I was at Sam's club today and seen this MES 40 on sale for 299. I don't have any idea if this is a bargain or not.
Hard to tell from the box pic. The 'new' ones have the control panel near the back of the unit and exhaust vent on the side. Older ones have the panel in front & exhaust in back right corner. I would not spend 300 on any MES...ever.
Sorry to contradict what Willie said, but that's the new generation...he has it backwards...the older gen models have the control console near the back, on top of the cabinet. On the new gen model, the control console is right in the front. Willie is correct, however, that another way to tell the difference is the exhaust vent...on the the older ones its on the top right; on the new gen models, its on the left side of the cabinet, near the top.
It must be an older one then. The controls are right in front on top. I was just looking at them, not in the market for a another smoker.lol
Hey thanks Red.....I thought I might have it backwards but hit 'submit' and OOPS.....Willie
Sorry to contradict what Willie said, but that's the new generation...he has it backwards...the older gen models have the control console near the back, on top of the cabinet. On the new gen model, the control console is right in the front. Willie is correct, however, that another way to tell the difference is the exhaust vent...on the the older ones its on the top right; on the new gen models, its on the left side of the cabinet, near the top.
Red
Hey thanks Red.....I thought I might have it backwards but hit 'submit' and OOPS.....Willie
Darn right, CJJ. I have the MES 30 model #20070910 with the black powder coating. I bought it for $189.00 in between the weeks it was on sale for $179.00. But even at that price it was a bargain for the quality smoke jobs it puts out. This makes me one happy and lucky guy because I couldn't afford more expensive smokers. I just wish my budget had allowed me to purchase the 40-inch model, just for the extra width, which comes in handy for large briskets and racks of ribs. But, I make do with what I have and it's sure a lot of fun to use.
I just bought my second Old Gen MES 40 model # 20070311 all Stainless Steel, from Academy Sports $365 delivered. You can find it with a search of Grills and Smokers. They both work flawlessly. Any of the older models are good performers. The new models have some flaws, but some guys have worked out the bugs and like them. There are other electric smokers but none come close to the MES in size and price...JJ