If the 650 watts is not a typo, perhaps
Masterbuilt is thinking that a lower watt element would result in better smoke generating performance. Since a lower watt element would be on for longer stretches of time (without cycling off so much) the chips would be exposed to heat for longer periods of time too. While it does not strike me as a good idea, it is just a thought as to why it changed.
That's the only conclusion I could come up with, as well.
Larger heating element = less cycling, less heat on the wood chips, but faster recovery.
Smaller heating element = more cycling, more heat on the wood chips, but slower recovery.
Unless there's some new technology in there that we don't know about, I can't see a way to have the best of both worlds. On the other hand, I'm not an engineer, either!
Looking at the ad i don't see a top vent on the smoker either....i would love to see one of these smokers up close.
That's another thing that stood out when looking at the pic. It might be on the left side wall, not top, which would theoretically help to eliminate the hot spot that the MES units have on the right side, due to the fact that the chip tray and the top vent are both on the same side.
unless there have been some changes made that are not posted. I guess i am on my last MES. I have the MES 40 w/ the 850 element and the recovery time is awful . i cant see how dropping to a 650 watt can be any good at all. sounds to me like they are pulling at straws trying to solve problems and are going to end up making more problems. The 850 watt has a very hard time getting over 250 degrees cooking temp. So i can't see how a 650 will be any better.
If there is no top exhaust vent then that is another strike against the unit. The MES puts out a lot of steam and it needs to have somewhere to escape.
This will also affect the use of the AMNS and
AMNPS as you will have trouble getting enough air to keep them lit.
like i said , If what is shown and posted is all there is , MES may have screwed the pooch on this one.
I can't see the unit not having a vent of some sort. By the way, I agree about the steam. When doing jerky (no water pan), I still have to periodically open the door and wipe it down with a rag, just to help drop the interior's humidity and that's WITH a wide-open vent!
I just checked the MES website and don't see the model above.
It's not on there. I've looked everywhere on the internet and this is the only pic I've run across, so far.
I am with you Big...I don't know why guys are even complaining about trying to get their MES up to 275F. or beyond..it IS a smoker afterall..and that's what it was designed to do..NOT to cook or bbq.....the smoking range on all thermometers is 225-250..above that you are barbecueing.
So it it can hit 225-250F...then whats the problem?
Now that you mention it...
now comes the question.....do i purchase the current one at sams with the 1200 watt element or wait for this one and hope its still $299?.......
In my opinion, I don't think the price will increase. If it does, it probably won't be by much. The real question is this; Will the new model outperform the current model? If it does, then the new model is the way to go. The only way we're going to get that answer, however, is to wait until the new model hits the consumer's backyards and gets put to the test. Once the reviews are out, you'll know whether to search for the 1200 watt model or just walk into Sam's and buy the new 650 watt model.
