MES model # ?

[mosin]

Is this http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_638907_-1__?N=578824977 one of the "good" old models? 

I've never done any smoking and want to start doing brisket and beef ribs, been doing them in the oven for a while and ready to graduate. It's between this or a smokin it 3, but this is much cheaper after shipping.

 

[mneeley490]

Yes, that looks like a 1st gen model. But best to call the seller to make sure. They may not have updated the picture.

The newer ones have all the controls up front, the exhast port on the side, and a slide out drip tray in the front bottom.

 

[seenred]

Hey Mosin.  First, welcome to the forums! Glad you joined us. You've found a great place to learn and share ideas. Lots of friendly an knowledgeable folks here who enjoy helping one another.  When you get a chance, introduce yourself over in the Roll Call forum and tell everyone a little about yourself.  It gives all the members here a chance to welcome you properly.

To answer you question:  If the smoker you get is like the one in the picture on the Academy website, it is, in fact, the older model.  You never know for sure, though, with stock photos.  You might call them and ask for sure.  The newer generation models have a control panel that is flush- mounted, and is located on the front instead of the back.  Also, the newer generation model has the smoke/air damper in the side instead of on the top right.  If it's the older model, I'd say got for it, I have the same one, and like it alot. And just ask whenever you need help and you'll get plenty.

 

[old sarge]

Regarding your initial question:  I would not know.  It is certainly not the model that QVC has been selling of late with no window.  You should be able to get a lot of info on the Masterbuilt/MES smokers under their respective headings; might also be a better place to ask some specific questions.There is a fair amount of information on Smokin-it on this site.  You can also look over the units and forum at Smokin-it.  If you search for smoking-it smokers on Amazon, you will see many comments.

What you decide to get will be strictly up to you.  

Regarding the SI units, you may want to compare them to the SmokinTex line as well as the Cookshack line and get what you feel is the best value for your dollars.  All (SI, ST, CS) are good.  All are constructed of stainless steel inside and out with insulation. Heating elements vary by model and the CS is digital for a more stable temperature, but at a price. Some features are different as well, important to some folks, unimportant to others.  Also be sure to look at capacity relative to the price of each unit, the warranty, and cost of accessories and or replacement parts. Look at the whole picture.

Many folks are fine with the SI or ST as is and don't worry about the temperature fluctuations and get good results; some want more accuracy and build or purchase a digital controller and connect it to their analog controlled smoker..  Some will spend deep for a Cookshack to get the digital capability built in. In the end, you need to hit each of the companies, see what they have to offer, and ask the company some very pointed questions regarding their use, reliability and accuracy based upon what you read here and elsewhere. And don't feel embarrassed in writing or calling the companies making these units. It is your money, not theirs.

Good luck.

 

[mosin]

Thanks everyone, I'll be buying the MES in store at the local academy so I'll be able to confirm the identification with the tips you gave.

It seems from the reading I've done here these older MES units are good enough that i don't feel comfortable spending an additional $100+ after shipping for something else. I'm just to busy dumping money on other nonsense right now.

 

[chef willie]

Regarding your initial question:  I would not know.  It is certainly not the model that QVC has been selling of late with no window.  You should be able to get a lot of info on the Masterbuilt/MES smokers under their respective headings; might also be a better place to ask some specific questions.There is a fair amount of information on Smokin-it on this site.  You can also look over the units and forum at Smokin-it.  If you search for smoking-it smokers on Amazon, you will see many comments.

What you decide to get will be strictly up to you.  

Regarding the SI units, you may want to compare them to the SmokinTex line as well as the Cookshack line and get what you feel is the best value for your dollars.  All (SI, ST, CS) are good.  All are constructed of stainless steel inside and out with insulation. Heating elements vary by model and the CS is digital for a more stable temperature, but at a price. Some features are different as well, important to some folks, unimportant to others.  Also be sure to look at capacity relative to the price of each unit, the warranty, and cost of accessories and or replacement parts. Look at the whole picture.

Many folks are fine with the SI or ST as is and don't worry about the temperature fluctuations and get good results; some want more accuracy and build or purchase a digital controller and connect it to their analog controlled smoker..  Some will spend deep for a Cookshack to get the digital capability built in. In the end, you need to hit each of the companies, see what they have to offer, and ask the company some very pointed questions regarding their use, reliability and accuracy based upon what you read here and elsewhere. And don't feel embarrassed in writing or calling the companies making these units. It is your money, not theirs.

Good luck.

  Choose wisely...a deal is not always a deal

 

[old sarge]

As Davy Crockett once said:  

Be sure you're right, then go ahead.

Maybe it was Walt Disney?

Anyway, good luck and good smoking!

 

[geerock]

That's a model 20070311 with 1200 watt replaceable element and remote control. It has the small chip tray but I believe there is a free upgrade direct from mb. This was one of the last good models with nice changes before some genius decided to change the whole design. If this is, in fact, the model as advertised, grab it.

 

[chiefwej]

You can also still get the gen1 unit on Amazon with free shipping.