Which smoker to buy

[therev46]

Alright guys and gals, I know this has been brought up before but maybe some new smoker has hit the market since you all last put your 2 cents in. I'm looking to buy a new smoker to take camping. I'm currently hauling around a masterbulit propane vertical I bought years ago. Want to switch over to electric so I can just plug it into my camper. I'm usually cooking for 8-12 people so it needs to be able to fit atleast 2 butts at a time. I'd like to stay under $300 because this will not be my primary smoker but I know there's not a lot of options at that price range that won't need to be heavily modded. I'm not against modding it but I want something that has decent insulation and a reliable controller. Any suggestions?

 

[tallbm]

Hi there and welcome.

Well I've only owned the MES40's and I can tell you that unless you are a bigger than average strapping individual it will be very difficult for you to load up the MES40 into a truck alone.

I have never owned a Bradley but I believe they can go up to 325F which means that you can get edible chicken skin.  I probably would remove the wood puck feeder and go with an A-Maze-N Pellet Smoker (AMNPS) and the mailbox mod to generate smoke for it.  I myself and most MES owners do that same thing for smoke generation anyhow so it's not an odd thing to do.

Finally, I don't know about the Bradley but I know first hand that the MES probes are always off and the controller is designed in a fashion that will give you temp swings.  I had over 30F swings with mine and could not hit the top temp of 275F with my MES40.  I rewired and did 3rd party PID controllers to fix the swing and max temp issue.

In all you won't find anything perfect and will just have to take what best suits your needs vs the downsides.  Best of luck :)

 

[old sarge]

Besides the MES, you might look at the Smoke Hollow units but I don't know how well insulated they are.  Also, Old Smokey makes a very inexpensive, uninsulated electric but it could be wrapped in a water heater blanket.  The units from Smokin-it are very well insulated, but even their Model 1, the smallest, is above $300 and the model 2 well over $400.   Worth checking them out though

https://www.oldsmokey.com/products/electric-smoker?variant=350587737

http://www.olp-inc.com/product-category/smokers/

http://www.smokin-it.com/Smokers-s/5.htm

 

[therev46]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm considering either the smoke hollow 3016DEWS or the masterbuilt 20070910. Both are 30" models and seem like a decent starting point. The one thing I don't like about the smoke hollow though is the glass door. I'm just worried about breaking it with how much it will be moved around.

 

[dalber]

I bought the MES model 20070910 a couple months ago and am having good success with it using the AMZNPS without the mailbox mod. But I don't move it at all.

 

[redoctobyr]

I just got the 20070910 (a Gen1 unit), and AMNPS. It's not fancy, and the MES don't have a stellar reputation.

But the Gen1 are supposedly at least decent. And a lot of people use the Masterbuilts, so you have a large base of experienced users to draw from.

That may be an advantage, as you have a lot of people who can help with questions, possible modifications, etc.

Also, in the case of the Gen1 20070910, the AMNPS tray was apparently designed to work with those smokers. So some of the common suggestions (like get an AMNPS) are easy to implement. I haven't noticed if it's easy to add one to something like the Smoke Hollow.

I've heard really good things about the Smokin-It, but they were above my budget. So I started with something basic, figuring that it'll at least give me an inexpensive introduction to smoking.

 

[therev46]

Thanks for the input. Guess I'll probably be adding a new MES to my collection soon. Already have the AMNPS. Just hoping the controller holds up as I've read a lot of people complain about that.

 

[troyo]

I'm shopping for a smoker too, and the controller issue has me considering a very similar analog version of the MES... in hopes that the "Dumb controller" is more durable, or at least easier to hack with a PID Mod or similar.


In case you haven't seen that variant on the MES. Note: I'm not "Recommending" it because I have zero experience or knowledge, just pointing out it's existence.

 

[therev46]

That mes does look pretty darn simple Troy. Because I'll be constantly moving it around, the less that can break or malfunction, the better. I wonder if that one was designed for the AMNPS like the electronically controlled version is?

 

[bbqwillie]

That mes does look pretty darn simple Troy. Because I'll be constantly moving it around, the less that can break or malfunction, the better. I wonder if that one was designed for the AMNPS like the electronically controlled version is?

And it's very easy to adapt a PID to it. Just plug the unit into the PID, set the analog temp at 275, run your sensor from the PID to the CC, set the PID cooking temp to the desired temp (225?), fire up your A-MAZE-N, load your meat and forget about about it.

 

[troyo]

I don't know about "designed" for the AMNPS but I have seen folks mention using it with this model in reviews and such.

