Looking to buy a MES...

coyote flatz

Newbie

Original poster

Oct 14, 2012

29

10

North Olympic Peninsula, Washington

• Nov 16, 2012

• #1

Hi all, this is my first post other that "Roll Call".

Been using a Louisiana Pellet Grill for a few years, I really like it, but it take a lot of babysitting and has some problems with temp. swings depending on the weather conditions. 

When we get back form vacation the middle of December I'm going to get an electric smoker.  My big question is do I get the 30 or the 40" model.  When we have a large family get together I would like to do up to 4 five pound Boston Butts at a time and maybe throw a few other things in during the smoke.  On the other hand is the 40" over kill when it comes to cooking for just my wife and I?

I know I'll have more questions after getting one but this is it for now.

Thanks for any input,

Don

 

smokinhusker

Legendary Pitmaster

Oct 20, 2010

8,179

77

Mountains west of Colorado Springs, CO

• Nov 16, 2012

• #2

Hey Don,

Welcome! I opted for the 40" even though there's just the BF and I here. It might seem like overkill but you won't be sorry with the extra space for those times when you have a houseful!!! I also make sausage, jerky etc and the extra space is really great for this.

 

whistlepig

Smoking Fanatic

Dec 23, 2011

669

265

Preble County, OH

• Nov 16, 2012

• #3

We have a 30" MES. For my wife and I it's the perfect size. I would consider it OK to smoke for four people but a bit small for a crowd larger than that. 

 

jarjarchef

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Sep 30, 2010

3,155

117

Central Florida

• Nov 16, 2012

• #4

I would go for the 40. It is 5" wider and another 10" higher ( hence the 40 part). We have a 30 at work and find it to be tight with things like ribs and pork bellies...... The only way I would see a turkey fitting in it is if it was a small one, I would see the extra 5" of width would help with it.....

 

whistlepig

Smoking Fanatic

Dec 23, 2011

669

265

Preble County, OH

• Nov 16, 2012

• #5

Maybe it's just my particular MES 30 but my best smokes come with the meat in the center rack of the smoker. Going lower gets the meat closer to the burner. Better for me to lay the meat out side by side rather than up and down.  

 

garyinmd

Smoking Fanatic

SMF Premier Member

Jan 27, 2011

314

19

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

• Nov 16, 2012

• #6

I agree that you should get the 40 if you can.  I have been using the MES30 for a number of years and just ordered the new model MES40 online from sam's a few minutes ago.  I also do a lot of jerky and sticks and the room in the MES30 is limited.

Gary

 

coyote flatz

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Oct 14, 2012

29

10

North Olympic Peninsula, Washington

• Nov 17, 2012

• #7

Thanks for all the feed-back, I'm trending toward the 40 and with some doing jerky in a MES...I'm sold!

Thanks again,

Don

 

rodbuilder

Meat Mopper

SMF Premier Member

May 31, 2007

155

10

Oregon

• Nov 17, 2012

• #8

I own both the 30" and the 40". Like most have said go for the 40". You will be glad you did with the extra room for briskets and full racks of ribs.