Would this be a better option than a MES 40?

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ndkoze

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Apr 4, 2011
111
15
It looks like Landmann came out with a new 40" Electric Smoker.

The best price I could find was $554.99, which is about $255 more than the MES. But if it works better, I might spring for the extra dough.

Best Price - http://www.rakuten.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=254308847

Landmann - http://www.landmann-usa.com/OnlineStore/tabid/90/ProductID/717/Default.aspx

After a brief review, these are what I see as the pro's/con's:

Pro's
  • 255" more cooking area (1230-975)
  • Closer to centered heating element which should provide more even temperature
  • Larger wood chip box
  • Vent of top of smoker
  • Larger Drip tray with easy access
  • Looks sturdier/better built IMO
Con's
  • Doesn't appear to have a remote control
  • Costs $255 more than the MES 40
  • It appears brand new, so no reviews that I have been able to find.
  • The Landmann says that it has a "Heavy steel construction and fully insulated smoking chamber". However, it does not appear that the door is insulated.
I'm not planning on getting a new smoker until this spring. But I am going to seriously consider this one. Hopefully in the spring the price will have come down and may be available in Sam's/Costco type stores where I can buy locally with a warrantee if it doesn't work out.

Here are some pics:








 
I have looked at them actually. But for the size that I am looking for, the $550 for the Landmann is pretty much the top (actually more) of what I am willing to pay. So, the Sausage Maker Smokers while awesome (I am sure) are pretty much out of my price range.

My Dad has a Masterbuilt Propane XL (1307" Cooking Area) that we fill all 5 trays full when we smoke our pepper stix (25 lb batches). So, if I want to smoke a standard batch of pepper stix, I need the biggest smoker that I can get for I was hoping under $400.

I prefer the electric verses the propane XL because it is easier to maintain a steady temp. Keeping the XL temp steady is a bear!

I was and I guess still am considering the MES 40, but have given up hope for them releasing a Gen 3 model to fix the issues as this is the response that I have heard from them via email (from 1/16/14) where I have expressed my concerns about the current Gen 2 model:
The problem is in the New Generation smokers only. The main problem which we are correcting is a temperature variance of 20+ degrees between the meat probe and the smoker. We are making some modifications to the unit to address these issues and will have a new smoker come out at the end of this year or beginning of next year. If you were interested in one of our older generation 40 inch units (the 20070211, 20070311), we have not experienced any problems with these smokers. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
 
How big of a deal is it to have the remote in the MES 40? That seems like one of the things that I would miss with the Landmann although that could be remedied with a separate Maverick I guess.

One of the things that I like about the MES 40 is that I can buy it locally at my Sam's Club and get an extended warranty. I haven't found the Landmann anywhere other than online.

Any other thoughts on the comparison between these two smokers?

Thanks in advance.
 
For that money I would invest in a Smokin-It #2!   Have you seen the threads "my MES died"......"my MES causes a fire in the chip tray"......."my MES etc etc etc"?????  I got my SMokin-It #2 for right around $550 WITH the stand and cover.  I have been using the hell out of it for Brisket (full packers) pork butt.......ribs.....ABT's.......almonds and pecans......and even meatloaf.

Do yourself a BIG favor and do some more research on the MES and all of the issues it has over and over.  Don't you want a smoker you can unpack.....season and use without all the fuss?

PadronMan
 
This is from the Landman site.  Looks eerily like a Masterbuilt upgrade.  And the dimensions are small.  Looks like $450 from Landman.  Be careful. 

Our popular 30” Electric Smoker with 800W heating element, provides the optimum temperature range and control for most common smoking applications, ranging from 100º to 275º. The built-in push button control panel with LCD display allows for easy setting of the smoking temperature and time, as well as checking the meat temperature via the built-in meat temperature probe. This control panel is equipped with a 24-hour timer with Automatic stop as well as indicator lights for both power and heating.

Its 768 square inch fully-insulated smoking chamber is tightly secured with a built-in magnetic door closer and securing latch. Four chrome-plated cooking racks provide ample smoking area for a variety of meat. The adjustable top damper vent allow for fine tuning of the heat for optimum temperature control.

Our Patent Pending EASY ACCESS drawers allow for quick and safe access to check your water level, to replenish the wood supply and checking on grease runoff without opening main smoking chamber door, and losing accumulated heat and smoke.

Equipped with a back handle and large mounted wheels, this smoker can be easily transported from its storage location to the smoking site, and back.

Premium features include:
  • Heavy steel construction and fully insulated smoking chamber
  • Magnetic door closure with securing latch
  • 768 sq in smoking area with 4 chrome-plated cooking racks
  • Built-in push button control panel with LCD display
  • Built-in meat temperature probe
  • 800W heating element
  • Large door and drawer handles.
  • Patent Pending EASY ACCESS drawers to access the water pan, wood chip box and grease tray without opening the main smoking chamber door
  • Durable large plastic door and drawer handles
  • Porcelain-coated steel water pan
  • Steel wood chip box with vented lid
  • Interior runoff grease shields
  • Galvanized steel removable grease pan
  • Adjustable top damper vent with plastic guard
  • Back handle and large mounted wheels for easy movement
  • Adjustable feet
  • CSA Certified
• Weather resistant cover available (#32920)

• Meat hanging rack available (#32923)

** Patent Pending
  •  
Assembled Smoker:32.5” x 20.2” x 21.7”

Assembled Weight:75.0 lbs.
 
That is the 30" version. The one that I am referring to in this thread is the 40" version.

