Masterbuilt 711 sq inch electric smoker

[bonsnick]

I picked one of these up on sale at lowes the other day it was originally 279 but on sale for 199$ so I figured I would give it a shot. It does not come with the integrated meat probe so I was wondering how do you all route your meat probes. I have heard some people running it down through the vent up top but didn’t know if that would work or if I would have to get a wireless one. If anyone has this smoker and can help me I would appreciate it as I’m smoking some bostons butts this weekend.

 

[kilo charlie]

Welcome to SMF!

The title on your thread is a bit off as you meant square inches and not square feet but to answer your question you have a few options.

You can use a wireless temp probe. I personally use a Meater Plus but there are many other models to research and choose from.

You can also drill a small hole in the unit to run a wired one. If going this route, I would drill into the side for minimal heat loss, making sure the hole is big enough for the probe to fit through as well as using a grommet in the hole to protect the wire and probe from the drilled metal edge.

 

[bonsnick]

Welcome to SMF!

The title on your thread is a bit off as you meant square inches and not square feet but to answer your question you have a few options.

You can use a wireless temp probe. I personally use a Meater Plus but there are many other models to research and choose from.

You can also drill a small hole in the unit to run a wired one. If going this route, I would drill into the side for minimal heat loss, making sure the hole is big enough for the probe to fit through as well as using a grommet in the hole to protect the wire and probe from the drilled metal edge.

True I just noticed I did that. I was trying to make a post real fast at work to see what kinda answers I could get. And yeah I was looking at the meater plus with two probes. Are you able to run the probes out the vent cap up top or is that not possible? It not I’ll just order the meater plus. Thank you for your reply

 

[pineywoods]

When I was running a cabinet smoker I just drilled a hole in the side of it up about 4 or 5 inches from the top just big enough for the probes to fit in without it being to tight for them to go in easily. Push one probe through then the other not both at once that way the hole is smaller. I did not use any grommet I just made sure the wires didn't have any pull on them. Inkbird makes some good thermometers and you can order them through Amazon. Here's a link to a special they posted this morning.

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/inkbird-fathers-day-gifts-up-to-70-off-discount.315703/

Many of us use these thermometers I as well as many others own several

 

[bonsnick]

That wouldn’t causing heating issues with just drilling a hole in the side of it?
They got a nice sale going on I’m defiantly going to check them out

 

[kilo charlie]

True I just noticed I did that. I was trying to make a post real fast at work to see what kinda answers I could get. And yeah I was looking at the meater plus with two probes. Are you able to run the probes out the vent cap up top or is that not possible? It not I’ll just order the meater plus. Thank you for your reply

I'm sure you could run wited probes out the top but your wires aren't going to be long enough and they'll be collecting all the heat and smoke as it's rising.

You've got some options on wired and wireless and there's a ton of information around this site on them.

 

[912smoker]

Congrats on your new purchase bonsnick and welcome to SMF from SE GA!
I always just ran the probes thru the top vent and never had any problems.

 

[chopsaw]

Most will run the probes down the top vent . I just run mine in the door .

 

[normanaj]

I run my meat probes thru the door and the cabinet temp probe thru the top vent.