MES30 - maxing out at 250?

[DTM500]

Hi!

I'm fairly new to smoking - got the masterbuilt 30 digital back in December. I'm still learning how to use this, but loving the end results. The last 2 times I've smoked it seems to be struggling to get up over 250 degrees per my digital probe, with the thermostat set for 275. I'd gotten used to it having temperature swings when I adjust, but usually settling in close to the target temp.

Two weeks ago I was smoking and found that it got up near 360 degrees and was holding. It was a hot day, though the smoker was in the shade. I opened the door to let some heat out which helped, but it kept cooking on the high side even with that and turning the temp down.

Now that I think of it, it also got out in a storm for about 15-20 min while smoking a few days before that.

I wanted to ask the experts here if there might be a legit problem and what else I might look for to identify it/how to fix it? Thanks!

 

[kilo charlie]

Welcome to SMF!

I'm sure someone here will have the advice you're seeking!

 

[gmc2003]

tallbm should be able to help you with the 250* issue, but I wiil say from what I've read your entering a danger zone at 360* with a MES. I don't think they're made to run over 275*

Chris

BTW welcome to the forum, happy to have ya join.

 

[tallbm]

Hi!

I'm fairly new to smoking - got the masterbuilt 30 digital back in December. I'm still learning how to use this, but loving the end results. The last 2 times I've smoked it seems to be struggling to get up over 250 degrees per my digital probe, with the thermostat set for 275. I'd gotten used to it having temperature swings when I adjust, but usually settling in close to the target temp.

Two weeks ago I was smoking and found that it got up near 360 degrees and was holding. It was a hot day, though the smoker was in the shade. I opened the door to let some heat out which helped, but it kept cooking on the high side even with that and turning the temp down.

Now that I think of it, it also got out in a storm for about 15-20 min while smoking a few days before that.

I wanted to ask the experts here if there might be a legit problem and what else I might look for to identify it/how to fix it? Thanks!

Hi there and welcome!

The MES probes are always horribly wrong.
Do you have a good wireless thermometer to measure the actual temps in the smoker instead of using the MES temp reading?

If your smoker is actually getting over 275F you can manage this with thermometer like I mention. If it continues to do the 250F temp and never hits 275F then you are out of luck.

There is a 3rd party controller called a PID Controller that will make your smoke hold within 1 degree of what temp you set. They are awesome and make your smoker perform 100X better than any brand new MES out there. It cost a little $$$ and takes a simple rewire of the smoker (cut 4 wire ends and splice to make 2 wires).

If you want to go that route let us know but first thing is to get a good dual probe (or more probes i like 4-6 probes) wireless thermometer, test it, and then use it to measure what your smoker is actually doing with temps since the MES thermometers are trash.

 

[GaryHibbert]

Here is the best advice I can give you:
When it comes to problems with a MES, you simply can't go wrong listening to tallbm . I was having similar problems with my MES 30 and followed his advice (and thankfully, his detailed instructions) and my MES has run perfectly ever since.
Gary

 

[Bearcarver]

DTM,
I would never let my MES go above 300° consistantly, on an accurate Therm.
I had one get up to 320° before I noticed it, so I shut it down. I could hear a crinkling noise from 320° until it got down below 300° for awhile. The crinkling was the insulation between the walls of the box being degraded. If it keeps going above 300°, I would call Masterbuilt.

Bear

 

[Winterrider]

^^^^^^ I second this piece of advice. I love my MES 40 now.

Edit: whoops just a bit slow, but good advise on both posts