New to MES

wade2000 · Nov 14, 2015

Hey, been looking for awhile on these great posts, I've been using my Chief for years and am ready to graduate to MES, I think the 30'' will work for me, but there are so many thoughts on the right smoker I get lost, What is the best 30" w/window {so wife can see?} Digital w/remote/top vent. I'm sure this has been covered somewhere. Gonna save the Cheif for fish and use the Mes for meat and cheese, any thoughts would be great.

daricksta · Nov 16, 2015

All depends on your budget and how much you're willing to spend. I've got a MES 30 Generation 1 model #20070910 and have had a great time with it. It puts out great Q for such a small box. I also use wood pellets and not wood chips. It has no window and no wireless remote.

The Academy has had a great MES 40 Gen 1 smoker with all the bells and whistles on sale for $199.00. Don't know if it's still going on but that would make a great 1st electric smoker. The newest line of Masterbuilt smokers, dubbed Generation 2.5, have gotten really good reviews but are more expensive. Only you can decide if a window, a wireless remote, and Bluetooth capability are important to you. The 2.5 models also come in non-Bluetooth as well. If you have the money and cook for a somewhat large family/group, bigger is always better. As I wrote I have a MES 30 but beef briskets and pork ribs press up against both side walls when I first place them in the smoker (I don't like to cut them in half) although they've shrunk away from the walls by the time they're done. Because of the larger interior cooking space that's not as much of a problem with the MES 40 models. But I primarily cook for just my wife and I these days so the MES 30 is more than adequate for my needs.

In my personal opinion, the better MB electric smokers are the best on the market at their price points. To do better you're looking at spending at least $800-$1000.

mfreel · Nov 16, 2015

I have a couple of Gen 1 MES 30s. I love them!!!!! I also have a Gen 1 40. IMHO, go with the 40 if you can afford it.

With regard to the window, forget about it. After the first few smokes, you can't see through the thing and cleaning it is a pain in the arse. After all, what's the big deal about watching a bunch of smoke?

The key to your purchase is going to be getting the Gen 1 unit. Some folks on here, like Bearcarver, have done excellent reviews of the MES 40 Bluetooth model. Sounds like that's a good one, but considerably more money.

If you're just looking at the Gen 1 30, get the all black unit with the square controller at the top. The vent should be on the top to the rear-right. The chip chute is on the bottom, right side.

Here's a link to one I just did a quick search for.

$177 is a decent price. I bought one from Cabela's last year for black Friday. If I recall, it was a doorbuster for $119.

Just make sure you get the Gen 1.

daricksta · Nov 16, 2015

mfreel said:
I have a couple of Gen 1 MES 30s. I love them!!!!! I also have a Gen 1 40. IMHO, go with the 40 if you can afford it.

With regard to the window, forget about it. After the first few smokes, you can't see through the thing and cleaning it is a pain in the arse. After all, what's the big deal about watching a bunch of smoke?

The key to your purchase is going to be getting the Gen 1 unit. Some folks on here, like Bearcarver, have done excellent reviews of the MES 40 Bluetooth model. Sounds like that's a good one, but considerably more money.

If you're just looking at the Gen 1 30, get the all black unit with the square controller at the top. The vent should be on the top to the rear-right. The chip chute is on the bottom, right side.

Here's a link to one I just did a quick search for.

$177 is a decent price. I bought one from Cabela's last year for black Friday. If I recall, it was a doorbuster for $119.

Just make sure you get the Gen 1.

Fully agree. I've owned the MES 30 model #20070910 for over 3 years and it's been great. I use the AMNPS which boosted my smoked foods to the next level.

wade2000 · Nov 17, 2015

Thanks for the help, The Gen.1 is perfect for me right now money wise and simplicity. I have done quite a bit of looking and it keeps coming down to this one. If I understand right, model numbers ending in 10 and 11 are Gen 1 .? Bear has done a great job going over this unit. I am now waiting for a bargain to pop up. Thanks again

mummel · Nov 17, 2015

I cant find Bear's MES 40 BT review but its a good post covering all the models.

LanceR · Nov 17, 2015

If you have a Bass Pro nearby their 5 AM six hour Black Friday sale has the MES 40 digital w/remote for $199.97 while supplies last....

Good luck and good hunting!

Lance

mummel · Nov 17, 2015

LanceR said:
If you have a Bass Pro nearby their 5 AM six hour Black Friday sale has the MES 40 digital w/remote for $199.97 while supplies last....

