Looking for advice on what smoker to buy

[Griz73]

I've been smoking on a Big Chief for nearly 20 years, and am finally looking to upgrade to an electric smoker I can use to smoke AND fully cook (without having to transfer to the oven) bigger things like brisket and pork butt, etc. I've been researching and from what I can see, it seems, based on reviews and price, a Masterbuilt 40" is a good choice for the money. Are there any comparable ones in a similar price range I should look at? My biggest concern with the MES is the chip tray looks awfully small. Like it seems I would have to refill the chip tray about every 20 minutes, which, if I'm smoking something for several hours, seems like it might get... tedious? Anyway, any insights from those with opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

 

[Lonzinomaker]

I would look for a used Smokin-It, Smokin Tex or Cookshack instead of a new ME. Commercial duty vs homeowner quality.

 

[normanaj]

My biggest concern with the MES is the chip tray looks awfully small. Like it seems I would have to refill the chip tray about every 20 minutes, which, if I'm smoking something for several hours, seems like it might get... tedious? Anyway, any insights from those with opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

First hello and welcome!

This my friend is easily remedied by the use of an Amazen tray(maze) or tube.These two items when used can produce up to 10+ hours of uninterrupted smoke.Both burn pellets and/or pellet dust.You can put either one in the smoker or use the "mailbox" mod.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I'm no help when it comes to electric smokers, but welcome to SMF...

 

[schlotz]

Welcome to SMF from Indiana. If you go the MES route, do a search here for the mailbox mod. Definitely the way to go.

 

[Winterrider]

Masterbuilt 40 , mailbox mod, Auber PID controller , you would have a top of the line electric smoker. Approx $600

 

[SmokingUPnorth]

Like others have said. MES with mailbox mod is great!

 

[JIMSMOKES]

Online auction or for sale places. I just picked up a MES30 new for stupid cheap. Collecting parts for total PID control. Have new connectors, temp limit switch, old mailbox with drier tube. Just need the PID controller to finish.

 

[Griz73]

First hello and welcome!

This my friend is easily remedied by the use of an Amazen tray(maze) or tube.These two items when used can produce up to 10+ hours of uninterrupted smoke.Both burn pellets and/or pellet dust.You can put either one in the smoker or use the "mailbox" mod.

Thanks so much for the help. I looked at some YouTube videos on the trays and tubes. I didn’t see any that featured the U-bolt mod though. Out of curiosity, what is the benefit of adding that mod to the tubes?

 

[normanaj]

Thanks so much for the help. I looked at some YouTube videos on the trays and tubes. I didn’t see any that featured the U-bolt mod though. Out of curiosity, what is the benefit of adding that mod to the tubes?

Follow this link:

U-Bolt mod for the AMNTS

I've been doing this since I bought my first MES 30.Makes using the tubes more convenient and much easier to handle.Fits great in the bottom left of a MES. More than one person has asked me why pitched?Keeps the pellets from falling out and you get a slower more consistent burn rate,which...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[tumbleweed1]

My MES 40 is now about 5 years old. It's my 2nd Masterbuilt. I believe I got 5 or 6 years out of the 30 I had before. I've got no problems filling the chip tray every 30-40 minutes. The 40 will easily accommodate full racks of ribs, nice-sized brisket or whatever. Really nice smoke flavors.

 

[Chiefsfan]

U BOLT keeps tube elevated

 

[old sarge]

It depends on budget. The MES is popular around here. But if looking for an all stainless steel unit, Smokin-it, Cook Shack, or SmokinTex. Not listed in any particular but I do have a Cook Shack and Smokin-it and they are great, very reliable. Both companies have a user forum.

 

[mike243]

What the U bolt mod does is slow down the burn rate of the pellets, when layed flat the fire spreads out along the top pretty fast, as you raise it the burn area gets smaller, take a glass of water 1/2 full, start tilting it while looking at the water area on top, it will extend the burn time and wont put out as much smoke, I sub small chunks in the hopper of my 40"

 

[dr k]

What the U bolt mod does is slow down the burn rate of the pellets, when layed flat the fire spreads out along the top pretty fast, as you raise it the burn area gets smaller, take a glass of water 1/2 full, start tilting it while looking at the water area on top, it will extend the burn time and wont put out as much smoke, I sub small chunks in the hopper of my 40"

The 6" tubes can burn vertically or any size with 6" of pellets.

 

[Count Porcula]

I got a Smokin-It, and although I wonder if the air hole is too small, it looks like it will last forever. Sometimes it's nice to pay some money and get it over with. I once built a smoker, and while it was fun, the Smokin-It is better.

I avoided the digital stuff. To me, technology and additional parts equal more breakdowns, increased difficulty of repair, and higher likelihood of being unable to get parts. I don't think a digital controller would make the food taste better.