Replacement Smoker

[davidmc4]

After many years of faithful service, my MES 40” died! I tried replacing the heating element, but still no heat. Obviously, I am getting a new smoker. Should I stay with MES or move on to something else? Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[gmc2003]

Tough call, If you really like the MES stay with it. If you want a change - try something different. There are plenty of options and opinions on the forum. It's all about you and your circumstances. Let us know what you decide.

Chris

 

[SmokinAl]

My first smoker was a MES 40. I went from that to a WSM 22.5.
They are very easy to operate, hold steady temps, and you get the charcoal/wood flavor.
I would definitely consider getting one of those.
Al

 

[PerazziMx14]

Please delete

 

[davidmc4]

Budget - I'd go up to $500, maybe a bit more if I thought it was justified. I was really content with my MES 40, especially after installing the upgrade kit giving me a larger chip tray! The new ones look like a return to a smaller chip tray. But, like the drip slide installed to keep meat juice from falling on the chip tray housing unit.

 

[wanna-be-smoker]

i absolutely love my camp chef pellet smoker. I cook everything from biscuits to brisket and cookies to pizza and of course everything in between. I tell everybody i remember my first pulled pork and brisket cook because i was up all night babysitting my smoker.

but i cant seem to remember much of the same type cooks in the last year because i have slept through the bulk of the cooks lol.

 

[SonnyE]

After many years of faithful service, my MES 40” died! I tried replacing the heating element, but still no heat. Obviously, I am getting a new smoker. Should I stay with MES or move on to something else? Any feedback would be appreciated!

Well, if you decide to throw it away, throw it my way...
And I'll fix it. :D;)

 

[Bearcarver]

After 9 years of MES 40 pleasure, I'm spoiled---I'd stick to what I have, or another just like it.

MES 40 Gen #2.5, with Window in door, and an AMNPS for Perfect smoke---Smoker's Heaven!

Bear

 

[davidmc4]

Thanks all. I went with the new MES 40"

 

[tallbm]

After many years of faithful service, my MES 40” died! I tried replacing the heating element, but still no heat. Obviously, I am getting a new smoker. Should I stay with MES or move on to something else? Any feedback would be appreciated!

Well since no one has mentioned it I will (I'm a broken record with this stuff lol).
You could always do a simple rewire:
https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/mes-rewire-simple-guide-no-back-removal-needed.267069/

Buy an Auber Plug N Play PID controller and then you would have an even better performing smoker than what it was before it broke down :)

Start with the WS-1510ELPM model and go up the page (towards the top, yes higher in price) and any of the models should work for you. It just depends on how fancy and how much money you want to spend. Anything below the WS-1510ELPM model doesn't handle the 1200 Watt needs of your MES (I think).
https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14_28&page=1&sort=4d

I kid you not that your smoker would be better than what it was before.
If this interests you, feel free to ask all the questions you like!

If not then I would lean towards the Somkin-IT 3D or 4D. I have never owned one but to do it all over again and not caring to rewire I would have gotten that device :)

 

[Bearcarver]

Thanks all. I went with the new MES 40"

Great !!
Even "Smokey" says he's glad to hear that !!

Bear

 

[SonnyE]

Well since no one has mentioned it I will (I'm a broken record with this stuff lol).
You could always do a simple rewire:
https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/mes-rewire-simple-guide-no-back-removal-needed.267069/

Buy an Auber Plug N Play PID controller and then you would have an even better performing smoker than what it was before it broke down :)

Start with the WS-1510ELPM model and go up the page (towards the top, yes higher in price) and any of the models should work for you. It just depends on how fancy and how much money you want to spend. Anything below the WS-1510ELPM model doesn't handle the 1200 Watt needs of your MES (I think).
https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14_28&page=1&sort=4d

I kid you not that your smoker would be better than what it was before.
If this interests you, feel free to ask all the questions you like!

If not then I would lean towards the Somkin-IT 3D or 4D. I have never owned one but to do it all over again and not caring to rewire I would have gotten that device :)

Well, I didn't mention it in so many words....
But I did suggest he could throw it my way, and I'd fix it. :D

 

[uncle eddie]

When my MES40 finally dies, I plan to replace it with another MES40 unless something better is out there.

 

[SonnyE]

After 9 years of MES 40 pleasure, I'm spoiled---I'd stick to what I have, or another just like it.

MES 40 Gen #2.5, with Window in door, and an AMNPS for Perfect smoke---Smoker's Heaven!

Bear

Bear,
How does one know the differences?
Like how do you tell if you are getting a 2.5, and not something else?

 

[Bearcarver]

Bear,
How does one know the differences?
Like how do you tell if you are getting a 2.5, and not something else?

Here ya go, Sonny.
One tells my findings on all 3 Generations.
The other tells how to tell them apart:

Masterbuilt Smokers (Bear's Thoughts & Findings)
MES Generation Number Recognition Pictures & Pics (Digital Units)


Bear

 

[tallbm]

Well, I didn't mention it in so many words....
But I did suggest he could throw it my way, and I'd fix it. :D

Hahahaha. I'll take any MES smokers in the North Central TX area that die on people because the controller craps out.
My brother sure could use one. I would just repair it for PID use like you are thinking :)