30 vs 40 MES, Help me decide!

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
I started with an MES 30--No Window.

Made 10 pounds of Beef Sticks, but only 7 would fit in the MES 30.

Used it for less than 1 year & got an MES 40 with Window & Remote control.

Been using MES 40s for 7 years now.

I would never want another Smoker without a window in the door---Guess I'm spoiled!!

Bear
 
I'm happy to hear that they are packed really well. I just got confirmation that it has been shipped and it should arrive not this weekend obviously but in time for next weekend.

I think the best way to open these up is to open the bottom of the box, stand it up, and remove the box upwards instead of trying to slide it out of the box on its side.

Concerning the window, like I said it wasn't a need or a priority but it will have a benefit. I think if I find a method to clean it right after a cook it shouldn't be too bad. It will be nice to peek in on occasion.

Now I have to return the 30 inch one. In a way I feel bad about that but in a way I'm offering someone else an opportunity to get one locally for a good price point.

My next concern is the weather here and the electronics unit. I live in the Pacific Northwest which is known to be rainy. I don't have a good spot to store it out of the weather so my initial plan is to purchase a good cover and remove the controller in between cooks. I'm good with wires and connectors so I know how to be careful with them. I'm looking for a REALLY good cover to stand up to the elements and any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

By the way, it turns out that I have to work this weekend so I wouldn't have been able to smoke anything anyway.

Thanks!
 
Thank you to the op. I pulled the trigger in the 40" myself. Can't wait for it to get here. Now to order the rest of the stuff to go with it. Never smoked before, but that's about to change.
 
I'm happy to hear that they are packed really well. I just got confirmation that it has been shipped and it should arrive not this weekend obviously but in time for next weekend.

I think the best way to open these up is to open the bottom of the box, stand it up, and remove the box upwards instead of trying to slide it out of the box on its side.

Concerning the window, like I said it wasn't a need or a priority but it will have a benefit. I think if I find a method to clean it right after a cook it shouldn't be too bad. It will be nice to peek in on occasion.

Now I have to return the 30 inch one. In a way I feel bad about that but in a way I'm offering someone else an opportunity to get one locally for a good price point.

My next concern is the weather here and the electronics unit. I live in the Pacific Northwest which is known to be rainy. I don't have a good spot to store it out of the weather so my initial plan is to purchase a good cover and remove the controller in between cooks. I'm good with wires and connectors so I know how to be careful with them. I'm looking for a REALLY good cover to stand up to the elements and any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

By the way, it turns out that I have to work this weekend so I wouldn't have been able to smoke anything anyway.

Thanks!
I would recommend a good Tarp to put over it & secure it real good. You don't want any electronics getting wet.

Or if you can find a good Storage container:

My Son got this for his MES, years ago on sale at Home Depot---Under $100 at that time:

[img]https://statich.smokingmeatfor...-LL-f0a16444_thumbnail-1-aspx-jpeg.jpeg[/img]
 
Last edited:
Both my smokers are kept outdoors with a Glad Storage Container and a brick over the electronics. Rain and snow for 5 years and never an issue...JJ
 
I ordered 40. Bigger, stainless, window, wheels and still a gen 1 with a spot for the AMNPS. Bigger and wheels were the true decision makers.
yahoo.gif
Since you had the money to spend, you made the right decision. I have the MES 30 Gen 1 and I wish I could've afforded the 40" when I bought it but at that time my wife and I couldn't justify spending over $200 on a smoker since it was my first one. You will love your new smoker. 
 
Very nice! I'll keep me eye out for one of those!

I wonder if it's tall enough to fit my PBC as well.
Depends on which one you find on sale.

This one is about 48" high.

It works great---After he's done using it, he just lets it cool some, and then closes the doors & the Lid.

However since he got his BGE a few years ago, he uses that more often than his MES.

Bear
 
Depends on which one you find on sale.

This one is about 48" high.

It works great---After he's done using it, he just lets it cool some, and then closes the doors & the Lid.

However since he got his BGE a few years ago, he uses that more often than his MES.


Bear

Thanks! Have a great weekend!
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Hot Threads

Clicky