Moving to electric (new here)

[Pilot Bird]

Looking for input. I’m switching from a propane smoker to a Masterbuilt 40”. The propane smoker had temperature fluctuations and I was unable to keep the temperatures below 275. The result was unacceptable. I’m hoping the Masterbuilt will solve this problem. In reading this forum, I’m already convinced of the need for a quality temperature probe, and I am looking for any other ideas of things that I need to do off the bat before I ruin another $30.00 worth of pig.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

Buy an AMNPS and burn pellets in the new MES40. Can get 11 straight hours of smoke. Loading chips everything 30 minutes sucks and is impracticable

 

[Pilot Bird]

Thanks. I’ll look into that.

 

[GATOR240]

What SmokinVOL said.

 

[Braz]

The MES40 can be an excellent smoker. They have some weaknesses out of the box but if you don't mind tinkering a bit you can make it much, much better. As you poke around the forum some more you will find a plethora of tips on the MES smoker. Bearcarver is a trove of good info. Check the Electric Smokers section of the Forum. And welcome.

 

[weedeater]

Agree with SmokinVOLfan! AMNPS is a good move, especially for long smokes where feeding the chips can get laborious. The remote therm is a must. Should be at least a two probe model at a minimum so you can watch the temp of the MES and your food at the same time. Welcome to SMF. You have come to a happy place!

Weedeater

 

[zwiller]

I did basically the same move (gasser to electric) but to the 30 and LOVE IT. MES and AMNPS is basically set and forget. Was very surprised how well it works in winter due to its insulation. ENJOY!

 

[daveomak]

Modify you gasser... Plug 50-80% of the holes... add a low pressure regulator and needle valve to control the propane flow... When you plug the holes, make the plugs removable... like the picture below...
When turning on the propane flame, have a big enough flame so you won't get a flame out... bad stuff a flame out... propane still flowing and an explosion could happen... AND MAKE SURE ALL THE HOLES HAVE A FLAME.....
.... click here ... Regulator and valve

 

[Pilot Bird]

The MES40 can be an excellent smoker. They have some weaknesses out of the box but if you don't mind tinkering a bit you can make it much, much better. As you poke around the forum some more you will find a plethora of tips on the MES smoker. Bearcarver is a trove of good info. Check the Electric Smokers section of the Forum. And welcome.

Thanks

 

[Pilot Bird]

The MES40 can be an excellent smoker. They have some weaknesses out of the box but if you don't mind tinkering a bit you can make it much, much better. As you poke around the forum some more you will find a plethora of tips on the MES smoker. Bearcarver is a trove of good info. Check the Electric Smokers section of the Forum. And welcome.

Thanks

 

[Pilot Bird]

Agree with SmokinVOLfan! AMNPS is a good move, especially for long smokes where feeding the chips can get laborious. The remote therm is a must. Should be at least a two probe model at a minimum so you can watch the temp of the MES and your food at the same time. Welcome to SMF. You have come to a happy place!

Weedeater

Good tip, thanks

 

[Pilot Bird]

I did basically the same move (gasser to electric) but to the 30 and LOVE IT. MES and AMNPS is basically set and forget. Was very surprised how well it works in winter due to its insulation. ENJOY!

Thanks

 

[Pilot Bird]

Modify you gasser... Plug 50-80% of the holes... add a low pressure regulator and needle valve to control the propane flow... When you plug the holes, make the plugs removable... like the picture below...
When turning on the propane flame, have a big enough flame so you won't get a flame out... bad stuff a flame out... propane still flowing and an explosion could happen... AND MAKE SURE ALL THE HOLES HAVE A FLAME.....
.... click here ... Regulator and valve


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So now I could have two good smokers, good idea.

 

[solman]

since it sounds like you still have your gasser, add a PID and safety shutoff. the PID will help control propane flow and maintain steady temperature: https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/added-valves-plus-pid-controller-to-propane-smoker.282441/

and the PID can be used with the electric too, so it'll serve dual purpose: https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/mes-rewire-simple-guide-no-back-removal-needed.267069/

 

[jted]

Welcome to the forum! We are glad you found us. Lots of knowledge to be found here. I would like to add one thing about electric smokers including the Masterbuilt line. They all fluctuate cabinet temps. It will be 20 degrees over or under till the cabinet get's real hot this may take up to several hours. It is the nature of the beast. Fortunately BBQ meat in most cases does not care. You will here people talk about the PID controllers. When installed, your cabinet will not fluctuate more than 2 or 3 degrees. I have one and my MES 30 is more accurate than my wife's kitchen oven. Good luck Jted

 

[Pilot Bird]

Welcome to the forum! We are glad you found us. Lots of knowledge to be found here. I would like to add one thing about electric smokers including the Masterbuilt line. They all fluctuate cabinet temps. It will be 20 degrees over or under till the cabinet get's real hot this may take up to several hours. It is the nature of the beast. Fortunately BBQ meat in most cases does not care. You will here people talk about the PID controllers. When installed, your cabinet will not fluctuate more than 2 or 3 degrees. I have one and my MES 30 is more accurate than my wife's kitchen oven. Good luck Jted

Thanks for the info Jted