How Many Mes Owners Here?

[plimtuna]

I also have the 40' with window.  yes, the window only provides limited function.  Looks good in the showroom is right.

However, I have noticed that when it is darker out, I can see when the heating element is on (glows orange).  

I also thought about the light.  It seems like bad placement, but with the door open the light works well.  I assume that if they put it inside it would be crudded up rather quick and then equally useless.  

My only complaint right now is the weak/inaccurate temp controls. I will buy maverick once bonus comes in a couple of weeks,

 

[ndwildbill]

Bought my MES at Fleet Farm shortly after Christmas...they were on sale. MES 30, controls in the back, had meat temp probe, came with cover, rib rack, and sausage hangers.  Waited until the weather warmed up before using. So far have smoked chicken thighs and a couple racks of ribs.  Both turned out pretty good, I'm learning from this forum how to make them better though.  Going to smoke a chuckie this weekend, and maybe try rolling a fatty.

 

[bmaddox]

 
Bought my MES at Fleet Farm shortly after Christmas...they were on sale. MES 30, controls in the back, had meat temp probe, came with cover, rib rack, and sausage hangers.  Waited until the weather warmed up before using. So far have smoked chicken thighs and a couple racks of ribs.  Both turned out pretty good, I'm learning from this forum how to make them better though.  Going to smoke a chuckie this weekend, and maybe try rolling a fatty.

Welcome to the MES family. Fatties are great. They are easy to assemble and almost fool proof to smoke, not to mention delicious. 

 

[mummel]

It seems like the vast majority of owners are MES 20 owners.  Interesting. 

 

[jted]

 
It seems like the vast majority of owners are MES 20 owners.  Interesting. 

During a past discussion with Bear he pointed out a couple of facts I did not think of. I had seen this poll several times and I mistakenly was thinking it was about the popularity of the different MES units. This poll in fact is miss leading. It does not accurately project this. When most new smokers log on to the forum they find the thread  and vote. After a period of time they upgraded to the 40. It may have been the 800 watt and then the 1200 watt 40' He also told me you could only vote one time. What this tells  me is that the 30' is a popular first smoker. I suppose it's the price point., It was for me.   Just a thought  Jted

 

[el tribe]

Hello every body

I have a Mes 30 with controls in front and meat probe. I bought it in Aug of 14. Now need to let it go. I live close to Dallas,Tx . If any body is looking will let go,gave 200 .

Thanks

El Tribe

PS I have used it 5 time less thank total of 5 hours used

Have to get this MES 30 gone fast if any body want it . Would like to sell for 125

 

[Bearcarver]

 
During a past discussion with Bear he pointed out a couple of facts I did not think of. I had seen this poll several times and I mistakenly was thinking it was about the popularity of the different MES units. This poll in fact is miss leading. It does not accurately project this. When most new smokers log on to the forum they find the thread  and vote. After a period of time they upgraded to the 40. It may have been the 800 watt and then the 1200 watt 40' He also told me you could only vote one time. What this tells  me is that the 30' is a popular first smoker. I suppose it's the price point., It was for me.   Just a thought  Jted

Yeah---Below is a better Poll for which MES people Prefer:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/185163/mes-30-vs-40-cast-your-vote

Bear

 

[beartoo]

I bought mine about a month ago on the Walmart web site, best price I could find on a 40". I made a rack of ribs and a pork butt, they both came out great. Can't wait to smoke some more, maybe jerky this Sunday. 

 

[cliffking]

mes 40 I love it, second smoker ive had, first was a brinkman electric. Everything comes out great had for about a year now bought at Home Depot

 

[craig001]

I have the MES 40 with the controller in the back with the vent damper on the rear right corner.  I have it mounted to the MB stand which can be found on-line even though it is supposedly discontinued.  I use a Classic Accessories Veranda Stackable Chairs Cover 78972, that I bought on Amazon as a cover it fit loose enough that I hope it will cover the MB Slow Smoker attachment.  I bought it on Amazon but have not put it on.  According to the instructions you can attach it too the MES without having a shelf under it for support. I am probably going to fab a shelf to support Slow Smoker.  I have been using wood chips but I hope ot use pellets with the Slow Smoker.  What I noticed is that my MES seemed to take a while to develop smoke but temps seemed fairly accurate ad I have done some ribs, salmon, chicken and chicken wings without disappointing anyone.  I got my MES about two years ago at Sams Club on clearance.

