Masterbuilt moel numbers?!

[Bearcarver]

I actually snapped a picture of the 30 inch at Bass Pro, which I failed to include in my previous post.

Is this the gen 2.5 with the good reviews?

Regarding the $$$, I searched around a bit online and can't really find any good deals in my area. I'm going to keep looking but may just bite the bullet and get this one (assuming it's a 2.5 and not a 2). I prefer not to order online for delivery so I'm definitely limiting my options a bit.

Everything I can see on the box shows it's a Gen#2.5:
#1 Bluetooth.
#2 Sun Shield over the control panel.
Can't tell anything else without seeing where the top vent is, and the interior set-up, like the full width water pan with the split level bottom.

Masterbuilt is famous for price fluctuation. Prices for the MES 40 Gen #2.5 often go on sale for between $271 and $329.
But you might have to wait for it. It usually happens before Christmas, but could happen anytime.

Bear

 

[Proximo]

Everything I can see on the box shows it's a Gen#2.5:
#1 Bluetooth.
#2 Sun Shield over the control panel.
Can't tell anything else without seeing where the top vent is, and the interior set-up, like the full width water pan with the split level bottom.

Masterbuilt is famous for price fluctuation. Prices for the MES 40 Gen #2.5 often go on sale for between $271 and $329.
But you might have to wait for it. It usually happens before Christmas, but could happen anytime.

Bear

Thanks.

I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a good deal. If I can't find anything within the next couple weeks I'll probably just bite the bullet and buy one of these 30 inchers from Bass Pro for $349.99.

Really looking forward to getting started and learning how to smoke some good meat!

 

[Bearcarver]

Thanks.

I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a good deal. If I can't find anything within the next couple weeks I'll probably just bite the bullet and buy one of these 30 inchers from Bass Pro for $349.99.

Really looking forward to getting started and learning how to smoke some good meat!

MES 40 Gen #2.5 search:
There was another one for $349, but it said sold out.
However here's one for $399 at True Value---Free Shipping to your store.
http://www.truevalue.com/catalog/pr...oryId=1587&type=product&cid=affiliate_1892283


That would be a much better deal that the 30" for $349.

Bear

 

[Bearcarver]

According to this, Sam's Club has the MES 40 Gen #2.5 for $329 at it's stores, if your particular store has it.
Link:
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/maste...35&selectedTab=allProducts&_requestid=1099011


Bear

 

[Proximo]

MES 40 Gen #2.5 search:
There was another one for $349, but it said sold out.
However here's one for $399 at True Value---Free Shipping to your store.
http://www.truevalue.com/catalog/pr...oryId=1587&type=product&cid=affiliate_1892283


That would be a much better deal that the 30" for $349.

Bear

Ahh, I actually saw that deal yesterday but dismissed it because I thought it was a 2 and not a 2.5.

I must've mis-read your MES generation recognition pictures thread (for some reason I thought 4 shelves indicated GEN 2).

Unfortunately, I just tried to use the "free shipping to your store" on True Value's website, but then it immediately tells you that this item is no longer available for purchase online. Tough break.

 

[Bearcarver]

Ahh, I actually saw that deal yesterday but dismissed it because I thought it was a 2 and not a 2.5.

I must've mis-read your MES generation recognition pictures thread (for some reason I thought 4 shelves indicated GEN 2).

Unfortunately, I just tried to use the "free shipping to your store" on True Value's website, but then it immediately tells you that this item is no longer available for purchase online. Tough break.

The "4 or 6 shelves" seems to be the luck of the draw when you're looking for one on sale. Not Generation specific.

I believe that is Model specific, but I would think finding one for a good price is more important.

Bear

 

[Proximo]

The "4 or 6 shelves" seems to be the luck of the draw when you're looking for one on sale. Not Generation specific.

I believe that is Model specific, but I would think finding one for a good price is more important.

Bear

Agreed!

And thanks for the clarification.

 

[Proximo]

The "4 or 6 shelves" seems to be the luck of the draw when you're looking for one on sale. Not Generation specific.

I believe that is Model specific, but I would think finding one for a good price is more important.

Bear

Just came across this one, which appears to be a fantastic deal, but I'm not sure it's a 2.5. Sort of looks like it is, but I think it's some type of "Lowe's exclusive" model that Masterbuilt made.

