Newbie Ready to Test the Waters

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pegleg bill

Newbie
Original poster
Dec 8, 2014
17
11
Anaheim, CA
Greetings, All,

Well, I signed up for this forum yesterday, been reading all I can on the reviews, and ordered the AMNPS and pellets.  I guess it's time to narrow down the smokers.  I decided to go electric to start out.  I would love to get the Smokin'-it or Cookshack, but since I'm just getting started, I decided to give the MES-40 a try.

After reading about the Gen 1 being the way to go, I've really gotten confused with all the model numbers floating around, so I'm not sure which Gen 1 model numbers are available at this time.  I saw a 30" at Home Depot with a model number of 20071011, which sounds like it could be a Gen 1, but it's only a 30".  I remember reading that 20070311 is a great Gen 1, but stay away from the 20070512, which I believe is a Gen 2.

Can someone help steer me in the right direction as far as what model numbers to look for?

One other question while I'm at it... I'm planning on smoking sausages, but I can't find hooks for hanging them for the Masterbuilt.  Anyone know which other racks may fit?

Can't wait to get into this and share pics... and, of course, ask more questions.

Thanks for all the willingness to help us beginners.

Bill
 
I believe the Gen 2 has the exhaust vent on the side as opposed to the top. For sausages many use wooden dowels cut to fit across the unit and hang off those or just flop the sausages on the racks...leaves a few marks but doesn't affect the taste
 
Wow!  Thanks, Parrot and Willie.  That sure makes it easier than trying to locate a bunch of model numbers.  Thanks, too, for the dowel suggestion.  I'll look for my next-born following your suggestions.
 
 
Greetings, All,

Well, I signed up for this forum yesterday, been reading all I can on the reviews, and ordered the AMNPS and pellets.  I guess it's time to narrow down the smokers.  I decided to go electric to start out.  I would love to get the Smokin'-it or Cookshack, but since I'm just getting started, I decided to give the MES-40 a try.

After reading about the Gen 1 being the way to go, I've really gotten confused with all the model numbers floating around, so I'm not sure which Gen 1 model numbers are available at this time.  I saw a 30" at Home Depot with a model number of 20071011, which sounds like it could be a Gen 1, but it's only a 30".  I remember reading that 20070311 is a great Gen 1, but stay away from the 20070512, which I believe is a Gen 2.

Can someone help steer me in the right direction as far as what model numbers to look for?

One other question while I'm at it... I'm planning on smoking sausages, but I can't find hooks for hanging them for the Masterbuilt.  Anyone know which other racks may fit?

Can't wait to get into this and share pics... and, of course, ask more questions.

Thanks for all the willingness to help us beginners.

Bill
The 20070311 is a customized version of the MES 40 Gen 1. The 30-inch version's number is 20070411 which is the same customized deal as the MES 30 Gen 1 and they both have windows. Price is a big factor here. Cabela's is almost giving the 30-inch version (called the Sportsman Elite) away and it comes with a meat probe. One member bought his from Sam's Club and it came with those extra features plus room for 6 racks instead of the standard four.

If your budget can afford it, go with the 40-inch model. If my budget had allowed it I would have bought that instead of the 30-inch model, which still remains perfect for my needs. Sometimes though it's nice to have the extra cooking space. My model is the 20070910 which a ton of people own and love.
 
Hey Rick,

Thanks for the information on the model numbers and Gen 1 information.  I'm really interested in the 40 inch.  From what I've been reading I kind of thought the 20070311 and 0411 were the Gen 1 models, so I've been watching them on Amazon.  They've had the 0311 for $358 since I added it to my Wish List and today they lowered the price to $299.  It's sure not the deal that soks3d got, but I'm sure tempted to have them ship it.  Before I do, I've got to factor in the price of the divorce lawyer and alimony payments to see if it still looks like a good deal.  If it is, I'll be changing my bacon QVue to a MES 40 QView.

Thanks again,

Bill
 
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Hey Rick,

Thanks for the information on the model numbers and Gen 1 information.  I'm really interested in the 40 inch.  From what I've been reading I kind of thought the 20070311 and 0411 were the Gen 1 models, so I've been watching them on Amazon.  They've had the 0311 for $358 since I added it to my Wish List and today they lowered the price to $299.  It's sure not the deal that soks3d got, but I'm sure tempted to have them ship it.  Before I do, I've got to factor in the price of the divorce lawyer and alimony payments to see if it still looks like a good deal.  If it is, I'll be changing my bacon QVue to a MES 40 QView.

Thanks again,

Bill
You're welcome, Bill. One thing I've learned about Amazon, it's guesswork and luck if you're getting the best deal. When I bought my MES 30 I'd seen it for $169 but the week I bought it it was selling for $189, reduced back to $169 a few weeks later. I paid a higher price but also got to start smoking all the sooner.

The thing about MB model numbers, Masterbuilt assigns different numbers for special models even if they're basically the original ones with some new features. The numbers are based on the dates the models were produced. The best way to determine if a model is a Gen 1 or a Gen 2 is placement of the controller: on top for the Gen 1, in the front for Gen 2.

Your wife is divorcing you over a smoker purchase? That's one disagreeable woman...
 
Hey, Rick.  Thanks again.  This information is really helpful.  I plan to go for the MES 40 Gen 1.  BTW, I was only kidding about the divorce. She's not really that disagreeable. 
77.gif
 
 
Hey, Rick.  Thanks again.  This information is really helpful.  I plan to go for the MES 40 Gen 1.  BTW, I was only kidding about the divorce. She's not really that disagreeable. 
77.gif
Thanks for the clarification. Bill. I figured either you were actually going through a divorce or employing the same type of humor I use.

Great choice of smokers. And you're welcome.

Does your wife like real BBQ? Win her heart all over again by smoking the baby back ribs of her dreams...
giphy.gif
 
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Sounds like a great idea.  How can she refuse that?  And, yes, I do have that kind of sense of humor.  I can taste those baby backs now.  Can't wait to feel that sauce running down my chin.
 
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