A couple of things I was able to find out:

1) Replacement elements are readily available. I found an element and controller for on Ebay for $50.

2) It will do 325-375 (Plus) so it can double as a camp oven.

3) No insulation between the double walls, so its just using the air gap. Semi-insulated? LOL.

I second BBQWillie, IF you did decide you needed better control it would be dead simple to just make a "Black box" PID control with an outlet on it and plug this style of smoker in to it.

 

[hinds90]

And it's very easy to adapt a PID to it. Just plug the unit into the PID, set the analog temp at 275, run your sensor from the PID to the CC, set the PID cooking temp to the desired temp (225?), fire up your A-MAZE-N, load your meat and forget about about it.

Could you break it down further. Thread write up anywhere? I have a rangemaster which I think is a rebranded MES so should work for me also.

 

[tallbm]

Could you break it down further. Thread write up anywhere? I have a rangemaster which I think is a rebranded MES so should work for me also.

The Auber Plug and Play PID controllers are designed so you plug int he analog smoker into the controller.  You then plug the controller into the wall.

The controller has a temperature probe you insert inside the smoker to measure temp

The controller will control flow of electricity to the smoker based on the temp that it is reading to hit and keep the set temp.

Done!

As for an AMNPS, I have seen where guys who have small smokers or less common ones just put the AMNPS on the lowest rack and then the meat on the next rack up.  Done!

I think that would cover both cases.

Just an FYI, with the analog electric smokers not being insulated you may want to think about wrapping it with some kind of insulated blanket like a welding blanket or something along those lines.

People report with the propane smokers that cooler times of the year or wind blowing definitely affects the temp and ability of the smoker to maintain temp.

 

[hinds90]

Thanks for the quick response. My hobby is getting expensive.

 

[therev46]

Well I already have an Auber PID on my big smoker. I guess I could just buy a couple more thermocouples and plug it right into the MES. As far as insulation goes, not really a huge factor for me as this smoker will only be used while camping and we don't camp in the winter. Thanks for all the inputs.

 

[redoctobyr]

 
2) It will do 325-375 (Plus) so it can double as a camp oven.

3) No insulation between the double walls, so its just using the air gap. Semi-insulated? LOL.

I second BBQWillie, IF you did decide you needed better control it would be dead simple to just make a "Black box" PID control with an outlet on it and plug this style of smoker in to it.

Item #2 is pretty cool. Even if I added my own PID controller, it sounds like my digital MES shouldn't go much above 300, lest I create problems with the materials used. And I've heard people say that chicken with skin should be finished off around 350, if you want the skin crispy, so I couldn't achieve that.

Of course, if I was making chicken, I could finish it off on the grill, or maybe in the oven, so I do still have options.

But it's interesting to know this about the analog model. With an AMNPS, you don't care about the lack of a chip tube. And if using your own PID controller, then you'll get better temperature control than a digital MES anyhow, plus higher max temps (especially if you add a blanket). So the analog sounds like a nice option for someone open to doing a few modifications!

 

[troyo]

I'll let you know how it goes... I've got that smoker and a PID kit and AMZNPS on the way. It will take some tinkering but I couldn't find anything else for ~$200 that checked all my "boxes".

 

[daricksta]

Well I already have an Auber PID on my big smoker. I guess I could just buy a couple more thermocouples and plug it right into the MES. As far as insulation goes, not really a huge factor for me as this smoker will only be used while camping and we don't camp in the winter. Thanks for all the inputs.

I bought my MES 30 #20070910 over 5 years ago and it's still doing great. Only have had to replace the controller which was extremely simple. Just be aware that there are some retailer selling a MES 30 that from the outside looks like this model but is actually the 20071217, which is not the same at all. I looked inside it at a Lowe's. The thing about the 20070910, the price is also changing on it. I bought it at $189 but I've seen it as low as $129. Sometimes you can catch a great sale on this smoker bundled with accessories at a place like Cabela's. From the research I did before I bought my smoker and the ongoing research I do now, you can't buy a better electric digital smoker for under $200 than this one. So far this week, I smoked a whole beef brisket, cold smoked some cheeses, and tomorrow (or over the weekend) I'll be smoking by 3rd batch of beef jerky (4 lbs. worth). I've chosen not to swap out the controller for an Auber PID and I haven't built a mailbox mod. I use a Maverick ET-733 to monitor the smoker interior temp as well as meat IT.

 
I don't know about "designed" for the AMNPS but I have seen folks mention using it with this model in reviews and such.

