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

[luv2q]

Wow! I never imagined that the new models would be so problematic back when I started this thread! I'm so sorry to hear about all of the probems plaguing the new MES units and I certainly hope, for the sake of my SMF brethren, that these issues get resolved quickly by Masterbuilt. I still have my 1st generation 40" MES and I'm loving it together with the AMNPS. I had considered upgrading, but since I have my combination down to a science, upgrading is no longer something I'm looking to do.

As an aside, a very good friend of mine called me for guidance on his first smoker purchase the week before the Super Bowl. I sent him over to Sam's Club and, to my surprise, they had one MES 40" in stock and it happened to be the 1st generation model that I have, not the 2nd generation model that I expected him to find. Now that I have read through the rest of this thread, I know why they didn't have the 2nd generation unit in stock. Personally, I'm glad that he ended up with the 1st generation model because I would've had a hell of a time explaining all of these issues to him.

Best of luck to all of you and HAPPY SMOKING!

 

[mrspike]

The Sams Club in Concord, CA (SF Bay Area) has the "old" style MES 40's in stock, or did a couple weeks ago.
 

 

[jdmvette]

Been to SAMS lately??

No MES 40's.....

The Manager at my local SAMS said he sent all his back, because every one of them were dented

Yes I bought my 1st gen there less than 2 weeks ago.  They had a full pallet of them out on the floor that I picked up mine.  299 + tax OTD.  

I used it last weekend for the first time and it worked great.  

I still got the box in my living room that my 21 month old is still playing in.  

 

[chef jimmyj]

These things are $299 all day at SAMs. 

I don't think many Sam's have them anymore...The Amazon MES 40 is Model 2007311, All Stainless Steel inside and Out. The Sam's units were Black Painted bodies with a Stainless Door...JJ

 

[smokingrk]

These things are $299 all day at SAMs. 

Local Sam's here also does not carry 2nd Gen nor can u order online, not sure that they offer 1st Gen any more. Would not recommend buying a 2nd Gen just yet, that is why i referenced 1Gen buy. Btw it appears as though price is dropping on both gens online when available.

 

[tjohnson]

If it's a 1st Generation MES 40, then buy it

I own (3) of them

New Model or 2nd Gen has too many issues

Todd

 

[smokingrk]

Also saw that Home Depot had the 30" 1st Gen with window and remote for Sale $289 (in CT) .

 

[jimmybh]

I am in the market for a smoker. In view of all the complaints and problems surrounding the masterbuilt smoker, I would not even consider any model of MB. Why would I want to factor in problems of undependable equipment into an activity I really enjoy, that is, outdoor cooking and smoker prepped foods? Why would I purchase a smoker that I needed to gerryrig to function when there are good systems out there for a little more money? :o)

 

[old sarge]

jimmybh - Have you looked at the Smokin-it and SmokinTex lines?  Very similar to each other.  The Smokin-it is less costly and I think it give you more bang for the buck.  Check them out, feature for feature. You may like one of them.

 

[viskey]

I am in the market for a smoker. In view of all the complaints and problems surrounding the masterbuilt smoker, I would not even consider any model of MB. Why would I want to factor in problems of undependable equipment into an activity I really enjoy, that is, outdoor cooking and smoker prepped foods? Why would I purchase a smoker that I needed to gerryrig to function when there are good systems out there for a little more money? :o)

I just got the Smoke Vault 24 off amazon, and i love it! 222 on amazon, cheaper than that problimatic MB anyways....i was in your same boat until i bought this SM24. Ive been waiting to get a hold of that new MB for a year, and now that more people have it, you can see the issues with it...hence why i didn't get it. good luck on your choice...

 

[jimmybh]

Thanks for the tip, I will check it out

 

[pc farmer]

How can you tell which gen you have.  Mine is like 3 or 4 years old.

 

[jimmybh]

Thanks for the insight, I will take a look.

 

[mneeley490]

How can you tell which gen you have.  Mine is like 3 or 4 years old.

I believe on the older models, the control is on top, toward the rear, with exhast port on top also. On the new models, the control is moved to the front, and the exhast port is on the side.

 Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[pc farmer]

Thats the way mine is and the only problem   I have had is one of the element wires rotted off.

 

[jimmybh]

Old Sarge, I was considering a COOKSHACK, but I took your advise and have been reading everything on line that I can find on The Smokin-it Smoker. So far I have not been able to find a negative review other than an elevation issue which one person had. I think that I am close to pushing the buy button. Thus far my outdoor cooking has been Barb/Grill and I am anxious to learn smoking food skills for summertime family fun. Thanks and have a good day, Jimmybh

 

[jimmybh]

Old Sarge, I was considering a COOKSHACK, but I took your advise and have been reading everything on line that I can find on The Smokin-it Smoker. So far I have not been able to find a negative review other than an elevation issue which one person had. I think that I am close to pushing the buy button. Thus far my outdoor cooking has been Barb/Grill and I am anxious to learn smoking food skills for summertime family fun. Thanks and have a good day, Jimmybh

 

[old sarge]

jimmybh - Nothing wrong with a Cookshack.  Good solid smoker but pricey. Both Smokin-it and the SmokinTex will serve you well.  Check out their forums, join, and ask questions before buying.  

Before I bought my Amerique (April 2012), I talked to manufacturers and asked very specific technical questions that to me were important.  Then I made the decision.  I would have likely gone to the Smokin-it but at the time their smokers did not have 2 door latches which I felt was important. That left me with a decision on the Amerique with digital and the SmokinTex 1500 without digital at roughly the same price, and size (comparable to the size of the  single door latch model 3 at Smokin-it). I went with the digital, used, from Cookshack.

 

[arnie]

I’ve been using Cookshack smokers for roughly 10 years now.

Yes they are pricey, but after using my Smokette for almost 8 years I upgraded to an AmeriQue and sold my Smokette for what I paid for it. (and I didn't want to sell it)

I don’t believe there is another smoker on the market anyone can make that claim about.

I went through many different smokers prior to purchasing my first Cookshack and I believe I’d be money ahead if I had bit the bullet and started with a Cookshack

That doesn’t mean that some of the other smokers didn’t or won’t produce a good product.

It means what we’ve known all along, you get what you pay for.

If you want a smoker that will last long enough to be passed down to the next generation buy a Cookshack.

If you’re looking for a smoker that will last you 3 to 5 years buy something else

I forgot to mention I had to "borrow" my Smokette back 3 months ago because I've been doing local fundraisers and need more capacity.

I am also using a MES 40, a Smoky Hallow, and a Cajon Injector ( I've been smoking 300 lbs of ribs at a time)

 

[mneeley490]

Saw several of the 2nd gen models at the Tulalip Cabela's yesterday. No one could tell me if they were the first run, or if they had gone back for repairs.