New MES Bluetooth Digital smoker

[Bearcarver]

 
I just picked up a a 40in MES at Sam's with it being such a great deal; I also picked up a ET-733 and the Amazen Tray

.  During seasoning I placed the two probes on the 2nd tray from the top onee facing L and the other R.  I set the MES to 275 and during the seasoning the probe facing the right ranged from 304-334 and the probe facing the left ranged from 288-306.  Do these ranges seem right?  

The meat probe was always 10 degrees cooler than the left probe which was next to it.

Going forward I will just set the temp on the MES according to the 733 is this the correct way to handle the temp difference?

Thanks for any help!

Which Generation MES is it?

With the Gen #1 the right side is always hotter than the left, without adding any type of Heat deflector.

The Gen #2.5 is more balanced, due to moving the top vent from right to left.

Those high numbers you posted are usually just until it settles down.

I would like to see what happens if you put a probe on each side of the #2 rack, in an empty smoker, and take notes of the cycling highs & lows of each side at 15 minute intervals for a couple hours.

And like I said---Which MES Gen is it?

And "Yes that is exactly the correct way to handle the temp difference."

Bear

 

[ontherocks]

Which Generation MES is it?
With the Gen #1 the right side is always hotter than the left, without adding any type of Heat deflector.
The Gen #2.5 is more balanced, due to moving the top vent from right to left.

Those high numbers you posted are usually just until it settles down.

I would like to see what happens if you put a probe on each side of the #2 rack, in an empty smoker, and take notes of the cycling highs & lows of each side at 15 minute intervals for a couple hours.

And like I said---Which MES Gen is it?

And "Yes that is the exactly the correct way to handle the temp difference."

Bear

This is the 2.5 with bluetooth.

Those seemed to be constant ranges during the 4 hrs of seasoning the smoker empty. It was pretty constant basically everytime the element came on to bring the mes back to about 277 it would hit the top of the ranges and when it hit the bottom range it was at about 271. I did have the vent almost closed only open about 1/4 of the way.

Ill try again tonight when i get home and put the probes closer to the temp sensor

 

[Bearcarver]

This is the 2.5 with bluetooth.

Those seemed to be constant ranges during the 4 hrs of seasoning the smoker empty. It was pretty constant basically everytime the element came on to bring the mes back to about 277 it would hit the top of the ranges and when it hit the bottom range it was at about 271. I did have the vent almost closed only open about 1/4 of the way.

Ill try again tonight when i get home and put the probes closer to the temp sensor

I keep my top vent all the way open, except when it's Windy (about Half way), or when I'm preheating or stopped adding smoke (closed), or for storing (closed).

The main thing is to keep your probe about 3" from the meat, and just adjust your MES to make your Maverick read the Temp you want the meat  to be in. 3" is far enough from the meat to not get false readings from the cold refrigerated meat, and close enough to read what the temp is in that part of the Smoker.

Here's something that might help you get started:

Just click on "Bear's Step by Steps".

Bear

 

[remsr]

I don't wet my chips in the MES cold smoker and so used paint remover to remove all the paint from the shoot befor I ever used it. I also get it smoking then I crack the ash drawer a bit and turn the unit off, you can get 10 to 12 hours of smoke out of one full shoot. Clean all that gunk out of the shoot and try it.

Randy,

 

[iamdmphil]

image.jpeg

• iamdmphil
• Jun 11, 2017

Got the MES in preseason as I type this and we are smoking tomorrow! So ready to see what this baby can do! :sausage:

David

 

[Bearcarver]

Got the MES in preseason as I type this and we are smoking tomorrow! So ready to see what this baby can do!

David

Bear

 

[brudeal]

Hello Guys and esteemed Bear,

I'm new to this forum, but I've been reading around some of the posts.  Very informative.  After having bad experiences with my Smoke Hollow 30162EW electric smoker (inadequate heat), I am now considering the MES 20072115 30" Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker w/window (Gen 2.5).  This forum has steered me away from Gen 2.  30" is good for the capacity I plan to cook (yeh, I realize I may have to cut racks of ribs in half).

Right now Home Depot has the 20072115  on sale for $211, regularly $276, through June 21, 2017 (online only w/free shipping).  Is this a good deal?  

I'm contemplating launching on this.  I'm also nervous about controller problems and the short 90 day warranty, although my belief/assumption/hope is that the Gen 2.5 models should have worked out prior issues.