A couple of things I was able to find out:

1) Replacement elements are readily available. I found an element and controller for on Ebay for $50.

2) It will do 325-375 (Plus) so it can double as a camp oven.

3) No insulation between the double walls, so its just using the air gap. Semi-insulated? LOL.

I second BBQWillie, IF you did decide you needed better control it would be dead simple to just make a "Black box" PID control with an outlet on it and plug this style of smoker in to it.

It 's a fact that Todd Johnson used the MES 30 for his R&D on the AMNPS. There are still some members here you helped do his field testing for him and gave him suggestions for improving the design. They may have also used the MES 40 Gen 1 as well.

 

[daricksta]

I just got the 20070910 (a Gen1 unit), and AMNPS. It's not fancy, and the MES don't have a stellar reputation.

But the Gen1 are supposedly at least decent. And a lot of people use the Masterbuilts, so you have a large base of experienced users to draw from.

That may be an advantage, as you have a lot of people who can help with questions, possible modifications, etc.

Also, in the case of the Gen1 20070910, the AMNPS tray was apparently designed to work with those smokers. So some of the common suggestions (like get an AMNPS) are easy to implement. I haven't noticed if it's easy to add one to something like the Smoke Hollow.

I've heard really good things about the Smokin-It, but they were above my budget. So I started with something basic, figuring that it'll at least give me an inexpensive introduction to smoking.

I've owned this smoker for over 5 years and it's still going strong. I had to replace the controller and chose to stick with the MES one instead of replacing it with an Auber PID. The only issue I've had with using the AMNPS is that in some weather conditions air circulation can be poor inside the smoker, which snuffs out the pellets. That's why so many guys have built the mailbox mods, which I haven't done yet. But in warm to hot weather, like we're having in my area now, the AMNPS and my MES 30 are working as a reliable, solid team together. I smoked a whole beef brisket (the point literally took all day and night) and a batch of cheeses this past week. Tomorrow or over the weekend I'm smoking 4 lbs. of teriyaki beef jerky. It's been a lot of fun.

 

[bbqwillie]

I've had my 20070910 for about 3 years now. After the first year I rewired her to accept a home brewed PID. I also use the A-Maze-N. Can't beat that combination. I cook small because it's just me and the wife. I added a Mav 733 to monitor temps. It's pretty much a set and forget now. 

I started off with a home brew stick burner that I used for years and it turned out some damn decent BBQ but boy was it some work. As I got a little older I need more time for my wife and family so I went to a Weber Smokey Mountain and a Digi-Q, that was nice. Frankly that's the best setup you can ask for when you measure bang for the buck. Turned out some awesome Q. I still have that setup. I have also owed a couple of Backwoods smokers. I love those things they make some yummy Q, but they are a lot of work.

Now I'm old and staying up all night tending a fire is just not in the cards so I went electric. I wanted to get my feet wet without investing a whole lot of money. I happened upon a yard sale in the little town of Holliston, MA . There sat a 20070910 new, in original box, unopened. Guy said his son bought it and never used it and it was cluttering up his garage and he wanted it gone. I offered him $10 and he said "Haul it off". I threw it in the back of my Jeep and headed home. Best $10 I ever spent. I spent the next year learning how to cook on it. I was lucky because I had 3 decades of experience smoking meat to fall back on so the learning curve wasn't all that steep. I quickly learned the cons of the MES and how to overcome them. A mod here, a mod there, it adds up. I was really disgusted with the controller so I researched and built my first PID. That did the trick. Now I just needed to get the smoke right. That chip tray just didn't cut it. Then I read about the A-MAZE-N. I could have built one of those, it's pretty simple but those folks worked hard to bring that product to market they deserved a little support. So I bought one. Well that was the finish needed to make a decent electric smoker. 2 years down the road with the mods and I'm loving it. It sits on a enclosed back porch vented to outside and I cook year round. It gets a little cold in Winter but the MES has enough insulation that the cold weather doesn't bother it. 

My wife loves ribs and I've learned how to trim them so they fit in that tiny cooker. I give her, her fall off the bone ribs, with my special rub (she likes it with a pop) and my dipping sauce on the side.. Happy Wife, Happy Life. I'm a brisket person and I can trim a brisket to fit. Plus I get leftovers which I vac and freeze. I'm happy and I get to sleep through the night.

Moral of the story is it doesn't matter what your using to smoke your meats. What matters is your experience in smoking meat. It ain't the paintbrush, it's the artist. So try as many different methods that you can. Learn from each one.