Pictures from Sam's Club

[rbaker]

I took these yesterday. Is this the 2011 or 2012 model?

Ryan

 

[mrdavid]

Good Question, I actually bought this smoker at Sams yesterday, Happy Birthday to me!

 

[ahakohda]

 

[h20guru]

I bought this model on Friday and was 100% satisfied with its performance (Not sure if its 2011 or 2012).... See my post here for my 2 cents on the MES 40!!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/119545/hello-from-omaha-ne-new-mes-40-first-smoke-a-success

H20guru

 

[eman]

The one in the box is the 2011 model . the one in Ahakohda 's pic is the 2012 model.

 

[msuman]

Do both models have the same heating element? 1200W for the 40?

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

 

[dward51]

The heating element has been the subject of some debate. 

Early info seemed to indicate the 2012 model will have a smaller element.  However, since no one has actually seen one, who knows.  Seems like some of the other early "specs" may have already been proved to be wrong, so the smaller element may be also, but until they actually come out I don't think we will know. There were other MES smokers with the smaller elements and people report they work just fine.  I think I would prefer the 1200 watt one myself though.

I just checked the Masterbuilt website and they are still showing the 2011 style with the digital controller at the back of the top on their MES page (2012 photos released so far show the new model has the display and controller at the front as in the photo posted above by Ahakohda).

I also just popped over to Cabela's website and they are still showing both the 30" and 40" 2012 models as "backorderable" and not in stock.  I guess that March projected shipping date is not gonna happen.  Wonder what the holdup is?

 

[jzampier]

Happy B'day, mine was friday the 23rd.  Picked mine up on Sunday, happy b'day to both of us :)
 

Good Question, I actually bought this smoker at Sams yesterday, Happy Birthday to me!

 

[deltadude]

The heating element has been the subject of some debate. 

There is NO debate, I already posted that I contacted Masterbuilt and confirmed that the 2012 models MES 40 = 1200 w, & MES 30 = 800.

 

[msuman]

I want one but can't decide if should wait for the new one or get the 2011 model.

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[tjohnson]

Lots of things can happen when importing from overseas.

China is just getting back into production, after their Chinese New Year Holiday.

Customs can hold a shipment for inspection

IMHO

It's gonna be hard for me to justify the additional $150 for the new model

What's so different, that the new model warrants the additional $150?

Did they fix the hot spot in the right rear corner?

Does the unit smoke better at lower temps?

Is the controller more accurate?....Mine is 20° off

Todd

 

[badbob]

I bought the same unit a few months ago and love it. One thing I did do when putting it together was to pull the access door in the back and check the wiring connections to make sure that they were tight. They were.