-BruDeal

 

[iamdmphil]

Hello Guys and esteemed Bear,

I'm new to this forum, but I've been reading around some of the posts.  Very informative.  After having bad experiences with my Smoke Hollow 30162EW electric smoker (inadequate heat), I am now considering the MES
20072115 30" Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker w/window (Gen 2.5).  This forum has steered me away from Gen 2.  30" is good for the capacity I plan to cook (yeh, I realize I may have to cut racks of ribs in half).


Right now Home Depot has the 20072115 on sale for $211, regularly $276, through June 21, 2017 (online only w/free shipping).  Is this a good deal?  


I'm contemplating launching on this.  I'm also nervous about controller problems and the short 90 day warranty, although my belief/assumption/hope is that the Gen 2.5 models should have worked out prior issues.

-BruDeal

This doesn't seem to be a bad deal at all. Most of the guys on here will recommend using a 40" because it gives you the most bang for your buck for the long run but if you are happy with the size go for it! When it comes down to it, anyone that is on this forum will tell you to get what makes the best Q for you.

I would recommend getting the AMNPS for your smoker and some kind of wireless thermometer to round out the package. Most folks get a Maverick therm and trust them day in and day out. Once you you have it we will be ready to see some posts!

David

 

[candurin]

If all you need is the 30, you'll be very pleased with it!

As David mentioned, get the maverick (I like the 732 models) and the amnps and you'll be good to go.

 

[remsr]

Congratulations on the MES 30" you don't have to cut rib racks if you curl them and secure them with string. I often use a rib rack I think they cook and smoke more evenly in a rack while utilizing space I think curling them would work the same. A full packer Brisket can be separated from the point and smoked on separate racks. My neighbor has had his gen 1 30" for five years and it works as good today as it did five years ago and he does brisket in it often.
I have a 221/2" WSM with a temp controller that turns out fantastic smoked foods, but the hassle free experience my neighbor was having with his MES and the ability to smoke small meals like burgers and such without building a fire and cleaning out the ash when done inspired me to buy a MES.
I bought the gen. 2.5 40" because I do neighborhood yard party smokes every year and needed the space.
Every knows that the WSM is second to none with a 5 star rating. But guess which smoker I use most? Yep the MES.

Randy,

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Hello Guys and esteemed Bear,

I'm new to this forum, but I've been reading around some of the posts.  Very informative.  After having bad experiences with my Smoke Hollow 30162EW electric smoker (inadequate heat), I am now considering the MES 20072115 30" Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker w/window (Gen 2.5).  This forum has steered me away from Gen 2.  30" is good for the capacity I plan to cook (yeh, I realize I may have to cut racks of ribs in half).

Right now Home Depot has the 20072115  on sale for $211, regularly $276, through June 21, 2017 (online only w/free shipping).  Is this a good deal?  

I'm contemplating launching on this.  I'm also nervous about controller problems and the short 90 day warranty, although my belief/assumption/hope is that the Gen 2.5 models should have worked out prior issues.

-BruDeal

Definitely get the Gen #2.5, and avoid the Gen #2.

I started with an MES 30, but went to the 40 because of things like size of Ribs & Brisket. Not a big deal cutting them.

Then I made 10 pounds of Beef Sticks & could only fir 7 pounds in the MES30. That was the last straw!!!

Plus the MES 40 has 1200 Watts, and the MES 30 only has 800 Watts.  MES 40 Recovers faster.

MES Warranty length doesn't seem to matter much, because I often see guys have problems after the Warranty ran out, and they still help them out.

Bear

 

[brudeal]

David, Candurin, Randy, Bear,

Thanks for the responses.  I figured I'd get an AMNPS or the cold-smoker add-on after I do some smokes using the built-in wood tray (pork ribs).  It sounds like I'd need the AMNPS or cold-smoker add-on for doing thick meats like a butt or brisket.  Same with a more accurate thermometer.

On the 30", wife isn't too fond of my smoking and we don't have others at home that will eat it really.  (health-minded - yah, I know, I can smoke vegetables, but that's no fun).  Also, I figure I'll be wheeling it in an out of the garage to the backyard with each use.  So 30" is the right size for my sitch.

Unfortunately, the Home Depot  20072115  shows out-of-stock now.  I hadn't launched yet.  Ugh.

-BruDeal

 

[hooked on smoke]

Ahhh. I saw the same one on amazon for $211. Free shipping with prime. Went back an hour later to buy one and it jumped op to $279.00. Bummer. I'm new on amazon didn't realize prices change like that.

