Need a new smoker

[Ibob337]

Hello all! I'm a new member of this forum but I've been here before. Lots of great info. I've been using an MES30 for about 7 or 8 years and it's been pretty good for me, but I've had problems with it over the last couple years and I think I'd like to replace it. Of course I went head first down the rabbit hole and here we are. I only smoke a few times a year (my wife is a vegetarian so often it's only me eating it ). I normally smoke pork butt or ribs, although I want to do a turkey at some point. I'm in NY so my winter smokes are on really cold temps.

What I'm considering:
- char broil deluxe
- smokin-it 2D (is WiFi model with the extra $)
- Bradley p10
- pit boss pro series (not electric)
- another MES?

I already have a great Weber grill, so I don't need something that grills. I don't have a ton of space, so I'm not sure about the pit boss. I normally tuck my MES30 under the bench in the garage when I'm not using it. The Bradley and smokin-it are both much higher price, though my wife did give me permission to get what I want (for my bday). I could also go with another MES, but I thought I might try another brand.

Thanks for any input!

 

[normanaj]

Your MES isn't truly dead. Depending on what the issue is adding PID controller can bring it back to life and make it a better smoker than what was when it was new. tallbm can really help you out with this.

 

[Ibob337]

Your MES isn't truly dead. Depending on what the issue is adding PID controller can bring it back to life and make it a better smoker than what was when it was new. tallbm can really help you out with this.

Definitely interested in learning more about this. Here's the issue with mine. The element blew out last year and so I installed a new one. The buttons on the keypad also weren't doing so well so I installed a new one also. Everything seemed good to go until I did my next smoke, overnight pork butt. Woke up the next morning and everything was turned off. It will turn back on but I'm not sure I can trust it.

 

[tallbm]

Your MES isn't truly dead. Depending on what the issue is adding PID controller can bring it back to life and make it a better smoker than what was when it was new. tallbm can really help you out with this.

Thanks for tagging me on the post, we'll get them goin :)

Hello all! I'm a new member of this forum but I've been here before. Lots of great info. I've been using an MES30 for about 7 or 8 years and it's been pretty good for me, but I've had problems with it over the last couple years and I think I'd like to replace it. Of course I went head first down the rabbit hole and here we are. I only smoke a few times a year (my wife is a vegetarian so often it's only me eating it ). I normally smoke pork butt or ribs, although I want to do a turkey at some point. I'm in NY so my winter smokes are on really cold temps.

What I'm considering:
- char broil deluxe
- smokin-it 2D (is WiFi model with the extra $)
- Bradley p10
- pit boss pro series (not electric)
- another MES?

I already have a great Weber grill, so I don't need something that grills. I don't have a ton of space, so I'm not sure about the pit boss. I normally tuck my MES30 under the bench in the garage when I'm not using it. The Bradley and smokin-it are both much higher price, though my wife did give me permission to get what I want (for my bday). I could also go with another MES, but I thought I might try another brand.

Thanks for any input!

Hi there and welcome!

I'm not sure what is going on with your MES but if it is going out on you then the problem is likely corroding wire connectors or the safety rollout limit switch.
Those are easy to replace with hi-temp ones and keep your MES going.

If the controller or circuit board is going on on you then a simple rewire and the use of a PID controller converts your MES30 from a golf cart into a Ferrari lol.
The rewire is simply cutting the ends off 4 wire ends and then using twist wire nuts to splice and make 2 wires. The electricity will now go from the cord directly to the heating element while keeping the safety switch in place.
The MES will now be dumb and this is where a PID controller comes in to control the on/of of electricity to the MES to hit and hold the temperature you enter into the PID controller.
The PID has a thermometer you drop into the MES to sense the temp as it is heating/cooking.

Super easy. Here is the simple rewire post:

MES Rewire Simple Guide - No Back Removal Needed!!!

Lately I've seen a number of posts about guys wanting to rewire their MES. I had wanted to post a quick and simple guide for those out there that are curious or those that simply need to rewire but need a little assistance. Well here goes. Disclaimer: When messing with electrical equipment...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

I always tell people the best electric smoker you can get is a free MES or one that is like $40-50 and you rewire it and slap a PID controller on it.