Thoughts?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuil...-Common-34-449-in-Actual-34-449-in/1000274391

 

[Bearcarver]

Just came across this one, which appears to be a fantastic deal, but I'm not sure it's a 2.5. Sort of looks like it is, but I think it's some type of "Lowe's exclusive" model that Masterbuilt made.

Thoughts?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuil...-Common-34-449-in-Actual-34-449-in/1000274391

That's only an MES 30 Bluetooth Gen #2.5, with an 800 watt heating element.
That's a Great price, if that's what you want, but it's a lot less room & low power.

Bear

 

[Proximo]

That's only an MES 30 Bluetooth Gen #2.5, with an 800 watt heating element.
That's a Great price, if that's what you want, but it's a lot less room & low power.

Bear

I'm glad you mentioned the wattage, as I noticed some are listed as 800 and others are 1200. Seems like a pretty big disparity on the surface.

How does that difference in wattage translate into the smoker's performance?

Would you recommend staying away from the 800 watt versions altogether?

 

[Bearcarver]

I'm glad you mentioned the wattage, as I noticed some are listed as 800 and others are 1200. Seems like a pretty big disparity on the surface.

How does that difference in wattage translate into the smoker's performance?

Would you recommend staying away from the 800 watt versions altogether?

I think the 1200 is Fine for the MES 40, for both startup & recovery.

However I personally think the 800 is a little weak for the MES 30. Others may disagree though, but I never took a poll.

Bear

 

[Proximo]

I think the 1200 is Fine for the MES 40, for both startup & recovery.

However I personally think the 800 is a little weak for the MES 30. Others may disagree though, but I never took a poll.

Bear

Hmmmm, I think I'll have to look into the wattage aspect a little more. My initial feeling is to stay away from the 800, but I don't want to completely dismiss it quite yet.


Also, this one here is a 40 incher at a good price, and 1200 watt, but I think it's a 2, not a 2.5....?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuil...r-Common-40-472-in-Actual-40-472-in/999977666

 

[jimmyinsd]

Hmmmm, I think I'll have to look into the wattage aspect a little more. My initial feeling is to stay away from the 800, but I don't want to completely dismiss it quite yet.


Also, this one here is a 40 incher at a good price, and 1200 watt, but I think it's a 2, not a 2.5....?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuil...r-Common-40-472-in-Actual-40-472-in/999977666

its pretty simple, if you get a 30 you will be getting an 800W element, if you get a 40 it comes with a 1200W element. according to some that use them often the 800W element is at times challenged. I see you are in Pennsylvania, not quite as bad of winters as we have, but I am sure you still see some challenging temps, if its in your budget I would look for the 40s with 1200W, plenty of threads from guys that are frustrated with cookers that dont have enough space or heat output for what seem like normal sized batches of sausage. These things are like garages and trucks... you will never somebody say they wished they had built it smaller or with less horsepower.

 

[Proximo]

its pretty simple, if you get a 30 you will be getting an 800W element, if you get a 40 it comes with a 1200W element. according to some that use them often the 800W element is at times challenged. I see you are in Pennsylvania, not quite as bad of winters as we have, but I am sure you still see some challenging temps, if its in your budget I would look for the 40s with 1200W, plenty of threads from guys that are frustrated with cookers that dont have enough space or heat output for what seem like normal sized batches of sausage. These things are like garages and trucks... you will never somebody say they wished they had built it smaller or with less horsepower.

Makes sense. Completely agree with your rationale and the comparison to a garage or truck.

But to be clear, are you saying that ALL 30 inchers have the 800W element? Or are there 30 inch models with wattage higher than that? Genuinely curious.

Also, is there any significant difference in the risk of tripping a breaker using an 800W vs 1200W?

I have one outlet on my back patio which I envisioned using for whatever smoker I buy. Wasn't too concerned about tripping a breaker initially, but now I'm wondering...

 

[jimmyinsd]

Makes sense. Completely agree with your rationale and the comparison to a garage or truck.

But to be clear, are you saying that ALL 30 inchers have the 800W element? Or are there 30 inch models with wattage higher than that? Genuinely curious.

Also, is there any significant difference in the risk of tripping a breaker using an 800W vs 1200W?

