New MES Bluetooth Digital smoker

[Bearcarver]

 
Ok newbie coming in on the thread.  I have been looking at this MES 30" BT smoker at the local Wally World for $276.  It has swayed me from my original idea of buying a CB deluxe model (Amazon for $209)for two reasons: 1) I can go to cold smoke when I get some smokes under my belt if I so choose. 2) It seems the customer service is spot on with MB if needed.  \

With either choice, it seems the idea of using the AMNPS instead of chips is the way to go and getting a decent meat thermometer like a Maverick is also a standard.

Anything else I am missing besides the foiling of heat source and drip tray?

David

You got good Info there:

Should also have a roof over it if possible, or a really good waterproof cover (Tarp).

I would recommend getting the Bluetooth Gen #2.5 MES 40 instead of the 30. Last I saw they were about $326.

I started with the 30, and it was a waste of money, because I got a 40 a year later.

Bear

 

[remsr]

Like I always say, you can't fit a full packer in a 30" or a full rack of ribs with out culling them up, Bear covered everything else.

Randy,

 

[iamdmphil]

Thanks Bear! I have been reading this thread for 2 days trying to do my homework. I saw the price on the 30" I haven't wanted to pass it up, especially since on a tight budget. Any recs on pellets for first timers except for just getting some and trying them out?

 

[Bearcarver]

Thanks Bear! I have been reading this thread for 2 days trying to do my homework. I saw the price on the 30" I haven't wanted to pass it up, especially since on a tight budget. Any recs on pellets for first timers except for just getting some and trying them out?

I get all my Pellets & Dust from Todd (Amazing Smoker).

That way I always know I'm getting the best, and his CS is the Finest there is.

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

I get all my Pellets & Dust from Todd (Amazing Smoker).
That way I always know I'm getting the best, and his CS is the Finest there is.


Bear

Gotcha. Just checked out Todd's site and I am getting all my ducks in a row. Simplicity is the goal here. No hassles just good food.

David

 

[Bearcarver]

Gotcha. Just checked out Todd's site and I am getting all my ducks in a row. Simplicity is the goal here. No hassles just good food.

David

Yup---That's the way I like things nowadays!!!

If it aint easy, I'm probably not going to do it.

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

Bear or Randy would you have any qualms about a 40" MES without the BT? Just found one at academy for 299 that just has the RF remote. Looks to be the gen 1 from what I can tell

 

[Bearcarver]

Bear or Randy would you have any qualms about a 40" MES without the BT? Just found one at academy for 299 that just has the RF remote. Looks to be the gen 1 from what I can tell

Most MES 40s without Bluetooth are either Gen #1 or Gen #2.

If it's a Gen #1, it's a Great Smoker.

If it's a Gen #2, I wouldn't pay $50 for it.

My favorite one is the Gen #2.5 Bluetooth, but I wish it had the RF remote instead of the Bluetooth.

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

image.jpg

• iamdmphil
• Apr 19, 2017

Here's the image from academy's website. From what I read on your thread about distinguishing between generations this is a gen 1.

David

 

[Bearcarver]

Here's the image from academy's website. From what I read on your thread about distinguishing between generations this is a gen 1.

David

Absolutely a Gen #1.  Great Smoker.

Looks exactly like the one I've had for 7 years----My Backup for these last 2 years.

Bear

 

[remsr]

I have never had a gen 1 but I hear they are great smokers. My neighbor has a gen 1 30" that has worked great for years. I have never had A gen 2 either but I know people who have and they have all had problems. Mine is a 2.5 gen with blue tooth that has worked great for 3 years. I do like being able to track and controll my smoker with my phone but I would be happy with it if it didn't have blue tooth. If Bear says the one you are looking at is a gen 1 it's a good investment.

Randy,

 

[Bearcarver]

I have never had a gen 1 but I hear they are great smokers. My neighbor has a gen 1 30" that has worked great for years. I have never had A gen 2 either but I know people who have and they have all had problems. Mine is a 2.5 gen with blue tooth that has worked great for 3 years. I do like being able to track and controll my smoker with my phone but I would be happy with it if it didn't have blue tooth. If Bear says the one you are looking at is a gen 1 it's a good investment.

