el Ducko wrote:You folks with Amazin' smoke generators and the like: is it the gadget, or is it the sawdust (as opposed to wood chips or bigger) that enables the smoke to be produced for so long at such a controlled rate? If I used sawdust in my home-built hot plate rig, could I expect the same duration of smoke?
Ducko, I've found that my own sawdust doesnt burn as long nor as consistent as the finer dust & pellets I get for my A-maze-n smokers.
In my smoker (the big box Masterbuilt XL propane), I've used all three of the A-maze-n smoker items: the AMNS (dust smoker), the AMNPS (pellet smoker), and the newest model AMNTS (tube smoker). Each has it's advantages. All generate very little HEAT-so they're all suited for cold smoking as well. The dust smoker can last up to eight hours & produces a steady stream of light to medium smoke. Unlike
regular sawdust, the A-maze-n dust is much finer and burns longer and more constant. It also comes in a wide variety of wood varieties or 'flavors.' On the downside, it is harder to keep lit in my particular smoker. The MB XL is a big box with poor airflow and the AMNS gets oxygen-starved and is quickly extinguished. At higher temps (225°F) the dust will burn much, much faster than the pellets.
The Pellet maze (AMNPS) burns longer (uo to 10 hours) than the dust smoker, is less likely to go out than the dust smoker-but still requires some baby-sitting initially to make sure it stays lit. Location is critical (near the intake for airflow) for this smoker is shine. Once I find the magic spot, however, this smoker burns/smokes a LONG time. Somewhat heavier smoke than the dust. Variety of pellets available too.
The Tube smoker is my new favorite. On a full load of pellets, I get a moderately heavy stream of smoke for over 6 hours (18" model). Set & forget! It is less susceptible to oxygen deprivation than the other two smokers and burns easily. Much easier than any homemade sawdust burner I've used in the past.
Hope some of this info is helpful to you.
Kevin
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