which one?

sputnam

Newbie

Original poster

Aug 25, 2015

11

10

• Aug 26, 2015

• #1

I need an electric smoker for about $200. Evidently there are a thousand models (well, hundreds in that price range). I was recommended an MES gen 2 but that was $275....was hoping to get closer to $200...and not have a POS. Any other suggestions?

 

bmaddox

Master of the Pit

Jan 5, 2015

1,705

144

Central FL

• Aug 26, 2015

• #2

You should be able to find a gen1 MES (controller on rear part of the top panel) online for $200 or less without the window. That would be your best bet. 

 

walta

Smoke Blower

Jul 20, 2015

88

17

St Louis MO

• Aug 26, 2015

• #3

This MES gen 1 is in your budget.

Walta

 

mummel

Master of the Pit

Apr 8, 2015

2,294

64

Massachusetts

• Aug 26, 2015

• #4

Got my MES 40 BT for $285 all in at Cabelas. 

 

daricksta

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Apr 27, 2012

3,244

178

Seattle, WA

• Aug 26, 2015

• #5

I also agree with buying the MES 30 Gen 1. It's the best electric smoker you can buy for under $200. I've had mine for over three years and it's working great. I smoke with wood pellets instead of wood chips.

 

sm0kin

Meat Mopper

May 25, 2013

204

59

Liberty, MO

• Aug 26, 2015

• #6

MES Gen 1, Just bought one today for my brother Model 20070910 from Walmart.com for $229 with tax and 4 year replacement warranty. I have 2 myself :)

 

chef jimmyj

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

May 12, 2011

22,172

7,150

• Aug 27, 2015

• #7

I don't know of anyone that would recomment a Gen 2...The Gen1 or the new BT (Gen1 with updated electronics) are the units with the least problems...JJ

 

daricksta

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Apr 27, 2012

3,244

178

Seattle, WA

• Aug 27, 2015

• #8

SM0KIN said:

 
MES Gen 1, Just bought one today for my brother Model 20070910 from Walmart.com for $229 with tax and 4 year replacement warranty. I have 2 myself :)

Click to expand...

How much did that warranty cost? $229 is very high for this smoker. I paid $189 with free shipping 3.5 years ago and that price was high at that time. You can still find this smoker on Amazon for between $139-189.

 

sm0kin

Meat Mopper

May 25, 2013

204

59

Liberty, MO

• Aug 27, 2015

• #9

189 for smoker, 24 for 4 year replacement warranty, plus tax. 

$222.64 total

I paid less for mine, but they are still popular and seem to fluctuate in price. If Walmart sells it for less, I get a refund on difference.

 

daricksta

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Apr 27, 2012

3,244

178

Seattle, WA

• Aug 28, 2015

• #10

SM0KIN said:

 
189 for smoker, 24 for 4 year replacement warranty, plus tax. 

$222.64 total

I paid less for mine, but they are still popular and seem to fluctuate in price. If Walmart sells it for less, I get a refund on difference.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification. I'm hoping that if I continue to take moderately good care of my MES 30 it'll last past next year. I think of all the guys who regularly post here @Bearcarver and @Chef JimmyJ know the most about the longevity of the MES Gen 1 smokers.