MES Smoker Question

[JHockeyFan]

Looking to purchase my first smoker but had a question about which version to get?
This MES 40 is on sale for $279 at sams.
This one is $383 on Amazon.
Outside of one of having legs and other having a base what are the differences?
Is one recommend over the other especially with the cost difference?
I read the guide on this site and I think they are both version 2.5 is that correct? Is one just built solely for Sams Club?

 

[dward51]

The legs are an accessory for the MES. The Sam's Club package model appears to have that option in the box.

Also if you look at the Amazon model vs the Sam's, there are design differences in the heating element, heat shield & smoke box area and the housing and control panel area. Also the Amazon model has a remote included and the Sam's Club is bluetooth enabled for smart phone control (but at short range).

The Sam's Club version looks to be a newer evolution in the MES line to me.

 

[tallbm]

Hi there and welcome!

The one at sams looks to be a Gen 2.5, and the one at Amazon looks to be a Gen 2.

Gen 2 is generally frowned upon.

The Sams Gen 2.5 is less expensive, is reported to work well, seems to come with a stand according to the comments on the Sams page, and would be the option I would lean if those were my 2 options to choose from :)

Be sure to look into the AMNPS and Mailbox Mod since the AMNPS (A-Maze-N Pellet Smoker) doesn't easily fit the Gen 2.5 so the mailbox mod may be needed and the AMNPS is totally the way to go for best smoke generation. Best of luck!

 

[dr k]

If the gen 2 is as reliable as the 2.5 (which I heard they were not in the past, ) I think I'd rather have the gen 2 and remove the slant drip pan and little water pan and put a 9"×13" disposable aluminum pan on the bottom rack. I haven't heard as much about the gen 2.5 app problems so maybe both generations are more reliable. I like the rf remote's range and it's own power source than sharing it with the phone. If the gen 2.5 drains the phone battery and your now tethered to the wall charging it, you have to either go to your phone or the smoker. I guess the better price and accessories win. I wonder how the gen 2 or 2.5 with rf remote and two tiered oval water pan sold on HSN a year or two ago are performing? This smoker with window and your door color choice is nice.
- Kurt

 

[tallbm]

Another word to the wise here.

The MES smokers are notorious for having smoker and temp probes that are just plain off. Mine were off big time, like most report! I would guess that 99% of serious MES owners wind up buying a dual probe Thermometer like the ThermoPro TP20 or the Maverick. I have owned both and I prefer the TP20.

If you check the MES posts there here, it seems that like 95%+ of the MES community adds the AMNPS (A-Maze-N Pellet Smoker) and a third party Thermometer to their setup. In doing so you basically guarantee the best and most consistent BBQ you can make with your setup... which should be top notch BBQ!!! :)

 

[Bearcarver]

The MES 40 Gen #2.5 is by far the best. I wouldn't want the Gen #2 for $50.
Below are 2 links that tell my finding from all MES units, & how to tell one from another:

Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear's Thoughts & Findings)
MES Generation Number Recognition Pictures & Pics (Digital Units)


Bear

 

[GaryHibbert]

Yep. You want to walk away from the MES Gen 2.
Gary