Just ordered a new MES 30

glocksrock · Nov 2, 2011

Placed my order for a digital mes 30 and was wondering what mods I should do. I took full advantage of the masterbuilt xl mods thread in the propane section, but didn't see anything like that in the electric smoker section. There are soo many posts to sift though, I don't have time to go through them all. I heard that this unit has a hot spot, and some use a tile to fix that, so if someone could find posts that show that, or just provide pics of what they did in their unit, that would be great. I've also seen some pics where some type of smokestack was made, so if there are any threads detailing how those are done, and what is used to attach it to the smoker, that would also be much appreciated.

bigfish98 · Nov 2, 2011

Check out some of Bearcarver's posts. I think on my oost on questions on the mes 40 he had some pics of what he did to prevent the hot spot on the burner side. What he used was a piece of sheet aluminum wrapped in alum foil installed at an angle just above the element. Sorry, but I am using my phone and can't search for the exact post very easily.

Bigfish

bmudd14474 · Nov 2, 2011

The biggest extra you can get are a smoke generator such as the AMNPS and a Wireless Thermometer.

glocksrock · Nov 2, 2011

I already have a wireless thermometer, but I'm gonna hold off on the AMNPS for a while in hopes that I can just use wood chips, especially since I have some wood chips already. I'm not new to smoking as I have been using my masterbuilt xl propane smoker quite a bit since I got it, but I want something that is electric, and insulated which will be better for smoking when it's colder outside.

bmudd14474 · Nov 2, 2011

you can use the chips in there just will be replacing the chips ever 30- 60 minutes.

so ms smoker · Nov 2, 2011

For cold smoking, get the AMNPS! You will be 'amazed.'

Mike

jsdspif · Nov 2, 2011

I don't know if the newer models still have the problem with the terminals that slide onto the terminals of the heating element disintegrating after about 3 months or so . That was a common problem with them that still seems to come up from time to time . I think if I bought a new one , the first thing I would do is at least replace the terminals on the wires with high temp appliance terminals and maybe even replace the wires with high temp appliance wire . I did just the terminals on mine about 3 or 4 years ago and it's worked fine ever since and I use mine about twice a week . Sometimes it's a couple hours at 275 , sometimes ( doing whole turkey ) might be 5 or 6 hours at 275 , whole briskets at 235 for 12 hours , pretty wide variety of temps and times . They are just so much nicer to work on if they are totally clean , and the best time for that is when they are new . Of course if the new models aren't having that problem I guess I would skip it .

teeznuts · Nov 3, 2011

Todd Johnson gave me the idea of using a 3' elbow for a smoke stack. Fits right over the top vent and sits in tightly.

SmokinAl · Nov 3, 2011

teeznuts said:
Todd Johnson gave me the idea of using a 3' elbow for a smoke stack. Fits right over the top vent and sits in tightly.

I use an empty bean can, but that looks a lot cooler!

mballi3011 · Nov 3, 2011

Congrats on the new smoker.

glocksrock · Nov 3, 2011

This is exactly the type of thing I'm looking for. I've seen those elbows at Lowes, so I'll have to look into getting one, but you say it just fits right in and there is no need to use any adhesive to make it stay put? Should the damper be removed first, or just leave it in place? Also, what is the advantage to doing this mod?

teeznuts said:
Todd Johnson gave me the idea of using a 3' elbow for a smoke stack. Fits right over the top vent and sits in tightly.

teeznuts · Nov 3, 2011

Leave damper in place. The slightly skinnier end of the elbow goes over the damper and is actually held tightly in place by the little "handle" on the damper.

bigfish98 · Nov 3, 2011

That mod looks cool but what purpose does it serve?

Bigfish

glocksrock · Nov 3, 2011

Thanks, I just picked up an elbow from Lowes this evening, and they happen to have the same smoker in the store this time, so I was able to see how it all works. I should have the smoker tomorrow and will get it put together and seasoned right away!

teeznuts said:
Leave damper in place. The slightly skinnier end of the elbow goes over the damper and is actually held tightly in place by the little "handle" on the damper.

raymo76 · Nov 3, 2011

Sweet man congrats on the new smoker, can't wait to see the Q coming off it.

daveomak · Nov 4, 2011

I have a tile in the bottom right rear corner and I cobbled an aluminum roasting pan in an attempt to redirect the heat flow thru the center of the top of the smoker... seems to work...

not perfect but better than nothing.... between the hole in the center and the roof of the smoker I tried to leave about 1" air gap for heat/smoke to travel to the existing vent hole....

glocksrock · Nov 4, 2011

Anyone have pics of the tile in place so I can see how big of one I should use and how it's placed?

Should I spray the inside of it with Pam for the initial seasoning process, or is that not neccessary? I did it with my Masterbuilt XL propane smoker, but not sure if it makes a difference or not.

daveomak · Nov 4, 2011

I had a 12 x 12 tile I broke a corner off of ..... I still use the drip pan w/foil to catch drips and I think it also helps with even heat distribution...

Dave

Just ordered a new MES 30

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