NEW MES 40- VERY UNIMPRESSED WITH BUILD QUALITY

[hairicon]

I just got back from Sam’s with my new MES 40. Unpacked and assembled. I don’t think there is one panel on this smoker that isn’t scratched or dented, including a deep scratch through my water pan and three or four on the door and back panel. I can’t recall buying another appliance that seemed to be this carelessly assembled. Very surprised at the quality control of this manufacturer. Did no one care at the factory in China?

I am now doing the break in stage and of course I know after a few smokes, I won’t be able to see the scratches, but still……….it makes me wonder about the electronics if everything else is this shoddy. Based on suggestions from this Forum, I bought the 2-year extended warranty from Sam’s for $29.95, so if it sucks or breaks, I’ll take it back.

On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone on this Forum for his or her advice and wisdom. The Internet has changed the way we research and purchase big-ticket items and you all were a huge influence in my decision to purchase this smoker. Thanks.

UPDATE: I e-mailed Masterbuilt Customer Service with this post and my pictures and got an immediate response with the suggestion to take the smoker back to Sam's. I returned the "Scratch and Dent" smoker and assembled my new MES 40 this morning.   IT IS PERFECT ! I am now very impressed with Masterbuilt and especially their Customer Service.

What a difference between the quality of the two smokers.Take yours back if it is not perfect...........................

Thanks to you guys for your comments and especially to Masterbuilt.

 

[hkeiner]

I got an MES 40 last fall and it was in perfect shape. Perhaps your unit was previously opened and repacked. Could you tell from the taping on the box whether it had been previously opened?

 

[tjohnson]

Personally, I would bring it back!!!

If they want to cut you a deal, go for it.  if not, get another one.

Mine from SAMS was in perfect condition, and packed very well.

Todd

 

[hairicon]

I checked the box carefully.

The unit itself was shrink wrapped and all shelves and accessories were intact. This happened at the factory.

Again, I'm not freaked out, just disappointed. It's not like this is the centerpiece of an elaborate kitchen remodel. Just surprised at the lack of quality control when I pay a few hundred dollars for something..

Here are some examples.

 

[gotarace]

Sorry to hear that i just received a 30" Mes from walmart through the mail and it came in perfect shape. I wouldn't hesitate to take it back and get another. Good luck ...Len 

 

[hairicon]

I checked the box carefully. Unit was shrink wrapped and all accessories were wrapped and seemed fine.

Here is just one of the scratches and dents.

Will this affect my smoking?

Should I contact Masterbuilt?

 

[fpnmf]

I would take it back.

I got mine from Amazon and it arrived in perfect codition.

  Craig

 

[erain]

ditto what these guys said... shell out some hard earned coin and settle for less???  heck no, hope you aint seasoned it yet, i would haul it straight back to cust service. have them open a box on another to make sure its ok...  on another note i never been a real big MES fan, but never dissed them either... anyway i did end up buying one for days when i wanted less of a challange for a smoke. essentially an oven wiith a smoker in it... didnt use it but once or twice in the past couple years, but this past weekend i had it running for 2.5 days straight and it performed like a heavyweight and this was at -20 deg out!!! helped me put out one heck of a nice batch of sausage...

 

[smokeamotive]

This sounds more like a shipping or store handling issue than a manufacturing problem. Persoanally if i see the box damaged at the store I won't take that item and will look for another one. If shipped you have to file a claim with the shipping co. If it that bad I'd take it back.

 

[Bearcarver]

It does look like it was from the factory.

I got mine from Cabela's, and it was perfect.

I have nothing against Sam's Club, but I think recently I read a number of posts that said some wheels were broken off, and other things---not sure, but I think they were all Sam's units.

I'd too might take it back for either a deal or a new one.

Correct me if I'm wrong about the other damaged ones,

Bear

 

[SmokinAl]

If you can't live with it. Take it back. It seems like every time you open the door it's going to bother you so just take it back. I bought mine at Sam's & it was perfect. I don't hear too many complaints about MES's, but even a good company screws up once in a while. 

 

[hairicon]

Wow,

I just got an e-mail back from Masterbuilt's Customer Service Department advising me to heed your guys advice and take the unit back to Sam's. Even seasoning it wasn't a problem.

If only the people at the factory had the same sense of attention to detail.

I'm very impressed with their Customer Service, I just hope I'm as impressed with the Smoker.  I'll let you know when I do Butts for Super Bowl.

Thanks for all your advice......

 

[fpnmf]

What part of Atlanta you in??

 I am in Chambodia.

  Craig

 

[Bearcarver]

What part of Atlanta you in??

 I am in Chambodia.

  Craig

Say What??? 

Bear

 

[beer-b-q]

Personally, I would bring it back!!!

If they want to cut you a deal, go for it.  if not, get another one.

Mine from SAMS was in perfect condition, and packed very well.

Todd

I totally agree with Todd, I bought mine at Sam's and it was pristine when unpacked...

 

[hairicon]

What part of Atlanta you in??

 I am in Chambodia.

  Craig

Just moved from Dunwoody, now I live in Vinings.

I sure do miss the Buford Highway restaraunts....................................and the BHFM!!!
 

 

[fpnmf]

What part of Atlanta you in??

 I am in Chambodia.

  Craig

Say What??? 

Bear

Hahahahahaha  Actually this part of north Atlanta is Chamblee. Once the home of the huge GM plant (Doraville). Now it is occupied by the Asian population. You can drive for a few miles on the main drag,Buford highway, and not see any signs in English. Hence the term Chambodia. Lots of interesting places to shop and eat.

What part of Atlanta you in??

 I am in Chambodia.

  Craig

Just moved from Dunwoody, now I live in Vinings.

I sure do miss the Buford Highway restaraunts....................................and the BHFM!!!
 

We are moving to Fl this year. I am gonna miss the great food and shopping in this part of town.

Welcome to SMF..it's a great place.

  Craig