Just bought my first smoker. Got a couple questions

[stevensondrive]

I just bought a MES 40 from Samsclub. After reading some more on here I see I bought the one that has a recall.

Should I return it and wait for the new one to arrive?

I'm a woodworker and have a lot of cherry and hickory around. Can't I just make my own chips? What size are the chips?

Thanks!!
Steve

 

[sound1]

The return thing is up to you. From what I have read, if you call them they will send you a retrofit kit...After getting the AMNPS from Todd, I have only used the burner tray a couple of times anyway.

As to using the Cherry and Hickory..be careful that it is truly unfinished untreated wood. You wouldn't want any of those nasty chemicals in your food. If you do use the tray chunks,slivers that a small hatchet shaves off are about perfect, I would not soak them though..I never had any good luck with that scenario. 

 

[stevensondrive]

The lumber has nothing in it. Just curious how small the pieces have to be. I could even use sawdust

 

[deltadude]

Welcome Stevensondrive, and congrats on your new MES purchase you are now part of the SMF proud MES owners club!

Here is a link to some helpful new owner tips for the MES.

As to making your own chips, sure you can have at it.  I have a 14" bandsaw and used to cut chunks from Oak and Almond that I have laying around, however you will discover that most MES owners here use the AMNPS from A-Maze-N Products (see add on left column), why?  Because it works, if you use the MES chip tray & tube loader you will only get about 15-30 minutes of smoke, thus you have to baby sit the smoker and keep adding wood chips or chunks.  When the AMNPS is correctly used you can get 4-8 or more hours of smoke, it truly is a must have accessory for the MES, and while your at it buy from same source the Maverick ET-732 Remote dual probe thermometer.  With the Maverick 732 since you will be watching your favorite sport on TV you can know exactly what is happening insider your smoker and the meat it is cooking without getting out of your chair.

Note:  I strongly advise that all MES owners learn how to properly use the MES smoke system  to consistently get TBS (thin blue smoke), once you know how to get TBS from you MES smoke system, you will know when or if the AMNPS is doing it's job properly.  Follow the tips in the new owner guide and you should have no problems getting TBS out of your MES.

 

[stevensondrive]

I checked their website. They're selling sawdust for $4.50 a pound. I throw that away by the barrel!! I could be rich!!

 

[roadkill cafe]

I just bought a MES 40 from Samsclub. After reading some more on here I see I bought the one that has a recall.
Should I return it and wait for the new one to arrive?
I'm a woodworker and have a lot of cherry and hickory around. Can't I just make my own chips? What size are the chips?
Thanks!!
Steve

Welcome Steve. Really no need to return it but like said above, it's really up yo you. Masterbuilt will send you the redesigned housing lickity-split. With the 2nd Gen. it's only 3 screws on the outside of the unit to remove to change them out. It would literally take you longer to get it in your vehicle to return it. DeltaDude's spot-on with the AMNPS & Maverick ET-732. Indispensable items IMHO.

 

[stevensondrive]

What about the redesign of the drip pan? From what I've read that was another improvement.

Thanks for the feedback and the warm welcome!

 

[driedstick]

Welcome and congrats on purchase.

 

[roadkill cafe]

What about the redesign of the drip pan? From what I've read that was another improvement.
Thanks for the feedback and the warm welcome!

I don't know of any drip pan redesign on the 2012 model other than the change from the 2011 model. They did move the grease tray from back (2011) to the front (2012).