MES 30 Top Control Question

[domlazz]

Hello all,

Newbie here.  I'm getting ready for my first smoke and I keep seeing references to the MES 30 and an included temperature probe.  I have the all black model with the top digital controls.  It didn't come with any kind of a meat probe.  Should it have?

domlazz

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Hello all,

Newbie here.  I'm getting ready for my first smoke and I keep seeing references to the MES 30 and an included temperature probe.  I have the all black model with the top digital controls.  It didn't come with any kind of a meat probe.  Should it have?

domlazz

If it's one of the older models of the Gen #1 units, it doesn't come with a built in meat probe.

However that is one of the better MES smokers.

I don't trust my MES probe anyway.

Bear

 

[domlazz]

Thanks. Turns out, my bigger concern should have been the small fire that went off last night when I was seasoning it. “Boom”, right in my face as I snuck a peak through the chip filler.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Thanks. Turns out, my bigger concern should have been the small fire that went off last night when I was seasoning it. “Boom”, right in my face as I snuck a peak through the chip filler.

Too much Chips!! Anything more than about 1/4C will generate explosive gasses. Pull the Chip Loader and you sent a rush of Air and BOOM!

While seasoning my MES, I added as much chips and the loader would hold. Twenty minutes later there was a loud bang. The loader was blown 3 feet into the yard and a foot of flame shot out the hole with additional puffs of flame every few seconds...JJ

 

[geerock]

What model number do you have? There were several "fixes" offered by masterbuilt for various models and various issues, including a retro fit chip tray because of fires from the loader. Do you have a top exhaust and the controller on the top back?

 

[domlazz]

What model number do you have? There were several "fixes" offered by masterbuilt for various models and various issues, including a retro fit chip tray because of fires from the loader. Do you have a top exhaust and the controller on the top back?

Yes, I have a top exhaust and the controller at the top back.  It's model 2007-0910

 

[holyfeld]

 
Yes, I have a top exhaust and the controller at the top back.  It's model 2007-0910

I started with that smoker model. If I remember correctly the internal meat probe was in a clip on the left hand inside wall.

But as Bearcarver said, be careful trusting those probes. It may be better than nothing, but it won't beat a Maverick 732 or an iGrill http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/137664/new-maverick-or-igrill

I use the iGrill (love it). I gave my son (who got my old MES-30 when I bought my MES-40)  the 732 for Christmas. I recommend getting the Maverick from Todd Johnson at http://www.amazenproducts.com/Default.asp You might want to consider the AMNPS too.

 

[geerock]

That model is a gen 1 and is a nice little smoker. But I believe it has no meat probe. 800 watt element instead of the 650 in other 30's. And an access panel to get to the element in case of trouble. Get a maverick et732 or 733 to verify your smoke chamber temp and meat temp. And small chunks instead of chips gives longer smoke time. Best of luck.

 

[domlazz]

Thanks for the replies all. First smoke going well. Had nice spare ribs for lunch and the pork butt should be ready just in time for dinner.

 

[slp45]

Hello, My MES 30 is from Cabelas. 20071914  it has the meat probe. I will be careful of not over doing the chips.

Scott