Electric Smokers

[cansmoke]

Looking to replace my MES 30. It cuts out if I try to connect thru GFI plus & not interested in doing the repair.

Suggestions?

 

[Misplaced Nebraskan]

Looking to stay electric? Pellet? Size requirements? Budget? Can help us point ya in the right direction.

 

[Inscrutable]

Smart a$$ reply would be plug into non-GFI receptacle.

 

[Inscrutable]

And how appropriate now that I’ve achieved ‘fire starter’ status? I always joke I am half arsonist and half fireman.

 

[cansmoke]

Looking to stay electric. I have an offset charcoal unit as well. I use the electric in winter (I'm in CAnada) or on longer cooks when temp might be a challenge.

AS I use wood chips in my charcoal unit, I want to only have one supply of wood.

Price less than $500.00.

CAn the unit run up to 300F?

 

[cansmoke]

Inscrutable, I do run an extension cord across the deck. Not the best solution.

 

[Inscrutable]

Inscrutable, I do run an extension cord across the deck. Not the best solution.

Hey, life’s short ... live dangerously ...

Ok, seriously ... if staying electric I hear good things about Smokin-It’s and some below budget. I wasn’t thrilled with my Bradley. MES coming out with a 40 that has a broiling/finishing top element.
I’m sure other great recommendations coming ...

 

[Misplaced Nebraskan]

I haven't personally owned an electric rig, but seems the masterbuilt series is tough to beat. With your situation though, not sure how you're feeling on sticking with them again.

Pit boss & char broil are two others I seem to come across a lot too.

 

[chopsaw]

Blows the breaker ? Maybe the extension cord is bad .

 

[cansmoke]

When I plugged it directly into GFI outlet, it cuts out. When run extension cord across deck to outlet in outside wall, no issues. It badly needs a cleaning but beleive got my $$$ worth in 3 years.

 

[cansmoke]

I've plugged a floor stand fan into the GFI and run it for about 1/2 hour (didnt take pictures - who needs a fan OUTSIDE) and no issues so not the GFI.

 

[Misplaced Nebraskan]

When I plugged it directly into GFI outlet, it cuts out. When run extension cord across deck to outlet in outside wall, no issues. It badly needs a cleaning but beleive got my $$$ worth in 3 years.

Same outlet or different for the two scenarios? Why clean? I like to let as much flavor and seasoning build up as I can. But I don't run it high temp. Have my weber for that. Had an offset I used as smoker only for years. One day decided to do wings over higher heat. Fire ensued... Cleaned it out for sure! rusted away in the following weeks.

Should say, I clean the grates but not the inside of I can help it.

 

[mike243]

There's a lot of stuff not meant to run on a gfi and a lot of refridges and freezers

 

[cansmoke]

OK. When I first had the unit, I plugged it into GFI outlet on side of gazebo and no issues. It then started "blowing". THe electrician checked it and no issues with outlet. Blew again and tried plugging fan in (does not draw much power & I understand the MES30 doesnt either). No issues. Plug in smoker. GFI blows.

Well, gotta have smoked food so run extension cord across deck (ok along outer edge of deck for safety sake) and that works. Not ideal but it works.

An additional issue the MES 30 has a crack in the top of the door. To me, time to replace it.

BTW, it works! Just pulled a roast of beef out and tender and tasty with enough smoke flavour.

My final challenge is I am in Canada. A big chunk of the market does not sell up here,

 

[Misplaced Nebraskan]

Hmmm. Wonder if the ignitor or heating element is failing. Drawing just enough to pop it. Circuits rated the same amperage?

Either way, moot point it sounds. You opposed to going MES again? Whichever you find just look at specs for current draw on startup as that's the limiting factor and check your gazebo breaker rating. Extension cord isn't a bad thing. I run mine off an extension cord. As long as it's rated for it, no harm.

 

[Misplaced Nebraskan]

Also ... Need pics of roast!

 

[chopsaw]

Hey ,, I get it if you are ready for something new . I would like to ask ,,, is it tripping the GFCI ? or blowing the breaker .
Strange that it's good on a cord , and not direct plugged in .

 

[jcam222]

Cookshack for the win if you must stay electric. Some of the smaller ones are close to your budget I think, I would look for a nice clean larger capacity used one.

 

[Inscrutable]

GFI will trip when leaking to ground. Good chance of moisture in the exterior receptacle box. Anything else plugged into that trip it?

 

[cansmoke]

1. Not opposed to another MES.
2. It worked on GFI then started having issues
3. Door has a crack in it

.....so looking to replace........