Help! Ready to buy MESS, but can't make heads or tails!

[blackbeard1]

Hey there all. Had surgery to repair a hernia yesterday so I'm gonna be laid up with weight restrictions for a bit. Needless to say it's gonna be some time I can use to work on more meat products.

I've narrowed things down to an MES 40" to what I think works for my budget as well as ability/capacity. Also plan to use this with an AMNPS.

Anyways, I've done some searching and reading but I'm still a little lost. What I've gathered is that the Gen. 1 is a good standby but the Gen 2.5 has been upped further and a lot of refinements make it better. What I can't tell is if the Gen 2.5 with Bluetooth is better than an RF controlled 2.5... I prefer the range of but I would like to have the best smoking experience a beginning n00b can have.

On top of this, all stainless for longevity and cleanliness would be preferred, but I can't tell whether I can find this with a gen 2.5

I did see a good price the other day but after my reading, my guess it that this would be a gamble as to what I might get. I'm going to try to find something close to home, but right now it's looking like ordering online would be my best bet for cost and availability.

Please help!

TIA; BlackBeard

 

[maplenut]

This is my own experience, I have a MES 40 with the Bluetooth. I feel that the Bluetooth feature is really a waste, range is not that great when I did try it. Still found myself going out to check on things anyway.
I did get a wireless dual temp probe and have to say that that thing is worth every penny.

 

[blackbeard1]

What did you wind up buying for the wireless dual probe?

I was thinking a maverick unit might be good but Amazon reviews were mixed.

Also, link to the one I saw the other day. What's everyone's thoughts?

https://www.farmandfleet.com/produc...MIl6nCgNCJ2AIV1LfACh2iSw-sEAQYByABEgLpDPD_BwE

 

[daricksta]

Hey there all. Had surgery to repair a hernia yesterday so I'm gonna be laid up with weight restrictions for a bit. Needless to say it's gonna be some time I can use to work on more meat products.

I've narrowed things down to an MES 40" to what I think works for my budget as well as ability/capacity. Also plan to use this with an AMNPS.

Anyways, I've done some searching and reading but I'm still a little lost. What I've gathered is that the Gen. 1 is a good standby but the Gen 2.5 has been upped further and a lot of refinements make it better. What I can't tell is if the Gen 2.5 with Bluetooth is better than an RF controlled 2.5... I prefer the range of but I would like to have the best smoking experience a beginning n00b can have.

On top of this, all stainless for longevity and cleanliness would be preferred, but I can't tell whether I can find this with a gen 2.5

I did see a good price the other day but after my reading, my guess it that this would be a gamble as to what I might get. I'm going to try to find something close to home, but right now it's looking like ordering online would be my best bet for cost and availability.

Please help!

TIA; BlackBeard

The Gen 2.5, from what I've read, is a great design. It's available in a 40" model without Bluetooth here, among other places: . If this is within your price range and you don't need Bluetooth, I think you'll be very happy with this. And just so you know, I bought my MES 30 Gen 1 off Amazon. The thing with Amazon is to either make the buying decision when you want to buy a smoker, or wait for a better sale price. I paid $190 but months to a year or two later I was seeing it as low as $130. But then I was already enjoying using my smoker instead of still waiting for a better price on it.

The thing with buying a MES is that you really have to know what the inside looks like. This one appears to be a Gen 1 design and is among THE most popular MS smokers. I own a MES 30 Gen 1 which is a small, basic smoker, but it's proven to be a workhorse. I've owned it for over 5 years and have only had to replace the original controller. I use the AMNPS in it, sometimes the 6" AMNTS. I love the AMNPS. Some guys complain it doesn't produce enough smoke. I find I can get the amount of smoke concentration in meats and cheeses that I want just about every time. When I started out using wood chips, the meats all tasted harsh and bitter because they were over smoked. I've never had that problem with the AMNPS.

 

[Bearcarver]

The Gen 2.5, from what I've read, is a great design. It's available in a 40" model without Bluetooth here, among other places: . If this is within your price range and you don't need Bluetooth, I think you'll be very happy with this. And just so you know, I bought my MES 30 Gen 1 off Amazon. The thing with Amazon is to either make the buying decision when you want to buy a smoker, or wait for a better sale price. I paid $190 but months to a year or two later I was seeing it as low as $130. But then I was already enjoying using my smoker instead of still waiting for a better price on it.

