The heat difference between the two sides in my MES 30 is minimal, as borne out by the temp displays on my Mav. Bear reminds me that since the 40 is larger than the 30, the heating element is closer to the right side on the larger smoker. So, the minimum temp difference offsets space being at a premium inside my smoker, And contributes to me being a lazy but contented smoker each time out.
That's a wonderful idea! We have an all-purpose "toothbrush" from Pampered Chef. That would also work. The wife wants to buy 1-2 more anyway.
You got it Rick!!
Yes. Your 30" Gen 1 is more centered than the 40" by design (volume.) As well as 400 less watts from the heating element. Gen 1's have more metal shrouding, incasing the chip tray than the Gen 2 and 2.5. This holds more heat in the right rear corner. But, I prefer to customize heat distribution than the newer placement of the top vents and sensors in the model Gen 2 and 2.5. The Gen 1 is the only MB smoker of the three that has a housing, completely enclosing the chip tray. The left side of the chip tray housing has holes in a triangle, stoking the AMNPS. Look up from underneath the triangle of holes and you'll find three more vent holes pointing down towards the drip pan. Air is brought in through the chip loader hole to the center of the smoker before it disperses. I had to deny MB three times on the Gen 2 offer. The BT 2.5 was never offered but I was sticking to the Gen 1 for spare parts.
Bear, any experience with this?This next pic I have a question about.. I noticed the big scorch mark when cleaning the unit. If I push on this area, it actually makes a "crunching" noise. Like the insulation on the inside got totally fried.. Does this happen to every MES in this area because its so close to the chip burner/heating element? Or is this a defect that I have in my unit? I got the 3 year warranty from Sam's club when I bought it, and I'm well within my 90 days from Masterbuilt still.
Not that I know of:
I'm not worried about the color, I'm worried about the actual insulation between the walls. The "crunchy" sound is only in spots where these burns are and thats my concern.. if the insulation is ruptured in some way, I can only expect it would get worse over time. Heat loss or a 250 hot spot on the side or even a fire all sound like bad news to me! I'm trying to figure out if this sound (crunch when pushing on the burn marks) I'm hearing is ok or not.
You missed my point. I didn't mean you should worry about the color. I only meant if mine had been scorched, I couldn't see it because the whole inside of my MES is black coated.
Ahhh... you are correct. I did not read your post right. I just took a video of it, and will put on youtube with a link in a little bit. The noise can be heard all around the heat deflector above the chip tray. Also, the interior walls will "give" a little when pushed on. No where else in the smoker will they move at all when pushed with the same amount of force.
Almost sounds like some of the insulation got crisped up inside! You could call Masterbuilt & explain that to them.
You can order from that site, or PM him & he'll help you out.
If you know some one with an infra red thermometer you could heat up your smoker and go around the whole smoker to see if that area is hotter on the outside of the smoker from deteriorated insulation.
That area is the hottest outside on my MES 40 all the time. Always has been.
Thats a good idea.. I've got one in the garage... Harbor Freight Special!
What temp readings do you guys see on the outside of the unit? Middle of right side, and closer to chip loader? I will check mine tonight and let ya know some temps on a few different places.
I never measured mine.
I have the Harbor Freight special IR therm as well. I'll have to check the hotter right side. The other two walls were in the 80's I believe. I'll get back to you on my next smoke.
