Masterbilt 30" Electric Smoker

[sneakyben]

Hello. I'm looking for help figuring out why I get the Error message on my digital smoker? Usually after unplugging for 10 seconds it works correctly. This time it still gives the error as soon as I hit the power button but does not reset? I have have it since October, and really like smoking food, but now my patents is wearing thin. It has done this since the 2nd or 3rd time I've used it. I have probably used it 12-14 times. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

 

[02ebz06]

What's the error message ?

 

[sneakyben]

What's the error message ?

It is error1. I have reset/unplugged and that usually fixes it.

 

[Winterrider]

Welcome to the forum. The electronics of the MES is a weak point for sure. Many of us have jumped ship and went the Auber PID route and have put the problems to rest. The slight conversion makes it an excellent smoker. Our main guy tallbm will probably be by shortly, hang tight.

 

[sneakyben]

Welcome to the forum. The electronics of the MES is a weak point for sure. Many of us have jumped ship and went the Auber PID route and have put the problems to rest. The slight conversion makes it an excellent smoker. Our main guy tallbm will probably be by shortly, hang tight.

Thank you guys. I went with the Masterbilt 1st to be sure I'd actually use a smoker. This one has been hit and miss so my experience has not been the best. The food is very good... when it works correctly, and in an efficient way. CouId it be that I'm plugging into a ground fault outlet? I think that's what its called. will look up what an Auber PD is later on. Again, thanks for the help.

 

[normanaj]

tallbm is the guy you need to converse with.

 

[Winterrider]

CouId it be that I'm plugging into a ground fault outlet? I think that's what its called

If that was faulty, wouldn't have power at all.

Lots of info here

Search results for query: Auber PID

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[tallbm]

Thank you guys. I went with the Masterbilt 1st to be sure I'd actually use a smoker. This one has been hit and miss so my experience has not been the best. The food is very good... when it works correctly, and in an efficient way. CouId it be that I'm plugging into a ground fault outlet? I think that's what its called. will look up what an Auber PD is later on. Again, thanks for the help.

Hi there and welcome!

From what I read that error has to do with temp probes (thermometers) in your smoker. This is not a common problem.
It usually happens in cold weather environments and people simply heat up the inside of the smoker with a hair dryer OR they hold a lighter to the temp probe to heat it up.

If you are located in the USA then it is not a cold weather problem this time of the year.

If not cold weather related then your temp probe(s) or any of the electronics along the way from the bottom circuit board to the top controller could have an issue.

At this point I can suggest a fool proof option that cost a little money to get a PID controller (about $150), but costs less than a new smoker, and will mean cutting 4 wire ends and then splicing with 2 wire nuts to make 2 new wires.

Doing the simple rewire and using a PID controller will turn this smoker into something 25x better than it was or anything Masterbuilt makes brand new. It will basically be better than anything under $1,000.
Also you will be very close to keeping this thing running in the future through anything short of it being hit by a car :D

A number of us guys have done this with our MES smokers and I believe every single one of us would never go back. Hell I think every single one of us wonders why we didn't do it sooner hahaha.

You can still be up and going and better than ever. Ask all the questions you have and we can get you there if you are interested :D

Here's a detailed write up on the simple rewire of an MES smoker to use a PID controller:

MES Rewire Simple Guide - No Back Removal Needed!!!

Lately I've seen a number of posts about guys wanting to rewire their MES. I had wanted to post a quick and simple guide for those out there that are curious or those that simply need to rewire but need a little assistance. Well here goes. Disclaimer: When messing with electrical equipment...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[normanaj]

A number of us guys have done this with our MES smokers and I believe every single one of us would never go back.

That's a fact!

 

[gmc2003]

It's only what 9 months old. Shouldn't it still be covered under warranty?

 

[sneakyben]

Hi there and welcome!

From what I read that error has to do with temp probes (thermometers) in your smoker. This is not a common problem.
It usually happens in cold weather environments and people simply heat up the inside of the smoker with a hair dryer OR they hold a lighter to the temp probe to heat it up.

If you are located in the USA then it is not a cold weather problem this time of the year.

If not cold weather related then your temp probe(s) or any of the electronics along the way from the bottom circuit board to the top controller could have an issue.

At this point I can suggest a fool proof option that cost a little money to get a PID controller (about $150), but costs less than a new smoker, and will mean cutting 4 wire ends and then splicing with 2 wire nuts to make 2 new wires.

Doing the simple rewire and using a PID controller will turn this smoker into something 25x better than it was or anything Masterbuilt makes brand new. It will basically be better than anything under $1,000.
Also you will be very close to keeping this thing running in the future through anything short of it being hit by a car :D

A number of us guys have done this with our MES smokers and I believe every single one of us would never go back. Hell I think every single one of us wonders why we didn't do it sooner hahaha.

You can still be up and going and better than ever. Ask all the questions you have and we can get you there if you are interested :D

Here's a detailed write up on the simple rewire of an MES smoker to use a PID controller:

MES Rewire Simple Guide - No Back Removal Needed!!!

Lately I've seen a number of posts about guys wanting to rewire their MES. I had wanted to post a quick and simple guide for those out there that are curious or those that simply need to rewire but need a little assistance. Well here goes. Disclaimer: When messing with electrical equipment...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Thank you sir! I am in TN and early Sunday was mid 40's. That may be the issue snice it has been in the colder months that I have been using it. Thanks for the info! I will look into the other controller also.

 

[sneakyben]

It's only what 9 months old. Shouldn't it still be covered under warranty?

Quite possibly, I'll look into it, but I think it may be the weather, being cooler here still.

 

[tallbm]

Thank you sir! I am in TN and early Sunday was mid 40's. That may be the issue snice it has been in the colder months that I have been using it. Thanks for the info! I will look into the other controller also.

I think the temp has to be colder than that but not sure. I any case its an easy thing to check by warming up the temp probe and then attempting to to turn on the smoker.
And yeah, should the time come that you get curious about a PID controller let us know :D

 

[normanaj]

I think the temp has to be colder than that but not sure.

Agrred.I've operated my MES in MUCH colder temps.Never had any issues with temps above freezing.

One thing I would suggest is taking a look at the built in probe on the back wall.If its truly mucked up this can cause error issues.A quick clean of it may be all you need to do.

 

[tallbm]

Agrred.I've operated my MES in MUCH colder temps.Never had any issues with temps above freezing.

One thing I would suggest is taking a look at the built in probe on the back wall.If its truly mucked up this can cause error issues.A quick clean of it may be all you need to do.

Good point to simply examine it. If it looks all messed up, well problem identified :D