Masterbuilt Electric Smoker 30" not staying turned on

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Mike, please note that I never addressed my response to you or even directly referred to your post. I don't believe in personal attacks in forums. Yes, your post sparked a reaction in me but I used directed to all of the people on SMF who I feel have unfairly trounced Masterbuilt.

You did strike a nerve. As I wrote I've been on SMF for a few years and I've seen a few posts from guys who's only purpose was to trash MB smokers and customer service based on what they've read. I researched electric smokers before I purchased my smoker and I've greatly enjoyed using it over the past 3 years. I just have no patience for people who's only intention for posting is to stir the crap and, to me. you appeared to me just another in a short line.

I didn't know that you owned a MES 30 or if I did I had forgotten. I apologize for my response to you. Now, having defended MB customer service, I can draw upon my own years of experience working in different agencies and call centers I know that the quality of customer service can sometimes depend on who takes your call. One lazy or less-knowledgeable CSR can tell you there's nothing they can do while another one will easily agree to resolve your issue. I think that when it comes to MB you're better off talking to someone on the phone than sending an email. If you have a valid issue and are assertive enough it's more difficult to say "no" to a customer over the phone. It's also much easier to get transferred to a supervisor who may agree to help you after the first tier CSR refused.
Thanks for clearing that up.  No offense taken.  If you're ever in the metro Detroit area stop by for a beer.   
 
 
Thanks for clearing that up.  No offense taken.  If you're ever in the metro Detroit area stop by for a beer.   
You own a bar?

Thanks. I'll take you up on it if ever I get the chance. I really don't like to get into spats on SMF, anyway. There are really great people here who've helped me raise my smoking game immensely.
 
Hello

I noticed you posted that there is a MES 30"  "Generation 2"  Could you tell me when the new model came out? I went to Masterbuilt.com and I could not find any info about it.

Thank you.  Dan
 
 
Hello

I noticed you posted that there is a MES 30"  "Generation 2"  Could you tell me when the new model came out? I went to Masterbuilt.com and I could not find any info about it.

Thank you.  Dan
The Generation #2 came out in 2012.

The New Gen #2.5 came out in December, 2014.

Bear
 
Hello Bear

Thanks for the fast reply!  Can you tell me if the gen 2.5 was issued a new model number? We are trying to help a customer with a replacement part. How can I get the parts specs on this model?  You have been most helpful.

Best regards, Dan
 
 
Hello Bear

Thanks for the fast reply!  Can you tell me if the gen 2.5 was issued a new model number? We are trying to help a customer with a replacement part. How can I get the parts specs on this model?  You have been most helpful.

Best regards, Dan
I gave up keeping track of MES model numbers. I think they change model numbers every time a bird flies by the shop.

Seriously though, they got a lot of model numbers. Sams has their own, I believe model numbers are different for 4 racks, 6 racks, legs, no legs, glass in door, no glass, SS exterior, black exterior, etc, etc.

I would get the model number from the plate on the back of your MES, and do a search on it. If you can't find it, call Masterbuilt.

Bear
 
 
I keep forgetting, Bear. Which generation is this and the other smokers with this style of top controller? And when were they introduced?

https://www.masterbuilt.com/30-inch-electric-digital-smokehouse-black-top-control.html
That's a "newer" model Gen #1, like mine.

The earlier Gen #1 had a control box that had straight corners, instead of the rounded off corners like that one has.

The Gen #1 goes back a long way, but the one in the pic on that link, with a remote came out when I got mine, Around October, 2010.

Bear
 
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Hello Bear

Thanks for the fast reply!  Can you tell me if the gen 2.5 was issued a new model number? We are trying to help a customer with a replacement part. How can I get the parts specs on this model?  You have been most helpful.

Best regards, Dan
As Bear said, there are several model numbers. Three numbers that I am aware of on the Generation 2.5 though, are ...

20070315 (6 shelves) Bass Pro Shops $428

20020115 (4 shelves) Amazon             $467

20070215 4 shelves) Sams                 $330
 
 
That's a "newer" model Gen #1, like mine.

The earlier Gen #1 had a control box that had straight corners, instead of the rounded off corners like that one has.

The Gen #1 goes back a long way, but the one in the pic on that link, with a remote came out when I got mine, Around October, 2010.

Bear
Then I don't understand why the only MES 30 Gen 1 I saw for sale on Amazon when I bought mine in 2012 was the one that predated yours. In fact, I still see that one being sold. Why come out with an update while continuing to sell the original model?
 