Good luck and good hunting!

Lance

I wonder if they will have the BT version on sale?

daricksta · Nov 17, 2015

wade2000 said:
Thanks for the help, The Gen.1 is perfect for me right now money wise and simplicity. I have done quite a bit of looking and it keeps coming down to this one. If I understand right, model numbers ending in 10 and 11 are Gen 1 .? Bear has done a great job going over this unit. I am now waiting for a bargain to pop up. Thanks again

I think the 10 ending is for Gen 1 electric digitals and the 11 is for the analog/propane models but I'm not sure. You didn't say if you'd settled on 30" or 40" model. MES 40 Gen 1 models are a bit rare online. The Academy just had one on sale at a great price but the sale's over and the price jumped up $100. Right the best deal is on Cabelas.com where you can buy a Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite (MES 30 Gen 1) with a meat probe and four racks, expandable to six racks (there are two empty slots) for $149.99. If you're patient there should be a deal for Black Friday or before where you can buy a Sportsman Elite complete with all six racks as well as the meat probe and perhaps a wireless remote.

Amazon has the standard MES 30 Gen 1 for $164.94--but those prices change almost daily. Both Cabela's and Amazon offer free shipping for the smoker.

LanceR · Nov 17, 2015

mummel said:
I wonder if they will have the BT version on sale?

I'm not sure what the BT version is but the flyer came in today's mail. the unit is a 40" Sportsman Elite. Cruising over to the BP site this is what it reads....

Updated for easier smoking the Masterbuilt[emoji]8482[/emoji] Sportsman Elite[emoji]174[/emoji] Electric Smokehouse now features an easy-to-read blue LED display and a built-in viewing window. Thermostat temperature controls ensure even cooking temperatures up to 275°F. Smoker includes a wireless remote that controls temperature, time, internal light, ON/OFF, and monitors meat temperature from up to 100' away. Meat probe thermometer works with the remote, allowing you to stay inside while monitoring and adjusting the smoker outside! 1200 watt element. 40" smoker has four racks and also comes with wheels, handle, and a removable drip pan. Cooking capacity: 973 square inches. Dimensions: 19.6"L x 25.73"W x 40.1"H. Weight: 72 lbs.
Manufacturer model #: 20073012.

Features an easy-to-read blue LED display
Built-in viewing window
Thermostat temperature controls
Wireless remote that controls temperature and time
Internal light, ON/OFF
Removable drip pan
Built-in meat thermometer

Masterbuilt Protective Cover for 40'' Smokers sold separately and can be found through item search for number 1613869

mummel · Nov 17, 2015

LanceR said:
I'm not sure what the BT version is but the flyer came in today's mail. the unit is a 40" Sportsman Elite. Cruising over to the BP site this is what it reads....

Updated for easier smoking the Masterbuilt[emoji]8482[/emoji] Sportsman Elite[emoji]174[/emoji] Electric Smokehouse now features an easy-to-read blue LED display and a built-in viewing window. Thermostat temperature controls ensure even cooking temperatures up to 275°F. Smoker includes a wireless remote that controls temperature, time, internal light, ON/OFF, and monitors meat temperature from up to 100' away. Meat probe thermometer works with the remote, allowing you to stay inside while monitoring and adjusting the smoker outside! 1200 watt element. 40" smoker has four racks and also comes with wheels, handle, and a removable drip pan. Cooking capacity: 973 square inches. Dimensions: 19.6"L x 25.73"W x 40.1"H. Weight: 72 lbs.
Manufacturer model #: 20073012.

Features an easy-to-read blue LED display

Built-in viewing window

Thermostat temperature controls

Wireless remote that controls temperature and time

Internal light, ON/OFF

Removable drip pan

Built-in meat thermometer

Masterbuilt Protective Cover for 40'' Smokers sold separately and can be found through item search for number 1613869

Hey man this sounds like the MES 40 BT. What the heck???? This would be a ridiculous steal. Can you get more info? Can you take a snapshot of the flyer. Wow.

mummel · Nov 17, 2015

Looks like its a Gen 2:

https://blackfriday.com/stores/bass-pro-shops/ads/black-friday/page-4

https://blackfriday.com/stores/bass-pro-shops/ads/black-friday/page-32

Bearcarver · Nov 17, 2015

mummel said:
I cant find Bear's MES 40 BT review but its a good post covering all the models.

