MES 40" - Gen 1 vs Gen 2.5

[eversch]

Alright smf alums... I've continued my search for months and I know what y'all will start out with saying... Just pull the dang trugger. But once I but I'm keeping for at least 5-10 years ss I've done with my vertical propane to this point.

From what I've looked at the Gen 1 and Gen 2.5 are fairly available but for a dramatic price difference. The price seems to be between 225 and 250 for Gen 1, while Gen 2.5 is roughly 500. It's the Gen 2.5 worth the price difference considering the external thermometer and mods that would be done to either one?

Hoping for some bear input it other experienced smokers here to chime in because my main goal will be expanding from my 30" propane to The 40" insulated electric skille (ps - already know to about Gen 2)

 

[sm0kin]

Gen 1.5 20072618 249 at academy. I’m fairly impressed so far with this model

 

[Rings Я Us]

I would get a smoker that goes higher than 275° , whatever that one is.

Digital push-button time and temperature (100ºF - 275ºF) controls, automatic thermostat temperature adjustment, and built-in meat temperature probe work together to ensure even cooking and prevent overheating.

 

[sm0kin]

I would get a smoker that goes higher than 275° , whatever that one is.

Digital push-button time and temperature (100ºF - 275ºF) controls, automatic thermostat temperature adjustment, and built-in meat temperature probe work together to ensure even cooking and prevent overheating.

Why? I have smoked everything I can think of over last 20 years at 275 or less. Just curious what your logic is?

 

[Rings Я Us]

When an electric smoker gets loaded up with cold wet meat and sides, 275 ain't gonna come for a long time.
It's not to great for chicken or turkey skin either. Just saying.

 

[Rings Я Us]

My smoker says it goes to 400. But that won't happen unless the thing is empty and it's 90° outside

 

[Rings Я Us]

http://www.bbqdryrubs.com/pit-boss-electric-smoker-review-analog-digital-control-options/

 

[bdskelly]

I’ve owned both. And loved both. Decide what features you want. Then pull the trigger. No matter which one you buy your going to really enjoy it after using that old gasser. B

 

[Rings Я Us]

I think Masterbuilt 40 is the best choice though of the electric smokers in the $200-$450 range. :D you will have fun with one.. most people say don't bother with that Bluetooth one.

 

[Rings Я Us]

Char broil and that pit boss silver star .... and the smoke hollow smoke-tronix one I think are the only competition..


Ok.. I'm done.. haha.. good luck..

 

[sm0kin]

When an electric smoker gets loaded up with cold wet meat and sides, 275 ain't gonna come for a long time.
It's not to great for chicken or turkey skin either. Just saying.

I turn my smoker on and have it at temp prior to filling with meat. I suppose it’s all in how you prep and cook. I ALWAYS smoke my chicken then grill it off to get that perfect crispy skin, and the same with a turkey only indirect heat. Everyone has their own opinion and style, this hasn’t let me down, ever.

 

[Rings Я Us]

Just getting you to think about all options.. haha.. I like the size and convenience of the 40.. ;)

 

[sm0kin]

After owning 3 30’s , I have come to realize that the 40 suits me better by far lol. I ended up getting the mes 140s for under $100 bucks after it was all said and done, including a 3year warranty that covers wear and tear as well as lightning strikes and power surges. While I would love to have a cook shack AmeriQue, this one gets the job done

 

[mosparky]

Given the OP's original question, gen 1 or 2.5, I'd go with the gen 1 and set the $ saved aside for a PID controller at some later time. I have a 2.5 but only because they offered them at a sweetheart price on some leftover QVC inventory. Nobody seems to fully trust the temp readings from the probes, so why pay so much extra for features you're not fully sure you can trust ? I got mine with every intention of converting to PID when and if the need arises.

 

[hillbillyrkstr]

I have a mes 40 v2 and a v2.5. I’ve run chips through the v2 a few times and that was enough for me. Started using a amnps in both smokers almost right away.

You can usually find the 2.5 at sams club in the summer for $250/$300. I bought mine for $317.99 during and amazon sale in July of 2016. So $500 seems way high to me.


That said I don’t use the Bluetooth. I have a few igrills and rarely use the Bluetooth option due to the fact my barn is to far from the house to work. But I feel like overall the 2.5 heats more evenly.

I think any of the mes 40’s you can get cheapest and add and amnps tray to your winning. I did have to put a mailbox mod on my gen 2 to get the amnps tray to run well. But it works perfectly now.

In all honesty 10 years seems high to me as far as a life for an mes. My orginal gen 2 still works well but it’s not made to last the test of time. The door is starting to warp and I assume that’s due to the changing temps of the smoker and the outside temp in this crazy state of Michigan. Think I’ve had it 6 or 7 years now. It’s been a good run for the price.

As far as not buying a smoker that doesn’t smoke above over 275 degrees... I don’t even know what to say to that. Everything i smoke is between 220-250 and that hasn’t changed in 13+ years.

As far as loading your smoker with a bunch of meat and having issues getting up to temp with a smoker that only goes to 275 last year alone i loaded both mes 40’s down with 8 pork shoulders (16 total) and provided pulled pork for a grad party the next day. And we do it every year for the smoker parties we have, and grad parties we help people out with. Sure it takes a while to climb to temp when stuffed with cold meat but that’s what you plan for.

With a pellet tray the mes 40 is a fine smoker for the price.

Good luck,
Scott

 

[chopsaw]

Just getting you to think about all options.. haha.. I like the size and convenience of the 40.. ;)

So what MES model do you have ?

 

[gmc2003]

Bear has a side by side comparison in one of his links. Just figure out what features are important to you go from there.

Chris

 

[eversch]

Thanks guys!

 

[Bearcarver]

The best MES is the MES 40 Gen #2.5 BT, whether you use the BT or not (I don't).
Second best is the MES 40 Gen #1.
The one to stay away from is the Gen #2.
They all go from 100° to 275°, and I never had trouble with getting anything done in any of mine.
Don't listen to people who think they know everything about a Smoker that they have never used.

Here's more on them:
Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear's Thoughts & Findings)
MES Generation Number Recognition Pictures & Pics (Digital Units)


Bear

 

[cmayna]

Given the OP's original question, gen 1 or 2.5, I'd go with the gen 1 and set the $ saved aside for a PID controller at some later time. I have a 2.5 but only because they offered them at a sweetheart price on some leftover QVC inventory. Nobody seems to fully trust the temp readings from the probes, so why pay so much extra for features you're not fully sure you can trust ? I got mine with every intention of converting to PID when and if the need arises.

I was given my Gen 1 MES40 free from a fellow SMFer because it did not fire up. Installed an Auber PID controller and it has ran like a champ. Not sure how easy it would be to install a PID in a 2.5, but I'm sure there's way, if there's a will. :cool: