I'm on my second MES...

[patinlouisiana]

Are all MES under powered?
Mine both appear to struggle to reach 225F
Right now it has been on 9 hours.
Display says set T is 275, actual temp is 163F.
I have two other probes inside the box reading 220F & 208F
What's a fellow to do?

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

Meant to ask you about this in your other thread. Are you running the smoker off an extension cord? Sounds like you aren't getting enough voltage to run the smoker.

 

[patinlouisiana]

No it is plugged directly into the wall.

 

[patinlouisiana]

Any way to test the output of the receptacle?

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

You can get a voltage meter and test it out. Have you tried using a different outlet? I'm no electrician so maybe someone who has more experience can point you in the right direction. Bearcarver knows all things MES so he might have some other ideas as to what the problem might be.

 

[patinlouisiana]

You can get a voltage meter and test it out. Have you tried using a different outlet? I'm no electrician so maybe someone who has more experience can point you in the right direction. Bearcarver knows all things MES so he might have some other ideas as to what the problem might be.

Thanks. I'll try a different circuit tomorrow.

 

[smokerjim]

if that doesn't work and your a little handy you could look into a pid, check out tallbm's thread on it, he has a great step by step of how to install them, everyone who's done this says it's like they have a new smoker

 

[sm0kin]

How full is the smoker? I did around 160 deboned chicken thighs and it struggled to get up to temp, but that was completely full every rack

 

[patinlouisiana]

How full is the smoker? I did around 160 deboned chicken thighs and it struggled to get up to temp, but that was completely full every rack

not full at all. Two boneless butts on the same rack.

 

[denny]

Both Bearcarver and tallbum will be invaluable to you. I'd strongly support going with a PID and tallbum's iconic article on converting to one makes it easy.

Your question regarding MES power is one I've become rather acquainted with; see my post
Heating Element replacement--but which one. (When I pasted the link, it shifted to 'bold' and I can't seem to go back!!?) Depending on the model it seems MES has used elements rated from 500 to 1200 watts. My MES 30 has a 1200 w element which I question is enough, but I am getting more experience before I pull the plug. Bearcarver, among others, feel 700 w may be low. But he advised me he thought 1200 w is best, and that any higher would be too much, so you are not alone.

Yes, checking the voltage is in order. If the power cord is original-MES it should not be a problem. However, if the plug or receptacle is hot, a qualified person should definitely be called in before further use!

My 2 bits----

 

[patinlouisiana]

Thanks!

 

[PAS]

I wonder if the 1200w element would fit in the MES 30 without tearing out the shroud. My 30" has the 700w.

 

[denny]

Both Bearcarver and tallbum will be invaluable to you. I'd strongly support going with a PID and tallbum's iconic article on converting to one makes it easy.

Your question regarding MES power is one I've become rather acquainted with; see my post
Heating Element replacement--but which one. (When I pasted the link, it shifted to 'bold' and I can't seem to go back!!?) Depending on the model it seems MES has used elements rated from 500 to 1200 watts. My MES 30 has a 1200 w element which I question is enough, but I am getting more experience before I pull the plug. Bearcarver, among others, feel 700 w may be low. But he advised me he thought 1200 w is best, and that any higher would be too much, so you are not alone.

Yes, checking the voltage is in order. If the power cord is original-MES it should not be a problem. However, if the plug or receptacle is hot, a qualified person should definitely be called in before further use!

I should have said 14 ga WIRE
My 2 bits----

I wonder if the 1200w element would fit in the MES 30 without tearing out the shroud. My 30" has the 700w.

PAS--I cannot answer specifically as I am not familiar with the MES 30 with a 700w element. And I assume the shroud you refer to is the pellet holder and smoker tray assembly. If so, I think they can be easily removed with the 3 outside screws holding that assembly in place, allowing easy access to the element it's self. Both @TALLBUM and Bearcarver excellent posts on this in general. Appliance Factory Parts has an MES 30 1200w element for about $25 including shipping but I don't know if your model can handle the heat without a wiring up grade. That up grade is not difficult and would include 14 ga at least. I'm not an electrician so be aware of that!

Checkout tallbum's great post-'MES Rewire Simple Guide-no Back Removal Required' and search for Bearcarver's step-by-step guides. You Tube also has an excellent series of how-to's--one being "Masterbuilt Heating Element Replacement Model #20070211". They may not match your model exactly but models have similarities and will help you fill in the blanks. Good luck and let us know if you have any problems or questions.