MES 1st Generation 40

[mavven]

I'm new to SMF so please be patient with me. I'm not sure of the rules (I'm at work so really can't look them up) so I won't post any links. Im interested in purchasing the 1st generation MES. I found a website that has them for $349.00. I called masterbuilt and they confirmed it is indeed the first generation stainless window smoker. My question is, are there any disadvantages that the 1st generation has that the newer model may not have. Basically I would like to hear from owners of the MES both 1st & 2nd generation who may have some valuable opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[themule69]

Glad you joined the group. The search bar at the top of any page is your best friend.
About anything you wanna know about smoking/grilling/curing/brining/cutting or slicing
and the list goes on has probably been posted. Remember to post a QVIEW of your smokes.
We are all smoke junkies here and we have to get our fix. If you have questions Post it
and you will probably get 10 replies with 11 different answers. That is because their
are so many different ways to make great Q We all have our own taste.

when you get a chance will you drop by roll call so everyone can give you a proper SMF

Welcome.

You would reather have the first generation MES. The second generation has had lots of

Problems.

Happy smoken.

David

 

[dockman]

I have the newer mes 40. I am really starting to like it but not until I purchased the AMAZEN smoke box and done the mailbox mod.

 

[geerock]

I've had both. The gen 1 about 2 and a half years and produced some great q. When the element went I got a new gen2 in december. Nothing but problems with the controllers, chip tray fires, melting insulation, airflow issues. Finally gave up on them when they refused to cover the latest failure of the fourth controller because the original purchase was in december. Even though they had sent me the latest controller a month before. A month ago I would have given anything for a gen 1 again. Now I'll never buy or recommend masterbuilt again.

 

[mavven]

I've had both. The gen 1 about 2 and a half years and produced some great q. When the element went I got a new gen2 in december. Nothing but problems with the controllers, chip tray fires, melting insulation, airflow issues. Finally gave up on them when they refused to cover the latest failure of the fourth controller because the original purchase was in december. Even though they had sent me the latest controller a month before. A month ago I would have given anything for a gen 1 again. Now I'll never buy or recommend masterbuilt again.

Thank you for this information geerock! So the generation 1 only lasted 2 1/2 years? That doesn't seem like a investment I would want to make for just 2 years out of it. I really do want a reliable sort of set it and forget it smoker. Your response has me thinking about the "smokin it" smoker?

 

[geerock]

Smokin It is built like a tank. IMHO one of the best values for electrics.

 

[themule69]

Thank you for this information geerock! So the generation 1 only lasted 2 1/2 years? That doesn't seem like a investment I would want to make for just 2 years out of it. I really do want a reliable sort of set it and forget it smoker. Your response has me thinking about the "smoking it" smoker?

Take the time to read the reviews on both of them.

David

 

[xsists]

For what it's worth I've have my gen 1 40" for about 4 years now.  Have not had a single issue with it other than losing the chip tray.  I've just been putting chips in regardless and cleaning the ash out when done.  I'm considering the mailbox mod with the AMNPS.