Thinking about a MES - but should I go with "new" or "old" model 40" MES?

[dward51]

Thinking about going with a 40" MES, but I'm sort of torn with the decision of which one to buy.  The old 40" from Sam's for $299 or the new 40" from Bass Pro or where ever for $130 more.  I'm thinking the old from Sam's Club sounds mighty attractive, or are there must have items in the new 2012 model?

Been smoking on a WSM for 8 years or so, but some days I think I would probably fire up a electric when I just don't feel like fooling with the charcoal for hours (plus the wife hates to fool with charcoal - she is a gasser gal and we also have a Weber Summit 670 for that).  Will be going with one of Todd's pellet smoker trays for the MES if I get one.

Just wanted to get some comments from the group....

 

[oldschoolbbq]

You got the Budget, the 40 would please you better.

 

[dward51]

Yeah, but which 40", old (2011 model) or the new (2012).  Never even considered a 30", 40 all the way

 

[billmc40]

I bought the new model from bass pro 2 weeks ago. Be careful, I paid 429.00 for the old model. Yep that is right, my dear wifey caught it in the parking lot. I justified the cost difference, in reward points plus........ I hate to say that! Took it in and saleman came up and said I was wrong about the models, I said why buy this here for 429.00 when Sams down the street and 2 closer to my home has it for 299.00 and I keep my reward points! I Pulled it up on there web site showing the correct model for 429.00 and I get this BS song and dance sorry for the mistake and sorry. Being treated like a fool, I became an ass. I got the right model for cheap, I got my reward points back and a 25.00 gift card. Dont get me wrong I like Bass Pro, they will make it right if you push hard enough at time, I usally dont have to. Please check the box if you go to BP.

Bill

Oh I love it so far

 

[deltadude]

Old or new, my MES 40 is 6 years old, it has no window, it has no meat probe, it has no wheels, it also doesn't have a reduced size wood chip tray with an extra piece of metal that might prevent the wood chips from burning correctly, and it doesn't have 1200 watt element (my is 800 watts). 

9 out of 10 MES owners are buying remote probe digital stats as a cross check to know exactly what temp the meat and inside cooking temp is of the MES.

Windows & wheels are nice but not necessary.

You need a double insulated steel box, with a reliable heat source, and a controller to manage the heat,  new or old both provide that.

Frankly the further the MES/Masterbuilt get away from the basics, in order to add the extra features means they a cutting corners on something else.  My Sam's club MES from 6 years ago is stainless inside and out, came with a cover, and has provide 6 years of solid service, all the new extra feature stuff is nice but not necessary to smoking and cooking great tasting Q.

BTW, my personal vehicle doesn't have electric windows, is manual tranny, so to be fair my personal tastes are more minimalistic approach.