Need help deciding on a new MES 30"

ljb jr · Apr 6, 2016

First I'd like to say hello to everyone and say thank you for the opportunity to learn from you all and this awesome forum.

Could you help me make a decision on purchasing a new 30" MES?

I'd like to stick to a budget of around $225. My main concern is getting a inferior (generation 2) unit that has been discussed many times on this fine forum. As you are all aware, there are so many 30" MES model numbers and vendors it can very confusing to a inexperienced Masterbuilt consumer.

I've found two models that I'd like to get feedback on, if you'd be so kind.

1) Home Depot $177 + tax

Model # 20070910

Solid Black door

rectangular controller on top rear

large oval water pan

Vent is located at top right

I'm uncertain if the heating element and the surrounding box has some of the problems that have been reported concerning chips not smoking properly. Also, I believe the vent location (top right) may cause some issues with causing uneven heating.

2) Lowes $224 +tax

Model #: 20077915 (JMSS series)

SS front door with glass

Controller built into top front

Small water pan with slanted drip tray- Is it possible to correct this issue by removing the slanted drip tray and have Masterbuilt send me a full size water pan?

Vent located at top left

RF remote control

Meat probe

Grease trap located at the front rather than the rear like some of the older models.

I'm uncertain if this would be considered a generation 2 or 2.5.

Any help would be greatly appreciated on what model would be a better choice for me. I'd rather not spend the money on a new unit and need to make mods. This is the reason I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new unit. If the two models listed above are not good choices please feel free to make any recommendations.

Thanks in advance,

LB

cobrasjp · Apr 6, 2016

I just bought a 30" MES direct from Masterbuilt. Paid $162 plus $28 shipping. It's version 2.5 but came with an RF remote instead of Bluetooth, which I think is better. It is all black, has glass in door, and stainless intererior. Even came with the leg kit and a cover.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

ljb jr · Apr 6, 2016

That's good info, thank you very much Cobra! I'll go to the Masterbuilt website to check it out.

LB

cobrasjp · Apr 6, 2016

I didn't find it on the website. I called Masterbuilt to ask about their different models and what the difference was. The customer service rep told me they have a special deal because they had a lot of units in their warehouse that they produced for a special promotion that didn't work out. That's how I found out about it. The model number for my black unit is 20076916, which means it was manufactured in 2016. So it has all the latest updates.

chef jimmyj · Apr 6, 2016

If the unit Cobra listed is not available, consider Model # 20070411. It is all Stainless Steel, inside and out, with the RF controller. It has the large Oval pan, grease catch in the back and has the stack on the right. It is the up grade design from the 0910 and along with the 0311 40 inch, was the most sought after Gen1 prior to the BT model. I have two 0311 40's and the right stack has not been an issue. I have had them loaded many times and did not find meat on the right side cooking faster than the left...JJ

cobrasjp · Apr 7, 2016

I bought mine on in late February, Called back several weeks later to order two more for my brothers-in-law. At that time, Tiffany Cochran at Masterbuilt said they had very many of them in their warehouse, so there should still be some available. She also sent me pictures with the model numbers as shown below.

20076716%20Red.png

cobrasjp
Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076716

20076916%20Black.png

cobrasjp
Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076916

20076816%20Blue.png

cobrasjp
Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076816

20077116%20Green.png

cobrasjp
Apr 7, 2016

Model 20077116

Bearcarver · Apr 7, 2016

CobraSJP said:
I bought mine on in late February, Called back several weeks later to order two more for my brothers-in-law. At that time, Tiffany Cochran at Masterbuilt said they had very many of them in their warehouse, so there should still be some available. She also sent me pictures with the model numbers as shown below.

20076716%20Red.png

cobrasjp

Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076716

20076916%20Black.png

cobrasjp

Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076916

20076816%20Blue.png

cobrasjp

Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076816

20077116%20Green.png

cobrasjp

Apr 7, 2016

Model 20077116

If it has to be an MES 30:

If you can get any one of these that Cobra posted for the money you want to spend, I would get that.

It's got the full water pan, instead of the useless slanted drip plate.

The top vent is on the top on the left.

And it has an RF remote, instead of the Bluetooth.

Also has a window in the door, which I would never do without again.

Here's more:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/235820/masterbuilt-smokers-bear-s-thoughts-findings

Bear

ljb jr · Apr 7, 2016

First off let me start by saying thank you very much to Cobra, Chef Jimmy and Bear! You guys are awesome. I've been looking at these smokers for a few weeks trying to decide on a model. You were able to make a suggestion in just a few hours after my posting.

I just got off of the phone with a very helpful young lady at Masterbuilt (Heidi) who took my order for the 30" MES model 20076916. $168 plus tax (I'm in GA) and shipping, for a total of $203.74. It should arrive in a few days by FedEx.

