Need a new smoker

[catiecooks]

My MES recently bit the dust. I am in need of a new smoker, but am limited by what I can afford. I would like to get another electric smoker but am also looking at pellet smokers. I felt my MES was not reliable as it only lasted 4 years. Recommendations welcome

 

[golfpro2301]

Your MES may be fine its just controller went out. Installing a PID would likely bring back to life. If want pursue pellet option what is your budget?

 

[JckDanls 07]

As Golfpro says... All may not be lost.. pending on what gave up the ghost... repairing would be cheaper than new... If you were happy with it ...

 

[sandyut]

I love my rec teq pellet grill. Reliable and easy every time.

What’s the budget?

 

[SmokinAl]

As the guys said above, repairing the old one may be possible.
And if you like it, then this sure would be a lot cheaper way to go.
I’m sure we (not me ) can walk you thru the process.
Al

 

[PolishDeli]

Which MES do you have?
Digital? Analog?
What are it's symptoms?

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Yup

Get rid of the MES POJ

Way better electrics out there.

Pellets
Rec Tec
Weber
Mac
Pit Boss

 

[catiecooks]

Your MES may be fine its just controller went out. Installing a PID would likely bring back to life. If want pursue pellet option what is your budget?

No, I tried multiple “fixes” that did not work. My budget is as under $500 as I can get. Not sure if another electric smoker would a good idea as they don’t seem to last very long

 

[bigfurmn]

Pit Boss has a couple pellet smokers under $500. Plus they have a 5 year warranty. I’ve had mine for a few years now, it works great for me.

 

[Nefarious]

No, I tried multiple “fixes” that did not work. My budget is as under $500 as I can get. Not sure if another electric smoker would a good idea as they don’t seem to last very long

It isn't clear what is actually wrong with your smoker. Many people have had smokers.last.a very long time. It could be a simple change could get you many more yeats of service from the one you have.

 

[JckDanls 07]

I tried multiple “fixes”

I don't suppose you want to clue us in on what those "fixes" were ?? But never the less... It sounds like you really don't want to try to fix it with our help ...

Will you at least tell us what's wrong with it ??

 

[catiecooks]

I love my rec teq pellet grill. Reliable and easy every time.

What’s the budget?

Under $500. Thank you.

 

[catiecooks]

Your MES may be fine its just controller went out. Installing a PID would likely bring back to life. If want pursue pellet option what is your budget?

I tried replacing parts, etc. I kept it on a covered porch on a concrete pad and had it covered when not in use. I just don't think it was a good smoker. At any rate, its gone on to smoker heaven. My budget is under $500. Thank you.

 

[catiecooks]

I don't suppose you want to clue us in on what those "fixes" were ?? But never the less... It sounds like you really don't want to try to fix it with our help ...

Will you at least tell us what's wrong with it ??

You are correct - the MES is now gone.........It kept tripping the GFCI (I tried more than one) even with replacing some parts (controller, coil, drying out and cleaning the element, etc. At this point, I am done with MES. So, do you have any suggestions for another, more reliable smoker?

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Pit Boss ertical pellet smoker is good. I used mine for years with 0 issues.

 

[catiecooks]

Pit Boss ertical pellet smoker is good. I used mine for years with 0 issues.

Thank you! BTW, Louisville Ky here.

 

[DougE]

If you haven't actually thrown it away, you can replace the electronics with non-factory parts, have a way better smoker than the MES ever thought about being, and come in well under budget. tallbm can fix you right up.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

I have a Cookshack SM009 electric that was built in 2005, and a 2011 SmokinTex 1400 and both are still working just fine.
I would look for a used Cookshack, SmokinTex, or Smokin-It on Craigslist or Facebook market place to get the most for your budget.

 

[bigfurmn]

Pit Boss is in your price range and a 5 year warranty. Just my half cent. I don’t have enough sense to put my 2 cents in.

 

[catiecooks]

If you haven't actually thrown it away, you can replace the electronics with non-factory parts, have a way better smoker than the MES ever thought about being, and come in well under budget. tallbm can fix you right up.

I no longer have the MES. That is why I am only asking for recommendations for a new smoker.