I purchased the MES 30 during Black Friday for $129 at Tractor Supply. This is my first venture into smoking so I am a complete novice. I rubbed a 4-5 pound butt using a mixture of two store bought rubs and added garlic powder, cayenne and ground black pepper. I let the butt sit for almost 24 hours in the fridge before placing it on the smoker. I smoked the butt for 12 hours at 225 using apple wood chips. I put about 1/2 cup apple juice in the water pan. After 12 hours the internal temp was reading 193. I took it out of the smoker, sprayed apple juice on it, wrapped it in foil and placed back into the smoker for four more hours. When I took it out I let it sit for about two hours before pulling it. I used SoFlaQuer's finishing sauce as I was pulling it. I must say it is the best tasting and moistest pork bbq I have ever had. I didn't need to add any store bought sauce to it. I am definitely sold on the MES and will be trying ribs, chicken and turkey soon.
I stumbled across this site after getting my MES and there is an absolute wealth of information here.
I stumbled across this site after getting my MES and there is an absolute wealth of information here.