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Recent content by holyfeld
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Taking the MES electronics out of the temperature control is very easy. I did it with my MES-40. https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/mes-40-model-20070512-temperature-problems.151864/
tldr;
1. Find your heating element and disconnect the existing wires.
2. Get a 3 wire plug/cable and...
I took the MES controller out of the circuit many years ago. Replaced with an Auber PID controller. https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/mes-40-model-20070512-temperature-problems.151864/
Basically put spade connectors on a power cable, disconnected the existing incoming wires from the...
I can't speak to the akorn. Hopefully some one can.
As for the Kamado Joe, you can get high temperature seals for about $ 30. I'm not the most talented and patient person, but I had no problems replacing the seal in my kamado.
I upgraded an MES-40 to a pid controller. You can read about it here. https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/mes-40-model-20070512-temperature-problems.151864/
If I were to do the same today, I'd look at an Inkbird PID controller. The Auber costs $$ more than the Inkbird. The Auber works...
I currently use the DigiQ on my Vision Pro C. I use other devices (Inkbird/iGrill) for monitoring the temperature.
I'm still learning how smoke with charcoal. The MES is soo much easier, but I want the taste of wood/charcoal and the visual smoke ring.
I too have an Auber on my MES-40. If I were to do it now, I might start with an Inkbird PID controller. But it's hard to change as the Auber and I get along well and it does a good job of temperature control.
My experience with smoke in my MES ties the smoke more to the element on/off than actual temperature.
I've smoked at 170. When the MES is ramping up to 170, I get nice smoke as the element is mostly on. When the MES gets to temp, element goes off, and so does the smoke. I always have...
So ... first, relax. Pork butt is a very forgiving cut of meat.
Unless you want this butt for supper. Then put it in the oven at 350F.
What's happening outside? Windy? Cold?
Did you pull the chip tray out about an inch? IIRC that's what they recommend.
What was the butt temp when you...
I had a 30 before the 40. I like the 40 better. I don't think they made the "chunk" model when I purchased.
I added the mailbox mod for long smokes and cold smokes.
Briskets fit better too.
Like Brian I don't use the internal temperature probe. I also replaced the On/Off control with a PID controller.
Mine has a glass window in the door. I took some temps to see how much heat I was losing. I covered the window insulation used in chimneys. After the...