New MES Bluetooth Digital smoker

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Well, I didn't buy the MES for the Bluetooth feature. I am hearing impaired and have hearing aids which have a Bluetooth feature that connects to our TV, and to my IPad. We also have Bluetooth in our cars. I am grateful for the Bluetooth technology provides me for those two reasons.
 
I can now see how Bluetooth devices benefit you personally. I consider myself fortunate that I don't them yet. My wife and I still use dumbphones, at least until we pay off the smartphone we bought for our son.
 
Well, I didn't buy the MES for the Bluetooth feature. I am hearing impaired and have hearing aids which have a Bluetooth feature that connects to our TV, and to my IPad. We also have Bluetooth in our cars. I am grateful for the Bluetooth technology provides me for those two reasons.
I'm hearing impaired also. I first started wearing hearing aids in both ears in 1969 and had a Cochlear implant in Dec 1999 and fitted with a sound processor at that time.  I now have upgraded to a Cochlear Nucleus 6 Sound Processor. I don't have bluetooth. I don't talk on the phone because I don't understand that well on the phone, but do well talking to someone face to face though.

As for the Bluetooth Smoker, I am considering on getting one, but don't care about it's bluetooth features, I only care about it working better than my MES Generation 2 smoker.
 
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By the way...I mentioned that I installed a faster modem and router to my computer a week ago - that didn't make a lick of difference in extending the range for the Bluetooth device.

 
Bluetooth is a self contained signal between two devices. It does not travel over your wireless internet network. If you had a wifi enabled thermo then your new network would have helped. In reality, a stronger wifi signal probably made the bluetooth worse as it could overpower the bluetooth signal. 
 
I just purchased the Bluetooth 30" Model at Bass Pro. For $100.00 less that the 40", ill cut my ribs in half. Plus I received 10% off because it was a floor model and 10% off for signing up to their credit card (Ill never use it) so final cost was $275.00. I already have a MB gasser so I'll just use this for temperatures below 200 degrees.
 
I just purchased the Bluetooth 30" Model at Bass Pro. For $100.00 less that the 40", ill cut my ribs in half. Plus I received 10% off because it was a floor model and 10% off for signing up to their credit card (Ill never use it) so final cost was $275.00. I already have a MB gasser so I'll just use this for temperatures below 200 degrees.
You just made yourself the resident expert on how to get an outstanding deal on a MES. I own a MES 30 Gen 1 model but I never cut my ribs in half. I have been allowing them to press up against the smoker walls until they shrink away as they cook. But starting next time I'm just going to place foil at the spots on the wall where the ribs touch and plan to do the same thing when I smoke a whole beef brisket.
 
What is a wifi enabled thermo? And would it noticeably extend the Bluetooth range?
Dennis
There are remote thermometers like the Tappecue that connect to your wifi network instead of using a bluetooth signal. That way you can control the thermo from anywhere with an internet connection. Of course this doesn't let you control the bluetooth MES. Also, wifi thermos are triple the cost of bluetooth or RF models. 

The problem with the bluetooth MES is that you are stuck with the hardware/software that is built into the unit. You can get accessories like Maverick thermos to help but they will not have all the features that the MES remote app has.
 
bmaddox,
Your post interested me. I sent an email to Masterbuilt customer service if they have any info on how to extend the Bluetooth range. In a Google search I read something about a "class 1 Bluetooth adapter".
Dennis
 
I want to give a shout out and a big thanks to everyone that helped me get here.  Sometimes a little patience, hardcore research and luck pays off :))))))))  I just saw Cabelas has their smoker on sale again for $349.  I got a great deal and am very happy.  It arrives at the end of next week.  Cant wait.  Thanks all. 
 
I cant tell from the pics, but does the loader put the chips in that chip tray under the angled sheet metal piece?  How does it get in there?  Looks like a really tight fit. Or does it drop the chips on top of that angled piece with the ash sliding down onto the drip tray?

 
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I want to give a shout out and a big thanks to everyone that helped me get here.  Sometimes a little patience, hardcore research and luck pays off :))))))))  I just saw Cabelas has their smoker on sale again for $349.  I got a great deal and am very happy.  It arrives at the end of next week.  Cant wait.  Thanks all. 
 
I cant tell from the pics, but does the loader put the chips in that chip tray under the angled sheet metal piece?  How does it get in there?  Looks like a really tight fit. Or does it drop the chips on top of that angled piece with the ash sliding down onto the drip tray?

That's sure what it looks like. I think Bear posted that the wood chip cover is angled to funnel drips down onto the drip tray. The ashes should stay in the wood chip tray like in the previous designs. It also seems like heat from the element might be directed over to the left side to keep the right side hotter like it does in the Gen 1 and Gen 2 models.
 
 
I cant tell from the pics, but does the loader put the chips in that chip tray under the angled sheet metal piece?  How does it get in there?  Looks like a really tight fit. Or does it drop the chips on top of that angled piece with the ash sliding down onto the drip tray?
Yes it does look like the handle to the dumper is too high to get the chips into the chip drawer, but it must work, as I haven't heard any complaints yet.

I haven't seen one of these #2.5 units in person yet, but maybe somebody who has one can enlighten us to how that actually works.

Bear
 
 
Yes it does look like the handle to the dumper is too high to get the chips into the chip drawer, but it must work, as I haven't heard any complaints yet.

I haven't seen one of these #2.5 units in person yet, but maybe somebody who has one can enlighten us to how that actually works.

Bear
Yeah check the BP model.  I have no idea how the chips are supposed to get into the tray below.  Dennis or Lights may be able to help.

 
Yes, the chip loader dumps them in that tray shown in your photo, which is directly above the burner assembly. Takes just a few minutes to smoke. I used it just once, plus when first pre-seasoning the smoker. I usually use pellets. Also as someone else posted, it's a good idea to foil the top of that area to keep things sort of tidy.
Dennis
 
You have now exceeded my knowledge (sorry). I know just enough to get myself in trouble... I am sure there are bluetooth range extenders but I don't know how well they would pair up with the MES unit. Hopefully Masterbuilt customer service can help.

Hey bmaddox, I heard back from Masterbuilt customer service... They said their Bluetooth range is designed for 100 ft, but if anything is blocking that distance (like inside your house) it could cause loss of connection. I figured out to solve that issue: move the smoker closer! ha ha.
Dennis
 
 
You have now exceeded my knowledge (sorry). I know just enough to get myself in trouble... I am sure there are bluetooth range extenders but I don't know how well they would pair up with the MES unit. Hopefully Masterbuilt customer service can help.
Hey bmaddox, I heard back from Masterbuilt customer service... They said their Bluetooth range is designed for 100 ft, but if anything is blocking that distance (like inside your house) it could cause loss of connection. I figured out to solve that issue: move the smoker closer! ha ha.
Dennis
Absolutely!!

Look at all the places you could put that Smoker "Closer" !!!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/99899/mes-40-with-remote-christmas-present

Bear
 
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