 
Hmmm.... I was told mine was a Gen 2.5 and the Md. # is 20075315. I recieved it last month.
It might be possible it is a 2.5, I don't know, The water pan and chip feeder & tray are the same as the 2.0, but the vent is on top like the 2.5 and it's parts are replaceable like the new Bluetooth 2.5 is whereas only a few parts on the 2.0 are replaceable, mainly the controller and heat coil. Here is what Masterbuilt told me when I checked on that same model before buying the Bluetooth ... "The models 20072612 (Sams) and 20070512 (Amazon) are the exact same model smoker but, for different retailers they have different model numbers. However, there is absolutely no difference between these two smokers. The New model 20075315 at Amazon is also exactly the same design as the 20072612 (Sams) and 20070512 (Amazon), except all of the part are replaceable on this model and they are not on the other models. The mother board, wiring and all is now replaceable on this 20075315 uni-body smoker. Other than all of the parts being replaceable on this new Amazon Model, there is no difference! " 
 
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Then I don't understand why the only MES 30 Gen 1 I saw for sale on Amazon when I bought mine in 2012 was the one that predated yours. In fact, I still see that one being sold. Why come out with an update while continuing to sell the original model?
I guess the same reason that I believe they still sell both types of Gen #1, the Gen #2, and the Gen #2.5, as we speak. I guess there's a market for all of them.

Bear
 
Here's the new way of telling them apart:

Forget about where the top vent is---That is intermingled between the #2 and the #2.5.

As far as I know the only one that is Bluetooth is the #2.5.

However, if the smoker has a full width slanted drip plate going from one side to the other, with a small water pan hanging on the lower left end of that plate, it is a Generation #2, and anyone who tells you it's a Gen #2.5 is either lying, or has no idea what they're talking about.

Bear
 
 
I guess the same reason that I believe they still sell both types of Gen #1, the Gen #2, and the Gen #2.5, as we speak. I guess there's a market for all of them.

Bear
Well sir, I just perused Amazon and what do I see? MY smoker on sale for $179. However, I can buy a fine one like yours for $370 probably like I could've 3 years ago but that would have ruined my plan to buy an electric smoker for under $200. So I guess any way I look at it I was going to buy an MES 30 with the square-edged top controller which vanishes any buyer's remorse I might have had.

Now, Bear, you very well might have purchased your MES 30 for under $200 in 2010 but that was two years before I knew both you and Masterbuilt so my lack of buyer's remorse remains intact. Thank you for helping me think this through. And now for a delicious cup of joe...
Coffee.gif
 
 
Well sir, I just perused Amazon and what do I see? MY smoker on sale for $179. However, I can buy a fine one like yours for $370 probably like I could've 3 years ago but that would have ruined my plan to buy an electric smoker for under $200. So I guess any way I look at it I was going to buy an MES 30 with the square-edged top controller which vanishes any buyer's remorse I might have had.

Now, Bear, you very well might have purchased your MES 30 for under $200 in 2010 but that was two years before I knew both you and Masterbuilt so my lack of buyer's remorse remains intact. Thank you for helping me think this through. And now for a delicious cup of joe...
Coffee.gif
My first one was like yours. It was a black MES 30 Gen #1 (No Window). I bought it in 2009 for $169. I've seen them on sale since for as low as $129.

It worked fine!!

Bear
 
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Here's the new way of telling them apart:

Forget about where the top vent is---That is intermingled between the #2 and the #2.5.

As far as I know the only one that is Bluetooth is the #2.5.

However, if the smoker has a full width slanted drip plate going from one side to the other, with a small water pan hanging on the lower left end of that plate, it is a Generation #2, and anyone who tells you it's a Gen #2.5 is either lying, or has no idea what they're talking about.

Bear
Based on what Bear said here and I am inclined to agree with him, that Foamheart's Model  # 20075315 is a 2.0 and not 2.5 because it does have a full width slanted drip plate going from one side to the other, with a small water pan hanging on the lower left end of that plate, even though it has the vent on top and not the side. Thus it must be a late model 2.0 and probably is, based on what Amazon told me as I quoted in post # 32 above.
 
 
My first one was like yours. It was a black MES 30 Gen #1 (No Window). I bought it in 2009 for $169. I've seen them on sale since for as low as $129.

It worked fine!!

Bear
Just when I thought I was out you pull me back in. I bought mine for $189! OK, dump the cup o' joe. I'm back in full-blown buyer's remorse again...
icon_cry.gif
 
daRicksta, fuhgetabout it.  How much BBQ have you made?  Who cares what it cost, you've gotten your money's worth.  I just bought a Gen 1 MES 30" digital with no window for $179 yesterday.  It'll be here tomorrow. 
 
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