A Sad Day

[bdskelly]

After many many years of service... Numerous mods upgrades and repairs.... I fear my MES 40 has smoked its last chicken wing.... She went lights out again today...
That faithful friend has been cooking Sunday dinners most every weekend for almost 10 years.
As much as I love the ol girl I just don't have the time or energy for yet another and coming more frequently repair.
I'm on the hunt for something new. It looks like the smokin it 3.5D is about the same relative size as the MES 40. Does anyone have experience with both of these smokers? I'd like to hear opinions please.
B

 

[Bearcarver]

After many many years of service... Numerous mods upgrades and repairs.... I fear my MES 40 has smoked its last chicken wing.... She went lights out again today...
That faithful friend has been cooking Sunday dinners most every weekend for almost 10 years.
As much as I love the ol girl I just don't have the time or energy for yet another and coming more frequently repair.
I'm on the hunt for something new. It looks like the smokin it 3.5D is about the same relative size as the MES 40. Does anyone have experience with both of these smokers? I'd like to hear opinions please.
B

Howdy B,
I only got experience with the MES units, but I'm spoiled---I would no longer want an Electric Smoker without a Window to gaze at the goodies inside & to see what's going on in there with the amount of smoke & such, and the colors (like on Bacon).

But then I've had 1 MES 30 & 2 MES 40s, all of which are still working, with a combined 20 years of action, and only a 15 minute Connector replacement fix on one of them.

Best Smoker for the $$$ that I know of.

10 Years aint bad either!!

Bear

 

[bdskelly]

Howdy B,

I only got experience with the MES units, but I'm spoiled---I would no longer want an Electric Smoker without a Window to gaze at the goodies inside & to see what's going on in there with the amount of smoke & such, and the colors (like on Bacon).

But then I've had 1 MES 30 & 2 MES 40s, all of which are still working, with a combined 20 years of action, and only a 15 minute Connector replacement fix on one of them.

Best Smoker for the $$$ that I know of.

10 Years aint bad either!!


Bear

Yes sir... I'd say I got my money's worth. My MES was an awesome unit and great value too!
I buy another but I'm concerned that the newer units are NOT as tank tough as our older models. And yes I know I will miss that window. B

 

[Bearcarver]

Yes sir... I'd say I got my money's worth. My MES was an awesome unit and great value too!
I buy another but I'm concerned that the newer units are NOT as tank tough as our older models. And yes I know I will miss that window. B

My original was a great MES 30 Gen #1---Sold it & the guy still loves it.

Then I got the MES 40 Gen #1---Awesome Smoker---Sitting in my garage as back-up. Still works Great.

Now I have the newest MES 40 Gen #2.5----Every bit as good as the Gen #1 units.

I tested a Gen #2 MES 40, and that's the only one to stay away from IMHO.

Bear

 

[ironhorse07]

My MES 40 finally quit on me a couple weeks ago. I thought about wiring it up for an auber PID I have around but last week I called Masterbuilt and the controller is still available, $40 some with shipping, tracking says Tuesday delivery. Another option is a plug-n-play controller from Auber, I can't recall the model number of mine but it's good for 1800 watts.

 

[bdskelly]

My MES 40 finally quit on me a couple weeks ago. I thought about wiring it up for an auber PID I have around but last week I called Masterbuilt and the controller is still available, $40 some with shipping, tracking says Tuesday delivery. Another option is a plug-n-play controller from Auber, I can't recall the model number of mine but it's good for 1800 watts.

I appreciate the comment. Thanks! B

 

[joe black]

BD, Sorry to hear about your old friend. At least, you can now switch to a stick burner and not hurt her feelings.

 

[bdskelly]

BD, Sorry to hear about your old friend. At least, you can now switch to a stick burner and not hurt her feelings.

Lol ... Like this one Joe??

P6120027.JPG

• bdskelly
• Jun 12, 2016

No shortage of equipment around this house Joe. I need a new Electric. Do you have an opinion on one? B:102:

 

[hillbillyrkstr]

Strange because my older mes gen 2 went a little crazy this weekend during our BBQ gathering. I set it at 225 and put a few trays of beans in it. I haven't used it in a while (few months). I use my 2.5 most of the time now. Well an hour later my buddy stan checked the beans and he said the smoker was off.... nobody turned it off. It just shut off. Then I hit the on button and set the temp and time again and it blinked the time over and over for a bit and then started working normally again.

 

[bdskelly]

Strange because my older mes gen 2 went a little crazy this weekend during our BBQ gathering. I set it at 225 and put a few trays of beans in it. I haven't used it in a while (few months). I use my 2.5 most of the time now. Well an hour later my buddy stan checked the beans and he said the smoker was off.... nobody turned it off. It just shut off. Then I hit the on button and set the temp and time again and it blinked the time over and over for a bit and then started working normally again.

Yes sir. Mine has had 2 controllers and 2 eliminates. In the past 10 years. B

 

[cmayna]

BD,

What generation is your dead MES?  With or without window?  I ask because I got my MES40 Gen 1 from a local SMF member, free because it died.  Just the type of smoker I was after for I installed a PID system and flipped the heating element over and OMG!!  It runs like a champ.  Maybe someone else near you might want to do the same and would be willing to take it off your hands,,,,,,unless you reconsider and do what I did.

Just saying.....

 

[pit 4 brains]

My smoking flag is at half staff...

 

[SmokinAl]

The new Smoke Hollow looks pretty good to me.

They have been getting some real good reviews.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/266387/smoke-hollow-smoke-tronix-review

Al

 

[Bearcarver]

 
The new Smoke Hollow looks pretty good to me.

They have been getting some real good reviews.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/266387/smoke-hollow-smoke-tronix-review

Al

Pretty neat !!

If I didn't have such great luck with my MES units, I'd look into that one myself.

Seems to be about the same price as the MES 40.

Bear

 

[bdskelly]

IMG_0514.JPG

• bdskelly
• Aug 26, 2017

Many thanks to those who responded and PMed me on their suggestions and experience with various electroques! After much thinking I went back to the company that I knew and trusted. I've replaced my 40" Gen 1 MES with the new Gen 2.5. I just seasoned it last night.
Thanks again everyone!
Brian

 

[chopsaw]

very nice ! enjoy . 

 

[GaryHibbert]

Sure hope you like the new Gen 2.5

I know I love my MES 30 Gen 1

Gary

 

[uncle eddie]

I just put a new control panel in my 3.5 year old MES40 2nd gen...working fine again.

Sorry about the death of your old friend.  I hope you enjoy the new puppy!

Ed

 

[gary s]

Congrats on the new addition I know it will get some heavy duty use.

Hey don't forget Lufkin is playing today LLWS

Gary

 

[bdskelly]

Congrats on the new addition I know it will get some heavy duty use.

Hey don't forget Lufkin is playing today LLWS

Gary

Howdy Gary! Hope all is well out east. Yes sir I like those little league games. Teri and I will be watching while smoking some ribs I think. B