MES 30 Ordered (updated title)

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bgosnell151

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
Aug 12, 2013
415
44
Lowell, MA
Cabela's has what seems to be a Gen 1 on sale right now, but they also have what looks like a Gen 1, but is called the "Sportsman Elite Series", anybody have any idea what this is? I couldn't find a number or anything.
 
Cabela's has what seems to be a Gen 1 on sale right now, but they also have what looks like a Gen 1, but is called the "Sportsman Elite Series", anybody have any idea what this is? I couldn't find a number or anything.
First, let me tell you a little about Cabela's, and other places like them.

Don't go by the picture they show in their ads----They often use a "stock" picture, and the one you get may or may not be the one in the picture.

When I got my Gen #1 MES 40, their ad said they were out of that model, and showed one that wasn't ALL stainless steel. My Son called me from Cabela's & told me they had the ALL SS, and they had 46 of them on hand.

If you can't go there in person, call & ask an employee to visually look & tell you what they have.

Bear
 
First, let me tell you a little about Cabela's, and other places like them.
Don't go by the picture they show in their ads----They often use a "stock" picture, and the one you get may or may not be the one in the picture.

When I got my Gen #1 MES 40, their ad said they were out of that model, and showed one that wasn't ALL stainless steel. My Son called me from Cabela's & told me they had the ALL SS, and they had 46 of them on hand.

If you can't go there in person, call & ask an employee to visually look & tell you what they have.

Bear

Thanks for the advice... I will be making a call tomorrow before I place my order.
 
I called and it looks like the only difference is one has 6 racks (and is $10 cheaper), while the other is 4 racks.  Both are Gen 1s, which makes me extremely happy from what I have been reading on here.  I find it strange that the 6 racks is cheaper than the 4.  They are remove able, correct?  They have to be for cleaning purposes, right?  Anyway, I really appreciate the advice on calling them.
 
MES 30 ORDERED... WOOOOOOO.  

Now headed over to order the Maverick 732 and AMPS from Todd.

Finally joining the ranks of smokers.  Wooooooooooohoooooooooo
 
I called and it looks like the only difference is one has 6 racks (and is $10 cheaper), while the other is 4 racks.  Both are Gen 1s, which makes me extremely happy from what I have been reading on here.  I find it strange that the 6 racks is cheaper than the 4.  They are remove able, correct?  They have to be for cleaning purposes, right?  Anyway, I really appreciate the advice on calling them.
6 racks???

Are you sure that's a digital MES 30 ?

Could it be analog?

I think all MES 30 digitals have 4 grills.

Bear
 
6 racks???
Are you sure that's a digital MES 30 ?
Could it be analog?

I think all MES 30 digitals have 4 grills.


Bear

It's digital... that's why it's the "Sportsman Elite". ;)

I not only called them, but also did some research online with the model number... seemed legit.
 
Here is the description...

Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite 30" Electric Smoker with precise digital controls assist you in making culinary masterpieces. The heating element adjusts up to 275°F and is regulated by a digital thermostat. The wood of your choice smolders in the electrically heated, easy-to-clean, removable wood chute. Insulated walls trap heat and eliminate drying. Four racks provide 730 sq. in. of cooking space. Can hold up to six racks, for a total of 1,095 sq. in. of cooking space. Includes meat temperature probe. 25-lb. capacity. Imported.Dimensions: 30"H x 15-3/4"W x 17"D.Weight: 48 lbs.Color: Black
 
The sportsman elite is a gen 2 with front controller and side vent. As for 6 racks it may be a special model for cabelas. They also show an analog sportsmans elite. How much did you pay?
 
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Here is the description...

Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite 30" Electric Smoker with precise digital controls assist you in making culinary masterpieces. The heating element adjusts up to 275°F and is regulated by a digital thermostat. The wood of your choice smolders in the electrically heated, easy-to-clean, removable wood chute. Insulated walls trap heat and eliminate drying. Four racks provide 730 sq. in. of cooking space. Can hold up to six racks, for a total of 1,095 sq. in. of cooking space. Includes meat temperature probe. 25-lb. capacity. Imported.Dimensions: 30"H x 15-3/4"W x 17"D.Weight: 48 lbs.Color: Black
I've been out of the loop for awhile on the new MES, but Geerock knows them pretty good. If he says it's a Gen #2, it probably is. When I said to call them, I meant talk to the guy on the floor who can actually put an eyeball on one, not just somebody who answers the phone. It's really tough to get the right one without going there in person, because you can talk to someone there who doesn't know Jack.

The ad says Four racks of cooking space, but 6 will fit-----Maybe for jerky??? Imagine how close together the racks would have to be to get 6 racks in a 30" smoker. Even the MES 40s only have 4 racks.

Oh well, if you get the Gen #2, think twice about keeping it, while it's still returnable.

Bear
 
I've been out of the loop for awhile on the new MES, but Geerock knows them pretty good. If he says it's a Gen #2, it probably is. When I said to call them, I meant talk to the guy on the floor who can actually put an eyeball on one, not just somebody who answers the phone. It's really tough to get the right one without going there in person, because you can talk to someone there who doesn't know Jack.

The ad says Four racks of cooking space, but 6 will fit-----Maybe for jerky??? Imagine how close together the racks would have to be to get 6 racks in a 30" smoker. Even the MES 40s only have 4 racks.

Oh well, if you get the Gen #2, think twice about keeping it, while it's still returnable.

Bear

Yeah, what bear said......... and get the extended warranty. Better than even chance you'll use it. Also the dimensions show 15 wide. Inner dimension for the racks would be about 12 inches or so. That doesn't seem right. Somebody may have their wires crossed here. (Besides masterbuilt I mean).
 
Here is a pic of one that I found in a review... man I hope I didn't screw up.
maxresdefault.jpg
 
That's a gen 1 digital. Nice unit. But just to let you know I was at cabelas and they had on display the gen 2 front controller side vent advertised as the sportsmans elite. And when you google that model for cabelas it comes up with a pic of gen 2 also. See what you get and go from there. But I have had both gen 1 and 2 and the new design and electronics suck. Oh yeah..... I have to say "in my opinion" for legal issues. Best of luck.
 
Didn't we have a list posted for all the Gen 1 and Gen 2 part numbers in the past 2 weeks? I can't seem to find the thtead with that on.
 
Toolmaker 1045 just recently bought a sportsmans elite. Checkbout his posts and pm him for location of controller and vent. Maybe even a pic.
 
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Heard back from him already... Gen 2, but he loves it. Not sure what to do at this point... crap. Already ordered the AMNPS and Mav, so will probably keep it when it comes in.
 
Heard back from him already... Gen 2, but he loves it. Not sure what to do at this point... crap. Already ordered the AMNPS and Mav, so will probably keep it when it comes in.
Or you could send it back & find a Gen #1.

I don't know why they're still available, but people are still finding them.

The next model should be better than all of them, but that's not too soon.

Bear
 
Or you could send it back & find a Gen #1.

I don't know why they're still available, but people are still finding them.

The next model should be better than all of them, but that's not too soon.


Bear

I actually won a $300 gift card for Cabela's... wonder what would happen if I returned it? Probably store credit.
 
I actually won a $300 gift card for Cabela's... wonder what would happen if I returned it? Probably store credit.
Money back with receipt. If you used a gift card, they probably refund you with a gift card.

Here ya go:
       Since 1961, it has been our ongoing mission to provide outdoor enthusiasts like you with the finest quality gear and the highest level of customer service in the industry.

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we will provide a refund or exchange the item within 90 days* of purchase.
 
With Receipt:Items returned within the guidelines that are accompanied by a receipt will be refunded at the original purchase price, plus applicable sales tax, in the original payment method.
 
Without Receipt: Items returned within the guidelines without a receipt will be processed at the lowest sale price plus applicable sales tax. Such items may be exchanged for the same product or returned for merchandise credit in the form of a Cabela's gift card.
 
Shipping and handling charges will not be refunded unless an error occurred on our part in the shipment of your order.
Bear
 
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