TomKnollRFV
Master of the Pit
I had to use a hair dryer to kick in my MES on Thanksgiving. <We wanted to use it as a warming oven>. So I mean..keep a hair dryer handy to trick the sensors?
So COOOOLD outside - MES struggling - suggestions?
- Thread starter jjlnyc
- Start date
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Yeah, I'm going by what we have all (on this forum) been calling the Digital Masterbuilt Smokers "MES", and the Analog Smoker "Analog" Smokers for the last 9+ years. Now that Masterbuilt screwed that up, I guess we have to change what we've always called them. Next thing they'll say we have to soak our chips, because Masterbuilt has it in their book.
And then Close the top vent completely on some Smokes because Masterbuilt says to do that.
And I guess put water in the Water Pan for the same reason, even though an MES already has too much Humidity in it.
If people want to go by what Masterbuilt says, I guess we have to change!
It will just make it harder for guys like Me & others to help people, because first we have to figure out what Smoker they actually have.
Then where they live & what the altitude is there. We'll still continue to help, but it makes it more difficult.
Bear
I wouldnt go by what Masterbuilt says regarding soaking chips, opening vents, how long to smoke, what rub to use, etc etc.
But I would definitely defer to them when it comes to what they want to name their own products!
FWIW, I used to call it Datsun, now it's Nissan, I used to gas up with Esso, but now will use Exxon, my parents used Master Charge, I use Mastercard...
You get the picture -
It is actually called a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker. Or MES, and a size or model designation. (30, 40, 35B, ad nausium)
All Masterbuilt cord connected smokers are (drumroll.....) Electric Smokers.
Regardless of an analog, or a digital, controller.
When somebody has their smoker "turned all the way up" I know they are talking about an analog type.
Same kind of control used on Aunties roaster, or Grandma's electric frying pan. Been in use since the 1920's.
Digital controls use (on Masterbuilt's) buttons. Nothing to turn (except the top vent).
If, because of the region you live in, you feel that wrapping your smoker might help, DO NOT use a "moving blanket".
They aren't rated for it, and are not usually fire resistant.
Instead go down to Harbor Freight and get a nice Welders Blanket, which IS rated for the type of heat you are trying to hold in. Like David uses for his Propane Smoker. Smart, David, right tool for the job.
One nice thing about the Masterbuilt 35B, or any other Analog Controlled smoker oven, is it can readily be plugged right into an external controller like an Auber or Inkbird, and electronically controlled. And far more precisely than the Chinese electronics provided by Masterbuilt. It can be as easy as Plug and Play.
I considered the MES 35B before deciding on the MES 30 John McLemore Signature Series from Lowe's. It was my best shot at getting a Digital Electronic Controlled Smoker, at an easy to swallow price. I basically bought the box, and digital control, and heater. Then I made it work for me by modifying it.
After that, I've been real happy with it.
All Masterbuilt cord connected smokers are (drumroll.....) Electric Smokers.
Regardless of an analog, or a digital, controller.
When somebody has their smoker "turned all the way up" I know they are talking about an analog type.
Same kind of control used on Aunties roaster, or Grandma's electric frying pan. Been in use since the 1920's.
Digital controls use (on Masterbuilt's) buttons. Nothing to turn (except the top vent).
If, because of the region you live in, you feel that wrapping your smoker might help, DO NOT use a "moving blanket".
They aren't rated for it, and are not usually fire resistant.
Instead go down to Harbor Freight and get a nice Welders Blanket, which IS rated for the type of heat you are trying to hold in. Like David uses for his Propane Smoker. Smart, David, right tool for the job.
One nice thing about the Masterbuilt 35B, or any other Analog Controlled smoker oven, is it can readily be plugged right into an external controller like an Auber or Inkbird, and electronically controlled. And far more precisely than the Chinese electronics provided by Masterbuilt. It can be as easy as Plug and Play.
I considered the MES 35B before deciding on the MES 30 John McLemore Signature Series from Lowe's. It was my best shot at getting a Digital Electronic Controlled Smoker, at an easy to swallow price. I basically bought the box, and digital control, and heater. Then I made it work for me by modifying it.
After that, I've been real happy with it.
The term MES has been turned into a generic reference by the big box stores and the mis-informed .
The analogs were not referred to as MES when I bought mine 5 years ago .
Exactly!
MES stands for "Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse", and until lately it meant MES 30 & MES 40. That is "Digital", but we never had to say "Digital" because the MES 30 & MES 40 were the only 2 smokers referred to.
And Sorry Sonny, that is not "Masterbuilt Electric Smoker", it is actually the name they gave specifically to the Digital units (MES 40 & MES 30)---"Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse". And the Analog Smokers were not included in the stable of Smokehouse units. So your sarcasm of the Drum roll & everything with a cord being electric has nothing to do with this situation of not All corded smokers are "Smokehouses". Nice Try though.
So now that they added an Analog 20" to their Analog 30", they started calling them MES 20 & MES 30, but because they already have an MES 30, they added the "35B" to the Analog 30". So those who have one and need help with them should add the 35B on the end or just call it "MES 30 Analog" to keep things from becoming confusing.
Nothing definitive words need to be added to the "REAL MES 30", because they have been simply called "MES 30" for over 10 years.
Bear
Makes sense to use a welding blanket if you have one or can get one easily. But as cold as it was, the outside of my smoker did not get warm enough to get even close to combustion temp for the moving blanket, and worked fine
Please refer to this Masterbuilt website link John.
https://www.masterbuilt.com/collections/smokers
I have yet to find anywhere Masterbuilt refers to their Smokers as a Smokehouse.
