Newbie who needs some help! MES

Definately not a guru but I'll give this a bump. The first one is a Gen 1.  I think the second one is a Gen 2.5, much newer design and cheaper too. That's the one to get.

Gen 2.5 is what you want.  It will have controls in front, and a vent in the top left corner.  Stay away from the vent on the left side - upper left.   There is a guide with photos on the site as to different models, but could not find it in a quick search. 

here is the link to the guide  http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...umber-recognition-pictures-info-digital-units

You may want to explore the idea of getting away from MES electronics, failures very common.

Read the Electric smoker sub forum about that.

"Newer" does NOT mean "Better" when it comes to Masterbuilt.

Go to walmart. com online -  get a Masterbuilt Analog for around $130 w shipping, (prices constantly change), 

At Walmart, the Analog models are all the same, only different door colors that change the price.

The door colors greatly vary the pricing at Walmart, other than door color, units are the same.

There are other Masterbuilt Analogs from OTHER retailers, that may vary with number of shelves, (GOTTA study CAREFULLY)  otherwise the same box and heater.

It will do ALL you need AS IS    ---- other than sausages and cold smoking  in very general terms.

For  more unattended smokes more than a few hours, like brisket, pork butt, etc. get an  Amazen AMNPS to put in the smoker.

If you want electronics in future, get   Auberins.com   controller, (like no failure history, search/  read about it)  and Thermoworks Smoke remote thermometer.         Marc

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Masterbu...3-optcr&e_id=cd98c6df57f654c293fa887653098655

Byrdgirl - Get your feet wet with the $130 including delivery one, and go from there if you have interest.

Bottom line.

And continue reading primarily the Electric forum from there.

By far the majority of users say the window is useless, and don't fall for the stupid "Transformers" new Nike shoe appearance, it's all NO improvement.          Marc