New Smoker

[larrym]

Hello everyone. Been several years since I have posted. Older now and retired on fixed income. I am looking into a new electric smoker. Main foods would be pork butts and cold smoke cheese. The MES40 digital with amazing smoker tray. dual probe thermometer and 12 gage 25ft extension cord are my thoughts.Older trailer, 15amp outside outlet, uncovered deck (I just built). Think that is all info. Thoughts ?

 

[Winterrider]

Think that would serve you well.

 

[larrym]

Think that would serve you well.

Reviews are kind of all over on it which is why I asked for thoughts. Some have had shelves fall because there are no real supports for them. I can afford more if there are issues with the 40.

 

[Winterrider]

40 owner for many many yrs. Their downfall is the electronics. A lot of members including myself have gone with an Auber PID to control these bypassing the stock electronics for a much more accurate temp (within a couple degrees).

 

[Winterrider]

This maybe of interest to you. Bearcarver was an elite member here and was well versed on the MES smoker.

Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear’s Thoughts & Findings)

Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear’s Thoughts & Findings) Before I start, I want to say the following are my findings & my opinions. Not all Smokers are alike, and not all people look at things the same way. Some may have success where I haven’t & some may have had problems where I haven’t. However...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[BigW.]

Nice deck! I'm sure the MES will treat you well. No real world experience in what a long extension cord will do to the performance. I'll let the electricians answer that one.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

I would look on Craigslist and FB Marketplace for a used Smokin-It, Cookshack or SmokinTex electric smoker.
They are all stainless steel, and most models are analog controlled which is less susceptable to weather when being stored outdoors.

 

[normanaj]

If you do go with the MES get a quality cover for it...the MB cover is a joke.

 

[larrym]

This maybe of interest to you. Bearcarver was an elite member here and was well versed on the MES smoker.

Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear’s Thoughts & Findings)

Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear’s Thoughts & Findings) Before I start, I want to say the following are my findings & my opinions. Not all Smokers are alike, and not all people look at things the same way. Some may have success where I haven’t & some may have had problems where I haven’t. However...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Thank you. Looks like bugs worked out in the Bluetooth model.

 

[larrym]

40 owner for many many yrs. Their downfall is the electronics. A lot of members including myself have gone with an Auber PID to control these bypassing the stock electronics for a much more accurate temp (within a couple degrees).

 

[Gonna Smoke]

Older now and retired on fixed income.

I resemble that remark... Not much help on the MES, but what little I know and have read on here, it should suit your needs.

Love the new deck...

 

[larrym]

I resemble that remark... Not much help on the MES, but what little I know and have read on here, it should suit your needs.

Love the new deck...

Thanks. After further review, I have decided on the Traeger Pro 22. Order placed and should arrive Friday.

 

[fxsales1959]

Hello everyone. Been several years since I have posted. Older now and retired on fixed income. I am looking into a new electric smoker. Main foods would be pork butts and cold smoke cheese. The MES40 digital with amazing smoker tray. dual probe thermometer and 12 gage 25ft extension cord are my thoughts.Older trailer, 15amp outside outlet, uncovered deck (I just built). Think that is all info. Thoughts ?

I don't envy your situation, but it looks like you decided. I still have a MES30 hanging on life support.Istill use my MES for things I don't want to load charcoal into my WSM for, like pork belly tri-tip and short cooks to the 120 degrees range. If my MES30 finally expires I will have to decide between another MES (though their reputation seems to have improved) and a small pellet pooper with set it and forget it mentality .
Good luck on your choice

 

[normanaj]

I still have a MES30 hanging on life support.Istill use my MES for things I don't want to load charcoal into my WSM for, like pork belly tri-tip and short cooks to the 120 degrees range. If my MES30 finally expires I will have to decide between another MES

If you haven't gone the PID route yet when that MES finally craps out on you that would be the time to do it.