Masterbuilt question

[markyque]

I posted earlier that I bought a MES 30 (model 20070213) last month and the controller went out almost immediately.  Masterbuilt advised me to exchange it as the controller is still backordered and it's been over 30 days already.  The retailer has this smoker (display on door and exhaust on side) as well as the one with the display on the back and the exhaust on top, which I believe to be a prior generation.  Am I better off with the older generation?

 

[pc farmer]

I have the older one and have no problems. I would get the old style.

 

[geerock]

I posted earlier that I bought a MES 30 (model 20070213) last month and the controller went out almost immediately.  Masterbuilt advised me to exchange it as the controller is still backordered and it's been over 30 days already.  The retailer has this smoker (display on door and exhaust on side) as well as the one with the display on the back and the exhaust on top, which I believe to be a prior generation.  Am I better off with the older generation?

YES!!

 

[seenred]

YES!!

^^^^^

X2.  Much fewer issues with the older models.

 

[markyque]

Ok...I got what I believe is the prior generation MES 30.  I'm going to season it after work tonite and get back to smoking after my false start with the next gen MES 30.  I think I should test the accuracy of the temp display.  

It looks like I should stick the thermometer probe into a potato with the tip extending through the potato...is this correct?  

Should I run my probe cord through the door or exhaust vent?  

Should I seal the seam where the controller/digital readout meets the top of the cabinet to avoid moisture? 

What kind of cover are you using?

Thanks!

 

[chiefwej]

The potato trick is used to compare two different probes when confirming readings.

I run my Maverick food probe through the door and if I use a BBQ probe, put it down the vent.

I didn't caulk the controller to the body, but I did coat the wire terminals with dielectric grease to keep moisture out. But then my unit is always covered when not in use.

Here is the cover I'm using. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/138010/need-a-cover-for-the-mes-40#post_953114