New MES Bluetooth Digital smoker

[Bearcarver]

 
David, Candurin, Randy, Bear,

Thanks for the responses.  I figured I'd get an AMNPS or the cold-smoker add-on after I do some smokes using the built-in wood tray (pork ribs).  It sounds like I'd need the AMNPS or cold-smoker add-on for doing thick meats like a butt or brisket.  Same with a more accurate thermometer.

On the 30", wife isn't too fond of my smoking and we don't have others at home that will eat it really.  (health-minded - yah, I know, I can smoke vegetables, but that's no fun).  Also, I figure I'll be wheeling it in an out of the garage to the backyard with each use.  So 30" is the right size for my sitch.

Unfortunately, the Home Depot  20072115  shows out-of-stock now.  I hadn't launched yet.  Ugh.

-BruDeal

No problem---I hate to spend other people's money.

I just look back at what I did when I started out:

MES 30---$130 ---First Smoker

MES 40---$350 ---A year later

---------------------

Total---     $480

Sold My MES 30---$50

Ended up costing me $430 in the end for the MES 40.

If you never end up getting an MES 40, you'll be doing better than I did in the beginning years of my Smoking.

Bear

 

[brudeal]

Ahhh. I saw the same one on amazon for $211. Free shipping with prime. Went back an hour later to buy one and it jumped op to $279.00. Bummer. I'm new on amazon didn't realize prices change like that.

Yup.  Saw that too.  I think what happen is that HD put it on sale for $211 and Amazon then reduced it's price to be the same as part of a pricing strategy.  Then, I suspect, when Amazon learned that HD was out-of-stock, Amazon returned its price back to $276.  I can't confirm it, but it's my suspicion.

Some Walmart stores (very few) have the 20072115 in stock.  Its a long shot, but I'm going to see if they'll price match against the HD website.  I called one store and the associate says that they won't.  However, I may go in & talk to a manager.  I printed the HD webpage of the product for $211 back before it went out of stock.

I went to another Walmart store earlier where the website showed it in stock, but it, in fact wasn't.  Interestingly, the manager told me they had 2 20072715 models (30" Bluetooth model but with feet - Gen 2.5) out of the box in the back.  He said they were display and the boxes were damaged and discarded.  I looked at one & it looked dirty like it was outside but it was unused.  I offered $100 and he accepted.  I tested it out in the store, but part of the LED on the panel didn't work.  I tested the other one, but the heat did not work.  Canceled that idea.  It was risky anyway. 

 

[remsr]

I think something that will give you many years of service doesn't seem quit do pricy when you consider things like a dinner for two at a good restaurant will cost well over $100 and we don't think anything of it, there are in fact many spendy things that we enjoy once and they are gone and never think about it.
So why do we get all concerned about an investment in to something that will give us and others pleasure over and over for many years? Just my thoughts and justification.

Randy,

 

[iamdmphil]

I think something that will give you many years of service doesn't seem quit do pricy when you consider things like a dinner for two at a good restaurant will cost well over $100 and we don't think anything of it, there are in fact many spendy things that we enjoy once and they are gone and never think about it.
So why do we get all concerned about an investment in to something that will give us and others pleasure over and over for many years? Just my thoughts and justification.

Randy,

I agree Randy. That's the discussion with Mrs. Phil when I decided to get an electric smoker a couple of months ago and have added accessories like AMNPS and a nice wireless therm (ended up with a therm pro TP 08 since it was 20% of for SMF members) to make the best of my investment.

David

 

[brudeal]

Well Guys, I guess I'm now in the MES club.

Bought an MES 30 BT with legs (and rear wheels) model 20072715  from Walmart.

Walmart's model numbers and inventory are a little mixed up. Walmart's website showed a couple of stores (very few) in the area with 20072115  in stock (same as the ones on sale for $211 at Home Depot). However, the units in the Walmart stores (the 2 that I went to) are actually 20072715  which are the same thing but with legs.  They're at the regular price of $276.  I went to one of the stores last night armed with a printout of the HD online sale page hoping for a price match, but they no longer PM in-store. However, we negotiated a 20% off for a unit that had a minor scratch on the legs (front right).  They had 2 units setup out of box - that's how they do it there - no boxes (humph).  The total w/o tax was $220, slightly more than HD but I was able to take it away and it has legs!

Incidentally, HD is showing they're in stock again for online orders. I didn't want to wait anyhow. Gonna smoke some St Louis spare ribs this Sunday!

