I have a Christmas catalog from Cabelas and they offer the MES 30 for only $140 (reg $230)... The picture is the Gen 1 version (controls on top in the back).... I believe it's on the website as well.... Pretty good deal If your looking for one....
I just purchased one through one of their competitor's stores because they have a price match policy. The nice thing was that it was cash and carry, no shipping or additional charges! Looking forward to using it. I've been smoking on a Brinkman Electric for years (on my second one now) so the MES will be a luxury for me.I have a Christmas catalog from Cabelas and they offer the MES 30 for only $140 (reg $230)... The picture is the Gen 1 version (controls on top in the back).... I believe it's on the website as well.... Pretty good deal If your looking for one....
The heating element can be replaced by itself. In fact, an instruction manual is available online in PDF format and is most likely shipped with the replacement by Customer Service. You can also watch a how-to video on You Tube. I've had my MES 30 Gen 1 for over two years with no need to replace anything but that's purely my own experience. I love this smoker.Newbie here, anxious to get my first smoker. Lookin at the MES, will probably dive in with a 30" just to get started. Saw the posting about the Cabela's gen 1 MES and had a question/concern: is this the model that you have to replace the entire body to replace the heating element, or do you just replace the heating element? Thank you for your constructive replies.
Da nada, toejam. Just checked that pdf doc again and the instructions apply to my model, and models 20070710 and 20070810 which I also assume are Gen 1 30" models. Honestly, I probably haven't used my smoker nearly as often as many other guys which either could be why the heating element is fine or I happen to have a well-made smoker, I have no idea.daRicksta: Thank you for the update. I appreciate your input and valuable experience with your MES. I did browse the over 1000 reviews on Amazon for the MES and a common issue is that some heating elements don't last as long as yours has, and, some MES models require you to replace the smoker body with the heating element. Masterbuilt has since fixed this issue, with the newer units having an easier element replacement strategy. Being new to MES, I'm not sure of which gen had this original heating element issue, thus, my original inquiry.
Once again, mucho gracias for you insights.
First, as I wrote, all current MES models have the redesigned element and I haven't seen any retailer selling the older version. It's for this reason I would stay away from places like Ebay.Yeah, and you don't know how many competitors are putting in bad reviews as well. The overall trend for the MES reviews are definitely positive, which is a good think for MES purchasers. Just need to make sure you're not buying one of the known duds or units that require you to replace the entire body to replace the heating element. As you've indicated, the Masterbuilt has addressed this issue with their newer models, you just need to verify that the model you're purchasing is not an older model stuck in someone's inventory.
I was actually about to order one of the Cookshack smokers, they have tremendously good reviews, as well as a PREMIUM price for the unit. After sleeping on it, I realized I can buy 6 MES's for one Cookshack smoker, kicked myself in the head and went ahead and ordered a MES 30" (should be here tomorrow). If it works out nice, I may revisit the Cookshack for my next smoker, we'll see how a year of smoking does with the MES 30".
I'm curious how your AMNPS is working for you? I browsed the mailbox mod comments and see it as something that has mixed results. Some folks can get it working without problems. Others have issues keeping the AMNPS lit through an entire smoke cycle. After all the reading, I came away with the impression that it might be a good idea, once all the kinks are worked out. Like you indicated, I'm wanting to get in the set-it-and-forget-it mode, otherwise I'd be looking at a gas or wood smoker. If I have to keep monitoring the AMNPS tray then it isn't really addressing my needs. Also, $35 for a tray seems high, no matter how good it is.
Ask away; I still ask questions which is one of the ways I learn. I've noticed that we've got a lot of mechanics and electricians in the group who love to customize their MES whether it's installing an Auber controller or their own mailbox mod invention. Maybe some smokers need mods to increase airflow but to me it's all about the competition: who can come up with the best original mod. I've read there are airflow problems with the Gen 2's but on Amazon with 1,908 reviews it's rated an average 4.2 out of 5 points. How many complaints do we have about it in these forums--20? 30? This is why I don't join others in talking crap about them because I only have personal experience with the MES 30 Gen 1--and you now know how much I love mine.Just curious why others go through putting in the mods if the AMNPS is supposed to work flawlessly with the MES?
I still don't have my MES (coming tomorrow), so, don't know what I don't know at this time. I'm reluctant to go the mailbox route due to all the aluminum inserted in your cooking path (mailbox+flex+elbows) and the (un)healthy affects of aluminum. I saw where some folks recommended putting bricks in the bottom of the MES to retain heat, don't know how much room there is available for bricks. Will get a better idea when my unit arrives (did I mention that it's coming tomorrow?).
The $35 may be justifiable, it just seems steep for a cooking tray. Also, where do you get your pellets from? Are they as economical as wood chips? Can you burn wood chips in the AMNPS instead of pelletts? What is it about the MES design that the integrated wood burner is insufficient and you need an additional $35 burning tray?
I'm full of questions at this time, but, that's because I'm a newbie. I'll know more when my unit gets here (tomorrow).
Welcome to the club, Toejam. You're a real smoker now. I've got the Maverick ET-733. Just follow the written instructions and you'll be fine. You can either choose to set up target smoker and meat temps or just let the probes do their thing and report what those temps are in real time. Now, picture yourself sitting in your favorite chair watching TV in your warm home while monitoring the smoker in the cold outside. THAT'S why I love the Maverick.Guess what just arrived at my door: MES 30" + Maverick thermometer + Apple wood chips.
Time to start seasoning the big boy.