The thing with buying a MES is that you really have to know what the inside looks like. This one appears to be a Gen 1 design and is among THE most popular MS smokers. I own a MES 30 Gen 1 which is a small, basic smoker, but it's proven to be a workhorse. I've owned it for over 5 years and have only had to replace the original controller. I use the AMNPS in it, sometimes the 6" AMNTS. I love the AMNPS. Some guys complain it doesn't produce enough smoke. I find I can get the amount of smoke concentration in meats and cheeses that I want just about every time. When I started out using wood chips, the meats all tasted harsh and bitter because they were over smoked. I've never had that problem with the AMNPS.

Here's more about the MES Units, and how to tell them apart:
Which are Best:
Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear's Thoughts & Findings)

How to tell which is which:
MES Generation Number Recognition Pictures & Pics (Digital Units)


Bear

 

[old sarge]

On top of this, all stainless for longevity and cleanliness would be preferred, but I can't tell whether I can find this with a gen 2.5

If it is all stainless (inside and outside) you prefer, then your choices are the Smokin-it, the CookShack, and the SmokinTex line of smokers. However, they are more expensive than the MES. Smokin-it offers a choice of analog and PID controllers.

 

[Bearcarver]

If it is all stainless (inside and outside) you prefer, then your choices are the Smokin-it, the CookShack, and the SmokinTex line of smokers. However, they are more expensive than the MES. Smokin-it offers a choice of analog and PID controllers.

Not True,
The MES 40 I semi-retired to my Back-up spot was Stainless inside & out. I would imagine if one looked hard enough one can be found:

Bear

The 7 year old MES 40 on the right is Stainless Inside & Out:

 

[blackbeard1]

Alrighty Bear. I've been through your posts again, even though I read them previously but I'm honestly struggling.

The ones I keep seeing pictures of on some websites look like a Gen 2 but have the exhaust vent on the top in the left rear corner. Is this what you're referring to as the hybrids they're now producing?

Is a Bluetooth model going to be my only way to get a Gen 2.5?

What about the 40" smoke hollow units? Would I be better served with one like that if I can't find a Gen 2.5 MES?

I do like some of the other brands, but it would be financially irresponsible of me to try to afford something at this time, especially with this being my first venture into smoking and bbq.

 

[old sarge]

Not True,
The MES 40 I semi-retired to my Back-up spot was Stainless inside & out. I would imagine if one looked hard enough one can be found:

Shame on me. I truly had no idea that Masterbuilt had produced their smoker in SS. Thanks for enlightening me and probably a lot of others.

 

[Bearcarver]

Alrighty Bear. I've been through your posts again, even though I read them previously but I'm honestly struggling.

The ones I keep seeing pictures of on some websites look like a Gen 2 but have the exhaust vent on the top in the left rear corner. Is this what you're referring to as the hybrids they're now producing?
That would be the newer Gen #2, but that's not a Hybrid. A Hybrid is something not shown in my Thread on how to Recognize the Models. The most common Hybrid is the one with the Gen #1 Exterior, and the Gen #2.5 Interior. If that one didn't have the top vent in the top, back, right, it could be the best of all.

Is a Bluetooth model going to be my only way to get a Gen 2.5?
As far as I know all Gen #2.5 units are Bluetooth. Mine is Bluetooth, which I don't use, but I don't mind going outside now & then to check on my smoke, and make any necessary adjustments. I monitor it with my Mavericks anyway.

What about the 40" smoke hollow units? Would I be better served with one like that if I can't find a Gen 2.5 MES?
I know nothing about the Smoke Hollow. Units.

I do like some of the other brands, but it would be financially irresponsible of me to try to afford something at this time, especially with this being my first venture into smoking and bbq.

IMHO, the quality of the MES Units is Great for the Price. And when there is a problem, Masterbuilt has been taking care of people in nearly all reasonable cases.


Bear

Shame on me. I truly had no idea that Masterbuilt had produced their smoker in SS. Thanks for enlightening me and probably a lot of others.

No Problem Sarge!!
The main reason I knew that is because I had one myself.
It's really hard to keep track of so many models Masterbuilt makes.

Bear

 

[maplenut]

Here is the link to the wireless Thermometer that I got.


It has two pointed probes. There are other versions of this same thermometer. One with a single probe. also there is a version with 2 probes but only one is pointed. Not sure how that can be any better than the one I got.

 

[blackbeard1]

Well, after checking around locally, I couldn't find many places that had stuff so I went ahead and purchase what I believe is a 40" Gen 2 hybrid.

It has the sloped tray to water pan opening with small square water pan, but the exhaust vent is on the top left rear corner. Probably bought the bad one knowing my luck but time will tell.

Seasoned it yesterday morning and even with 30° ambient and gusting wind chill of about 22° the temp seemed alright. Granted this was just by watching the on board, it would swing about 8 degrees below and 9 degrees above the 275 set point as it cycled.

Regardless, gonna have to try things out and get some experience. AMNPS and pellets as well as a Thermoworks Smoke should be here tomorrow. Wish I could afford a thermapen while I was it, but oh well. I've got a small top round steak marinating and a bone in Boston that I'll rub later.

 

[Bearcarver]

Well, after checking around locally, I couldn't find many places that had stuff so I went ahead and purchase what I believe is a 40" Gen 2 hybrid.

It has the sloped tray to water pan opening with small square water pan, but the exhaust vent is on the top left rear corner. Probably bought the bad one knowing my luck but time will tell.

Seasoned it yesterday morning and even with 30° ambient and gusting wind chill of about 22° the temp seemed alright. Granted this was just by watching the on board, it would swing about 8 degrees below and 9 degrees above the 275 set point as it cycled.

Regardless, gonna have to try things out and get some experience. AMNPS and pellets as well as a Thermoworks Smoke should be here tomorrow. Wish I could afford a thermapen while I was it, but oh well. I've got a small top round steak marinating and a bone in Boston that I'll rub later.

Hi Blackbeard,
That one isn't actually a Hybrid, it's just not one of the first Gen #2s.
Just before they came out with the Gen #2.5 with the Top Vent on the back left, they started making Gen #2 units with the top vent on the back left corner instead of the side of the unit.
Your major problem is that slanted drip plate, which causes the right side to be quite a bit hotter than the left side.
Do some checks on it, and let me know if it's a problem. I can tell you something to try that could solve that problem for you.

Bear

 

[daricksta]

Not True,
The MES 40 I semi-retired to my Back-up spot was Stainless inside & out. I would imagine if one looked hard enough one can be found:

Bear

The 7 year old MES 40 on the right is Stainless Inside & Out:
View attachment 347663

Bear,

See the top controller on your 7 yr old MES 40? MS is putting those on the new hybrid MES 30 (don't know what
Gen # to assign them). These might be custom made for big box retailers like Lowes so sell at a lower price point. Note how on the outside it looks like a Gen 1 but the innards are the Gen 2 design. I looked at it inside a Lowes and I saw that the they feel lighter and less substantial than the Gen 1 smokers.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuil...-Common-33-268-in-Actual-33-268-in/1000169715

 

[smokinq13]

Mes 40in is a good choice, I got the 30in and wish i would have gotten the 40in for the extra room, even though i get by with my 30 in. I will say when it comes to all the wireless features bells and whistles, to me they're just to sell the product. I find it alot easier to go out and just actually check the display, i might invest in a separate reader to prob the meat though.

 

[Bearcarver]

Bear,

See the top controller on your 7 yr old MES 40? MS is putting those on the new hybrid MES 30 (don't know what
Gen # to assign them). These might be custom made for big box retailers like Lowes so sell at a lower price point. Note how on the outside it looks like a Gen 1 but the innards are the Gen 2 design. I looked at it inside a Lowes and I saw that the they feel lighter and less substantial than the Gen 1 smokers.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuil...-Common-33-268-in-Actual-33-268-in/1000169715

Yup---They've been out for awhile now.
I've been calling them a "Hybrid", because they have the Gen #1 exterior and the Gen #2.5 inside.
It's a shame they intermingled everything, but left the top vent on the right, instead of the left.
If they would have put that vent on the top left, it could be the best unit yet.
It would be like the Gen #2.5, but with the better RF remote, instead of the Bluetooth, which would be exactly what I recommended after doing my tests for them a few years ago.

Bear