Looking to buy a Mes 40 2.5 gen

[Omnivore]

Hi All,

I'm looking to upgrade from my Mes 30 to a Mes 40 with a PID. Is there anywhere to still purchase a 2.5 generation Mes 40? Or does anyone know what the model # is for that specific model? From what I've read, that is the best model to go with as far as even heat distribution. I mainly use my smoker for jerky, sticks, summer sausage and salmon so I don't want to have to rotate everything too often throughout the cook if there are significant hot/cool spots (as people have noted in other Mes 40s). Thanks for any insight!

 

[Winterrider]

This may help some

Bear

About Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse (Digital)
Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear's Thoughts & Findings)
MES Generation Number Recognition Pictures & Pics (Digital Units)
Avoid Temp Swings in MES
Cleaning MES Window without chemicals
MES with Window---Heads Up
MES 40 Christmas Present---2010

Q

 

[Bearcarver]

Hi All,

I'm looking to upgrade from my Mes 30 to a Mes 40 with a PID. Is there anywhere to still purchase a 2.5 generation Mes 40? Or does anyone know what the model # is for that specific model? From what I've read, that is the best model to go with as far as even heat distribution. I mainly use my smoker for jerky, sticks, summer sausage and salmon so I don't want to have to rotate everything too often throughout the cook if there are significant hot/cool spots (as people have noted in other Mes 40s). Thanks for any insight!

This one (Below) looks pretty good:
The only thing I don't like is both the Heating Element & the top Vent are on the right side, but that's not that big a deal!!

Bear

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/masterbuilt-40-bluetooth-digital-electric-smoker?ds_e=MICROSOFT&ds_c=Shop%7CGeneric%7CAllProducts%7CHigh%7CSSCCatchAll&msclkid=828f4f8ee3181caf2cc82e0f55272714&gclid=828f4f8ee3181caf2cc82e0f55272714&gclsrc=3p.ds

 

[Omnivore]

This one (Below) looks pretty good:
The only thing I don't like is both the Heating Element & the top Vent are on the right side, but that's not that big a deal!!

Bear

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/masterbuilt-40-bluetooth-digital-electric-smoker?ds_e=MICROSOFT&ds_c=Shop%7CGeneric%7CAllProducts%7CHigh%7CSSCCatchAll&msclkid=828f4f8ee3181caf2cc82e0f55272714&gclid=828f4f8ee3181caf2cc82e0f55272714&gclsrc=3p.ds

Thanks! I did a lot of reading from your posts which is why I had my mind set on the 2.5 - but I'm assuming they don't make that one anymore. Do you think I should add some sort of heat deflector if I get the one from bass pro? I swear I've seen a MES that had a vent on the top left AND right side which seems like a good idea.

 

[tallbm]

Hi All,

I'm looking to upgrade from my Mes 30 to a Mes 40 with a PID. Is there anywhere to still purchase a 2.5 generation Mes 40? Or does anyone know what the model # is for that specific model? From what I've read, that is the best model to go with as far as even heat distribution. I mainly use my smoker for jerky, sticks, summer sausage and salmon so I don't want to have to rotate everything too often throughout the cook if there are significant hot/cool spots (as people have noted in other Mes 40s). Thanks for any insight!

I'd find a used or free one on places like Craigslist.org or if you are a Facebook guy stuff is sold there all the time.

Since you are goin to rewire and use a PID there is no point in paying too much for it since you really are just needing the box and the heating element to be working :)

I hope this info helps!

 

[Bearcarver]

Thanks! I did a lot of reading from your posts which is why I had my mind set on the 2.5 - but I'm assuming they don't make that one anymore. Do you think I should add some sort of heat deflector if I get the one from bass pro? I swear I've seen a MES that had a vent on the top left AND right side which seems like a good idea.

Like tallbm said, If you're going to go with a PID, I would go with a cheap used box, but try to make it one with the Heating element on the right, and the top vent on the left.
Or, Yes I did see one with vents on both sides, but that might have been the fancy one with a broiler in the top. I'd also stay away from the Gen #2, which has the stupid slanted drip plate with the little water pan hanging on the left.
I'm not sure they stopped making the #2.5, but they do seem to be few & far between.
I don't know why they would discontinue the best model (#2.5), and keep making the worst one (#2).

Bear

 

[dr k]

I'd find a used or free one on places like Craigslist.org or if you are a Facebook guy stuff is sold there all the time.

Since you are goin to rewire and use a PID there is no point in paying too much for it since you really are just needing the box and the heating element to be working :)

I hope this info helps!

I did! I Got a free Mes 30 ten minutes away on FB Marketplace a year ago August. Two Mes 30 both for $30 right now available in town. No space for them.

 

[tallbm]

I did! I Got a free Mes 30 ten minutes away on FB Marketplace a year ago August. Two Mes 30 both for $30 right now available in town. No space for them.

Yep that's how me and my relatives have done it. Then I just rewire and PID it up for them and off to the races :D