new smoker needs help

[renee]

We had a MES and it would not maintain temperature so we returned that one and bought one with the digital reading on top and just got it today and we are having a time with it.  It will not go above 220 degrees and to season it we are to go to 275.  Any ideas?

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello.  Welcome.  I see this is your first post.  Please take some time and swing over to Roll Call and introduce yourself so that we may give you a proper "Hello".  All info you can provide us with such as smoker type, location and so on will help us answer any questions you may have.  As for your question:  Here is my opinion for what it is worth.  Others may have different advice.  This is only my opinion.  I don't own a MES but I'll bet you are using the therm that came with the MES as your temp guide.  The therms that come with smokers are notorious for being wrong.  I know this one has a digital read but I wouldn't trust it.  Another option, I THINK the older MES is 110v but if your new one is 220v you may have 1 load breaker tripped.  Another option, I hear Masterbuilt quality/service has gone down hill.  You MAY have gotten 2 faulty units.  Best I can come up with without putting my meter on things.  Maybe someone else has ideas.  Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[chef willie]

Take it back and look for something else besides a MES. Just my opinion, of course, but the new generation models are having lots of problems. I wouldn't own one....the old generation seems to be a favorite of many on here. I would seriously consider a pellet smoker....which I'm considering adding to the collection. Lowes has one about $450 with good reviews. I wish I had bought one before going totally electric. I have a Smokin It #3 and like it well enough but also like the design of the pellet smokers. Again, just my thoughts......Willie

 

[renee]

Thanks for responding.  Appreciate it very much.