I need to decide if I should buy an AMZNPS  or Masterbuilt cold smoker attachment.  The AMZNPS smokes longer which is better for overnight.  Everyone raves about it.  But I like the versatility of being about to use wood chips or pellets in the cold smoke attachment (it accepts pellets too, right?).  Or go AMZNPS with a mailbox mod.  If I go AMZN, should I go with the tube instead of tray?  Decisions.  Eh.

I'll use the built-in wood chip tray for starters - should be fine for ribs.

I've also been told to get a better thermometer - Maverick.  I may see if I can test the built-in one by borrowing someones to see how it fares first.

Masterbuilt_20072715_BT_30_Digital_Smoker.JPG

• brudeal
• Jun 15, 2017

 

[iamdmphil]

 
Well Guys, I guess I'm now in the MES club.

Bought an MES 30 BT with legs (and rear wheels) model 20072715  from Walmart.

Walmart's model numbers and inventory are a little mixed up. Walmart's website showed a couple of stores (very few) in the area with 20072115  in stock (same as the ones on sale for $211 at Home Depot). However, the units in the Walmart stores (the 2 that I went to) are actually 20072715  which are the same thing but with legs.  They're at the regular price of $276.  I went to one of the stores last night armed with a printout of the HD online sale page hoping for a price match, but they no longer PM in-store. However, we negotiated a 20% off for a unit that had a minor scratch on the legs (front right).  They had 2 units setup out of box - that's how they do it there - no boxes (humph).  The total w/o tax was $220, slightly more than HD but I was able to take it away and it has legs!

Incidentally, HD is showing they're in stock again for online orders. I didn't want to wait anyhow. Gonna smoke some St Louis spare ribs this Sunday!

I need to decide if I should buy an AMZNPS  or Masterbuilt cold smoker attachment.  The AMZNPS smokes longer which is better for overnight.  Everyone raves about it.  But I like the versatility of being about to use wood chips or pellets in the cold smoke attachment (it accepts pellets too, right?).  Or go AMZNPS with a mailbox mod.  If I go AMZN, should I go with the tube instead of tray?  Decisions.  Eh.

I'll use the built-in wood chip tray for starters - should be fine for ribs.

I've also been told to get a better thermometer - Maverick.  I may see if I can test the built-in one by borrowing someones to see how it fares first.

Masterbuilt_20072715_BT_30_Digital_Smoker.JPG

• brudeal
• Jun 15, 2017

Congrats BruDeal!

Looks to be a great deal for a new smoker!  Hope you have many smokes from it!

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Well Guys, I guess I'm now in the MES club.

Bought an MES 30 BT with legs (and rear wheels) model 20072715  from Walmart. Great Smoker!!

Walmart's model numbers and inventory are a little mixed up. Walmart's website showed a couple of stores (very few) in the area with 20072115  in stock (same as the ones on sale for $211 at Home Depot). However, the units in the Walmart stores (the 2 that I went to) are actually 20072715  which are the same thing but with legs.  They're at the regular price of $276.  I went to one of the stores last night armed with a printout of the HD online sale page hoping for a price match, but they no longer PM in-store. However, we negotiated a 20% off for a unit that had a minor scratch on the legs (front right).  They had 2 units setup out of box - that's how they do it there - no boxes (humph).  The total w/o tax was $220, slightly more than HD but I was able to take it away and it has legs!

Incidentally, HD is showing they're in stock again for online orders. I didn't want to wait anyhow. Gonna smoke some St Louis spare ribs this Sunday!  Here's one I did, but I didn't trim this one to St Louis---Pork Spare Ribs    I find them to be Juicier without Trimming to St Louis.

I need to decide if I should buy an AMZNPS  or Masterbuilt cold smoker attachment.  The AMZNPS smokes longer which is better for overnight.  Everyone raves about it.  But I like the versatility of being about to use wood chips or pellets in the cold smoke attachment (it accepts pellets too, right?).  Or go AMZNPS with a mailbox mod.  If I go AMZN, should I go with the tube instead of tray?  Decisions.  Eh. I would go with the AMNPS Tray, unless you are at a high Altitude (4,000' or above). The Tube puts out too much smoke at my low Altitude in my MES 40.

I'll use the built-in wood chip tray for starters - should be fine for ribs.

I've also been told to get a better thermometer - Maverick.  I may see if I can test the built-in one by borrowing someones to see how it fares first. Whether or not the built in Therm is accurate has little to do with what the Temp is where the meat is. The built in is only giving you the temp at that particular spot & at that time, and I would never trust the built in Meat Therm.

