Masterbuilt smoker deal

[JHockeyFan]

sams club has the following smoker on sale for $249.00 it looks like a version 2.5? The best I can tell it’s a pretty good deal from the knowledge I have gain on this board. I plan on purchasing one unless somebody can point me a to a better deal?
https://m.samsclub.com/ip/masterbuilt-smoker/prod15560335

 

[SmokinAl]

I don't know too much about MES pricing, but that sure looks like a good deal to me!
Al

 

[hillbillyrkstr]

That’s a great deal! Paid $317 for mine and I thought that was a great deal! If your in the market buy it. Won’t get a better deal.

Scott

 

[smokinq13]

Being a 40in model I'd say it's a pretty good deal... you have to beware about which models to stay away from though... things dealing with the control unit malfunctioning or even the heating element burning out....
I picked up two 30in models w/ bluetooth from walmart that I'm trying to sell

 

[Bearcarver]

I'll put it simply:
That is the best MES 40 available (IMO), and that ($249) is the Best Price I've seen for it.

Bear

 

[hillbillyrkstr]

Yup what bear said.

 

[wichita chief]

I saw it today and too thought it seemed like the smoker I was watching ha just dropped in price. It sure looks like a 2.5 I told myself. I just might have to snag one before they are gone soon. Then it's long threads reading to see if anything is needing to change to get optimal results.

 

[Bearcarver]

I saw it today and too thought it seemed like the smoker I was watching ha just dropped in price. It sure looks like a 2.5 I told myself. I just might have to snag one before they are gone soon. Then it's long threads reading to see if anything is needing to change to get optimal results.

Got a Link?

Bear

 

[wichita chief]

Sorry Bear. I was referring to the sale link from Sam's the O.P. was bringing up. I would like to get a electric smoker to use on ribs, fish, smaller cuts than firing up my big stick smoker when I want to run them. I have been following the MES 40 2.5 threads with interest after reading all of you guys positive comments on it. For $249 I'd give it a try. My Mrs. picked up another off brand electric off of the clearance rack but it's no MES. My thoughts is to use it as a cold smoker after buying an electric which is actually usable. From what I see the other good electrics of similar size are double or more in price. To get my feet wet in an electric this seems like a reasonable unit for me. I know the Smokin-it, Smokin Tex, and Cookshack all have their followers but Bear you and a few others have posted enough that I'm confident the MES will do what I want to try out. It's funny. Just so happens I have a few X-mas gift cards laying around which will make a nice dent in the price. Heck, I even have an AMNS from the failed attempt to get the bargain bin smoker to work acceptable.

 

[normanaj]

I would like to get a electric smoker to use on ribs, fish, smaller cuts than firing up my big stick smoker when I want to run them. I have been following the MES 40 2.5 threads with interest after reading all of you guys positive comments on it. For $249 I'd give it a try

I'd jump on it,that's a fine price indeed!Get it while you can.

 

[Bearcarver]

Sorry Bear. I was referring to the sale link from Sam's the O.P. was bringing up. I would like to get a electric smoker to use on ribs, fish, smaller cuts than firing up my big stick smoker when I want to run them. I have been following the MES 40 2.5 threads with interest after reading all of you guys positive comments on it. For $249 I'd give it a try. My Mrs. picked up another off brand electric off of the clearance rack but it's no MES. My thoughts is to use it as a cold smoker after buying an electric which is actually usable. From what I see the other good electrics of similar size are double or more in price. To get my feet wet in an electric this seems like a reasonable unit for me. I know the Smokin-it, Smokin Tex, and Cookshack all have their followers but Bear you and a few others have posted enough that I'm confident the MES will do what I want to try out. It's funny. Just so happens I have a few X-mas gift cards laying around which will make a nice dent in the price. Heck, I even have an AMNS from the failed attempt to get the bargain bin smoker to work acceptable.

$249 is a Great Price for the MES 40 Gen #2.5 !!
In case you haven't seen these, here's some help:

About Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse (Digital)
Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear's Thoughts & Findings)
MES Generation Number Recognition Pictures & Pics (Digital Units)

Bear

 

[normanaj]

Heck, I even have an AMNS from the failed attempt to get the bargain bin smoker to work acceptable.

That makes the decision even easier!

