Looking for a good smoker

justin pittman

Newbie

Original poster

Nov 29, 2012

7

10

North Richland Hills, TX

• Nov 29, 2012

• #1

So I've been poking around on this forum for awhile before actually creating my account. I'm pretty sure I know what I want but I just want some opinions before actually making the purchase.

I've been looking at the MES 30in Digital Electric Smoker 

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...eyword=masterbuilt&storeId=10051#.ULfFvqzAcQs

I decided on this one because I want the digital but don't want to spend the money to have a window on the front. I've also seen these Masterbuilt "CookMaster" smokers, they look a little rinky dink so I'm not so sure about them.

http://www.masterbuilt.com/index.php/products/smokers/cookmaster-electric-smoker.html

Does anyone have any experience with the CookMaster smokers? I want a 30 or 40in but I'm trying to keep it under $250. I'm having a pretty hard time finding the 30in digital in stock anywhere. It's out of stock on the Masterbuilt site and Home Depot.

Also, Has anyone seen the gen 2 smokers? Pretty cool!

 

daveomak

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

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★ Lifetime Premier ★

Nov 12, 2010

27,123

4,979

Omak,Washington,U.S.A.

• Nov 30, 2012

• #2

Justin, morning and welcome to the forum.....   I'd wait a week or 2 before buying the MES.... Maybe even after the first of the year....  I just looked and the prices are REALLY HIGH....  they will come down at least $100....   MES 30 were going for as low as $129 a few weeks ago... Just so you know how low they have been.....   That was the old generation I do believe....  that is what I have....  Many mods to it but it sure works well for me....    Dave

 

chef jimmyj

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

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SMF Premier Member

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May 12, 2011

22,172

7,150

• Nov 30, 2012

• #3

The first smoker you listed is an old design that had some issues. Here is a link for a newer model that is similar with the updated electronics and have a easy access rear panel for any repairs down the road. Keep and eye on Cabela's as last year they took off $100 on most of their smoker 1st or 2nd week of Dec...JJ

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mast...ctric+smoker&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

 

justin pittman

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Nov 29, 2012

7

10

North Richland Hills, TX

• Nov 30, 2012

• #4

After looking around on the forum more I found how to tell the year from the model number so yea that one is an '06 I think, yikes! After talking to the wifey, I think my budget got bigger, what do you think of the gen 2 MES40 w/window @ Sam's Club for $299?

 

mossymo

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

May 30, 2007

4,989

1,799

Glenburn, North Dakota

• Nov 30, 2012

• #5

Justin Pittman said:

After looking around on the forum more I found how to tell the year from the model number so yea that one is an '06 I think, yikes! After talking to the wifey, I think my budget got bigger, what do you think of the gen 2 MES40 w/window @ Sam's Club for $299?

Click to expand...

If you get a Masterbuilt from SAM's Club I highly suggest getting the extended warranty.through SAM's Club is a rock solid warranty, I don't purchase anything from SAM's Club that is electrical just about without purchasing the extended warranty.

 

justin pittman

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Nov 29, 2012

7

10

North Richland Hills, TX

• Nov 30, 2012

• #6

That is another huge benefit and another big reason I want the MES40 from there. I've read some horror stories of electric panels and bad burners right after the warranty goes out so I will get the extended for sure.

 

deltadude

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Jun 3, 2008

1,529

37

Sacramento Area

• Dec 1, 2012

• #7

Justin, you can't go wrong with an MES 40, the additional capacity will allow you to not only increase the quantity of whatever you are smoking, and feed a lot more people, you will find it just plain makes it easier to smoke things without cutting or working extra trying to fit stuff in.  Most guys want a bigger TV, bigger boat, same is true with MES, I have never heard an MES 40 owner saying he wanted to change to an MES 30, lots of MES 30 owners have moved up to the MES 40.

 

bama bbq

Master of the Pit

Sep 24, 2011

2,352

72

Rocket City (Huntsville) AL

• Dec 1, 2012

• #8

deltadude said:

Justin, you can't go wrong with an MES 40, the additional capacity will allow you to not only increase the quantity of whatever you are smoking, and feed a lot more people, you will find it just plain makes it easier to smoke things without cutting or working extra trying to fit stuff in.  Most guys want a bigger TV, bigger boat, same is true with MES, I have never heard an MES 40 owner saying he wanted to change to an MES 30, lots of MES 30 owners have moved up to the MES 40.

Click to expand...

Ditto.  That's whay I always recommend the 22" WSM when guys are asking about what to chose - the 18" or 22".