MES Cold Weather Problem

[pgareau]

Anyone ever have a problem with a 30" MES not turning on in cold weather?  Its about 3 deg above outside and I started my normal routine for my smoker (in the garage with the door partially open, same outlet as normal, large gauge cord, etc).  But when I try to turn on the MES it wont turn on and I hear a quiet clicking at the controls.  I have used it in cold weather, but never this cold.

Any advice?

 

[pgsmoker64]

Try plugging it directly into the outlet without an extension cord.  

Possibly you have some moisture in the controls.  Pull the cover off and use a hair dryer to dry out and warm up the controls - don't get too close or you could damage the boards.

Good luck,

Bill

 

[smoking b]

I've used mine when it was 7* out & windy & it worked fine. Did you try waiting for a little while to see if it would come on? If it is a cold temp issue you might be able to get it to work by putting a pan or 2 of hot water inside to preheat it.

 

[pgareau]

Well, I tried all those things but nothing helped.  So I postponed my brisket till next week...hope it will be warmer, maybe as high as 20!!!!  Would be a heat wave up here!!  Thanks for the advice!

 

[daveomak]

pgareau, evening....  Well, that is a common problem with Masterbuilt....   They have a low temp cut out in the circuit...  Use a hair dryer or electric heater to warm the inside smoke chamber...  Once it thinks it is warm inside the smoker, all the electronics work as normal...  Happened to me last week...  no biggee once you know what's going on....  Dave

 

[elwoodbblues]

Happened to me on my second use of the unit.  I just unscrewed/unplugged the control unit and brought it inside and ran the hairdryer over it for a few minutes.  Worked like a charm after that.  I now don't have the control unit screwed in, just plugged in and set in place so I can quickly remove it and warm it up.

 

[tjohnson]

Yup, common problem in the cold

I just bring it in the garage, and let it warm up

Garage is set to 50°

TJ