

yup works great at 160. I geuss I'll try the next batch of jerky at 160 and see how it goes.

[Jeff T]

I have a MES.
150 & i get smoke. I use Chigger Creek chips. The chip size is smaller than most. I think a smaller chip burns easier. Try that it might help ya.

[500grhollowpoint]

So below 150, no smoke? Seems to be what I am finding too. You soak your chips? how long. I'm pretty new to this whole thing. I'm assuming soaking them is just sticking them in a bowl of water for a half an hour and letting them dry off?

[tac71]

Soak chips in gasoline for 10 mins. Then see lots of smoke...........after fire. Sorry I couldn't resist.

[ctimmer]

I would try leaving the door open slightly - this should cause the heating element to work harder to maintain the 140 degree temperature.

Curt

[SmokinOkie]

If you're trying to cold smoke (say below 140) you'll need to use Pellets or sawdust. Chunks and chips just don't have enough heat at that temp to burn.