another MES 40 question

[shandak]

I bought my husband the MES 40in for Christmas.  He is doing some research now to make sure that is the one he wants, or if the 30 inch would be enough (then take the extra money to buy a new grill this summer.)  

Anyway, our main question is this.  The 40 in seems so big.  When we are using it, do we have to fill it up with meat in order to get the best quality?  Or can you just do one thing and have it work just as well.  We would typically one thing...turkey, ham, brisket, or sometimes a couple racks of ribs.

Any help you can give would be great!

Thanks!

Shanda

 

[captsly]

You can cook one hamburger in it if you want. The 40 is nice because the more you use it the more you will find things to cook on it!  you don't have to cut ribs or brisket to fit in it like you sometimes do with the 30. You will enjoy it.

Jeff

 

[shandak]

Thanks.  That is what we thought.  I am talking him into keeping the 40 ;)  He is almost on board :) We currently use an old brinkman charcoal, so this feels like "overkill" to him!
 

 

[bassman]

My daughter in Denver just bought a 30.  I tried to talk her into taking it back and getting the 40.

 

[shandak]

bassman-We are just up the road in Windsor!  

 

[mtbken]

So I am in the middle of seasoning my new MES 40!  I would go with the 40 for sure.  As Capsly mentioned, you can always do less.  I could not see having to cut a rack of ribs down to have them fit.  Even if it is 1 rack for the wifey and myself.  (This was one of the reasons I did not go with a higher end unit (Smokin Tex 1400) since a rack will fit but only if I angled them!)

I am not sure where you live, but I bought mine from Sams Club.  It was 100 dollars less than Cabella's and the only difference is the sides are black instead of Stainless Steel.  Everything else is the same!  Plus, I dont know if the 30" has a remote readout or Wheels either! 

I find it GREAT that the Wife is convincing the Hubby to upgrade. :)  LOL! 

Either way, I think you will be very happy with the smoker. I am so far and have yet to load it up with any meat!

Later,

Ken

 

[texacajun]

So I am in the middle of seasoning my new MES 40!  I would go with the 40 for sure.  As Capsly mentioned, you can always do less.  I could not see having to cut a rack of ribs down to have them fit.  Even if it is 1 rack for the wifey and myself.  (This was one of the reasons I did not go with a higher end unit (Smokin Tex 1400) since a rack will fit but only if I angled them!)

I am not sure where you live, but I bought mine from Sams Club.  It was 100 dollars less than Cabella's and the only difference is the sides are black instead of Stainless Steel.  Everything else is the same!  Plus, I dont know if the 30" has a remote readout or Wheels either! 

I find it GREAT that the Wife is convincing the Hubby to upgrade. :)  LOL! 

Either way, I think you will be very happy with the smoker. I am so far and have yet to load it up with any meat!

Later,

Ken

There is a 30'' MES with all these options remote and wheels model number 20070411. I have not heard of anyone owning one on the SMF. But they are available online at Cabelas.

 

[tjohnson]

I've got (2) 40" MES.  Last year's model and the new 40" with remote and wheels.  For $299 at SAMS, it's a GREAT Deal!

Along with the larger capacity, the 40" has a 1200 watt element that gives fast heat up and recovery.  Since you're in a cold climate, he'll appreciate this!

Todd

 

[Bearcarver]

I just smoked two stuffed burgers on Thursday with my MES 40.

They would not have fit in my old MES 30.

That's why I retired the MES 30, and bought the MES 40.

I'm just kidding---That's what I told my wife so I could get the MES 40.

Here's the truth:

A rack of Pork Spares does not fit in an MES 30, without cutting it in half.

The bottom shelf in an MES 30 is a little too close to the heat source.

The top shelf in an MES 30 is too close to the ceiling to put many things on it.

My wife is not a big fan of smoked meat, so I rarely make a whole lot at once, except things like Salmon, Bacon, Canadian Bacon, and Buckboard Bacon, etc.

But when I do need room, I'm so happy I retired the MES 30, and got this beauty.

My observation:

Not all, but most people who start with an MES 30, end up getting an MES 40.

I never heard of anyone going from an MES 40 to an MES 30.

Bearcarver

 

[texacajun]

My observation:

Not all, but most people who start with an MES 30, end up getting an MES 40.

I never heard of anyone going from an MES 40 to an MES 30.

Bearcarver

Bear

I am still waiting for someone to donate there old MES 30'' to me so I can do some testing.