Here is the one you guys are looking for:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/235820/masterbuilt-smokers-bear-s-thoughts-findings

Bear

daRicksta said:
I think the 10 ending is for Gen 1 electric digitals and the 11 is for the analog/propane models but I'm not sure. You didn't say if you'd settled on 30" or 40" model. MES 40 Gen 1 models are a bit rare online. The Academy just had one on sale at a great price but the sale's over and the price jumped up $100. Right the best deal is on Cabelas.com where you can buy a Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite (MES 30 Gen 1) with a meat probe and four racks, expandable to six racks (there are two empty slots) for $149.99. If you're patient there should be a deal for Black Friday or before where you can buy a Sportsman Elite complete with all six racks as well as the meat probe and perhaps a wireless remote.

Amazon has the standard MES 30 Gen 1 for $164.94--but those prices change almost daily. Both Cabela's and Amazon offer free shipping for the smoker.

I don't follow the Model numbers, but I do know my MES 40 Gen #1 model number ends with "11".

Bear

wade2000 · Nov 17, 2015

Thanks to all of you, great info! I am set on finding The MES 40 Gen # 1 top control W/ remote , Seems basic enough for me money wise, and as with any smoker I have had or looked at has its up's and downs, Either way it's a new experience for me, in smoking. I will still be looking for ways to use this unit at low temp. smoking and I have seen a lot of great ideas here.

dr k · Nov 18, 2015

mummel said:
Hey man this sounds like the MES 40 BT. What the heck???? This would be a ridiculous steal. Can you get more info? Can you take a snapshot of the flyer. Wow.

I think the Gen 2.5 is available with RF controller instead of BT but wouldn't that just be Gen 2.0 with a top left rear vent and oval water pan instead of the slant tray into the small water pan. If that's the case, people can call MB and see if MB's oval water pan fits the Gen 2.0. That would solve most peoples heat distribution problems of the Gen 2.0. My oval water pan fits by itself on any rack. I moved the water pan to the second from the bottom rack for more even heat distribution on my Gen 1 and it doesn't vaporize juices as much as being on the bottom plus you can use all top three racks for food if needed.

-Kurt

dr k · Nov 18, 2015

Dr K said:
I think the Gen 2.5 is available with RF controller instead of BT but wouldn't that just be Gen 2.0 with a top left rear vent and oval water pan instead of the slant tray into the small water pan. If that's the case, people can call MB and see if MB's oval water pan fits the Gen 2.0. That would solve most peoples heat distribution problems of the Gen 2.0. My oval water pan fits by itself on any rack. I moved the water pan to the second from the bottom rack for more even heat distribution on my Gen 1 and it doesn't vaporize juices as much as being on the bottom plus you can use all top three racks for food if needed.

-Kurt

Bearcarver · Nov 18, 2015

Dr K said:
I think the Gen 2.5 is available with RF controller instead of BT but wouldn't that just be Gen 2.0 with a top left rear vent and oval water pan instead of the slant tray into the small water pan. If that's the case, people can call MB and see if MB's oval water pan fits the Gen 2.0. That would solve most peoples heat distribution problems of the Gen 2.0. My oval water pan fits by itself on any rack. I moved the water pan to the second from the bottom rack for more even heat distribution on my Gen 1 and it doesn't vaporize juices as much as being on the bottom plus you can use all top three racks for food if needed.

-Kurt

The Gen #2.5 only comes Bluetooth.

Bear

mummel · Nov 18, 2015

mummel said:
Looks like its a Gen 2:

https://blackfriday.com/stores/bass-pro-shops/ads/black-friday/page-4

https://blackfriday.com/stores/bass-pro-shops/ads/black-friday/page-32

dr k · Nov 18, 2015

Bearcarver said:
The Gen #2.5 only comes Bluetooth.

Bear

The reason why I said that is because the QVC episode with colored door options (red, blue green, black etc.) with window looked like a multi tiered oval water pan and all were RF remotely controlled.

-Kurt

Bearcarver · Nov 19, 2015

Dr K said:
The reason why I said that is because the QVC episode with colored door options (red, blue green, black etc.) with window looked like a multi tiered oval water pan and all were RF remotely controlled.

-Kurt

It must have just looked like it, because I specifically asked Masterbuilt if you could get one with the regular Remote, because of the problems with BT Drops, and people like me who don't have anything to download it to. They said "No---Only BT".

Bear

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