Looking for a New Electric Smoker

[tcole]

I am looking at the Masterbuilt Electric smoker from Sam's. I was just wondering if anyone has heard rumors of a new model coming out anytime soon that I should hold off for.

Any other recommendations are welcome as well.

 

[bmudd14474]

I haven't heard of any new models coming out. As for recommendations what is your budget.

 

[Bearcarver]

Like Brian, I haven't heard of any coming up soon.

They're still selling the Gen #1, Gen #2, and Gen #2.5 (The Best one), so I would think they don't have a reason to rush into another model.

With Christmas coming up soon, I'd keep my eye open for an MES 40 Bluetooth Gen #2.5.

If it's under $325 I'd move fast.

Bear

 

[tcole]

That's what I am thinking. I will probably pick up the 40 Bluetooth gen 2.5 from Sam's soon.

 

[fpdeod]

I just bought the masterfully 40 bluetooth at sportsmanship warehouse for 299.00

 

[tcole]

I am not positive but I believe that this is the Gen 2 Smoker that I have heard to stay away from. But it does look like a good price.

 

[fpdeod]

I was looking at the model numbers on the one at sams club which is 20070215 and the one at sportsmans warehouse is 20070315.  from what i saw the 315 was the gen 2.5.  i think the sams club one is the gen 2.

 

[Bearcarver]

tcole, fpdeod, and anyone else interested.

I gave up years ago keeping track of all of their Model numbers.

The best way to tell which is which is mainly by the interior parts.

The Link below I designed for just that purpose. Go to that thread & look at the interior pics, and read the captions.

MES Generation Number Recognition Pictures & Pics (Digital Units)

And yes---The Gen #2 is the one to avoid. IMHO

Here's a little on that:

Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear's Thoughts & Findings)

Bear

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Well dont know how many electric smokers you have gone through. I have quit a few, MES, Bradleys back to MES POJ.

Spend the extra $$ and get you the last electric smoker you will buy. The Sausage Maker 30lb digital. Worth every $$

tsm30d.jpg

• BGKYSmoker
• Dec 12, 2016

 

[fpdeod]

Thanks for the info Bearcarver.  the one o bought from sportsmans warehouse if the 2.5.

 

[tcole]

The pictures on the Sportsmans Warehouse appear to be of the Gen 2, with the white buttons and flatter control panel, I am not sure if they are just using an old picture.

 

[Bearcarver]

 
The pictures on the Sportsmans Warehouse appear to be of the Gen 2, with the white buttons and flatter control panel, I am not sure if they are just using an old picture.

It's really hard to tell from the outside:

All Gen #2.5 have the top vent on the top, but so do some of the Ge #2 units.

The Gen #2.5 has a sun shield over the Digital controls.

The best way is (Like in my Pics on the thread I linked above) the Gen #2.5 has a "Split Level water pan" (Deeper on the left, so the right side clears the Chip burner beneath it).

The Gen #2 has a Slanted Drip Plate, that is higher on the right than the left, with a small water pan hanging from the left end. This Slanted Drip plate is the main problem with the Gen #2.

BTW: All of my MES units still work fine:

I sold my 1st one 6 years ago, because I upgraded to an MES 40 with window & Remote control. The guy that bought it still loves it.

The MES 40 Gen #1 I bought 6 years ago still works Great, but I Semi-retired it because this Gen #2.5 is even better than that Gen #1 MES 40.

The Gen #2 I tested a couple years ago still works, but I don't like the design, so it sits in my garage, in case my Gen #2.5 ever needs parts.

Bear

 

[fpdeod]

20161212_125922.jpg

• fpdeod
• Dec 12, 2016

This is a photo of the one at sportsmans warehouse. It is a 2.5 based on the information posted here.

20161212_125922.jpg

• fpdeod
• Dec 12, 2016

 

[fpdeod]

The difference between the sportsmans warehouse one and sams club one is that the sams club one has legs and four racks. Sportsmans warehouse one has no legs and six racks.

 

[Bearcarver]

20161212_125922.jpg

• fpdeod
• Dec 12, 2016

This is a photo of the one at sportsmans warehouse. It is a 2.5 based on the information posted here.

That's the one I have---6 racks & no legs.

Bear

 

[tcole]

Yep looks like a good purchase. It is not the pictures that they have posted online.

 

[Bearcarver]

Yep looks like a good purchase. It is not the pictures that they have posted online.

I don't know about other stores, but Cabelas is notorious for using stock pictures on their site, but what they have is completely different.

When I got my Gen #1 MES 40 (First one with a remote), I was searching all over for it for weeks.

The one on Cabela's site wasn't the one I wanted.

Then my Son was at Cabelas one day, and called me, and asked me which one I was looking for.

I told him all about it, and he said he was standing right in front of that one.

I went there the next day & bought it.

Bear

 

[fpdeod]

BEAR
Did you have any problem hooking the smoke to bluetooth. Cant get mine to pair with my phone

 

[Bearcarver]

BEAR
Did you have any problem hooking the smoke to bluetooth. Cant get mine to pair with my phone

No---I don't have anything to go with it.

I had a phone when I worked for my Son, and I kept it after I quit, but then he took it away from me because I only used 10 minutes in a year.

So I just use the controls on the console on the smoker.

There are a few guys here that can help you, if you start a new thread & ask---Use "Electric Smokers" forum sub-title.

Bear