The PID Controller costs a little bit of money ($150) BUT that is less money than a new smoker AND again it turns your MES into a beast!
With the PID controller your MES will hit and hold the temp within 1-3 degrees of the set temp (usually right on or within 1 degree).
No more temp swings!!!

Here is the simple one I always recommend. If you want the wifi version that works with a phone app its a little bit more money. A number of guys like the wifi version because it's easier to tune and fool with using the App interface instead of the button only interface on the controller of the the one I'm posting here. This model will work with both the MES40 and MES30 should you ever decide to upgrade (buy once cry once):

Multi Purpose Controller [WS-1510ELPM] - $159.95 : Auber Instruments, Inc., Temperature control solutions for home and industry

Auber Instruments, Inc. Multi Purpose Controller [WS-1510ELPM] - The WS-1510ELPM is a versatile temperature controller to have in your home. It can be used for various applications such as Sous Vide cooking, controlling an electric smoker, making yogurt, dough proofing, controlling the...

www.auberins.com

Ask all the questions you have. I hope this helps :)

 

[Lonzinomaker]

If you decide to go ahead and get a new smoker, I highly recommend the Smokin-It #2. And if you really want the digital control, get the #2D. I have a #1 that I take camping and a #3. The build quality is so nice compared to the MES.
But the others are right, rewiring a MES and adding a controller make it a much better smoker than a stock MES.

 

[Inscrutable]

Thanks for tagging me on the post, we'll get them goin :)



Hi there and welcome!

I'm not sure what is going on with your MES but if it is going out on you then the problem is likely corroding wire connectors or the safety rollout limit switch.
Those are easy to replace with hi-temp ones and keep your MES going.

If the controller or circuit board is going on on you then a simple rewire and the use of a PID controller converts your MES30 from a golf cart into a Ferrari lol.
The rewire is simply cutting the ends off 4 wire ends and then using twist wire nuts to splice and make 2 wires. The electricity will now go from the cord directly to the heating element while keeping the safety switch in place.
The MES will now be dumb and this is where a PID controller comes in to control the on/of of electricity to the MES to hit and hold the temperature you enter into the PID controller.
The PID has a thermometer you drop into the MES to sense the temp as it is heating/cooking.

Super easy. Here is the simple rewire post:

MES Rewire Simple Guide - No Back Removal Needed!!!

Lately I've seen a number of posts about guys wanting to rewire their MES. I had wanted to post a quick and simple guide for those out there that are curious or those that simply need to rewire but need a little assistance. Well here goes. Disclaimer: When messing with electrical equipment...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

I always tell people the best electric smoker you can get is a free MES or one that is like $40-50 and you rewire it and slap a PID controller on it.

The PID Controller costs a little bit of money ($150) BUT that is less money than a new smoker AND again it turns your MES into a beast!
With the PID controller your MES will hit and hold the temp within 1-3 degrees of the set temp (usually right on or within 1 degree).
No more temp swings!!!

Here is the simple one I always recommend. If you want the wifi version that works with a phone app its a little bit more money. A number of guys like the wifi version because it's easier to tune and fool with using the App interface instead of the button only interface on the controller of the the one I'm posting here. This model will work with both the MES40 and MES30 should you ever decide to upgrade (buy once cry once):

Multi Purpose Controller [WS-1510ELPM] - $159.95 : Auber Instruments, Inc., Temperature control solutions for home and industry

Auber Instruments, Inc. Multi Purpose Controller [WS-1510ELPM] - The WS-1510ELPM is a versatile temperature controller to have in your home. It can be used for various applications such as Sous Vide cooking, controlling an electric smoker, making yogurt, dough proofing, controlling the...

www.auberins.com

Ask all the questions you have. I hope this helps :)

If budget is a concern, this is spot on. I’ve had a Bradley and Pit Boss electric, and considered doing a mailbox mod and Auber addition to the PB … but if starting from scratch would do this^

If you decide to go ahead and get a new smoker, I highly recommend the Smokin-It #2. And if you really want the digital control, get the #2D. I have a #1 that I take camping and a #3. The build quality is so nice compared to the MES.
But the others are right, rewiring a MES and adding a controller make it a much better smoker than a stock MES.

