Information from Masterbuilt on new generation MES

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wild bill ct

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 12, 2012
10
10
Connecticut
I emailed Masterbuilt about the new generation smoker.  This is what they said:

Thank you for contacting Masterbuilt. The model 20075315 is our newly designed  Gen 11 smoker and is just like our other GEN 11 smokers but, all of the parts are replaceable for the newest smoker. The motherboard, internal wiring and all of that is not replaceable. That is the only difference in this newer model and our older models. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
 

I was hoping they would say they made changes to the temperature gage to address the differences everyone has been mentioning, and the drip pan, although the pictures look like the drip pan was redesigned.

I thought I would share.  I haven't seen anyone post about the new generation yet.
 
When did they get to Gen 11?

"Gen 11 smoker and is just like our other GEN 11 smokers but, all of the parts are replaceable for the newest smoker. The motherboard, internal wiring and all of that is not replaceable." These are contradictory statements. Either all parts are replaceable or they aren't. Not being able to replace the motherboard means that if it goes out you need a whole new smoker.
 
 
When did they get to Gen 11?

"Gen 11 smoker and is just like our other GEN 11 smokers but, all of the parts are replaceable for the newest smoker. The motherboard, internal wiring and all of that is not replaceable." These are contradictory statements. Either all parts are replaceable or they aren't. Not being able to replace the motherboard means that if it goes out you need a whole new smoker.
Hi, not having a gen 2 smoker I don't know if the motherboard is replaceable. It sounds like they were. To me the new and improved gen 2 is a step backwards from what was reported from MB. You will spend a lot of money for a smoker that cannot be worked on. Then on the 100 day when it doe's not work you drop several hundred more on a new smoker. I don't think so. When your gen 1 dies at least you have a chance to repair it.
 
Then I suppose the Generation 1 is still the Masterbuilt to go with.
Yes, at least the gen 1 is somewhat reparable. I did see a video on replacing the element on the gen 2 and the chip tray was removed by removing it's holding screws from the collar on the chip loader. That seemed like a improvement from the Gen 1.

 All in all just more proof that the Gen 1 is the way to go in either the 30 or 40.  Jted
 
 
Hi, not having a gen 2 smoker I don't know if the motherboard is replaceable. It sounds like they were. To me the new and improved gen 2 is a step backwards from what was reported from MB. You will spend a lot of money for a smoker that cannot be worked on. Then on the 100 day when it doe's not work you drop several hundred more on a new smoker. I don't think so. When your gen 1 dies at least you have a chance to repair it.

Yes, at least the gen 1 is somewhat reparable. I did see a video on replacing the element on the gen 2 and the chip tray was removed by removing it's holding screws from the collar on the chip loader. That seemed like a improvement from the Gen 1.

 All in all just more proof that the Gen 1 is the way to go in either the 30 or 40.  Jted
The thing that is sad about that, is you have to be able to fix it yourself.
 
Don't everybody get excited about what somebody told Wild Bill in an email.

Sometimes a phone voice from MB, or an email has no idea what it's talking about.

The new "Gen 2.5" (Not Gen 11) doesn't have the big slanted drip plate, like the Gen #2 has.

It has a split level Water Pan hanging similar to the way the Big Water pan hangs in the Gen #1.

I don't know anything about what wires or motherboard are replaceable, but I wouldn't go by what that email said.

As for the heat flow, judging by the interior set-up in their pictures, and the top vent positioning, I would think it could be the best smoker yet, but I haven't tested one yet, so I can't say for sure.

Bear
 
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Hi, not having a gen 2 smoker I don't know if the motherboard is replaceable. It sounds like they were. To me the new and improved gen 2 is a step backwards from what was reported from MB. You will spend a lot of money for a smoker that cannot be worked on. Then on the 100 day when it doe's not work you drop several hundred more on a new smoker. I don't think so. When your gen 1 dies at least you have a chance to repair it.

Yes, at least the gen 1 is somewhat reparable. I did see a video on replacing the element on the gen 2 and the chip tray was removed by removing it's holding screws from the collar on the chip loader. That seemed like a improvement from the Gen 1.

 All in all just more proof that the Gen 1 is the way to go in either the 30 or 40.  Jted
Yep. Loves me my MES 30 Gen 1!
 
I spoke to Masterbuilt yesterday.  They redesigned the drip tray, and the heating element is now replaceable (as well as the thermostat).  The CSR said the temperature issues have also been resolved (but who knows).  The chimney has been moved to the top left etc. 
 
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