Just got my MES 30 - version 2?

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daveb50

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 5, 2017
12
14
Covington Ky
[h1]Just unboxed my new MES 30. it looks like they have changed the hardware in the bottom of the unit. [/h1][h1]. Not sure the AMNPS 5x8 tray I ordered is going to fit, the two bars I saw in pics of the previous model are not there in this one, and there is not quite 5" between the side wall and element mounting hardware.I guess I may have to put it on the bottom shelf.[/h1]
 
Found out it's a V 2.5 the AMNPS will go on the lower shelf. Seasoned this morning. I have some ribs smoking now, trying out the 2-2-1 method.
 
Hey good luck! I just got an MES 30 this year too but haven't tried ribs yet. Done a couple chicken smokes, a pork butt, and completely ruined a perfectly good chuck roast on it so far. Have some chicken at home right now that will go on tomorrow. Seems like a great smoker so far.
 
 
Found out it's a V 2.5 the AMNPS will go on the lower shelf. Seasoned this morning. I have some ribs smoking now, trying out the 2-2-1 method.
Yup---Gen #2.5----Try putting the bottom rack in, then set the AMNPS on the right end of the rack.

Then you can pull the Chip dumper out a couple inches for more air flow to the AMNPS & push it in for less air flow.

This could help you get started:

Just click on "Bear's Step by Steps".

Bear
 
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 [h1]Just unboxed my new MES 30. it looks like they have changed the hardware in the bottom of the unit. [/h1][h1]. Not sure the AMNPS 5x8 tray I ordered is going to fit, the two bars I saw in pics of the previous model are not there in this one, and there is not quite 5" between the side wall and element mounting hardware.I guess I may have to put it on the bottom shelf.[/h1]
I saw this at Lowe's. Masterbuilt has really muddied the waters because you can get that same MES 30 as a Gen ! on Amazon and other retailers like ACE Hardware. It looks like MB redesigned the MES 30 along the Gen 2 interior design. Also, the overall smoker feels less well made and and as substantial as the Gen 1. The body definitely felt lighter and thinner. 

From the photo you posted, though, the new MES cooks up baby backs just fine. Yes, Bear's step by steps are awesome. I plan to refer to one of his when I smoke my whole brisket later. Getting Burnt Ends right can be tricky. I looked at a Myron Mixon cookbook and he just overcomplicated it all. 

The AMNPS and wood pellets from A-MAZE-N are the only smoke sources I use in my MES 30 Gen 1. 
 
 
Oohhh, those step by steps are going to come in handy, thanks Bearcarver. I'll be trying that Boston Butt  soon. My baby backs were very good, glad to have the first smoke come out so well.

Ribs look very nice!!!
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Great Job!
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 For Great First Ribs!

Bear
 
Rick, I got mine from Amazon warehouse deals for $135 shipped. Evidently someone had bought it and returned it unopened. Still had the factory tape and wrapping on everything.

Bearcarver, thanks for the points. 
 
 
Rick, I got mine from Amazon warehouse deals for $135 shipped. Evidently someone had bought it and returned it unopened. Still had the factory tape and wrapping on everything.

Bearcarver, thanks for the points. 
That's a really good price for that smoker, Dave. You're already doing a great job with it. 
 
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