Masterbuilt Electric Rust Damage

[DTM500]

Hi - I’ve had the MES 30 for about 4 years now. Probably smoke about 10-15 times a year. Store in covered in my garage. Today as I was picking it up to put it away after smoking, my finger poked straight through the exterior, where that had been bubbling and rust build up. I inspected the rest, and there is some rust and cracking on the opposite side as well. To be clear, I didn't break all the way through to the interior.

1. Is it still usable/are there any concerns I should be aware of?
2. Any DIY fixes?
3. Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[dr k]

Hi - I’ve had the MES 30 for about 4 years now. Probably smoke about 10-15 times a year. Store in covered in my garage. Today as I was picking it up to put it away after smoking, my finger poked straight through the exterior, where that had been bubbling and rust build up. I inspected the rest, and there is some rust and cracking on the opposite side as well. To be clear, I didn't break all the way through to the interior.

1. Is it still usable/are there any concerns I should be aware of?
2. Any DIY fixes?
3. Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

Well, the inside is SS so if you don't see smoke through the rust, then all is good but is fading fast. Even aluminum vent jacketing tape would take quite a bit to get past the decay to something solid. Maybe look for the same model on FB Marketplace so you have spare parts and door. If in the garage it may do better uncovered.

 

[chopsaw]

1. Is it still usable/are there any concerns I should be aware of?
2. Any DIY fixes?
3. Any other recommendations?

Use a scraper or putty knife to get all the loose stuff off the outside .
Sand it down ( don't wire brush ) and get as much of the rust off as you can .
Prime and paint , or patch , prime and paint as needed .

As dr k suggests , covers can cause condensation . Looks to me like that's what you have going on , because it seems to be under the surface of the paint .

If covering when still warm you'll get that almost for sure .
I have a few of mine uncovered now so they can air out .
I don't cover my MES , and I run it at 250 once a week or so if it not getting use .

I even fire up the kettles to keep the grates from rusting .

 

[normanaj]

I'd sand and prime.Patch it with a piece of sheet metal using self tapping sheet metal screws,1/2"-5/8" should do it, and caulk the edges. Prime again and paint.

Now mine is outside and has been for 7+ years and I do cover it once fully cooled down.The cover I use is a quality waterproof BREATHABLE cover,works in a similar fashion as a pair of breathable waders.My MES is still in excellent condition.

 

[tallbm]

Hi - I’ve had the MES 30 for about 4 years now. Probably smoke about 10-15 times a year. Store in covered in my garage. Today as I was picking it up to put it away after smoking, my finger poked straight through the exterior, where that had been bubbling and rust build up. I inspected the rest, and there is some rust and cracking on the opposite side as well. To be clear, I didn't break all the way through to the interior.

1. Is it still usable/are there any concerns I should be aware of?
2. Any DIY fixes?
3. Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

Hi there and welcome!

I think you are getting great info here.
I had a propane grill that got rained in and started rusting on the metal areas and such where the burners are.
I used VHT rust converter which chemically converts iron oxide (rust) into iron tannate. Provided all this chemistry is working then you have converted the rust into something else and you can paint over it or cover it.
It worked well in my case until some of those parts broke all together and I just replaced them.

Even in using this stuff, you would sand and/or remove any thick rust and use this stuff to convert what is left. Patch over the holes or paint over the converted areas and you should be good to go.

I hope this info helps :D

 

[DTM500]

Thanks for the tips! Haven't tried anything yet, but it's good to have some ideas moving forward

 

[matthewjtaylor]

Hi - I’ve had the MES 30 for about 4 years now. Probably smoke about 10-15 times a year. Store in covered in my garage. Today as I was picking it up to put it away after smoking, my finger poked straight through the exterior, where that had been bubbling and rust build up. I inspected the rest, and there is some rust and cracking on the opposite side as well. To be clear, I didn't break all the way through to the interior.

1. Is it still usable/are there any concerns I should be aware of?
2. Any DIY fixes?
3. Any other recommendations?
   
   
   
   
   
   one of my friend from canada was also had experienced the same situation but instead of DIY he call out the local electricien sherbrooke and he suggested him few tips to do it, as they don't offer this service.

Thanks!

To address the rust, scrape off loose material, then sand the affected areas (avoid wire brushing). You can apply a rust converter to treat any remaining rust before patching holes with sheet metal and sealing edges with caulk. Prime and paint with rust resistant paint once it's dry. Consider using a breathable cover and avoid storing the smoker while it's still warm to prevent moisture buildup. This should keep your MES in good working order.