MES 40 - Plug Into Wall

[mattu1665]

After a long wait I'm finally getting my MES 40. I've read at least in one post that you need to plug the unit directly into the wall outlet rather than using an extension cord. The post stated that the unit wouldn't heat properly. I'm not an electrician but that doesn't sound right to me. Can anyone validate that you need to plug the unit into the wall instead of an extension cord?

 

[big dee]

You need a heavy duty extension cord if you are not going to plug straight into an outlet. On a recent smoke I had to use a normal extension cord and had problems latter in the day do to excessive amp draw(heat). My MES still worked but I was border line on causing a fire with my extension cord. Before I do this again I will definitely get a larger extension cord.

General rule of thumb: amps=heat. Also the longer the distance from the source=heat and less capacity.

Someone should be along shortly to suggest what size extension cord to use.

Hope this makes sense.

Dennis

 

[texasfiddlefan]

I use a 12 ga. Extension cord and have no problems.

 

[deltadude]

I haven't read the current manual but it used to state right in the manual to NOT use an extension cord.  If you need to a 12 ga will do the trick.  I have to use an ext. cord it is 50' long and is a 12 ga.  I can tell you for a fact that my 800 watt MES 40 using a lighter gauge ext cord DID NOT WORK properly.  Your MES 40 is a 1200 watts, that makes the need for a 12 gauge cord even greater.  You can try a 14 gauge short cord 10' -15 ' maybe and get away with it, however many have reported problems with lighter gauge cords.

 

[glocksrock]

I used a 12 guage 25 foot extension cord with my MES 30 and had no problems. My new MES 40 will be delivered tomorrow, so I'll be able to report back later how it works with the extension cord, but I don't anticipate any issues.

 

[jkc64]

I don't have a heavy guage cord but it is a heavy duty(insulated)cord about 1/4 dia that is 15' long. I have been using this cord since I got my MES30 last November and have had no problems.

 

[hkeiner]

I used a 12 guage 25 foot extension cord with my MES 30 and had no problems

I also use a 12ga/25ft extension cord with my MES40 and I have no apparent problems.

 

[smokinhusker]

I use a 12 gauge 50ft with mine...no problems to date.

 

[mattu1665]

Per all the helpful advice I went out and picked up a 25' / 12 gauge cord at lunch this afternoon.  I checked out the owners manual on the new MES 40 and they had the following to say about using extension cords:

• Longer extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised in their use.

• If a longer extension cord is used the marked rating should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance.

• The extension cord must be a grounding -type 3-wire cord.

• Outdoor extension cords must be used with outdoor use products and are marked with suffix “W”

   and with the statement “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.

The user manual doesn't seem to carry the warning to plug directly into wall outlet as was mentioned for past models.

 

[mattu1665]

My new MES 40 will be delivered tomorrow, so I'll be able to report back later how it works with the extension cord, but I don't anticipate any issues.

Glock - Were you on back order for your MES 40 through Amazon? I ordered mine for Fathers Day and have been anxiously waiting delivery. I will finally get mine tomorrow too.

 

[glocksrock]

Glock - Were you on back order for your MES 40 through Amazon? I ordered mine for Fathers Day and have been anxiously waiting delivery. I will finally get mine tomorrow too.

Yes, I placed the order on June 22, couldn't beat the price, it was even cheaper than the MES 40 that Sams has once you figure in tax, and it's the all stainless model! But it's gone back up a bit since I placed my order.

 

[mattu1665]

Yes, I placed the order on June 22, couldn't beat the price, it was even cheaper than the MES 40 that Sams has once you figure in tax, and it's the all stainless model! But it's gone back up a bit since I placed my order.

You can't beat the price we got! A couple weeks after I placed my order the price went up $30 on our model. Masterbuilt came out with a new model 40 but I'm not sure what the difference between the two models are but can't imagine it's worth $100 more.

 

[glocksrock]

There is a thread showing the new models and explaining what has changed. But for me, I still kinda prefer the old model, at least from the pics I've seen. I haven't yet seen the new model in person, since my local bass pro didn't have it on the floor as of my last visit. But I'm ok with the 2011 model for the money I saved.

 

[southernsausage]

Does anyone use the electric smokers "inside the house"...???

Wondering if they can be vented and used in the kitchen...?

 

[chef jimmyj]

Does anyone use the electric smokers "inside the house"...???
Wondering if they can be vented and used in the kitchen...?

 Although not recommended by Masterbuilt, there is no major reason why it can't be used indoors. No Carbon Monoxide issues, Fire Hazard similar to any kitchen Oven or Stove and a Current draw similar to an Electric Fryer or Microwave Oven. You will want a Powerful outside venting Hood Exhaust Fan. Although I have never seen anyone specifically set up an MES in their Kitchen, members have built Hooded areas in a Garage or Shed that are almost as well equipt as a Kitchen. Just include the important items, Smoker, Snack Refer, Kegerator maybe Air Conditioning...Sound like a Plan?...JJ

 

[chef jimmyj]

I just moved into a new Apartment...My MES40 sits Idle on the Balcony because there is no power out there. While I can run an Extension Cord into the Living Room I would rather avoid that. I told one of the Mainteance Guys to tell his Manager, if they hook me up with Power...There will be a Smoked Pulled Pork Luncheon in their near future...Let's see what response I get now...JJ

 

[hkeiner]

Does anyone use the electric smokers "inside the house"...???
Wondering if they can be vented and used in the kitchen...?

The biggest problem I forsee is that a substantial  burst of smoke may come out if the door is opened while smoking and setting off a fire alarm. Of course this can be avoided by not opening the door until all the chips in the wood tray (or pellets in the AMNPS) have all burned up. Not sure if a vent would prevent such a burst of smoke from setting off a smoke alarm.

 

[texacajun]

Does anyone use the electric smokers "inside the house"...???
Wondering if they can be vented and used in the kitchen...?

I have been using mine in the garage for 2 years. I have a over the range microwave with a built in exhaust fan. The exhaust fan is vented outside. I agree with hkeiner. The smoke that is produced when you open the door is enough to fill my 2 car garage. I have noticed it takes a considerable amount of time to completely clear out the garage after I open the door. I only open the door after I have completed a smoke.

 

[glocksrock]

No problems with the extension cord on my new MES 40 during the seasoning process, so it should be ok as long as the cord is not too long, and of a heavy enough gauge.

 

[ski-freak]

I have used a 25 foot long 12 Gauge extension cord with two different electric grills (a Char-Broil Patio Caddy first, and now a Weber Q) over the past 8 years with no troubles at my ski house. The house wiring feeding the electrical outlet on the deck is actually 14 Gauge wiring (it's a 15 Amp Circuit), so my 12 Gauge extension cord is rated for more current than the house wiring feeding the outlet it's plugged into. Accordingly the voltage drop from the extension cord is insignificant. A 15 Amp Circuit is capable of running a grill like this as 15 Amps X 120 Volts AC = 1800 Volt Amperes (Watts). BTW, 12 Gauge house wiring is required for a 20 Amp Circuit.

Bear in mind that other appliances operating on the same circuit at the same time can result in your breaker being tripped. In my case the 15 Amp GFCI breaker feeds two bathrooms AND the deck outlet, and if my wife plugs her hair dryer in one of the bathroom outlets while the grill is operating it will trip the breaker as soon as she turns on the hair dryer's switch.