Difference between Gen1 & Gen 2?

[kre8tivkeltik]

Hi All. I keep seeing references in the forums and other groups about Gen 1 and Gen 2 models of the MES.

I'm new to my MES, and I can't find any info that clearly outlines the differences between the Gen 1 and Gen 2. Everyone keeps recommending the Gen 1, but how do I know what I have?

Sorry if this is a repeat question, I've looked all over and can't seem to find a simple explanation.

Meijer had an MES on clearance for $199. over the weekend (wow, what a deal). The controls were on the top back.

Mine are on the top front. Does that have anything to do with it?

 

[pc farmer]

Yup, controls on the top back is a first gen.

Controls on the top front is a second gen.

 

[kre8tivkeltik]

Well I guess I have the Gen 2 then.

Shoot, I could have had the better model for $20 cheaper if I would have waiting a week. Oh well, that's how it goes I guess.

Exactly WHY is it better? Haven't seen explanations on that either, just recommendations on 1 over 2.

Got my oink butt in now for pulled pork...the maiden smoke! lol

 

[tjohnson]

 
Well I guess I have the Gen 2 then.

Shoot, I could have had the better model for $20 cheaper if I would have waiting a week. Oh well, that's how it goes I guess.

Exactly WHY is it better? Haven't seen explanations on that either, just recommendations on 1 over 2.

Got my oink butt in now for pulled pork...the maiden smoke! lol

All smokers have their positive and negative points.  The trick is to learn how to overcome the negative, and make them work for you.  A smoker is just a tool that you use to cook.  It's really the chef behind behind the scenes that makes the difference!!

I own both the Old Model MES and the MES Gen2

The first shipments of the Gen 2 had many issues, but I think Masterbuilt may have worked out the kinks by now

The Gen 2 is terribly starved for air, and has a difficult time making decent smoke

The way it's designed, there is too much turbulence and the chip loader does not allow for enough fresh air for combustion

The controller is not necessarily accurate, so make sure you know what the temps are on your 2 middle racks.  I set mine to 204° to maintain 225° - 230°.  If I set my controller to 225°, the middle racks are 250°-275° and food cooks way too fast.

Make sure you check the temps and adjust you controller accordingly

I own (4) of the Old Model MES 40's and a New Gen 2

All do a good job for what i want to smoke

Todd

 

[rick paul]

..Is the Gen 1 better than the Gen 2 ??

 

[lesk]

Hello,

 I am a newbie as well in the MES world.. I have gen 2 MES 40 Elite smoker. My smoker unfortunately is the opposite of some members..I noticed it was taking alot longer to smoke my briskets and ribs so I bought analog oven temp gauge and discovered that my middle 2 racks are actually 20 degrees lower than the set temp..If i set the smoker to 225..the temp gauge read 205..this was consistent  from 180 degrees all the way up to 270.. I got tired of continously reloading the chip loader (especially all night on a 14lb brisket, lol) so i converted to a mailbox mod, amnps 5x8 tray, and wood pellets..the mail box mod works awesome.. I hope you smoker works as well as mine.

LesK 

Ft. Worth Tx