2012 Masterbuilt Smokers - NEW 30" & 40" Models!

[luv2q]

The new MES30 and MES40 look a lot more modern and now (according to the ad) go down to a temperature of 32 degrees, but they only have a 650 watt element? It looks like the drip pan is accessible via the front, too, which should be a nice touch. I can't wait to see one in person, but most importantly, to hear from those that buy one if they are truly an upgrade from the current model.

Here's the pic:

 

[BGKYSmoker]

I coulda swore i seen the 40 at Sams for $299

 

[luv2q]

I coulda swore i seen the 40 at Sams for $299

nepas, did you see the new model for $299? I purchased my MES40 for $299 at Sam's, but it was the model preceding this one.
 

 

[BGKYSmoker]

nepas, did you see the new model for $299? I purchased my MES40 for $299 at Sam's, but it was the model preceding this one.
 

Might have been the older one cuz the controls were still on top.

 

[SmokinAl]

Did you guys notice the 650 watt element!  

 

[big casino]

I think it's funny the says even cooking temps from 32 to 275..... what the hell can you cook at 32 degrees? it sure is purdy tho

 

[luv2q]

Did you guys notice the 650 watt element!  

Al, I don't get it, either. I'm hoping that's a typo...
 

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Thats real cold smoked cheese....AHHHH HAHAHAHA

 

[big casino]

I don't know nuttin bout wattage buy maybe they found 800watts are more than needed?

 

[gotarace]

If they down graded to a 650 watt element...this will make me pull the trigger quick on the model sams and cabelas sells now!! Living in northern Wisconsin i can use all the wattage i can get when smoking in the winter months. A drop from 1200 to 650 is drastic.  Been thinking about a 40 for a while now and this may be the push i need to get it. 

 

[luv2q]

I think it's funny the says even cooking temps from 32 to 275..... what the hell can you cook at 32 degrees? it sure is purdy tho

It has a refrigeration mode that kicks in.

  Seriously, though, that obviously HAS to be a typo!
 

Thats real cold smoked cheese....AHHHH HAHAHAHA

 

I don't know nuttin bout wattage buy maybe they found 800watts are more than needed?

Big, this one states 650 watts, which is either a typo or they've now decided to go down to roughly half of the wattage that the current model has (1200). Strange...
 

 

[luv2q]

If they down graded to a 650 watt element...this will make me pull the trigger quick on the model sams and cabelas sells now!! Living in northern Wisconsin i can use all the wattage i can get when smoking in the winter months. A drop from 1200 to 650 is drastic.  Been thinking about a 40 for a while now and this may be the push i need to get it. 

Recovery time after opening the door would definitely be longer with a smaller wattage element, especially if you live somewhere with cold outdoor temperatures. I don't believe this wattage to be correct. If it is, I'm sure that Masterbuilt has their reasons for doing this. Again, I'd like to wait and hear what people say after actually using one.
 

 

[big casino]

oh I didn't know the 40's were 1200. I have a 30 that is 800 watts

 

[hkeiner]

If the 650 watts is not a typo, perhaps Masterbuilt is thinking that a lower watt element would result in better smoke generating performance. Since a lower watt element would be on for longer stretches of time (without cycling off so much) the chips would be exposed to heat for longer periods of time too. While it does not strike me as a good idea, it is just a thought as to why it changed.

 

[gotarace]

Looking at the ad i don't see a top vent on the smoker either....i would love to see one of these smokers up close...

 

[flyweed]

I don't know about the newer models with larger heating elements, BUT, my old 30" mess has the 650watt heater in it still and I LOVE IT!  I live in Wisconsin as welll, and have NO PROBLEMS smoking with it in the dead of winter.  The 650 watt element does just fine for everything that I cook in my MES.  I've never seen the need for a higher wattage element at all.

Dan

 

[eman]

unless there have been some changes made that are not posted. I guess i am on my last MES. I have the MES 40 w/ the 850 element and the recovery time is awful . i cant see how dropping to a 650 watt can be any good at all. sounds to me like they are pulling at straws trying to solve problems and are going to end up making more problems. The 850 watt has a very hard time getting over 250 degrees cooking temp. So i can't see how a 650 will be any better.

 If there is no top exhaust vent then that is another strike against the unit. The MES puts out a lot of steam and it needs to have somewhere to escape.

  This will also affect the use of the AMNS and AMNPS  as you will have trouble getting enough air to keep them lit.

 like i said , If what is shown and posted is all there is , MES may have screwed the pooch on this one.

 

[ronrude]

I just checked the MES website and don't see the model above.

 

[daveomak]

My MES 30 has the 800 watt element... I operate it using a rheostat on the element... I don't have an amp gauge on it but from the dial setting I would say I normally run the element at half wattage... say 400 watts for 225 deg temps... consistent, non fluctuating temps as long as the door isn't open...  the burner doesn't turn on and off during a smoke... steady temps...

Put the meat in.... light the "amazing clone" and let her run until the meat is done....  no need to open the door.... If the burner doesn't cycle, there is no temp drop or fluctuation... just my observations in the way I run my smoker.... Dave 

 

[big casino]

I was wondering how running one of a PID would do, with a PID system the Wattage would be 100% on or off, I was wondering if it operated in this manner if it could obtain smoke at lower temperatures, instead of only using half of the element power, how ever I would imagine this to shorten the life of said element