I have one outlet on my back patio which I envisioned using for whatever smoker I buy. Wasn't too concerned about tripping a breaker initially, but now I'm wondering...

from what I have seen they only offer the units as I described them. I havent seen a small unit with a bigger element nor have a I seen a 40 with an 800W element. ya get whatcha get and you will like it!

as far as your breaker.. figure out which breaker controls that outlet and see what amperage its rated at. the smallest you likely have on there is a 15 amp which 15 amps x 120V= 1800 watts of capability so you should be good to go unless somebody put other stuff on that circuit. outdoor circuits are supposed to be wired to their own breaker if I remember correctly so you shouldnt have any worries by going with the 40.

 

[Bearcarver]

its pretty simple, if you get a 30 you will be getting an 800W element, if you get a 40 it comes with a 1200W element. according to some that use them often the 800W element is at times challenged. I see you are in Pennsylvania, not quite as bad of winters as we have, but I am sure you still see some challenging temps, if its in your budget I would look for the 40s with 1200W, plenty of threads from guys that are frustrated with cookers that dont have enough space or heat output for what seem like normal sized batches of sausage. These things are like garages and trucks... you will never somebody say they wished they had built it smaller or with less horsepower.

I just got back, but Proximo gave all the right answers above.

Bear

 

[Bearcarver]

Hmmmm, I think I'll have to look into the wattage aspect a little more. My initial feeling is to stay away from the 800, but I don't want to completely dismiss it quite yet.


Also, this one here is a 40 incher at a good price, and 1200 watt, but I think it's a 2, not a 2.5....?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuil...r-Common-40-472-in-Actual-40-472-in/999977666

That is a Gen #2.
The worst thing about it is that stupid slanted drip plate you can see under the bottom rack. It has a small water pan hanging from the lower left end. Bad Design!

Bear

 

[Proximo]

That is a Gen #2.
The worst thing about it is that stupid slanted drip plate you can see under the bottom rack. It has a small water pan hanging from the lower left end. Bad Design!

Bear

Gah!

I figured it was a gen 2. I'm going to keep checking for deals, but right now I'm actually leaning towards that 30inch, 2.5 gen at Lowes for $239.00. So far it's easily the best deal I've found (heck, Bass Pro is selling their 30inch 2.5 gen for 349.99). I am seeing mixed opinions regarding the strength (or lack thereof) of the 800W, mainly in very cold weather. But overall, the unit at Lowes does have very encouraging reviews.

One more question for you- I noticed in other threads you mentioned that you were not using the Bluetooth functionality, but you did reference a "Maverick meat probe". Can you tell me how this works?

It seems like Masterbuilt hasn't quite perfected the Bluetooth technology (based on other reviews I've read), so I'd definitely be interested in what this Maverick actually does...?

 

[Bearcarver]

Gah!

I figured it was a gen 2. I'm going to keep checking for deals, but right now I'm actually leaning towards that 30inch, 2.5 gen at Lowes for $239.00. So far it's easily the best deal I've found (heck, Bass Pro is selling their 30inch 2.5 gen for 349.99). I am seeing mixed opinions regarding the strength (or lack thereof) of the 800W, mainly in very cold weather. But overall, the unit at Lowes does have very encouraging reviews.

One more question for you- I noticed in other threads you mentioned that you were not using the Bluetooth functionality, but you did reference a "Maverick meat probe". Can you tell me how this works?

It seems like Masterbuilt hasn't quite perfected the Bluetooth technology (based on other reviews I've read), so I'd definitely be interested in what this Maverick actually does...?

My Maverick just measures the Temps in the Smoker & in the meat, and sends that from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit. If the Bluetooth was being used & working, it would do those same things, but you could also change your heat setting with your remote. I don't need that---It's rare that I make a change during a Smoke, and I could walk out there to do that.

As for getting the MES 30, I hate to see people get one & then a few months later wish they would have gotten the MES 40, like so many people, including me have done.

Bear

 

[Proximo]

My Maverick just measures the Temps in the Smoker & in the meat, and sends that from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit. If the Bluetooth was being used & working, it would do those same things, but you could also change your heat setting with your remote. I don't need that---It's rare that I make a change during a Smoke, and I could walk out there to do that.

As for getting the MES 30, I hate to see people get one & then a few months later wish they would have gotten the MES 40, like so many people, including me have done.

Bear

Thanks for the explanation. I'll definitely be getting one of those Mavericks, as I'm not going to rely on the Bluetooth.

Also going to keep looking for a good deal on a 40inch gen 2.5.