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

Hey guys just wondering, is it right or left bottom rack for the AMNPS on the 40"?

 

[Bearcarver]

Hey guys just wondering, is it right or left bottom rack for the AMNPS on the 40"?

Putting it on the right side, just above the Chip Dumper makes it more able to increase & Decrease the Air Flow by pulling the Dumper out a couple inches & pushing it in.

Bear

 

[brudeal]

 
Congrats BruDeal!

Looks to be a great deal for a new smoker!  Hope you have many smokes from it!

Thanks David!  And congrats on your recent acquisition of your MES 40" BT.  Let us know how it goes.

...  Here's one I did, but I didn't trim this one to St Louis---Pork Spare Ribs     I find them to be Juicier without Trimming to St Louis...

...  I would go with the AMNPS Tray, unless you are at a high Altitude (4,000' or above). The Tube puts out too much smoke at my low Altitude in my MES 40...

...Whether or not the built in Therm is accurate has little to do with what the Temp is where the meat is. The built in is only giving you the temp at that particular spot & at that time, and I would never trust the built in Meat Therm...

Bear

Thanks Bear!  I checked out your Spare Ribs post.  That was informative. I'm going to prepare mine tonight & smoke tomorrow.  I may do that 2.5 hrs + 2.5 hrs foiled, but instead of the last +1 hr in the smoker, I will sauce & finish them on the grill to char them a little. 

I went with the AMNPS tray - ordered yesterday.

On thermometer... I'm holding off for the moment as I get familiar with the unit. I may get one in the future.

Thanks for your thoughts!

-Bru

 

[iamdmphil]

Thanks Bear.... I had my first smoke today with the 40" and it worked well! I flew blind a little since it's taking a week to get my therm in. I did a boil test on the meat probe on the MES and it was accurate within 3 degrees of my analog quick temp therm. Leg quarters and butt came out well and only hiccup I had was my own fault with too much air flow to the AMNPS and it burned all my pellets way too fast.

I have learned my mistakes and will better my next smoke.

image.jpeg

• iamdmphil
• Jun 17, 2017

David

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Thanks David!  And congrats on your recent acquisition of your MES 40" BT.  Let us know how it goes.

Thanks Bear!  I checked out your Spare Ribs post.  That was informative. I'm going to prepare mine tonight & smoke tomorrow.  I may do that 2.5 hrs + 2.5 hrs foiled, but instead of the last +1 hr in the smoker, I will sauce & finish them on the grill to char them a little. 

I went with the AMNPS tray - ordered yesterday.

On thermometer... I'm holding off for the moment as I get familiar with the unit. I may get one in the future.

Thanks for your thoughts!

-Bru

That's a Great way to finish the Ribs up---As long as they aren't falling apart by the time they get to the Grill.

Many times I do 2.5--2.5--Then just open the foil & leave it in the smoker awhile. (My Lazy Way)

Bear

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Thanks David!  And congrats on your recent acquisition of your MES 40" BT.  Let us know how it goes.

Thanks Bear!  I checked out your Spare Ribs post.  That was informative. I'm going to prepare mine tonight & smoke tomorrow.  I may do that 2.5 hrs + 2.5 hrs foiled, but instead of the last +1 hr in the smoker, I will sauce & finish them on the grill to char them a little. 

I went with the AMNPS tray - ordered yesterday.

On thermometer... I'm holding off for the moment as I get familiar with the unit. I may get one in the future.

Thanks for your thoughts!

-Bru

That's a Great way to finish the Ribs up---As long as they aren't falling apart by the time they get to the Grill.

Many times I do 2.5--2.5--Then just open the foil & leave it in the smoker awhile. (My Lazy Way)

Bear

Thanks Bear.... I had my first smoke today with the 40" and it worked well! I flew blind a little since it's taking a week to get my therm in. I did a boil test on the meat probe on the MES and it was accurate within 3 degrees of my analog quick temp therm. Leg quarters and butt came out well and only hiccup I had was my own fault with too much air flow to the AMNPS and it burned all my pellets way too fast.

I have learned my mistakes and will better my next smoke.

image.jpeg

• iamdmphil
• Jun 17, 2017

David

You're doing Great !!!

However be careful not to cover any rack too full with Pans, Foil, or food.

That top rack looks pretty full from left to right.