But this is the direction I went , with a Smokin-It #3, and absolutely love it. Can’t be any easier, and might outlive me.

 

[tallbm]

If budget is a concern, this is spot on. I’ve had a Bradley and Pit Boss electric, and considered doing a mailbox mod and Auber addition to the PB … but if starting from scratch would do this^

But this is the direction I went , with a Smokin-It #3, and absolutely love it. Can’t be any easier, and might outlive me.

Yeah if I was to buy out of the box and budget was no issue a SmokinIt 3D would be my choice. It has a PID controller, looks to be built like a tank, etc, etc.

I've helped a number of people with MES PID conversions and getting a free one off Facebook or Craigslist, then rewire plus Auber PID man its hard to beat as well haha :)

All good options here :D

 

[Steve H]

A smoker can be very veggie friendly. There are many things you can do with smoked veggies. Smoked salsa and corn are 2 of my favorites. Stuffed shrooms, potatoes, and not to forget smoked spices.

 

[Nefarious]

Yeah if I was to buy out of the box and budget was no issue a SmokinIt 3D would be my choice. It has a PID controller, looks to be built like a tank, etc, etc.

I've helped a number of people with MES PID conversions and getting a free one off Facebook or Craigslist, then rewire plus Auber PID man its hard to beat as well haha :)

All good options here :D

Thats the same decision I am trying to make. I can take the smoker I already have and add a PID and have a good result or buy the smokin it 3D wifi unit. I even have the ok for the money. My problem, very personal, is that they took a very well constructed smoker and added wifi by screwing a red plastic piece to the top. I live in NW Washington state and it seems to always be raining and I have read several complaints about water and the controller leaking. There is even mod to use a pan over the top to make it better.

 

[tallbm]

Thats the same decision I am trying to make. I can take the smoker I already have and add a PID and have a good result or buy the smokin it 3D wifi unit. I even have the ok for the money. My problem, very personal, is that they took a very well constructed smoker and added wifi by screwing a red plastic piece to the top. I live in NW Washington state and it seems to always be raining and I have read several complaints about water and the controller leaking. There is even mod to use a pan over the top to make it better.

Too bad their controller isn't removeable to avoid that completely when the smoker is not in use.
If it helps, I can tell you from 1st hand experience that wifi functionality is cool but in the end is overrated.
I know because my HeaterMeter PID has had the wifi components wear out on it. So no more app control. Not a big deal I just walk out to the smoker and punch in the set temp hahaha.

I did like seeing the graphs and info of the smoke BUT I had all of that working long enough with the wifi functionality to see it and to realize that I have everything nailed down well and repeat my processes with no deviation in the cooks. So, the graphs, recordings, and charts just told me what I already know is going on. It was valuable for a while but became moot later :)

I hope some of this first hand experience may help you with some decision making you have in front of you and how much you may or may not want to spend. Ultimately do what makes you happy. That is what matters most :)

 

[Inscrutable]

I got the #3 analog, and I don’t miss the PID nor WiFi/BT connectivity. I have ThermoPro and InkBird remote probes if I choose to use (and a BBQ Guru for BGE) … but have found the reasonable temp swings on the analog controller (or setting up manually on the Weber kettle and BGE) are fine.

About a year on an uncovered patio, and Although I do cover it when not in use (most of the time), so far no problems with the top mounted control.

 

[Nefarious]

It isn't my intention to steel this thread. I have questions that I will ask at another time.

 

[WV_Crusader]

What about something like. Green Mountain Grill Trek pellet pooper since its just you and your meat? Boy that sounds bad but it would save you electric in winter and get better smoke?

 

[Norwester55]

Thats the same decision I am trying to make. I can take the smoker I already have and add a PID and have a good result or buy the smokin it 3D wifi unit. I even have the ok for the money. My problem, very personal, is that they took a very well constructed smoker and added wifi by screwing a red plastic piece to the top. I live in NW Washington state and it seems to always be raining and I have read several complaints about water and the controller leaking. There is even mod to use a pan over the top to make it better.

