Opinions needed

[daddyzaring]

How weather proof is a MES?

 

[dale5351]

I would think that the main box itself is fairly weather proof, but that the control box might suffer from being allowed to get rain/snow/ice on it.   I keep mine covered when not in use using a clear 55 gallon trash bag.  I also try to avoid smoking in the rain.

 

[tjohnson]

Some guys leave theirs outside, and remove the controller.

Todd

 

[daddyzaring]

Well it isn't so much storing it as using it in the rain.  I got around to seasoning it a little to late yesterday and it started storming before I got to actually cook anything, and I brought it in because I didn't want it in the rain.  It's supose to storm again tonight and tomorrow night too.

 

[Bearcarver]

I keep a cover on mine, and it is under the roof on the front porch.

My son has his on an open deck, so he got one of those storage units from Home Depot. The lid lifts up, and the whole front is a pair of doors.

I wouldn't want it in the rain, even with a cover, but that's me.

Bear

 

[mythmaster]

I keep mine just inside the garage.  It has to be raining pretty hard to keep me from smoking.  ;)

 

[tjohnson]

I guess you could wrap a Ziploc bag around it.  You could see thru the bag, and the controller would be protected.  i guess I would not worry about the smoker itself.

Todd

 

[daddyzaring]

Good ideas, I just don't have any of that, and I am worried more about it being in the weather whike I am using it?

 

[dale5351]

Personally, I'd get more worried about the electrical cord in the rain -- even though I have ground fault interrupters on my plugs on the deck.

 

[tom37]

I would have to say, maybe watch the thrift stores for a patio umbrella. If it was me, I would find the umbrella and based on the size of the pipe, I would make a bracket that can screw to the deck. And, then drill a hole the size of the pipe in the deck board where the bracket will set. Set the pole in the bracket high enough to stand in front of the smoker and mark a hole for a pin. Also lower the pole and mark another hole for a second pin.

While its doing its thing leave the umbrella down and when you need in it, raise it back up and stick the pin in it. Good weather, leave it up for shade. Rain and such, let it down to protect it from the weather.

You may be able to put together a make shift shelter with a few odds and ends from lowes if you still have the balance from the card.

LOL last option could be the shed. I'm laughin cause its something I would do in a critical situation. Just don't slip and spill the food when running from the front door to the shed.

If you do the umbrella deal, let me know and I will weld you a bracket and drop it off. I can probably come up with a drill bit too.

I did read in the manual to store it in a dry location.

BTW.....I should have a couple stainless damper vents cut out this weekend. If I make them correct, you will be able to just use a sheet metal screw and put it where you want the vent to go. Then trace the inside of the cut out opening. I am making it so its like the weber vents where you turn it 90 degrees to be full open. My free hand skills are not that great so I am making pattern stencils so they turn out just a little nicer.

 

[Bearcarver]

I would have to say, maybe watch the thrift stores for a patio umbrella. If it was me, I would find the umbrella and based on the size of the pipe, I would make a bracket that can screw to the deck. And, then drill a hole the size of the pipe in the deck board where the bracket will set. Set the pole in the bracket high enough to stand in front of the smoker and mark a hole for a pin. Also lower the pole and mark another hole for a second pin.

While its doing its thing leave the umbrella down and when you need in it, raise it back up and stick the pin in it. Good weather, leave it up for shade. Rain and such, let it down to protect it from the weather.

You may be able to put together a make shift shelter with a few odds and ends from lowes if you still have the balance from the card.

LOL last option could be the shed. I'm laughin cause its something I would do in a critical situation. Just don't slip and spill the food when running from the front door to the shed.

If you do the umbrella deal, let me know and I will weld you a bracket and drop it off. I can probably come up with a drill bit too.

I did read in the manual to store it in a dry location.

BTW.....I should have a couple stainless damper vents cut out this weekend. If I make them correct, you will be able to just use a sheet metal screw and put it where you want the vent to go. Then trace the inside of the cut out opening. I am making it so its like the weber vents where you turn it 90 degrees to be full open. My free hand skills are not that great so I am making pattern stencils so they turn out just a little nicer.

Great idea on the umbrella deal!!!

 

[monty]

Congratulations on your good fortune!

Just one propane tip....spare tank....spare tank....spare tank. I used to be a single tanker. One Sunday afternoon many years ago I took an embarrassing hit with about twenty guests and a dead grille. Made it through with a neighbor's generous loan of her spare tank. (Thank goodness she was one of the guests)

My GOSM gets about three smokes to a twenty pound cylinder depending on ambient air temp combined with wind conditions. And that is your greatest factor in determining how long a tank will last. With a spare tank you can use every last drop in a tank and not have to pay full price to top off a tank with a bit in it. With electric it is (almost) always there; with charcoal you can "see" what you have; with propane you really never know for sure.

Again, congratulations on a well spent gift card and wishing you any happy smokes!

Cheers!

 

[daddyzaring]

Yea, well fortunately I already have 3 from using on my grill (which has only been used once to cook with since I started smoking, I mostly use it to start my charcoal now), however you must have some how missed that I went with the MES, so I won't need a tank for it. lol

 

Congratulations on your good fortune!

Just one propane tip....spare tank....spare tank....spare tank. I used to be a single tanker. One Sunday afternoon many years ago I took an embarrassing hit with about twenty guests and a dead grille. Made it through with a neighbor's generous loan of her spare tank. (Thank goodness she was one of the guests)

My GOSM gets about three smokes to a twenty pound cylinder depending on ambient air temp combined with wind conditions. And that is your greatest factor in determining how long a tank will last. With a spare tank you can use every last drop in a tank and not have to pay full price to top off a tank with a bit in it. With electric it is (almost) always there; with charcoal you can "see" what you have; with propane you really never know for sure.

Again, congratulations on a well spent gift card and wishing you any happy smokes!

Cheers!

 

[shamong9]

The MES 30 is the right move, propane is great for grills and turkeys fryers.

 

[monty]

Duhhhh! My Bad!

Cheers!