Only hoping to point out to you the differences.
If you burn down it isn't any skin off my pork butt. ;)
That's simply because you've only been around here for one year, since they've been juggling their language.
They called it "Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse" for many years, and the Analog wasn't included.
I've been making a study on them for 9 years.
Here's the older Manual:
http://www.manualsdir.com/manuals/4...al-smokehouse-20070512-user-guide.html?page=2
Bear
smokesontuesday
Smoking Fanatic
Hate to be the voice of reason here but it sounds like everybody needs to kick back with a pulled pork sammich and a good cold beer.
We're all here to help each other and there's no reason to get in a flap about a disagreement over the name of what we use to produce those sammiches.
We're all here to help each other and there's no reason to get in a flap about a disagreement over the name of what we use to produce those sammiches.
Great, Next time put it next to the "MES", or at least in the same sentence.
When I see the big Bold MES, that's my call to duty to help someone, and I don't like to spend half my time questioning the guy with the problem, on what Smoker he has!!
"Burst your bubble"?? Is that the way you always talk to the people who try to help you?
Now I'm saying "I'm Done" again guys, so quit pulling me back in with Sarcasm & Smart-A$$ remarks.
I think I deserve more respect than "I hate to burst your Bubble".
Bear
Did you really jump into the fray without reading as far as the second sentence of the first post?!?
(and BTW, it is the site that boldfaces MES not the posters...)
And no, I am just not letting myself be called out for using terminology that is actually correct, or be told where I have to put words, or sentences because someone wants "to help" - but wants to help without bothering to read past the first line of a post...
Sheesh... and I thought I was a curmudgeon!
Last edited:
Did you really jump into the fray without reading as far as the second sentence of the first post?!?
(and BTW, it is the site that boldfaces MES not the posters...)
That's right, but it's what sticks out for me to see, and what makes me go there to help.
People expect my help when it's an MES question.
It's one of the things I do here.
Bear
Did you really jump into the fray without reading as far as the second sentence of the first post?!?
(and BTW, it is the site that boldfaces MES not the posters...)
And no, I am just not letting myself be called out for using terminology that is actually correct, or be told where I have to put words, or sentences because someone wants "to help" - but wants to help without bothering to read past the first line of a post...
Sheesh... and I thought I was a curmudgeon!
You're right there!
I miss some things since my Open Heart surgery and Stroke.
I'm basically reading with one good eye.
I should have seen it, no matter where it was.
Sorry about that one.
Bear
Well ,, yeah I guess . I did the same , because when I see MES , I think insulated digital . It was all in an attempt to help . We all had questions when we first got our Masterbuilts electric smokehouse , all of us . Lucky for us we had a place and a guy to ask questions .
I really love this site. I have learned a lot from many of the great members including Bearcarver. Hopefully I have taught and helped some along the way. I have also always been respectful to everyone’s opinions and comments. That’s why I believe I have achieved the OBTS status here. That being said, the bickering on here pushed me away a couple of years ago. I used to live on this site to the point my wife should have left me. (She probably would have if all of my time didn’t result in great meals) I visited here many times over the last couple years to reference and look up some delicious ideas but I have only participated in a couple threads because of the bickering. I really used to enjoy this place before the bickering. I think everyone needs to put their egos aside and realize we are all here from different parts of the WORLD. Not everyone is going to do everything the same way, nor is everyone going to use the same terminology. However we are all here for the greater good of delicious food. I really wish the moderators would nip these situations sooner. If it turned away someone who loves it, what do you think it would do to a newbie? I hope you all have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
WOW!
A "newbie" posts a question about a smoker which is referred to as an MES by ALL retailers and Masterbuilt itself and was pointed out that this is the case by myself,Sonny and others and it didn't matter.The op and others get sh!t on anyways,especially Sonny.WTF is that sh!t?
If this is how it's going to be what's the point?Thought I stumbled onto something good but am reconsidering,can't see myself renewing premier membership for this.
A "newbie" posts a question about a smoker which is referred to as an MES by ALL retailers and Masterbuilt itself and was pointed out that this is the case by myself,Sonny and others and it didn't matter.The op and others get sh!t on anyways,especially Sonny.WTF is that sh!t?
If this is how it's going to be what's the point?Thought I stumbled onto something good but am reconsidering,can't see myself renewing premier membership for this.
- Jan 6, 2011
- 26,253
- 4,708
Can't help but to Chime In. Everyone that knows me knows I'm a stick burner, that being said I have learned a ton of stuff from lots of folks on this site. When I first Joined I was a rookie to this site not to smoking I have been smoking for over 50 years. Bearcarver took the time to help me navigate this site and gave me pointers on posting and my Pictures.
We have had numerous discussions on Electric Smokers, anytime I have someone ask me about a MES I have and still refer them to Bearcarver. I know he has assisted and given Input to Masterbuilt on improvements for their new smokers.
This is supposed to be a friendly forum, but some people just don't get it. I do know if I buy a MES you can bet your a$$ i'll be talking to him. He uses his on a regular basis and always shares his info, and always quick to jump in and help anyone with a problem especially when it comes to a MES
My two cents worth
Gary
We have had numerous discussions on Electric Smokers, anytime I have someone ask me about a MES I have and still refer them to Bearcarver. I know he has assisted and given Input to Masterbuilt on improvements for their new smokers.
This is supposed to be a friendly forum, but some people just don't get it. I do know if I buy a MES you can bet your a$$ i'll be talking to him. He uses his on a regular basis and always shares his info, and always quick to jump in and help anyone with a problem especially when it comes to a MES
My two cents worth
Gary
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