It's very easy to add a PID to the Smokin-It smokers, I did it, so I'd say anyone can. That way the PID isn't on top of the smoker and can be covered easily if necessary. At one time I was going to upgrade to a #3 analog and then add a PID. Going with an Auber device, same is as used for Smokin-its digital smokers, IIRC it saves you $50-$75, plus you have the option of bypassing the SI analog controller and adding a rocker switch, so you're able to use the smoker if something should go wrong with the PID or if you just don't need it for whatever you're smoking.
eta-I'm on the wet side of Oregon.

 

[mike243]

You get better smoke from a electric smoker vs a pellet grill, it's more work running a electric thats stock than a pellet smoker, I have a pellet smoker for the ease of use not the finished smoke profile. There are methods to increase smoke for the pellet unit. I have had a electric 40" since they first came out, haven't fired it up in 2 years `but need to knock the rust off it

 

[Ibob337]

Thanks a lot for all the replies. Very helpful information. I guess the one thing I'm not sure of is, from a practical standpoint, what does holding a tighter and more accurate temp using a PID do for your end results? Just more consistent smoking results? Honestly, before mine broke, I was very happy with the results I usually got.
Although it may be a great way to go, I don't think I'm going to mod my current MES. I think I'm going with something new. I need to decide if an SI #2D is worth more almost 3X the cost of most of the other electric models out there. Unfortunately, SI's March and now April specials aren't anything, well, special. February was way better.

Has anyone tried the Pit Boss digital electric? Not a ton of reviews out there for it.

 

[dr k]

Thanks a lot for all the replies. Very helpful information. I guess the one thing I'm not sure of is, from a practical standpoint, what does holding a tighter and more accurate temp using a PID do for your end results? Just more consistent smoking results? Honestly, before mine broke, I was very happy with the results I usually got.
Although it may be a great way to go, I don't think I'm going to mod my current MES. I think I'm going with something new. I need to decide if an SI #2D is worth more almost 3X the cost of most of the other electric models out there. Unfortunately, SI's March and now April specials aren't anything, well, special. February was way better.

Has anyone tried the Pit Boss digital electric? Not a ton of reviews out there for it.

For cold smoking cheeses in cold weather you can set the PID temp 20° above the outdoor temp to create a draft without melting the cheese. For fish and ramping 150 to 160 to 170 etc over 4 hours for a 120 IT keeps the white albumen with the help of the pellicle inside below the surface without temp spikes. For casing sausages it keeps the fat from rendering as you ramp 120 to 170. For hot smoking it seems to cook faster and not burn sugars in rubs with no spikes so instead of swings of 260-290 to average 275 just holding at 275 or whatever temp the sugars never experience 290 over long smokes. Not as important as cheeses, fish and sausage.

 

[Inscrutable]

I had a Pit Boss analog electric. It was ok, and I don’t think the temp swings really mattered for what I cooked … butts, ribs, skinless chicken, etc.
Agree with dr k re different cooks.

My major complaints were racks too small for full racks of ribs, and with large cuts or multiple cuts, the ‘avg’ temp would creep up as the ,eat warmed, so had to gradually back down the analog control over time.

As you see in my sig, I gifted it to my SIL, and got (and am thrilled with) a Smokin-It #3

Still analog, but can outfit with an Auber if/when I wish.

 

[old sarge]

The best advice I can give regarding electric smokers is to do your homework. Cookshack, Smokin-it, SmokinTex, PK 100, Masterbuilt, Old Smokey, and the list goes on. Some analog, some digital, some PID, some with wifi, etc. It all comes down to budget and desirable features. User comments here and on smoker specific forums are very valuable. Then there is youtube which can show one how easy or difficult it can be to use by watching the new owner mastering it. I have the cook shack and SI smokers. If I were to get another, I would get the PK 100, for no particular reason other than I like the control panel. I doubt that it would produce food any better or worse than what I currently use. But it is impressive looking.

 

[Ibob337]

So…after the latest cook, I got the green light to research new pits. I have pellet and charcoal, so I think I’m ready to dabble in an offset. I’m looking for something that’s easily loaded on the trailer or a trailer model and can hold 9 fill-size hotel pans. I prefer the cabinet style because of the 3rd shelf. Considering a TMG 48” Fridge or Shirley elevated straight back. Waiting on pricing for both. Are there any others that I’m missing out on? The total budget is limited to about $4,500.

I don't think this is the right thread for your question.