Need input on a smoker

[bama bbq]

Roger that - it's all good.  No harm.  I look to you for good input JJ and it kinda threw me off is all.

 

[smokin pastor]

Ok guys- (that includes the gals when you are from the north)- somebody help me here. I am going to give my old Brinkman Super King wood burner a much needed rest and get an electric unit. I was all set to get the Bradley. Yep- set it and forget it. Sounded good to me. But then I was told about the MES 30 & 40. Now you don't need the disks. Well now I am reading about the Smokin-it #3. I am not into the bells and whistles- but do want to invest in a solid electric smoker. Whatever I decide- it sounds like I will also add the AMAZN smoke generator to it- to make it more of a set it and forget it. What do you think!? By the way- budget is a strong consideration- I am saving up my pop bottles and odd jobs to get this thing! I have about $500 in the kitty.

 

[linguica]

I just bought the MES 30 and i am 100% satisfied with it. Assuming your choice is between the MES 30 and MES 40 the only difference between the two is size. If for family use I would go with the 30, if you invite the congregation over for dinner I would choose the 40. The window on the 40 is of minimal value. Amazon changes it's prices without warning. My MES 30 sold for $145. Do your homework to find the best price. A lot of times one of the members here will alert us when one of the units goes on sale some where. Not sure what you mean about not wanting to "invest in a solid electric smoker" AMAZN is recomended

 

[chef willie]

Ok guys- (that includes the gals when you are from the north)- somebody help me here. I am going to give my old Brinkman Super King wood burner a much needed rest and get an electric unit. I was all set to get the Bradley. Yep- set it and forget it. Sounded good to me. But then I was told about the MES 30 & 40. Now you don't need the disks. Well now I am reading about the Smokin-it #3. I am not into the bells and whistles- but do want to invest in a solid electric smoker. Whatever I decide- it sounds like I will also add the AMAZN smoke generator to it- to make it more of a set it and forget it. What do you think!? By the way- budget is a strong consideration- I am saving up my pop bottles and odd jobs to get this thing! I have about $500 in the kitty.

Pastor...nice to see u been checking into the Smokin-it #3. I have spent hours the last few weeks gathering info on which electric smoker to get....searched info from this board and (gasp) other boards, Amazon reviews and Google searches. Seems the #3 gets rave reviews from just about 100% of users. Bang for the buck is often mentioned compared to other units similar. I almost bought the new gen Mes 40 during Cabelas pre-christmas sale for $325. Missed out and it is now $450 and back-orderable. I was miffed but believe things happen for a reason and after reading reviews of the new Mes think I lucked out by not getting it. Todds review of the performance in this post is very direct. I seriously don't think a Mes is worth $450 with all the issues cropping up. For $50 more you get the top of the line #3 Smokin-it tank. It's the one I'm going with, especially being semi-retired with limited $ to lay out for something. My big fear is buying something I'm totally disappointed with after a few smokes....and that sounds like the new Mes to me. But....some are happy with their recent purchases, so go figure. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/133955/2012-mes-40-vs-old-model-mes-40

 

[smokin pastor]

I appreciate the good advice! I am now leaning towards the Smokin it #3. Seems like a durable solid smoker. And thanks Linguica - I said that I DO want to invest in a solid smoker- not just one with all the bells and whistles. I would be grateful for any comments on your new MES 30. I would get the 40 because whenever I smoke meats- I have lots of friends that show up!

 

[linguica]

I appreciate the good advice! I am now leaning towards the Smokin it #3. Seems like a durable solid smoker. And thanks Linguica - I said that I DO want to invest in a solid smoker- not just one with all the bells and whistles. I would be grateful for any comments on your new MES 30. I would get the 40 because whenever I smoke meats- I have lots of friends that show up!

As with any new machine, there is a learning curve that only practice will get you past. Being a beginner, my MES has been easy to work with and forgiving of my errors. The older models are tried and true without the 'bells and whistles" ....cheaper too. When I can afford to i will buy a WSM 22.5, I love to tinker with the fire while cooking.

To steal a recent quote form themule69:  "experience is what you get when you don't see it coming. man have i got some experience!"