I'm going to smoke some short ribs tomorrow in my Amerique. The outside temp will be in the 30's. Should I preheat or just leave more time to come up to temp (225)? How much extra time? Thanks!
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Either, you could preheat it if you want or just toss them in. If you start them cold, depending on the load it should come to temp in about 45-50 mins.
I believe the AQ is constructed with the same 800o insulation as the FEC's. The only heat compensation you should require is bringing the internal ambient temp up from the 30's, which should be easily reached in less than 30 minutes.
Follow Wilber's advice and don't peak during the cook process.
Follow Wilber's advice and don't peak during the cook process.
I've cooked in my old SM020 in below zero temps. Not a problem.
Thanks for the advice, guys. I decided to just let the AQ do it's thing yesterday morning. I put the meat in cold, inserted the probe and set the temp for 225. The smoker at that point said 33 degrees. As I was going out to check after about 40 minutes, I heard a loud pop that rattled the cooking grates, and there was lots of smoke. The temp had overshot to about 260. I'm assuming the noise was due to quick thermal expansion of the box. At that point I opened the door for a few seconds to shed the extra heat, and the smoker settled in to 225 very quickly. Anyway, the short ribs turned out great, cooked to 190. Very tender and juicy despite being select grade. Thanks for your help!
Ahhh, the pop, bang, woosh! 
I had that happen only once,last year, it was a cold day as well. I watched it happen, the smoke coming out the vent and from the door sucked back in, back draft, and pop! The wood in the wood box flames up and there has to be the perfect mix of smoke and air. The AQ is so well built it doesn't phase it! It was cool to watch.
Glad your short ribs turned out well!
I had that happen only once,last year, it was a cold day as well. I watched it happen, the smoke coming out the vent and from the door sucked back in, back draft, and pop! The wood in the wood box flames up and there has to be the perfect mix of smoke and air. The AQ is so well built it doesn't phase it! It was cool to watch.Glad your short ribs turned out well!
So good to hear that my disconcerting experience is not unique! You're right, the AQ is a tank!
Doesn't happen often, only to the lucky I guess. There has been a few discussions here on it. Doesn't always pop, I have seen it happen with no sound. The smoke pulled back in and the temp spikes from the wood flaming up.
I use mine all winter long. I have never preheated before smoking. I have had excellent results. The AQ is so well insulated I can use it below zero. I don't open the door early. Keep good records and know when it should be done. Amerique has proven to be great smoker. It just takes a little experience and good records.