MES JMSS (Lowes) vs MES 20078715 (Amazon)?

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My understanding is that Masterbuilt gives certain stores their "own" model with a specific model number so they can call it exclusive but there typically is little to no difference in the units. Some places do get nicer units, like Cabellas gets all stainless models. You will just have to compare the specs side by side.
 
I know the Amazon one is Gen 2.5.  I called the Masterbuilt.  But the Lowes one I'm not sure.  Watched a vid.  The slanted drip dray leads me to believe that it's Gen 2.0.

Anyone got a pic of the redesigned drip tray in Gen 2.5?  Thanks.
 
 
I know the Amazon one is Gen 2.5.  I called the Masterbuilt.  But the Lowes one I'm not sure.  Watched a vid.  The slanted drip dray leads me to believe that it's Gen 2.0.

Anyone got a pic of the redesigned drip tray in Gen 2.5?  Thanks.
Here is a quick reference:

Gen1 - Vent is on the top right

Gen2 - Vent is on the left side

Gen 2.5 - Vent is on the top left

This might not be fool proof but it appears to hold up when comparing the models.
 
Looks like both these models have the vent on the top right so I'm hoping they are both Gen 2.5.  I have some Lowes gift cards and would really like to use them (plus a 10% coupon, easy return if need be etc).  I like the look of the Amazon one much better though.

The Masterbuilt coding system is a clusterfck.  So confusing for consumers.

Where can I find a pic of the new drip tray in Gen 2.5?
 
Yes, Both of the smokers you showed in your post #1 look to be late model Gen #2 models, after the top vent had been moved from the left side wall to the back left on top. More than likely those 2 both have the big slanted drip plate that causes much of the Gen #2 problems.

The pic you're showing in post #6 is a Gen #2.5 with the shield over the front controls, and it has the full Water Pan with the Split level bottom.

The Drip pan is in the bottom, on the floor, with the foil covering it in the pic.

Bear
 
 
Yes, Both of the smokers you showed in your post #1 look to be late model Gen #2 models, after the top vent had been moved from the left side wall to the back left on top. More than likely those 2 both have the big slanted drip plate that causes much of the Gen #2 problems.

The pic you're showing in post #6 is a Gen #2.5 with the shield over the front controls, and it has the full Water Pan with the Split level bottom.

The Drip pan is in the bottom, on the floor, with the foil covering it in the pic.

Bear
I thought Gen 2's vent was on the side?  Both these are on the top left which lead me to believe they are Gen 2.5s.  Also, the Amazon description says the drip plate has been redesigned. 
 
 
I thought Gen 2's vent was on the side?  Both these are on the top left which lead me to believe they are Gen 2.5s.  Also, the Amazon description says the drip plate has been redesigned. 
Near the end of last year, they have some Gen #2 with the vent on top instead of the left side, like the 2 in your pic #1.

The other things you are confusing are Water pans, Drip pans, and drip plates.

The Water pan in Pic #6 is the redesigned water pan---It is deeper on the left than on the right, which is why I call it a Split level bottom. It is used in the Gen #2.5.

The Drip pan in all of the MES smokers is the big pan that sits on the floor of the smoker.

The Drip Plate is only in the Gen #2. It sits above the Chip burner, and is higher on the right than on the left, with a small water pan hanging in it on the left end. It was supposed to catch drips which would run downhill to the water pan. This slanted drip pan in the Gen #2 traps heat under it, which is one of its problems.

Gen #2.5 have shields over their front controls, like your pic in post #6. The pics in Post #1 do not have the shields.

Bear
 
Ok so I found what I think is a 2.5 model (shielded panel) at Bass Pro: Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite 30'' Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker with Viewing Window

But this thing has Bluetooth which I dont need, and costs $330.  I will look for the basic 2.5 version.
 
 
I mean list of model numbers or stores/suppliers.  Which vendors are selling them?
You just gotta shop around.

Masterbuilt CS never seems to know what stores have what.

Even the stores don't know what they have when you call them.

5 years ago I was looking for an All Stainless Gen #1 MES 40. Cabelas catalog & flyers didn't show that one, and I called & they said they didn't have it.

My Son went to Cabelas for Fishing stuff, and he took a look. They had the one I wanted, and 49 more in their warehouse in the back. They had no idea!!!!

The only way you know for sure what these stores have is to see it in person.

Bear
 
 
You just gotta shop around.

Masterbuilt CS never seems to know what stores have what.

Even the stores don't know what they have when you call them.

5 years ago I was looking for an All Stainless Gen #1 MES 40. Cabelas catalog & flyers didn't show that one, and I called & they said they didn't have it.

My Son went to Cabelas for Fishing stuff, and he took a look. They had the one I wanted, and 49 more in their warehouse in the back. They had no idea!!!!

The only way you know for sure what these stores have is to see it in person.

Bear
Here's the Bass Pro one.  I dont need anything this fancy:

 
 
Ok so I found what I think is a 2.5 model (shielded panel) at Bass Pro: Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite 30'' Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker with Viewing Window

But this thing has Bluetooth which I dont need, and costs $330.  I will look for the basic 2.5 version.
Not positive, but I'm pretty sure ALL Gen #2.5 are Bluetooth---No Remote option.

I figure if I ever get one, I'll probably just use the controls on the smoker. My Son said he'd give me an old phone to use, but I've heard the Bluetooth distance is short.

Bear

On Edit: The 30" is small. That's the first one I got, because it's only the 2 of us, but I didn't like cutting my Ribs in half, cutting Brisket in half, and only getting 7 pounds of Beef Sticks in one load.
 
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Where would one put the AMPS in this new 2.5 model?  Can you put it on top of the bottom tray if you're not using it?
 
 
Not positive, but I'm pretty sure ALL Gen #2.5 are Bluetooth---No Remote option.

I figure if I ever get one, I'll probably just use the controls on the smoker. My Son said he'd give me an old phone to use, but I've heard the Bluetooth distance is short.

Bear
I hope not.  I cant do $330.  $200 is sort of my sweet spot. 
 
 
Where would one put the AMPS in this new 2.5 model?  Can you put it on top of the bottom tray if you're not using it?
Don't know yet.

Options would be on bottom grill, or maybe on the floor on the left (if it fits) with something under it to get it up a little for air flow.

Probably would never use that bottom grill anyway---Too hot---Too close to element.

Bear
 
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Any downside to putting the pellets on the bottom tray (i.e. will the smoke have time to dissipate before it reaches the top shelf, or will it blast the meat on the bottom, with one side ending up being more smoked than the other?).
 
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