I'll update you guys after receiving it and let you know how it goes.

I can't thank you enough,

LB

Bearcarver · Apr 7, 2016

That's Great, LB !!

You'll love it !!

Georgia?? Masterbuit's right down the road from you.

Bear

dr k · Apr 7, 2016

CobraSJP said:
I bought mine on in late February, Called back several weeks later to order two more for my brothers-in-law. At that time, Tiffany Cochran at Masterbuilt said they had very many of them in their warehouse, so there should still be some available. She also sent me pictures with the model numbers as shown below.

20076716%20Red.png

cobrasjp

Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076716

20076916%20Black.png

cobrasjp

Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076916

20076816%20Blue.png

cobrasjp

Apr 7, 2016

Model 20076816

20077116%20Green.png

cobrasjp

Apr 7, 2016

Model 20077116

QVC had these 30" 2.5 interior with RF controller and color door with window last year at $275.00 with $43.00 S/H. This is a great deal through Masterbuilt if you don't want the 40". I prefer the rf controller over the buggy BT. Tiffany Cochran at Masterbuilt did a great job with my case last June and sent me a free leg extension kit for my troubles.
-Kurt

ljb jr · Apr 7, 2016

Yes sir, they sure are. I should receive it fairly quickly since we're so close.

Thanks to you for all of the great advise you've offered on this forum and for the many recipes.

LB

ljb jr · Apr 7, 2016

Yes sir, it sure is a great deal.

They are the same model as QVC was selling. Maybe they overproduced, or it didn't sell as well as they anticipated and now they're selling them at a very reduced rate. At any rate, I'm thankful for the advise I received from yourself, as well as others at SMF.

LB

nsbjkb · Apr 7, 2016

Just ordered a red one - total shipped to FL $185.00. I bought one on sale from Lowes and just put it together - it has the slanted tray and small water pan. Came to the forum to look for recipies and stumbled onto this thread. Looks like I'll be returning mine to Lowes tomorrow! Good thing I saw this before the seasoning and 1st use. Maybe they can use it as a floor model. Thanks!!

perfectsmokebbq · Apr 7, 2016

I had the same model 30 in all black front display panel. Used it for several years without a problem one. Just My 2 cents ! Lol

Bearcarver · Apr 7, 2016

Perfectsmokebbq said:
I had the same model 30 in all black front display panel. Used it for several years without a problem one. Just My 2 cents ! Lol

Are you sure yours is a Gen #2.5? Might be a Gen #2.

Gen #2.5 haven't been out for Several years.

Bear

Bearcarver · Apr 7, 2016

nsbjkb said:
Just ordered a red one - total shipped to FL $185.00. I bought one on sale from Lowes and just put it together - it has the slanted tray and small water pan. Came to the forum to look for recipies and stumbled onto this thread. Looks like I'll be returning mine to Lowes tomorrow! Good thing I saw this before the seasoning and 1st use. Maybe they can use it as a floor model. Thanks!!

Yup---You're better off taking it back, and getting the Gen #2.5.

Bear

ljb jr · Apr 7, 2016

Dr K said:
QVC had these 30" 2.5 interior with RF controller and color door with window last year at $275.00 with $43.00 S/H. This is a great deal through Masterbuilt if you don't want the 40". I prefer the rf controller over the buggy BT. Tiffany Cochran at Masterbuilt did a great job with my case last June and sent me a free leg extension kit for my troubles.
-Kurt

nsbjkb said:
Just ordered a red one - total shipped to FL $185.00. I bought one on sale from Lowes and just put it together - it has the slanted tray and small water pan. Came to the forum to look for recipies and stumbled onto this thread. Looks like I'll be returning mine to Lowes tomorrow! Good thing I saw this before the seasoning and 1st use. Maybe they can use it as a floor model. Thanks!!

Bearcarver said:
Yup---You're better off taking it back, and getting the Gen #2.5.

Bear

I agree, save some cash. In my opinion it's a nicer model. Glad this thread has already helped two of us now!

joel11230 · Apr 7, 2016

Why is the RF better than the Bluetooth?

dr k · Apr 7, 2016

joel11230 said:
Why is the RF better than the Bluetooth?

I googled it and the best I got is that both are rf and BT is 2.4 Ghz low energy since the phone battery operates the phone computer etc. The dedicated rf transmitter/receiver has longer range. Some get a football field range of sight with a dedicated rf remote. I heard 30 ft. Is max with BT.
-Kurt

cobrasjp · Apr 8, 2016

RF has a dedicated remote. BT requires a BT-capable devise (like a smartphone) and the MB app. I think the dedicated remote has better range and better controls than the MB app.

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