 

[Bearcarver]

 
David, Candurin, Randy, Bear,

Thanks for the responses.  I figured I'd get an AMNPS or the cold-smoker add-on after I do some smokes using the built-in wood tray (pork ribs).  It sounds like I'd need the AMNPS or cold-smoker add-on for doing thick meats like a butt or brisket.  Same with a more accurate thermometer.

On the 30", wife isn't too fond of my smoking and we don't have others at home that will eat it really.  (health-minded - yah, I know, I can smoke vegetables, but that's no fun).  Also, I figure I'll be wheeling it in an out of the garage to the backyard with each use.  So 30" is the right size for my sitch.

Unfortunately, the Home Depot  20072115  shows out-of-stock now.  I hadn't launched yet.  Ugh.

-BruDeal

No problem---I hate to spend other people's money.

I just look back at what I did when I started out:

MES 30---$130 ---First Smoker

MES 40---$350 ---A year later

---------------------

Total---     $480

Sold My MES 30---$50

Ended up costing me $430 in the end for the MES 40.

If you never end up getting an MES 40, you'll be doing better than I did in the beginning years of my Smoking.

Bear

 

[brudeal]

Ahhh. I saw the same one on amazon for $211. Free shipping with prime. Went back an hour later to buy one and it jumped op to $279.00. Bummer. I'm new on amazon didn't realize prices change like that.

Yup.  Saw that too.  I think what happen is that HD put it on sale for $211 and Amazon then reduced it's price to be the same as part of a pricing strategy.  Then, I suspect, when Amazon learned that HD was out-of-stock, Amazon returned its price back to $276.  I can't confirm it, but it's my suspicion.

Some Walmart stores (very few) have the 20072115 in stock.  Its a long shot, but I'm going to see if they'll price match against the HD website.  I called one store and the associate says that they won't.  However, I may go in & talk to a manager.  I printed the HD webpage of the product for $211 back before it went out of stock.

I went to another Walmart store earlier where the website showed it in stock, but it, in fact wasn't.  Interestingly, the manager told me they had 2 20072715 models (30" Bluetooth model but with feet - Gen 2.5) out of the box in the back.  He said they were display and the boxes were damaged and discarded.  I looked at one & it looked dirty like it was outside but it was unused.  I offered $100 and he accepted.  I tested it out in the store, but part of the LED on the panel didn't work.  I tested the other one, but the heat did not work.  Canceled that idea.  It was risky anyway. 

 

[remsr]

I think something that will give you many years of service doesn't seem quit do pricy when you consider things like a dinner for two at a good restaurant will cost well over $100 and we don't think anything of it, there are in fact many spendy things that we enjoy once and they are gone and never think about it.
So why do we get all concerned about an investment in to something that will give us and others pleasure over and over for many years? Just my thoughts and justification.

Randy,

 

[iamdmphil]

I think something that will give you many years of service doesn't seem quit do pricy when you consider things like a dinner for two at a good restaurant will cost well over $100 and we don't think anything of it, there are in fact many spendy things that we enjoy once and they are gone and never think about it.
So why do we get all concerned about an investment in to something that will give us and others pleasure over and over for many years? Just my thoughts and justification.

Randy,

I agree Randy. That's the discussion with Mrs. Phil when I decided to get an electric smoker a couple of months ago and have added accessories like AMNPS and a nice wireless therm (ended up with a therm pro TP 08 since it was 20% of for SMF members) to make the best of my investment.

David

 

[brudeal]

Well Guys, I guess I'm now in the MES club.

Bought an MES 30 BT with legs (and rear wheels) model 20072715  from Walmart.

Walmart's model numbers and inventory are a little mixed up. Walmart's website showed a couple of stores (very few) in the area with 20072115  in stock (same as the ones on sale for $211 at Home Depot). However, the units in the Walmart stores (the 2 that I went to) are actually 20072715  which are the same thing but with legs.  They're at the regular price of $276.  I went to one of the stores last night armed with a printout of the HD online sale page hoping for a price match, but they no longer PM in-store. However, we negotiated a 20% off for a unit that had a minor scratch on the legs (front right).  They had 2 units setup out of box - that's how they do it there - no boxes (humph).  The total w/o tax was $220, slightly more than HD but I was able to take it away and it has legs!

Incidentally, HD is showing they're in stock again for online orders. I didn't want to wait anyhow. Gonna smoke some St Louis spare ribs this Sunday!