It can really mess things up in regards to air flow and heat balance throughout the Smoker.

Happened to me one time, but I realized it before anything really bad happened.

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

Thanks again Bear....I knew something was hindering the process time wise. That top pan did have vent holes all through it but I was thinking it was too full. Guess I need to listen to my instinct. I did the butt exactly as your MES step by step stated but it took 14 hours for it to hit the 205-207 degree range. Of course, my problems with the AMNPS (my own fault, don't let Todd know...lol) took heat away because of the door being open.

More or less air flow depending on my 'TBS scale', better arrangement of meat, and more accurate temp monitoring are the things I will remember on the next outing.

David

 

[Bearcarver]

Thanks again Bear....I knew something was hindering the process time wise. That top pan did have vent holes all through it but I was thinking it was too full. Guess I need to listen to my instinct. I did the butt exactly as your MES step by step stated but it took 14 hours for it to hit the 205-207 degree range. Of course, my problems with the AMNPS (my own fault, don't let Todd know...lol) took heat away because of the door being open.

More or less air flow depending on my 'TBS scale', better arrangement of meat, and more accurate temp monitoring are the things I will remember on the next outing.

David

Like I said though---You're doing great already.

I ran into the "Too much Pan on one rack" problem during a Chicken Thigh Smoke years ago, and below is a Copy of the notation I made on that Post:

**  I noticed during the smoke, my Maverick above the Thighs (left side) was averaging 160* to 210*, and the Maverick below the Thighs (right side) averaged 240*, then 260*, and then 290*. At first I thought it was either the upper probe being close to the cold meat, or the 2 Foil Pans on one rack was trapping the heat below them. Once the thighs got hot, I realized it was definitely the Pans trapping the heat. They take up nearly the whole depth & width of the Smoker. Normally the thighs would have been done by 5 PM, but they were only at about 142* IT at that time. When I removed the Taters, I moved one of the Foil Pans to the top position. This changed both of the Mavericks to the 270* to 285* range. The Thighs were all between 165* and 172* at 5:50 PM, and I removed them. They were still Awesome!!!
 

Bear

 

[candurin]

I made the mistake of getting steam table pans. Cover way too much shelf.

Now I use them after pulling meat or throwing all the food in to serve ("trough style!).

They came in handy for yesterday's crab boil...

Happy Father's Day, all.

 

[Bearcarver]

I made the mistake of getting steam table pans. Cover way too much shelf.

Now I use them after pulling meat or throwing all the food in to serve ("trough style!).

They came in handy for yesterday's crab boil...

Happy Father's Day, all.

In My Opinion, they don't make enough sizes of Foil Pans:

The size I bought a case of is too big to put two of them on one MES 40 Rack.

They both fit, but too much rack covered, and there's nothing between 1 of that size & two of that size.

Something like 10" X 15" would be nice!!

And the biggest Foil Pan that fits in my Toaster oven is 8" x 8", and that doesn't come close to what could fit in there!!

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

In My Opinion, they don't make enough sizes of Foil Pans:

The size I bought a case of is too big to put two of them on one MES 40 Rack.
They both fit, but too much rack covered, and there's nothing between 1 of that size & two of that size.
Something like 10" X 15" would be nice!!

And the biggest Foil Pan that fits in my Toaster oven is 8" x 8", and that doesn't come close to what could fit in there!!

Bear

This is the size I used Saturday for my leg quarters:

image.jpeg

• iamdmphil
• Jun 19, 2017

I felt it was big but didn't realize how big until I placed in the smoker. I wonder if it was cut in half if it would work well? Actual size is 17"x12 1/4".

David

 

[Bearcarver]

This is the size I used Saturday for my leg quarters:

image.jpeg

• iamdmphil
• Jun 19, 2017

I felt it was big but didn't realize how big until I placed in the smoker. I wonder if it was cut in half if it would work well? Actual size is 17"x12 1/4".

David

I'm wondering what it does, since it's full of holes.

Why not put it right on the racks for extra Smoke, or in Pans without holes & still get plenty of smoke, but less clean-up.

Just my 2 Piasters.

Bear

 

[iamdmphil]

This was one if my mental notes from Saturday not to do again. Lol. The pan can be an enemy if not used properly....lesson learned. Now the butt was direct on rack 2 with a pan underneath on rack 3 to catch drippings, which worked well. Oh, and my ThermoPro will be here tomorrow thank goodness.

Hope everyone had a great Father's Day!

David