New to the Forum--a question

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parkerm

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 12, 2015
2
10
Howdy all! My name is Parker, and this is, in fact, my first post to the form; I have however been browsing this forum for over a year and a half now without ever posting. Thought this might be a good time to make the plunge. 

I graduated college not too long ago with a degree in English, and I currently teach at a high school in the Lubbock area. 

My dad bought me a Brinkmann electrical smoker for my birthday about two years ago, and I have used it just about ever chance I've gotten since then. 

That brings me to my question(s):

After about a year and a half, the electrical converter on my smoker went out... RIP. I've been in a depression for about a month now, and I've decided it's time to move on. I searched far and wide, and the best price I could find for a new one was about 70 dollars-- which is no big deal really. However, I am starting to lean towards the idea of just buying a new rig altogether seeing as how I cook so often. 

I've been thinking an MES would suit my needs nicely. But is it really worth it for about $230 more dollars? If so, is it worth it to pay a bit extra and go for the 40, instead of the 30? And exactly how weatherproof are those things? it has a lot of electrical things that look like they might not enjoy the sporadic weather of Lubbock. Would it hold up under my patio with a cover on it?

Thanks all!
 
Hello and welcome Parker, there is a lot MES folks on here. 

Jump right out there into the forums and I think you will get

better response to your questions.

Although a lot times they will catch it on here.

Enjoy and have a good time.

                                 Ed
 
Welcome...If you are looking at the MES...Get the MES40. In Texas, Brisket is not unfamiliar to you and the 40 is the size that will fit a whole one. Same for whole racks of ribs. Choose a unit that the Model Number ends in 11 or 15 as these designs work the best. I have two MES40 M# 20070311 Both, all stainless cabinets, have spent most of their lives on a balcony or deck with just a plastic storage container covering the electronics from rain and snow and have had no issues. The MES has to have chip reloaded every 30-60 minutes for smoke. This makes for a long night with a Brisket or Butt so most get a separate smoke generator that will run 6-10 hours unattended. Eventually you will also want to try Cold (ambient temp) or Cool (100 to 170°F) Smoking. The MES will not make much smoke below 200°F and here too requires a smoke generator. Many of us use the AMNPS A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoke Generator either directly in the cabinet or with the Mail Box Mod. It gives up to 10 hours of light smoke at any temp from ambient to 275. Good luck...JJ  
 
Not much else I can add to Chef's post. I have MES 40 (model ends in 15) and have been suprised at how much you can do with it. I debated on a smaller/cheaper too, but thankful I spent more up front. IT sounds like you want to expand your smoking world! If you go cheap initially then you end up paying more later! BTW, people here are awesome at helping to spend money!!!
 
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