I need to decide if I should buy an AMZNPS  or Masterbuilt cold smoker attachment.  The AMZNPS smokes longer which is better for overnight.  Everyone raves about it.  But I like the versatility of being about to use wood chips or pellets in the cold smoke attachment (it accepts pellets too, right?).  Or go AMZNPS with a mailbox mod.  If I go AMZN, should I go with the tube instead of tray?  Decisions.  Eh.

I'll use the built-in wood chip tray for starters - should be fine for ribs.

I've also been told to get a better thermometer - Maverick.  I may see if I can test the built-in one by borrowing someones to see how it fares first.

Masterbuilt_20072715_BT_30_Digital_Smoker.JPG

• brudeal
• Jun 15, 2017

 

[iamdmphil]

 
Well Guys, I guess I'm now in the MES club.

Bought an MES 30 BT with legs (and rear wheels) model 20072715  from Walmart.

Walmart's model numbers and inventory are a little mixed up. Walmart's website showed a couple of stores (very few) in the area with 20072115  in stock (same as the ones on sale for $211 at Home Depot). However, the units in the Walmart stores (the 2 that I went to) are actually 20072715  which are the same thing but with legs.  They're at the regular price of $276.  I went to one of the stores last night armed with a printout of the HD online sale page hoping for a price match, but they no longer PM in-store. However, we negotiated a 20% off for a unit that had a minor scratch on the legs (front right).  They had 2 units setup out of box - that's how they do it there - no boxes (humph).  The total w/o tax was $220, slightly more than HD but I was able to take it away and it has legs!

Incidentally, HD is showing they're in stock again for online orders. I didn't want to wait anyhow. Gonna smoke some St Louis spare ribs this Sunday!

I need to decide if I should buy an AMZNPS  or Masterbuilt cold smoker attachment.  The AMZNPS smokes longer which is better for overnight.  Everyone raves about it.  But I like the versatility of being about to use wood chips or pellets in the cold smoke attachment (it accepts pellets too, right?).  Or go AMZNPS with a mailbox mod.  If I go AMZN, should I go with the tube instead of tray?  Decisions.  Eh.

I'll use the built-in wood chip tray for starters - should be fine for ribs.

I've also been told to get a better thermometer - Maverick.  I may see if I can test the built-in one by borrowing someones to see how it fares first.

Masterbuilt_20072715_BT_30_Digital_Smoker.JPG

• brudeal
• Jun 15, 2017

Congrats BruDeal!

Looks to be a great deal for a new smoker!  Hope you have many smokes from it!

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Well Guys, I guess I'm now in the MES club.

Bought an MES 30 BT with legs (and rear wheels) model 20072715  from Walmart. Great Smoker!!

Walmart's model numbers and inventory are a little mixed up. Walmart's website showed a couple of stores (very few) in the area with 20072115  in stock (same as the ones on sale for $211 at Home Depot). However, the units in the Walmart stores (the 2 that I went to) are actually 20072715  which are the same thing but with legs.  They're at the regular price of $276.  I went to one of the stores last night armed with a printout of the HD online sale page hoping for a price match, but they no longer PM in-store. However, we negotiated a 20% off for a unit that had a minor scratch on the legs (front right).  They had 2 units setup out of box - that's how they do it there - no boxes (humph).  The total w/o tax was $220, slightly more than HD but I was able to take it away and it has legs!

Incidentally, HD is showing they're in stock again for online orders. I didn't want to wait anyhow. Gonna smoke some St Louis spare ribs this Sunday!  Here's one I did, but I didn't trim this one to St Louis---Pork Spare Ribs    I find them to be Juicier without Trimming to St Louis.

I need to decide if I should buy an AMZNPS  or Masterbuilt cold smoker attachment.  The AMZNPS smokes longer which is better for overnight.  Everyone raves about it.  But I like the versatility of being about to use wood chips or pellets in the cold smoke attachment (it accepts pellets too, right?).  Or go AMZNPS with a mailbox mod.  If I go AMZN, should I go with the tube instead of tray?  Decisions.  Eh. I would go with the AMNPS Tray, unless you are at a high Altitude (4,000' or above). The Tube puts out too much smoke at my low Altitude in my MES 40.

I'll use the built-in wood chip tray for starters - should be fine for ribs.

I've also been told to get a better thermometer - Maverick.  I may see if I can test the built-in one by borrowing someones to see how it fares first. Whether or not the built in Therm is accurate has little to do with what the Temp is where the meat is. The built in is only giving you the temp at that particular spot & at that time, and I would never trust the built in Meat Therm.

Bear