This is a new problem (MES)

jlcnuke

Fire Starter

Original poster

Dec 26, 2013

51

11

Acworth, Georgia

• Feb 1, 2015

• #1

So, first I bought a 30" MES.  Right out of the gate temp was reading way off.. no big deal, call MB and they sent me a new controller and heating element.  That worked absolutely fine.  However, the 30" was a bit small for me once I got into smoking so when my folks retired and moved out this way, I took it over there so I could smoke when I was there...err so they could use it....

I replaced it with a 40" MES (1st Gen, controls on top back).  Since I already new temps could be an issue, I tested in first.  It read within 5 degrees of actual temp (measured with my calibrated Maverick.  Fast forward a couple months, and now my smoker is telling me it's at 275 when the actual smoker temp is barely reaching 200....

Obviously I'll be calling MB again tomorrow, but has anyone experienced this before and if so what was the solution? 

 

themule69

Epic Pitmaster

Oct 7, 2012

12,884

350

live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and

• Feb 1, 2015

• #2

Check to see if the sensor is dirty.

Happy smoken.

David

 

wnc goater

Fire Starter

Jan 25, 2015

38

10

Western NC

• Feb 1, 2015

• #3

I believe I may be having the same issue.  Where is the sensor located and how does one clean it?

 

jted

Smoking Fanatic

Jul 28, 2013

685

90

Dinwiddie Virginia That's south of Richmond.

• Feb 1, 2015

• #4

WNC Goater said:

 
I believe I may be having the same issue.  Where is the sensor located and how does one clean it?

Click to expand...

Look at the back wall between the 2nd and 3rd racks It looks like a toggle switch. The small flat one is your thermal overload. It is on the left the probe is on the right  I use a  vinegar and water mixture on a paper towel.    Jted

 

Last edited: Feb 1, 2015

themule69

Epic Pitmaster

Oct 7, 2012

12,884

350

live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and

• Feb 2, 2015

• #5

Did you have any luck?

Happy smoken.

David

 

jlcnuke

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Dec 26, 2013

51

11

Acworth, Georgia

• Feb 2, 2015

• #6

Cleaned it and it went up to only be 50F under indicated temp... better, still not good.  I never cleaned it on my 30" and didn't have this problem though..

 

themule69

Epic Pitmaster

Oct 7, 2012

12,884

350

live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and

• Feb 2, 2015

• #7

jlcnuke said:

 
Cleaned it and it went up to only be 50F under indicated temp... better, still not good.  I never cleaned it on my 30" and didn't have this problem though..

Click to expand...

It is one of those things that just happens. What is the max temp you can get?

Happy smoken.

David

 

jlcnuke

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Dec 26, 2013

51

11

Acworth, Georgia

• Feb 2, 2015

• #8

I'm maxing out about 220 right now, but had to clean it in the middle of a smoke to get back to that.  Since I do turkey, chicken wings, etc at 275, that's not gonna work.

 

BandCollector

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Feb 4, 2009

2,791

1,694

Mt. Lebanon, PA (South Hills of Pittsburgh)

• Feb 2, 2015

• #9

Masterbuilt Electric Smokers both in 30" and 40" models are notorious for false readings regarding temperature settings.  Your best bet is to use a calibrated alternate probe thermometer (there are several good ones on the market) and raise or lower the digital setting according to the probe.  I like to drop mine into the smoker via the top vent.   Also, as stated by the mule69 keep those sensors as clean as possible.

Really solves the problem and does not make you crazy trying to guess what the temp is or should be.

Happy Smoking,  John

 

Last edited: Feb 2, 2015

wnc goater

Fire Starter

Jan 25, 2015

38

10

Western NC

• Feb 5, 2015

• #10

themule69 said:

 
Did you have any luck?

Happy smoken.

David

Click to expand...

Okay, my sensor was clean, I only have about 3-4 smokes in the unit (MES 30)  I believe I determined my problem.  If ^this^ is directed to me, http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/177376/something-i-learned-about-my-mes-30

 

Bearcarver

Gone but not forgotten RIP

OTBS Member

Group Lead

Sep 12, 2009

45,279

18,182

Macungie, PA

• Feb 5, 2015

• #11

I've posted this numerous times:

Do not crowd any of the grill racks in the MES or other smokers.

If you cover a rack with foil, foil pans, meat, or anything else that will stop the flow of heat, you will have problems.

One of them could be that if you block a rack above the heat sensor, the food above that rack will not get hot, but the area below that rack will reach your set point, and shut the element down.

If you block a rack below the sensor, the sensor will keep calling for heat, and the area below the blocked rack will keep getting hotter & hotter, and could cause an unsafe situation!!!

The only thing I cover with foil is the floor (or drip pan if you're using it), my deflector plate, and my empty water pan.

Bear