MES 560 - do you like it?

[JC in GB]

A friend of mine wants to get a MES 560. He asked me my opinion as he knows I am a smoking enthusiast.

I had to answer honestly and tell him I don't know.

Any forum users of the MES 560 your feedback on how you kike this unit would be of great help.

Thanks,

JC

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

Check out this thread that Joe xray posted a couple days ago. Was his maiden voyage on the 560 and might throw some insight out there.

Chuck Roast Tacos Using 2 New Toys.

Last week, my brothers and my wife chipped in and got me a Masterbuilt Gravity 560 for a birthday present. I assembled and seasoned earlier in the week so the first chance I got to use it was Labor Day. I decided on something simple so I could develop a feel for the new smoker. I figured a chuck...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[BigW.]

Very long thread:

Masterbuilt Gravity Feed

Sorry if this has been posted already. This looks like a good idea, and inexpensive way to get into gravity feed if it works as well as advertised. https://www.masterbuilt.com/collections/smokers/products/gravity-series™-560-digital-charcoal-grill-smoker Anyone have one already?

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[xray]

I was going to mention there's an epic 560 thread floating around here somewhere...BigW found it. Also, there's a facebook group for the 560. I don't do FB but had my wife join so I can browse.

I have only used the smoker once so my limited experience with it may not be valid. I have not done a high heat cook on it either. But from what I have done, I like it. I'm doing a pork shoulder this weekend.

Temperatures are pretty consistent throughout the cook chamber. I had 4 probes in left and right upper and lower racks. All seem within a few degrees of each other once the smoker stabilizes.

The smoker gets up to temp quickly like advertised but the smoke is still pretty heavy from the charcoal. I waited an additional 20 something minutes until it cleared out.

No issues with the app or connecting to wifi. Seems like I always have to hit the "connect" button on my iphone when my phone goes idle or the app gets set to the backgroud but it's not a big deal to me.

I've read a lot about the firebox rusting out and SS inserts are available. I'll likely go that route when that happens. I don't buy Masterbuilts claim that the metal is only temporary to hold the firebrick in place during shipment. That seems like a cop out instead of trying to address a quality issue.

Sorry, I can't offer more. There's plenty others on here who can help.

 

[PPG1]

I love my 560. It holds a steady temp. Once you figure the amount of smoke flavor you like it is very consistent. For like smoke flavor I place about 6 chunks of wood (I use hickory and pecan ). For medium Smoke I layer the wood chunks, about a 60/40 mix charcoal/wood. For heavier smoke flavor (My Preference) I stand a split up in the hopper and suround it with charcoal. I've done everything from low and slow to blistering sears at 700+. I was a stick burner for the longest time but I'm sold on the 560.