Smoker Died

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

cruiser rod

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Jul 18, 2013
116
37
South Jersey
My 30" Masterbuilt electric smoker just died in the middle of smoking deer kielbasa. I need to replace it fast! I want to go to a 40" smoker but I'm wondering if I should got electric or propane. Any advice would be appreciated.

As far as fixing my smoker I do that later and sell it or keep it as a second smoker.
 
If you are already used to using the MES I would go that route if you have time to get one. How far into your smoke were you? If you were half way there you could poach them in 170 degree hot water to internal temp to finish. If you used cure you would probably be O.K. to take them out and refrigerate until you can finish smoking also. Did your recipe include cure #1?
 
I used Praque powder no. 4 and probably only smoked the kielbasa for one hour and then it died. It wasn't for about 4 hours later I moved it back into the fridge.

I think I might go with MES. I just got off the phone with a guy from Craigslist with a brand new still in the box 40" MES.
 
Last edited:
That's the same one I have, generation #1. I love mine and have had it for going on 4 years. If the price is right go for it. 
 
You may want to check the terminal connections in the back, seems like a few people have had to replace them, recently
 
  • Like
Reactions: hoity toit
Well, the guy thought he had a 40" MES but it turned out to be a 30". Still in the box with the SS front door and remote control, I couldn't wait too long, I had to finish the kielbasa. For $220 I have a brand new 30" MES. I'll have to fix the other one when it gets warm out. I was looking to move up to a larger smoker but I can't complain with this one, the remote is a very nice feature. I didn't think I would use it at first.
 
That will be good then you will a backup

Gary
 
I don't understand why you would get the same smoker that died on you mid cook. I wouldn't trust getting another one. I'd find one a bit more reliable and with a longer warranty.
 
I don't understand why you would get the same smoker that died on you mid cook. I wouldn't trust getting another one. I'd find one a bit more reliable and with a longer warranty.

My old MES was about 12 years old. A brand new one I wouldn consider the same!
 
Mine died too a couple weeks ago, connection on back had burned up over time. Easy fix with crimp terminal., took 15 mins to fix.

I hope mine is that simple. I didn't see anything obvious, when it warms up around here I'll break out the volt meter and trouble shoot it. I'm guessing it is the heating element. I didn't have the luxury of playing with it and waiting for parts ordered.
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky