A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker - Product Review

About a month ago, after long and sober consideration (I wasn't doing any drinking and took about a week to take the plunge) I purchased an A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker.  At $40 this is definitely an entry level pellet smoker.  The A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker is essentially a perforated stainless steel tray with a rat's maze.  Load the tray with pellets and light one or both ends of the smoker.  Allow the smoker to burn with a visible flame for ten minutes, blow out the flames and VOILA you're smoking. 

Now this device isn't the equal of a dedicated pellet BBQ but if you're an occasional smoker then this handy little tray is hands down one of the best values for the money on the market.  The product also offers a versatility that I greatly appreciate over the vertical propane fired smoker I bought previously.  I use the tray in my gas BBQ, for cold smoking, I just light the tray.  For a pulled pork I use one burner to achieve the desired smoking temperature with the A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker set to one side of the BBQ to produce the smoke.  The combination does a wonderful job.  A fully loaded tray lit from one end produces smoke for about 8 hours and for twice the smoke and half the time light both ends.

The downside is that you're pretty much wedded to buying pellets.  I have used some finely chipped wood successfully but the more coarsely chipped wood was a nonstarter (<-- bad pun but true nonetheless).

If you're a serious smoker then build a smokehouse or buy a pellet BBQ/smoker.  If your intent is to dabble in smoking occasionally or to try cold smoking cheese then the A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker is worth your consideration.