MES reliability

mikemmm

Newbie

Original poster

Jun 21, 2014

11

10

Huntingtown, MD

• Feb 14, 2017

• #1

I have a MES G1 smoker that I loved when it worked. But have had reliability issues. After maybe he first 5 uses the digital readout stopped working. It was out of warrantee but Masterbuilt was really nice and replaced it. I literally got one good use out of it before the readout started acting up again and crapped out after the 3rd use. I will now have to pay for the controller or move on. Was looking at maybe the MES 40 BT. But I'll be pissed if I spend $400 and maybe have the same issues. Are the controllers better now? Any thoughts that would help me decide would be appreciated.

 

browneyesvictim

Master of the Pit

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★ Lifetime Premier ★

Aug 16, 2016

2,643

1,116

Creswell OR

• Feb 14, 2017

• #2

Well, It sounds like you already know what you will be getting yourself into. Just curious, how old was the Gen 1, and how much use did you get out of it? Did you store it outdoors in the weather? All these things are relative, I guess. By my observations the newer MES units have more bells and whistles, at the sake of quality/durability. In my opinion, your money is better spent on another Gen1 and buy the separate remote/Bluetooth options if that is important to you. Otherwise, pony-up for a higher end unit such as a smokin-it.

 

mikemmm

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jun 21, 2014

11

10

Huntingtown, MD

• Feb 14, 2017

• #3

Thanks for the response. About 5-7 uses with the first controller and 3 uses on the second controller. I stored it outside with an awesome cover that I also bungied around the bottom. I pulled the cover off after a long torrential downpour once to check and it was bone dry. In the winter it was in the garage. We do have some salt in the air as we are close to the Chesapeake bay. I thought for sure the outside storage was my problem but I'm shocked to see that many people store theirs outside without a problem. Maybe mine was just a lemon.

 

mikemmm

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jun 21, 2014

11

10

Huntingtown, MD

• Feb 14, 2017

• #4

Sorry, I have had it for two years purchased from Home Depot. Havent used it since it broke the second time last summer.

 

Bearcarver

Gone but not forgotten RIP

OTBS Member

Group Lead

Sep 12, 2009

45,279

18,182

Macungie, PA

• Feb 14, 2017

• #5

To answer your question:

The Gen #2.5 is a Better Smoker than the Gen #1, however I believe there has actually been less problems with the Gen #1 Controllers than with the Gen #2.5.

And I would avoid the Gen #2 at all cost.

I kept my Gen #1 MES 30, Gen #1 MES 40, and now my Gen #2.5 Gen #40 under my front porch roof with a cheap cover, and never had any troubles.

Hope that helps,

Bear

 

mikemmm

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jun 21, 2014

11

10

Huntingtown, MD

• Feb 14, 2017

• #6

Thanks Bear.

 

tallbm

Legendary Pitmaster

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Dec 30, 2016

7,787

4,932

Texas

• Feb 14, 2017

• #7

MikeMMM said:

I have a MES G1 smoker that I loved when it worked. But have had reliability issues. After maybe he first 5 uses the digital readout stopped working. It was out of warrantee but Masterbuilt was really nice and replaced it. I literally got one good use out of it before the readout started acting up again and crapped out after the 3rd use. I will now have to pay for the controller or move on. Was looking at maybe the MES 40 BT. But I'll be pissed if I spend $400 and maybe have the same issues. Are the controllers better now? Any thoughts that would help me decide would be appreciated.

Click to expand...

Hi there and welcome!

That sucks to hear.  PM incoming, I may be able to help you with a controller :)

 

mikemmm

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jun 21, 2014

11

10

Huntingtown, MD

• Feb 14, 2017

• #8

Thanks TallBM.

 

somerset

Newbie

Jul 10, 2017

12

10

• Jul 22, 2017

• #9

I had the MES 30 and hated it so I sold it and got a pitbarrel smoker and love it, me I would never have another smoker but the pitbarrel.