 

[deltadude]

shandak welcome to SMF, you made a wise choice buying your hubby the MES 40".  He is a lucky guy to have his luv giving such wonderful gifts, if he is not up to the task of satisfying your hunger for great Q, well that might be another problem.

Smokers are like boats, and TVs, everyone would like to have a bigger one.  Had you bought the 30, that is what would happen you or your hubby would be wishing they got the 40"  It has been mentioned about ribs.  I think overall the 40" is more versatile, you can smoke a single rack of ribs or small pork shoulder, and you can feed 30-40 people from a 40", doing 16 racks of ribs.  If your husband is decent at Qing you will have a bunch of people wanting to come over for a little Q, you an accommodate them with the 40".

gl with your new MES.

 

[shandak]

So, I managed to talk him into keeping it :)  He is getting it all together now, and will season tonight.  Can't wait for our first smoked meats!

 

[Bearcarver]

So, I managed to talk him into keeping it :)  He is getting it all together now, and will season tonight.  Can't wait for our first smoked meats!

You two are going to be a great addition to this forum. Please stick around !

I wonder how many other guys on this forum were talked into keeping or getting an MES 40, instead of an MES 30.

Your a Great Lady Shandak !

Bear

 

[0331grunt]

So I am in the middle of seasoning my new MES 40!  I would go with the 40 for sure.  As Capsly mentioned, you can always do less.  I could not see having to cut a rack of ribs down to have them fit.  Even if it is 1 rack for the wifey and myself.  (This was one of the reasons I did not go with a higher end unit (Smokin Tex 1400) since a rack will fit but only if I angled them!)

I am not sure where you live, but I bought mine from Sams Club.  It was 100 dollars less than Cabella's and the only difference is the sides are black instead of Stainless Steel.  Everything else is the same!  Plus, I dont know if the 30" has a remote readout or Wheels either! 

I find it GREAT that the Wife is convincing the Hubby to upgrade. :)  LOL! 

Either way, I think you will be very happy with the smoker. I am so far and have yet to load it up with any meat!

Later,

Ken

There is a 30'' MES with all these options remote and wheels model number 20070411. I have not heard of anyone owning one on the SMF. But they are available online at Cabelas.

I have a 30" MES with these options.  The remote is very handy, as are the wheels.  I will agree it is small, but like has been said, upgrade later.  I like it and will use it.. I REALLY LOVE it so far... I will be using this, my chargriller and another electric my stepdad gave me (just ordered the AMS-- gonna be my cold smoker).  I am enjoying Qing more than ever now!!  Enjoy the 40" and show some Q-View when you can!!

 

[scarbelly]

I just smoked two stuffed burgers on Thursday with my MES 40.

They would not have fit in my old MES 30.

That's why I retired the MES 30, and bought the MES 40.

I'm just kidding---That's what I told my wife so I could get the MES 40.

Here's the truth:

A rack of Pork Spares does not fit in an MES 30, without cutting it in half.

The bottom shelf in an MES 30 is a little too close to the heat source.

The top shelf in an MES 30 is too close to the ceiling to put many things on it.

My wife is not a big fan of smoked meat, so I rarely make a whole lot at once, except things like Salmon, Bacon, Canadian Bacon, and Buckboard Bacon, etc.

But when I do need room, I'm so happy I retired the MES 30, and got this beauty.

My observation:

Not all, but most people who start with an MES 30, end up getting an MES 40.

I never heard of anyone going from an MES 40 to an MES 30.

Bearcarver

Hey Bear- what are the dimensions on the 30 - might fit in the motorhome

 

 

[thebarbequeen]

Hey Shandak, It may be hubby's smoker, but hope we get to hear what you come up with to put in it, too!  sounds like you BOTH know good food !

 

[deltadude]

I guess Shandak convince hubby that size does matter:)

 

[shandak]

Sadly, our new smoker is still in the box :(  We got it out on Monday, but there was a problem with it.  We returned it, and got a new one.   Now, we wait for the weather to turn.  We really wanted to use it, but the 10-12 inches of snow, gusty winds, and sub-zero temps have derailed our smoking!  Here's hoping we get it goign this weekend.  Smoked ribs would be a great way to ring in the new year!!

 

[tjohnson]

Keep your chin up!!

We had -8° a few weeks ago, and today it's raining and in the 30's...Go Figure!!!

I run my smoker almost every day, just make sure it's covered and well protected from the elements.

ENJOY!

Todd

 

[theracenut]

Shandak..... I am curious. What was wrong with it right out of the box?