Masterbuilt longevity?

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I've only had mine for about 1-1/2 years, but so far it's still going strong. I have the digital controls and have had some difficulty with programming it in extreme cold weather, but, other than that, have been extremely pleased with it.

Ken
 
Trying to decide between Pit Boss 820 & the 40"Masterbuilt at Sam's, electric or propane.
Which Masterbuilt model? But the thing about inexpensive Traeger-clone smokers is that they come with a set of problems. Here's a good review of one:

http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipment_reviews_ratings/smoker/pit-boss-820-deluxe-pellet-smoker

Besides temp swings (which can be a problem with Masterbuilts but there are ways to stabilize that. Also, Traeger smokers and clones aren't very airtight so besides the controller temps swings you'd got outside air leaking in and heat leaking out. 

What are the prices of both smokers?
 
I rebuilt mine BEFORE it went out..    that was 6 years ago....  Knock on wood it's still working good...
 
I've had mine for 7 years and still no problems. I keep it outside in the weather with a garbage bag over it & then the cover over that.

It's been fully exposed to the summer storms we get down here in Florida & it's still in good working order.

I even  have one of the ones where the controller is accurate too.

Maybe I just lucked out.

Al
 
I had the $100 Cookmaster. Looking at the Bluetooth stainless 40" @Sam's. I want more room & longer lasting.
 
I had the $100 Cookmaster. Looking at the Bluetooth stainless 40" @Sam's. I want more room & longer lasting.
I've read here on SMF that the MES 40" Bluetooth models are very good smokers. Are you thinking of buying it in a Sam's Club warehouse or online? Sometimes places like Cabela's or Bass Pro will sell special bundled MES packages which are good deals but a bit more expensive than the smokers alone. The bundles may include 6 racks and not for, a meat probe, and some other extras. 
 
I got the Pit Boss 820 at Menards Friday. Monday I went back because it went on sale for $400. $107 back in store credit. Now I've got 40 lbs of hickory & 40 of the hickory/maple/cherry.
 
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I had my MES 30 Gen #1 for 2 years, and sold it---That guy still uses it 6 years later.

Then I got my MES 40 Gen #1, used it for 5 years, and it became my backup 2 years ago---Was still working Great.

Then 2 years ago, I got my MES 40 Gen #2.5, and it's more awesome than all of them, and works Great.

Bear
 
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