 

[wichita chief]

I finally got around to going back to Sams. The smoker the OP referenced was marked down to $224.91 with the note "last one." Believing it to be a rough life floor model I sure have my reservations. The cover over the controls (light shield) was broken. The chip holder handle was missing. The meat probe was gone (pulled out of the unit). and the plastic tab on the exhaust shutter was missing. Right next to it was a MES 340G https://www.samsclub.com/sams/40-inch-bluetooth-smoker/prod22014799.ip?searchTerm=980072028 which for $299 I like more so. I'd spend a few bucks getting the parts to make the initially looked at one back up to par. The 340G looks to be a 2.5 gen with a different door and newer control panel. Hmmmmmmm!

 

[Bearcarver]

I finally got around to going back to Sams. The smoker the OP referenced was marked down to $224.91 with the note "last one." Believing it to be a rough life floor model I sure have my reservations. The cover over the controls (light shield) was broken. The chip holder handle was missing. The meat probe was gone (pulled out of the unit). and the plastic tab on the exhaust shutter was missing. Right next to it was a MES 340G https://www.samsclub.com/sams/40-inch-bluetooth-smoker/prod22014799.ip?searchTerm=980072028 which for $299 I like more so. I'd spend a few bucks getting the parts to make the initially looked at one back up to par. The 340G looks to be a 2.5 gen with a different door and newer control panel. Hmmmmmmm!

That's strictly up to you---I like them both!

However those things wrong with the $224.91 smoker are:
Sun-shield----Not needed, only model to have one.
Chip Dumper handle easy to replace.
My meat probe has been in it's sheath since I got it. I would never trust it anyway. I use my Maverick ET-732.
I took that plastic tab off the exhaust, because it was in the way of my bug screen.

Bear

 

[wichita chief]

I agree on the points Bear. I did like the 340 base stand better. I raises it up some and has rollers. Might save a little wear and tear on my old back. True the other points are not deal breakers I agree. I will go back up today or tomorrow.

 

[Bearcarver]

I agree on the points Bear. I did like the 340 base stand better. I raises it up some and has rollers. Might save a little wear and tear on my old back. True the other points are not deal breakers I agree. I will go back up today or tomorrow.

Yeah, the legs are nice, but when I got my Gen #2.5 I was glad it didn't have legs, because I already had the 24" high platform there from my other MES units.
Like I said though, you got all the info now, & it's time to decide, and either way I think you'll have a Winner!

Bear

 

[dr k]

The 340G I have heard from several people that the wiring has been upgraded.

 

[wichita chief]

I finally made it back up to Sam's an hour before the sale went off. I went with the 340G. I hope to get it assembled and broke in before next weekend. I'm planning on firing up my stick smoker to do 4 pork butts in preparation for our annual 4th of July get together. I will instead do 3 in it and use the MES to do one of them. This gives me a chance to get to know it with no pressure to do too much to quick and get a feel for it. Plus then I have an A/B comparison to see how they compare. I know I'll be bored with the MES and not having to monitor the fire. LOL. Getting the AMNS dialed in sounds like the biggest challenge. It sounds like the makings of a fun Saturday.

 

[TomKnollRFV]

It took me about an hour to put a MES 140S together with my dad. Then I ran it on max for 3 hours with no smoke, then tossed in a tray worth of chips and let it go for another hour. Before and after every smoke I go over it for a quick cleaning and oiling.

On the AMNS I just pull my chip tray loader out and keep the top vent open. I actually had to smother it once now...windy day..well, it started back on fire inside the smoker with in a minute of putting it inside. I had to keep the top vent half open to not have it happen again!

 

[Bearcarver]

It took me about an hour to put a MES 140S together with my dad. Then I ran it on max for 3 hours with no smoke, then tossed in a tray worth of chips and let it go for another hour. Before and after every smoke I go over it for a quick cleaning and oiling.

On the AMNS I just pull my chip tray loader out and keep the top vent open. I actually had to smother it once now...windy day..well, it started back on fire inside the smoker with in a minute of putting it inside. I had to keep the top vent half open to not have it happen again!

Yup---On mine I keep the top vent open 100%, except when I'm Preheating, or once the meat is foiled or holding it after it's done smoking. And I pull the chip dumper out about 3" for more air flow to my AMNPS, and back in for less air flow.
And if it's windy I set to top vent to about half way open.

Bear