Going from propane to electric smoker

[Mleff6]

I’m currently in the market for an electric smoker since it’s an easy set and let it smoke for my busy lifestyle. Been looking at MES 30” or 40”! Ido not what to mod it unless that’s the only option. What smoker would best fit that? What generation should iconsider? Will need an amazing smoke tube or tray by the looks of me reading the threads but Thanks in advance!

 

[Mleff6]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mast...ow-Smoker-with-Value-Kit/2013131.uts?slotId=2

Here is the 40” the 30” is a little cheaper but need to know if these generations are good!

 

[normanaj]

I recently purchased an MES 30" on black friday and have been using it constantly...my WSM is feeling kind of lonely just sitting in the corner.

So far I have nothing negative to say about this smoker other than having to load wood chips into the loader every hour or so and only then its a minor inconvenience,at least for me anyway.I did purchase an Amazen smoke tube and will use for the first time this upcoming week.I see no point in modifying at this point in time.

So far so good!

 

[cmayna]

Don't go from propane to electric. Just add an electric one to your arsenal :p

I would go for a first generation MES 40. A a-maze-n tray would work fine for you. You could use one of their tubes but it was originally designed to work in propane smokers (another reason to keep your gasser) and puts out a lot of smoke. So when using a tube in an electric smoker, fill it half full. Consider a mailbox mod.

 

[old sarge]

There are lots of options out there for electric smokers. Research them all. And choose wisely.

 

[daveomak]

If you have a fair amount of cash to let go of...
Sausage Maker has some awesome smokers.. nepas uses this model...


https://www.meatprocessingproducts.com/40900.html

 

[Mleff6]

Don't go from propane to electric. Just add an electric one to your arsenal :p

I would go for a first generation MES 40. A a-maze-n tray would work fine for you. You could use one of their tubes but it was originally designed to work in propane smokers (another reason to keep your gasser) and puts out a lot of smoke. So when using a tube in an electric smoker, fill it half full. Consider a mailbox mod.

I’m definitely keeping my gasser but my wife just to appease her told her I’m selling it after I get my elec

If you have a fair amount of cash to let go of...
Sausage Maker has some awesome smokers.. nepas uses this model...
View attachment 347098

https://www.meatprocessingproducts.com/40900.html

I️ wish I had that much to spend lol someday maybe

 

[Mleff6]

Is there a quality difference in the mes. How can one tell what gen it is? And was your 30” good enough to fit 3-4 pork shoulders in it? Also I live in Fort Wayne Indiana and our winters are cold at times how well does it hold temps in cold weather like 10-25 degrees F

 

[normanaj]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mast...ow-Smoker-with-Value-Kit/2013131.uts?slotId=2

Here is the 40” the 30” is a little cheaper but need to know if these generations are good!

Can't go wrong purchasing thru Cabelas.I bought the 30" digital with meat probe for$129 w/$30 mail-in rebate on black friday...grand total $99!This is my first electric after many years with a WSM and I have zero complaints other than the one already stated.I'd go for it while the price is right.

 

[gmc2003]

I’m currently in the market for an electric smoker since it’s an easy set and let it smoke for my busy lifestyle. Been looking at MES 30” or 40”! Ido not what to mod it unless that’s the only option. What smoker would best fit that? What generation should iconsider? Will need an amazing smoke tube or tray by the looks of me reading the threads but Thanks in advance!

Sorry I can't copy and paste with my laptop, but search Bearcarver and MES. He has at least 3 or 4 very detailed threads explaining each gen. of the MES. Very good/accurate information. From what I've read stay away from the gen 2. I'm currently looking into one as well for winter smoking.

Chris

 

[Bearcarver]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mast...ow-Smoker-with-Value-Kit/2013131.uts?slotId=2

Here is the 40” the 30” is a little cheaper but need to know if these generations are good!

This (above) is the Bad one. "Gen #2"

The one you sent me in the Private message was a good one "Gen #2.5"

Bear

 

[cmayna]

Here's a Gen 1

image.jpeg

• cmayna
• Jun 19, 2016

 

[Bearcarver]

Here's a Gen 1

image.jpeg

• cmayna
• Jun 19, 2016

Yup---That was my 1st String Starter for 6 years. Served me well.
Now it's my Back-up.

Bear