Randy,

As far as I'm concerned the Gen #2.5 MES 40 is better than the Gen #1, but mainly because the top vent is on the left on the #2.5, and on the right on the Gen #1.

I needed the Heat deflector in the bottom of my Gen #1 to push the heat over from the right to the center before it rose up through the food in the smoker.

I don't need any deflector at all in my Gen #2.5, and the heat is balanced from right to left.

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

Man, I have learned more since joining the forum on Sunday than I thought I would ever know about these electric smokers. Thanks Bear and Randy for all the input. I hope this weekend I will be seasoning in and starting on my world of watt burner smoking. My wife is even looking forward to leg quarters and pulled pork since we have talking about this.

David

 

[remsr]

Your welcome Dave.
Bear is the MES guru, I just know what I have and how well it works compared to other modals and of course a lot of valuable information that I got from Bear. The only thing I would chang about mine is the door, mine doesn't have a window, but it would have if I had talked to Bear befor I bought mine.
Looking forward to some Q views of your smokes on your new MES 40" you will be glad you went with the 40" and don't have to cut your ribs racks and briskets to make them fit.

Randy,

 

[Bearcarver]

Man, I have learned more since joining the forum on Sunday than I thought I would ever know about these electric smokers. Thanks Bear and Randy for all the input. I hope this weekend I will be seasoning in and starting on my world of watt burner smoking. My wife is even looking forward to leg quarters and pulled pork since we have talking about this.

David

That's Great, David !!

Sounds like you're about ready.

The only other things you need to make your Smoking easy with an MES is an AMNPS & some type of Digital Wireless Therm, like a "Maverick ET-732".

I wouldn't trust the accuracy of any built in Therm on a smoker.

Digital Wireless Therm probes are easy to test if there's any question of their accuracy.

In case you haven't seen this yet, you could get some help from my Step by Step Index:

Just click on "Bear's Step by Steps".

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

Just wondering, does Todd do any discounts/promo codes for SMF members?  About to order a AMNPS package deal.

David

 

[crankybuzzard]

 
Just wondering, does Todd do any discounts/promo codes for SMF members?  About to order a AMNPS package deal.

David

He sometimes has a promo for SMF members.  Never hurts to call and see.

 

[iamdmphil]

 
He sometimes has a promo for SMF members.  Never hurts to call and see.

Thanks, I will make a call today or tomorrow.

 

[teddyp]

As far as I'm concerned the Gen #2.5 MES 40 is better than the Gen #1, but mainly because the top vent is on the left on the #2.5, and on the right on the Gen #1.

I needed the Heat deflector in the bottom of my Gen #1 to push the heat over from the right to the center before it rose up through the food in the smoker.

I don't need any deflector at all in my Gen #2.5, and the heat is balanced from right to left.


Bear

In case I missed it. What is the model # on the 2.5 generation 40 inch smoker? And where is the best place (amazon, home depot?) to find it for the lowest price? I am brand new to the game, but as I have been reading and doing my research, I think this is the model I would like to buy. It seems there are many models out there and I don't want to order/buy the wrong one. Thanks! I can't wait to get started!

 

[Bearcarver]

In case I missed it. What is the model # on the 2.5 generation 40 inch smoker? And where is the best place (amazon, home depot?) to find it for the lowest price? I am brand new to the game, but as I have been reading and doing my research, I think this is the model I would like to buy. It seems there are many models out there and I don't want to order/buy the wrong one. Thanks! I can't wait to get started!

I haven't tried to track Model numbers for years. Some model numbers are made just because of what store they're selling them to.

If you want a Gen #2.5, the important thing is that it has a full width water pan that has a split level bottom, being deeper in the left than the right.

I think it's the only unit that is Bluetooth.

It also has a shield over the top front controls.

If you're still not sure, get a picture of it or a link to pictures of it, and PM it to me.

This should help too:

MES Generation Number Recognition Pictures (Digital Units)

Bear