Used MES questions... Help a newbie!

dailysmoker · May 20, 2014

Nice forum you guys have here!

I've been lurking for a few weeks, mainly to research which smoker I should get started with. Which leads to the reason for my first post.

From what I've read, a MES 30 would be a decent smoker for a rookie, set and forget ya know... I want to stay cheap (under $100) so I have been checking Craigslist the last few days. I have posted pics of the smoker I plan to buy on Saturday, and was hoping you guru's could answer a few questions.

*Guy says it's 2.5 years old and in good condition. He's
including the cold smoker, wood chips, and dolly it sits on btw...

- Is the heating element replaceable on this smoker?

- What kind of life should I expect out of it? Anyone get 5 years or more out of their MES???

- Is this a gen 1 or 2?

- Anything I should pay specific attention to when I go look at his smoker? Parts that are known to fail???

- Comments or reasons I should avoid this specific smoker?

Thanks in advance ya'll!

00g0g_2ryO3LifaAu_600x450.jpg

dailysmoker
May 20, 2014

00B0B_3aji301ucMA_600x450.jpg

dailysmoker
May 20, 2014

00Z0Z_hqEq9iSgesk_600x450.jpg

dailysmoker
May 20, 2014

daveomak · May 21, 2014

Buy it...... It's a gen 1..... The only problem that may arise is the wiring might burn off the ends of the element.... easily fixable and easier to take apart and clean and re crimp the connectors so they don't burn off..... dirty, loose connectors cause high amp draw and then they burn up..... Looks like a good unit from the pics..... Keep it where it's dry.... not out in the rain.... Then you can look up mods folks have made to "improve" the smoker.... and start tinkering.... Dave

azbohunter · May 21, 2014

I've been lurking for a few weeks, mainly to research which smoker I should get started with. Which leads to the reason for my first post.

From what I've read, a MES 30 would be a decent smoker for a rookie, set and forget ya know... I want to stay cheap (under $100)

If you can buy that as pictured for $100 you better hurry! That is a heck of a deal....have fun!

smoking b · May 21, 2014

Yup I've used the same smoker for a long time (except for that cold smoking thing - I use an AMNPS) & it works great for me. I would buy it if you still can. You should be very happy with it

I would ask the guy if he has the 4th rack for it but it looks to be in good shape

worktogthr · May 21, 2014

I just bought one of these (Same model I think, but with the glass door, which is useless) on Craigslist and love it so far. (Just 2 smokes with it). That sounds like a really good deal, especially considering it comes with all of those extras. I too got the AMNPS but The cold smoking attachment sounds like a fun toy to play with.

dailysmoker · May 21, 2014

Thanks for all the input and advice gentleman! I hope to get my first smoke in this weekend!

smoking b · May 21, 2014

DailySmoker said:
Thanks for all the input and advice gentleman! I hope to get my first smoke in this weekend!

Did you get it?

dailysmoker · May 21, 2014

Smoking B said:
Did you get it?

We're set to meet Saturday morning - he's about 2.5 hours south of me. He didn't want to meet until the weekend which works for me, I'm just hoping he doesn't sell it from under me. The guy seems solid but it is a Craigslist deal so who knows.

smoking b · May 21, 2014

DailySmoker said:
We're set to meet Saturday morning - he's about 2.5 hours south of me. He didn't want to meet until the weekend which works for me, I'm just hoping he doesn't sell it from under me. The guy seems solid but it is a Craigslist deal so who knows.

I know what you mean man I've bought some stuff off CL & had some sold out from under me too... Well good luck & I hope he holds it for you!

dailysmoker · May 21, 2014

Smoking B said:
I know what you mean man I've bought some stuff off CL & had some sold out from under me too... Well good luck & I hope he holds it for you! :beercheer:

Thanks man, I hope so too! I will post an update one way or the other haha.

magicland · May 24, 2014

If you can get all that for under $100, find out where he lives, and camp out in his driveway until he's ready to sell it to you! You won't be disappointed.

chiefwej · May 24, 2014

The cold smoke attachment alone is worth. It! Hell yes you should buy it.

dailysmoker · May 24, 2014

Thanks everyone for your input and advice! The guy didn't flake and the setup was as described - if anything he understated the condition... So $95 for everything pictured, I knew it was a great deal and gave him full asking price. It was a 200 mile round trip - 4 hours in the car (with a good lunch), but the kids were perfect and the weather was good! I'm excited to finally get smoking! Hopefully I can impress the wife with a rack of baby backs tomorrow. :grilling_smilie:

Thanks again guys and have a good/safe Memorial Day weekend!

azbohunter · May 24, 2014

Congratulations on a great find, not the fun starts! There is a learning curve but that is part of the fun or it has been for me. And there are lots of very knowledgeable smokers on this site that are very willing to help us newbies along!

bigbob73 · May 25, 2014

That cold smoke unit is greatness. Don't use the chip tray anymore.

smoking b · May 25, 2014

DailySmoker said:
Thanks everyone for your input and advice! The guy didn't flake and the setup was as described - if anything he understated the condition... So $95 for everything pictured, I knew it was a great deal and gave him full asking price. It was a 200 mile round trip - 4 hours in the car (with a good lunch), but the kids were perfect and the weather was good! I'm excited to finally get smoking! Hopefully I can impress the wife with a rack of baby backs tomorrow.

Thanks again guys and have a good/safe Memorial Day weekend!

Glad you got it man! I'll be on the lookout for your ribs

dailysmoker · May 28, 2014

Here is the first product of my MES! Ribs turned our AMAZING! Recipe credit goes to Bearcarver, I actually fused a couple of his recipes together but his credit for the foundation nonetheless.

Costco was sold out of baby backs so I used spare ribs..

I coated the ribs in yellow mustard and my rub, wrapped in plastic wrap and set in the fridge for about 12 hours.

Heated the MES to 230 degrees and used applewood in the cold smoker box.

Smoked at 230 for 2.5 hours.

Mixed 3 tablespoons of butter, 4 ounces of Yoshida teriyaki and 8 ounces of apple juice in a foil pan. Added the ribs to the mixture and covered with foil. Back in the MES for another 2.5 hours.

Then, because my wife is a BBQ sauce fiend, I tossed them on the grill for 3-4 minutes with some Sweet Baby Ray's Original sauce. She said they were hands down, the best ribs I had ever made and maybe the best she'd ever had! Needless to say, these ribs helped prove why I NEEDED a smoker.

2014.05.24_22.08.05.jpg

dailysmoker
May 28, 2014

2014.05.24_22.26.49.jpg

dailysmoker
May 28, 2014

2014.05.25_15.58.11.jpg

dailysmoker
May 28, 2014

2014.05.25_18.29.01.jpg

dailysmoker
May 28, 2014

smoking b · May 28, 2014

2014.05.25_18.29.01.jpg

dailysmoker
May 28, 2014

Great looking ribs man!

Glad you're getting some use out of your MES already

brooksy · May 28, 2014

Awesome looking ribs!! Good job on your first smoke.

worktogthr · May 28, 2014

Looks great!!! Bear's recipes are priceless! Great qview too... Can't wait to see more of your smokes!

Used MES questions... Help a newbie!

Newbie

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

Smoking Fanatic

Smoking Guru

Master of the Pit

Newbie

Smoking Guru

Newbie

Smoking Guru

Newbie

Newbie

Smoke Blower

Newbie

Smoking Fanatic

Meat Mopper

Smoking Guru

Newbie

Smoking Guru

Master of the Pit

Master of the Pit

Similar threads

Hot Threads

Featured A couple thick strips please!