Newbie needs advice on purchasing a new Electric Smoker

moxiesmoke

Newbie

Original poster

Oct 6, 2011

5

12

NJ

• Apr 24, 2013

• #1

I'm ready to get a new Electric Smoker.  I have NEVER smoked before.  I am completely NEW.  I have only enjoyed smoked meats and now i know I want to do this at home.

The Masterbuilt Electric Smoker brand has come across my radar in the last two years but it appears  that there are several [ models ]and [ generations] that confuse the field for this NEWBIE buyer.

- Which model

- Which generation

- Which options/features are important to consider

- Which price range should I be looking at?  

- Where should I be buying one at (qvc, ebay, lowes, sams club, home depot, etc).

Thanks.

 

michief

Smoke Blower

Jan 29, 2013

119

14

Austin. Tx

• Apr 24, 2013

• #2

 I really enjoy my Bradley Digital 6 rack but I found it very difficult to use out of the box. I added a second heating element and a PID, both very easy to do, and now use it 3-5 times a week. Others with more experience will step in soon with better advice :)

 

geerock

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Oct 25, 2010

1,367

77

central ct

• Apr 24, 2013

• #3

I used to love my older model masterbuilt. The new generation 2 not so much due to controller, flow, and uneven temp issues. Can't recommend anymore. If you can find the older model units it will probably serve you well. Have you looked at the Smokin It electrics? Solidly built unit for about the same money. Lots of happy folks own them on this forum.

 

seenred

Epic Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Feb 9, 2009

10,015

1,775

N.E. Oklahoma

• Apr 24, 2013

• #4

geerock said:

I used to love my older model masterbuilt. The new generation 2 not so much due to controller, flow, and uneven temp issues. Can't recommend anymore. If you can find the older model units it will probably serve you well. Have you looked at the Smokin It electrics? Solidly built unit for about the same money. Lots of happy folks own them on this forum.

Click to expand...

  X2

I own a first gen MES40 too, and highly recommend it.  I know the 2nd gen rigs have had some quality issues, but it is my understanding you can still find new 1st gen MES if you look.

Red

 

youneek

Newbie

Feb 28, 2013

3

10

• Apr 25, 2013

• #5

Take a look at the Cajun Injector smokers.  I got my all SS model through Overstock.com and love it.  It's very similar to the Masterbuilt without the flaws and has some nice additional features like the rib rack and sausage hook rack and the jerky trays.  It even has a IT probe that is pretty accurate.

 

chef willie

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Dec 31, 2010

3,201

376

Willamette Valley, Oregon

• Apr 25, 2013

• #6

I highly recommend the Smokin' It line of electric smokers. There are 3 models #1 being the smallest & # 3 the largest. Cost effective for the novice with set-it and forget-it ease of operation. No mods needed, produces great que and cheap on wood use. Type in Smokin It in the handy search bar for threads on these. Very, very few complaints have surfaced on these and only a few bucks more than the high end MES model. Built like tanks.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/97559/smokin-it-smoker