MES 130B Questions: Is it worth it?

[nkpal624]

Hi all,

I may have the opportunity to pick up a brand new MES 130B for under $100 at Lowe's this week. My main question is if it is worth the buy. I currently have an offset smoker that I have been using and love but it has a real-estate problem in the fact that I can typically only smoke one or two things at a time. I am considering grabbing an electric smoker to use in tandem with this for longer smokes or multiple side-dishes.

I like the set and forget idea of these electric smokers and from what I've read so far if I pick up one of the A-MAZE-IN Pellet smokers I can achieve that.

Please let me know your thoughts on this particular smoker and if it is worth the buy or I should hold off for a better option when there is more in stock in the spring.

For a little background, I worked at Lowe's for a while and finding deals like this through friends that still work there is not uncommon and I believe I could get a similarly low price (relative to the product) on any smoke that is in the store.

Interested to see what you all think.

Thanks,

Nick

 

[SonnyE]

I would say grab it.
I have one just like it that is the JMSS (Signiture Series)
I modified mine to suit me. The electronic controls are OK for the range they provide.
But I do cold smoking as well, and for lower temperatures, the stock MES 30 can't hack it.
So the AMNPS tray completely fills the need. With a "Mailbox Mod" this becomes the Little Smoker that Can!
That separates the heat and smoke sources, gives you control over both.
I like being able to do some subtle smoking, then finish cooking other ways.
My little Smoker that Can has a permanent place next to my Gasser grill on my patio, and fills a tasty nitch.
I vote for getting it.

 

[tropics]

Nick I have the MES 40 Blue Tooth I use for cold smoking and doing sausage.Last hot smoke I did it would not get above 245*F that was enough for me to finish my cook.
You will need a good probe to monitor the Cooking Chamber as well as the meat.I cook by meat temp so for that price I would get it
Richie

 

[dr k]

For under $100 you mentioned I'd get it as an outdoor summer oven or holding oven for gatherings even if you smoke in a different vessel. At least you'll have the option to smoke in that oven. I never have seen a good deal like that for clearance etc on an Mes. I just hear about them and check with no luck. I'd have one at my parent's house, girlfriend's house. They'd be scattered all over the place for under $100.

 

[normanaj]

Under $100...I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Keep looking after the season you might even find better bargains.I grabbed my second MES30 for $69.99 earlier this year.Its why I have two.

 

[DeviousMrMatt]

Right now that smoker is even cheaper. Lowes around here are advertising it for $149
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masterbuilt-MES-130B-Digital-Electric-Smoker/1000386183

 

[PAS]

A few months ago I bought two of these at Lowes for $119.00.
Masterbuilt MES 230G Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker at Lowes.com

 

[solman]

A few months ago I bought two of these at Lowes for $119.00.
Masterbuilt MES 230G Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker at Lowes.com

were they open box or floor models? $119 seems like an amazing price and too good to be true.

 

[PAS]

New on the shelf unopened. Also had a friend get one the same day!
Do a search on top of page (MES 230G). Someone got one for $105.

 

[nkpal624]

Update: I was able to get the smoker for $90 brand new in the box. I picked it up today and an starting to season it now. I also ordered an A-MAZE-N pellet smoker (5"x8") which will hopefully be here in a few days. My first cook in this smoker will probably be scottish eggs that I found here on the forums.

 

[Bearcarver]

That's a Good price on a good Hybrid smoker.
They seem to normally run between $119 and $179, with some better sales and some stupid high prices here & there.

The only weakness that one has is that both the heating element & the top Vent are on the right side, but it doesn't seem to affect the 30" as much as it does the 40" Generation #1.

Bear

 

[Bearcarver]

A few months ago I bought two of these at Lowes for $119.00.
Masterbuilt MES 230G Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker at Lowes.com

Unbelievable Price for that "Super-Smoker" !!
Congrats!

Bear

 

[nkpal624]

Thanks for all of the replies, everyone. I plan on doing my first smoke in the new smoker tomorrow. I will be sure to talk about how it goes and what I have learned from it.

Side Note: BearCarver, I just checked out your post about your different carvings and the step by step. You do some great work. I especially like the 6 footer in the step-by-step. Chainsaw carving is something I have wanted to try to learn for a while but I have not brought myself to do it yet.

 

[Bearcarver]

Thanks for all of the replies, everyone. I plan on doing my first smoke in the new smoker tomorrow. I will be sure to talk about how it goes and what I have learned from it.

Side Note: BearCarver, I just checked out your post about your different carvings and the step by step. You do some great work. I especially like the 6 footer in the step-by-step. Chainsaw carving is something I have wanted to try to learn for a while but I have not brought myself to do it yet.

Thank You!!
I wish I could still do that.
I would love to carve a "Big Foot" or 3.

Bear

 

[PAS]

Congratulations on the smoker. I would recommend you cover the bottom drip tray and top of the chip cover with foil and change if every smoke. I also dont use the water pan so it is removed. You will appreciated the pellet tray also!!