MES 30" electric model#

[bradlam]

I found an old version 30" electric model #20070910 at my local farm & fleet store. I took the purchase ticket to the checkout & bought it, and drove around back to pick it up. When they brought it to my car, it was model #20070814. The guy insisted that it was exactly the same, they just "changed the numbers". I signed for it under protest and made a note on the form that i signed stating it was a different model than what i purchased. I can't find any info online about the model number that I have. Is this truly the same first gen model, or is this something different, and possibly the second gen model with all of the problems?

 

[pc farmer]

Any pics?

 

[bradlam]

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/bradlam/image.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/bradlam/image-1.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/bradlam/image-2.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/bradlam/image-3.jpg

Posting photos doesn't seem to be working for me, so links are above.

 

[rtronick]

Looks like the [color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]20070910. The different model # on the box could be because this package includes a smoker cover and is an exclusive product package that only Farm & Fleet carry.[/color]

 

[pc farmer]

That looks like my old mes.   One of the good ones.

 

[geerock]

Its not a new model. The 0910 is an older model. Masterbuilt never built a smoker model 0814 so I think rtronic has the answer that this is a special promo code that includes the cover. So start smokin'!

 

[fpnmf]

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/newsearch?search=mes+model+numbers

 

[bdskelly]

My MES is the older model as well. I'm guessing because I have the same type electronic control on top.  I'm new around here and did not know the newer models have problems. Anything specific that they changed that is not as robust as the older units? 

I was thinking of giving my old unit to my son and splurging on a new smoker. And a new MES was in the running for consideration along with a few others like the smoking it.  I do remember a post by someone ( can't remember who just now) that was actually given a refund by MBuilt due to a host of issues. Unfortunately I couldn't find the tread that list the problems. 

I've had no issues at all. They did upgrade my wood tray for gratis.. And the lady on the customer service desk was so nice I actually wrote an email to the boss to tell them she was doing a fantastic job. 

A quick list of New Model issues would be greatly appreciated . 

Brian

 

[geerock]

BD
Beware the gen 2 models as the design has changed quite a bit and brings some issues. Many people have had issues with the controllers malfuntioning including failure to shut the element off and most are just plain way out off for true temp. Air flow is terrible. Temps way off from one side to the other. I've been trying to get a working unit since early December and each "reworked" controller they send me is as bad as the last. I finally just bought a PID controller and bypassed the stock electronics, and opened the chip loader and exhaust and have a pretty accurate unit now. But out of the box these things are a crap shoot. And I want to say I had an older model mes before and loved it until the element blew. Go for the Smokin It. Nothing but good reviews I've seen.

 

[bdskelly]

GeeRock. Holy cow! There is no way I could do all those mod to a smoke just to make it acceptable to cook on. Frankly I don't understand the shift in quality. As I said before my Old MES is great.  Just thought I'd upgrade given my reenergized enthusiasm for outdoor cooking.  Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Dadgum I hope they get their arms around the quality of these units.  They really are nice folks to deal with.  Chat later. B

 

[geerock]

Well I'll tell you what BD, normally I wouldn't either but they gave me the refund and they don't want the old stuff back. I already have a pellet cooker so I figured I'd tinker. The PID controller keeps this thing within 2 to 3 degrees of set temp and has the ability to use wood chunks so it is truly a set and forget unit. And the PID programming will allow me to set all kinds of parameters that will adjust temps and times for presets for both meat and the smoker. Goes into hold temp when IT is reached. Will increment smoke temps at certain times which is great for bacon and jerky. Wish mes would put them out like this........ they'd be selling them instead of fixing them. All the best to you.

 

[bdskelly]

I'd like to see a photo of that rig and the PID.  Is it anywhere on the site? 

 

[geerock]

20130331_111441.jpg

• geerock
• Mar 31, 2013

20130331_111433.jpg

• geerock
• Mar 31, 2013

BD,

Not a big deal really.  Just took out the small exhaust and added a 3" pipe with a damper.  Drilled out the chip loader.  Adjusted the chip tray so that the tray is not sitting directly on the element. Temps are dead on with the PID.  And it's self tuning feature will get the most accurate readings and temps from just about any type of electric smoker.

 

[bdskelly]

Rock

That smoker is EPIC!  It looks like the smoker on the Space Shuttle.  I'm not sure how I'd do with a rig like yours.  One of my life rules that has served me well is " Never try to operate anything smarter than me."  But Id like to throw a brisket on that thing just to see what happens!  Cheers. b

 

[themole]

Geerock, what model PID is that? I just picked up my MES 30 tonight, it's a 2011 year model. Haven't taken it out of the box yet. I ask because I like to be prepared just in case something goes haywire with the original controls, I'll know what to order. Once I get this thing set up and seasoned I'm gonna start a few mods on it.

 

[geerock]

The model is a wsd 1203 but I actually got it from a friend at a local electronics joint who had it laying around and modified it and it can monitor 2 meats and cabinet temp. Google auberins and you'll see their smoker controllers. Having said that, the mes 30 you have was a nice cooker and should be good to go.

 

[themole]

1203. Thanks a lot. I have it bookmarked for future reference. That's some nice looking equipment!

 

[themole]

Does the relocation of the exhaust vent to the left side on Gen 2 model improve the functionality of the smoker? Also, the new 3" vent  with the damper, is that available at Home depot or Lowes and is that something I should consider ? I ain't skeerd of a mod if it's a worthwhile improvement.
 

 

[geerock]

Does the relocation of the exhaust vent to the left side on Gen 2 model improve the functionality of the smoker? Also, the new 3" vent  with the damper, is that available at Home depot or Lowes and is that something I should consider ? I ain't skeerd of a mod if it's a worthwhile improvement.

 

In theory moving it to the side from the top was a good idea from masterbuilt but between the two small inlet holes on the chip loader and the very small exhaust port at the side vent, there is just not enough flow. Smoke hanging around the chamber is not good. The adjustable elbow is a few bucks at lowes and it not only increases the flow but also keeps the stock mes controller from overshooting the set temp by 30 to 35 degrees. It still overshoots but not near as much. With the auber controller I am within a degree of set temp throughout the smoke and I have nice TBS using small chunks. It is truly a set and forget.

 

[themole]

Got ya. Before I go any further in this line of questioning, is there a specific Mod thread for the MES? I would like to read more on placement and hole size of exhaust before I take the Greenlee to it. It seems that with so many people here having trouble with their units there would be plenty of effort put to making them work. Just like you did.