New MES 140S not heating to temp

[husker3in4]

I got a new MES 140s for Christmas, and have done 3 smokes with it. the first 2 smokes took alot longer than it should have and the results were less than hoped. I have had two 30" MES before this one, and they have worked fine. On my Saturday smoke, it was again taking alot longer than it should so I checked the internal temp with the internal probe as well as a thermal laser probe.. both read 180. I had the smoker set to 235. When Increased the temp on the controller, the internal temp would still not get about 180. I ended up having to pull the meat and finish it in my oven.

It was 60 degrees in my area on Saturday, so outside temp shouldn't be an issue. Heck for my first 30", I could smoke at 0 degrees outside and it would still reach temp inside the smoker.

Im assuming it shipped with a bad heating element? Its new but too late to try to return it to Cabelas or even exchange it. Anyone else with this same issue?

 

[JC in GB]

MES smokers are notorious for having poor thermal regulation. You can upgrade the cabinet by using a PID controller. It will regulate much more tightly.

 

[Bearcarver]

Sounds like controller to me too.
I would talk to Masterbult. It's only a little over 2 months old, maybe they'll help you out.
If not I would go with a PID, like JC mentioned.
There's a few guys here that can help you & talk you through it.
One of them is tallbm ----Contact him.

Bear