MES 140S Temperature Question

[backroader]

I got a MES 140S and just did the first smoke to season the smoker. A few questions - sorry I'm a newbie...

1. I set the temperature to 275. When I went back to check on it the display said like 278. If I clicked the temperature button it said 275. I assume this means it is set to 275 but it thinks it's at 278?

2. Does the red light just light up when the heat element is running? One time I went out there and it wasn't on. I assume that's because the temp was already at 275?

3. The built in-meat probe is just sitting in the little holder that is attached to the inner wall of the smoker. WHen I clicked the meat probe button it said 150. I is not accurate as an ambient probe? I was getting a good smoke so I'm assuming I was actually closer to the 275.

 

[mike243]

The built-in therms are not known to be accurate, inkbird makes a good Bluetooth multi probe at a good price to keep track of temps, have fun they smoke some great food

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

The temp being displayed is suppose to be the actual temp. When the red light is on means the heater is cycling on. When it reaches set point it will turn off until needs to heat again. Get a external thermometer like the inkbird and adjust temperature on smoker until external reads what you want. There will be temp swings but don't sweat it. Don't use meat thermometer from smoker. Also look into using a pellet tube.

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forums/a-maze-n-smokers.3172/

Happy smoking