What to do with a broken MES

[justinthomason]

I've got a 40" MES that I've had for a few years. A bit over a year ago, the digital controls went out on it, so I called the company and paid for a replacement unit. I used the smoker a few times after that, but earlier this year I tried to use it again and once more the control unit has stopped working. It just flat refuses to turn on. LEDs light up, and it clicks like it is trying, but it won't stay on - no controller, no heat. :-(

Essentially, I now have a very expensive metal box that is just taking up space. I called the company again, and they're willing to sell me another control unit, but the replacement parts only have a 30 day warranty. I'm thinking it is time to cut my losses and get another smoker (leaning toward a Charbroiler Akorn), but does anyone have any suggestions about what to do with the big box taking up space on my porch?

 

[chef jimmyj]

Will take a bit of work but you can run the MES AC cord directly to the Coil then plug it into an Auburn plug and play PID controller. Way more accurate at keeping steady temps but not an exceptionally cheap fix. The cheapest way out is just use the dead MES for cold smoking. An AMNPS maze or Tube Smoke Generator makes the smoke and you are on your way...JJ

http://smokingmeatforums.com/index....roller-in-my-mes-and-added-aubirn-pid.232881/

 

[pops6927]

With the AMNPS (www.amazenproducts.com) it would make an excellent cold smoking unit! I have done a lot of cold smoking (mushrooms and cheese are the BOMB!). I'm putting this in the Electric Smoker forum for others to offer their input, also!

 

[JckDanls 07]

If you are the handyman type... you could just get a PID controller (and parts) and build the controller yourself... a little cheaper than a plug and play set up ...

 

[justinthomason]

I do have the AMPS - it has been fantastic, so cold smoking is a definite possibility.

I'm not exactly the handyman type, but I've done a few things including basic wiring and (sloppy) soldering, and I'm willing to give it a shot if the cost of materials isn't too much. Does anyone know of a good online tutorial about how to build a controller. Hopefully something that really breaks it down and assumes I know absolutely nothing.

 

[bbqwillie]

Kit: https://www.banggood.com/100-240V-4...mds=detail-left-hotproducts&cur_warehouse=USA

How-To: ''

And we can help with any questions

 

[wahoowad]

Do you want a project? If so you can try the above diy controller retrofit or you could mount a propane burner unit underneath in some kind of burner cage.

But if you are ready to move on to another smoker, and you don't want to start a junky collection of smokers/grills, scrap that thing. Nothing lasts forever. I got small collection started as I had a hard time throwing something away when I bought something new, and now I'm wondering why I have multiple units...

 

[cmayna]

Look at Auber PID controllers. I installed one in my MES40 and it's the best thing I ever did, besides marrying my wife of course. I also flipped my element over so it became more centered in the smoker.

 

[daveomak]

If you want to manually control the heat, put this SCR in line with the heating element.... It controls the wattage and heat output... You will have to adjust the knob to regulate the heat...