 

[lecdo]

Just ordered a TS120, Meadow Creek

 

[chefboyrd]

Jest got my MES 30 with window a few months back. Bought it off Craig,s list only slightly used. This is a great smoker. The only thing that bugs me is that it needs to be reloaded  with chips . I see there is an attachment that can be added for 75$ that will keep the smoke going at low temps. But I bought the Amazing smoker tray instead for 35$


http://www.amazenproducts.com/Default.asp

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Jest got my MES 30 with window a few months back. Bought it off Craig,s list only slightly used. This is a great smoker. The only thing that bugs me is that it needs to be reloaded  with chips . I see there is an attachment that can be added for 75$ that will keep the smoke going at low temps. But I bought the Amazing smoker tray instead for 35$


http://www.amazenproducts.com/Default.asp

You did the right thing!

You won't be sorry!!

Bear

 

[greywolf1]

My kids gave me a 30' Mes for Christmas , seasoned it the following day and double smoked a ham the next day. The one thing I did find wrong with it is that it doesn't like wood chips at lower temperatures so at lower temps I use pellets in the burn box . just light them like you would in an AMPS , slide it in place and away you go . I did some rib-eye steaks on the weekend ( sorry no pictures ) made up a rub set heat at 200 get  the pellets going smoke for 45 minutes and seer both sides on the bbq , 1 minute each side perfect med. rare

 

[1mind4fun]

I got my MES 40 online at Amazon - $317.00 delivered.

Awesome unit - doing Pork Havana with some store purchased Sweet Italian Sausages overhead. Can't wait to dig in.

 

[rumrunner424]

Got MES 40 1200 window as a Christmas present from wife from Amazon for $249.00, free 2 day Prime shipping. They had a lightning deal right before thanksgiving.

Smoked a turkey, a few butts, ribs and jerky. Wife tells me we do not have reasons anymore to drive for an hour to eat pulled pork from Lexington, NC, or eat ribs at local BBQ joints or buy jerky at stores. What she gets at home is better.

Tomorrow's going to be another round of teriyaki and sriracha maple jerky.

 

[swampdog35]

Just purchased a MES 30, due to my gas smoker not working in my emergency situation. I woke up to start smoking 2 Boston Butt Pork butts yesterday. It just happens it was my Twin Girls' graduation. I didn't have a selection at Lowes so I purchased the MES30.

First impressions are that with some learning I feel I will be able to get my groove back. I had the gas smoker to a science. I was able to get the 2 Butts to around 185degrees before having to pull them to feed the masses.

Looking forward to get past the learning curve with the new smoker and back into my groove.

Chad

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Just purchased a MES 30, due to my gas smoker not working in my emergency situation. I woke up to start smoking 2 Boston Butt Pork butts yesterday. It just happens it was my Twin Girls' graduation. I didn't have a selection at Lowes so I purchased the MES30.

First impressions are that with some learning I feel I will be able to get my groove back. I had the gas smoker to a science. I was able to get the 2 Butts to around 185degrees before having to pull them to feed the masses.

Looking forward to get past the learning curve with the new smoker and back into my groove.

Chad

Congrats on the new smoker!!

185° is a little early to pull a Butt. Did it pull easily for you?

I usually go about 205° for pulling a Butt.

Here's a whole bunch of things you can do with an MES:

 Just click on "Bear's Step by Steps".

Bear

 

[swampdog35]

Thank you for the kind words. Yes 185 was a bit early. However being pressed for time I didnt have time to continue. However they came out great. Could have used more of a "Smoke Bark" to them. But everyone enjoyed them so it was a win.

Thank you for your suggestions. I will definitely look at that thread.

 

[bscook]

40" Stainless Windowed. Bought a virgin returned unit that was missing the controller. Good customer service at MES, got the controller in a few days. I'm smoking with AMNPS with less than $150 in total expenditures. I'm tickled pink, but the stainless part was a mistake. Looks sharp, but a bugger to keep looking sharp. I like the window, because it cuts down on the number of times I open the smoker just to peek. It doesn't accomplish much more than that.