This is what Landmann shows for the 40" version:

Our new 40” Electric Smoker with 1200W heating element, provides the optimum temperature range and control for most common smoking applications, ranging from 100º to 275º. The built-in touch screen control panel with LCD display allows for easy setting of the smoking temperature and time, checking the meat temperature via the built-in meat temperature probe, and illuminating the smoking interior. This control panel is equipped with a 24-hour timer with Automatic stop as well as a control button for the interior light and the indicator lights for both power and heating.

Its 1230 square inch fully-insulated smoking chamber is tightly secured with a built-in magnetic door closer and hidden latching lock. Five wide chrome-plated cooking racks provide ample smoking area for a variety of meat. The adjustable top damper vent allow for fine tuning of the heat for optimum temperature control.

Our Patent Pending EASY ACCESS drawers allow for quick and safe access to check your water level, to replenish the wood supply and checking on grease runoff without opening main smoking chamber door, and losing accumulated heat and smoke.

Equipped with a back handle and large mounted wheels, this smoker can be easily transported from its storage location to the smoking site, and back.

Premium features include:
  • Heavy steel construction and fully insulated smoking chamber
  • Magnetic door closure with securing latch
  • 1230 sq in smoking area with 5 chrome-plated cooking racks
  • Built-in push touch screen control panel with LCD display
  • Built-in meat temperature probe
  • 1200W heating element
  • Large viewing window door
  • Large door and drawer handles
  • Patent Pending EASY ACCESS drawers to access the water pan, wood chip box and grease tray without opening the main smoking chamber door
  • Durable large plastic door and drawer handles
  • Porcelain-coated steel water pan
  • Steel wood chip box with vented lid
  • Interior runoff grease shields
  • Galvanized steel removable grease pan
  • Adjustable top damper vent with plastic guard
  • Back handle and large mounted wheels for easy movement
  • Adjustable feet
  • CSA Certified
  • Weather-resistant cover available (model #32921)
  • Meat Hanger available (model #32924)
Dimensions:

Assembled Smoker: 40.5” x 24.25” x 22.25”

Assembled Weight: 96.5 lbs.
 
My previous email correcting geerock about the model I was looking at may be beside the point. Because PadronMan got me looking at the Smokin-It smokers. I am actually thinking that for about $100, I would go with the #3 though instead of the #2. The Smokin-It seems like a more affordable version of the Cook Shack and Smoken-Tex.

There is a lot of information on the Smokin-It brand that I need to read through on this site before I make my decision though.

Thanks to all who have replied. Feel free to keep the opinions/feedback coming.
 
i was going to suggest the smokin-it as well. And I would also suggest getting the #3, ditch the smokin-it stand, and just pick up a stainless steel table online for like $100, it will be of more value then the stand and cheaper.

I have had my #2 for just over a year and have loved owning it.
 
I was thinking of just building a wood stand with shelves and door to store unused trays and/or wood chips. I would probably put a metal top on it just for safety sake.

Since they are not that tall, I would definitely like to get it up in the air a bit for easier access.
 
that would work as well. I picked up a used stainless steel table from a closed restaurant and put mine on that when i need to use it, and then store it under it when it's not in use, this way i can still use the table as a table when i'm not using the smokin-it.
 
I suggested the #2 because the we always will need a bigger smoker as time goes by 
biggrin.gif
  It's not that much more after all.  As for the stand?  I chose the stand because it is a sturdy little SOB.  Has casters so I can move the smoker around where I want it and also has 2 shelves that fold down and out of the way.  The cover not only covers the smoker but it also covers to the ground to keep the stand nice and clean.  I use bins for my different woods and they stack nicely under the smoker.  So table for a C note?  Or the customized stand for $168?  Your choice obviously but I can attest to the stand being a great add on.

Your mileage may vary
beercheer.gif


PadronMan
 
I wasn't trying to knock the stand it is a $200 purpose built stand just for this smoker, and i'm sure the build quality is top notch, personally I knew I would get more use out of a $100 table that I could use all year round,  as well as to also use it to elevate my smokin-it when needed. I don't use the smokin-it every week, in fact during the summer it's not used too much at all, which is why the table option was a better investment for me. It also serves well to protect the smoker from the elements when not in use. But hey, if you're handy then making your own cart/stand should be no problem and allow you to design it with your own needs and wants in mind.
 
That is the 30" version. The one that I am referring to in this thread is the 40" version.

This is what Landmann shows for the 40" version:

Our new 40” Electric Smoker with 1200W heating element, provides the optimum temperature range and control for most common smoking applications, ranging from 100º to 275º. The built-in touch screen control panel with LCD display allows for easy setting of the smoking temperature and time, checking the meat temperature via the built-in meat temperature probe, and illuminating the smoking interior. This control panel is equipped with a 24-hour timer with Automatic stop as well as a control button for the interior light and the indicator lights for both power and heating.

Its 1230 square inch fully-insulated smoking chamber is tightly secured with a built-in magnetic door closer and hidden latching lock. Five wide chrome-plated cooking racks provide ample smoking area for a variety of meat. The adjustable top damper vent allow for fine tuning of the heat for optimum temperature control.

Our Patent Pending EASY ACCESS drawers allow for quick and safe access to check your water level, to replenish the wood supply and checking on grease runoff without opening main smoking chamber door, and losing accumulated heat and smoke.

Equipped with a back handle and large mounted wheels, this smoker can be easily transported from its storage location to the smoking site, and back.

Premium features include:
  • Heavy steel construction and fully insulated smoking chamber
  • Magnetic door closure with securing latch
  • 1230 sq in smoking area with 5 chrome-plated cooking racks
  • Built-in push touch screen control panel with LCD display
  • Built-in meat temperature probe
  • 1200W heating element
  • Large viewing window door
  • Large door and drawer handles
  • Patent Pending EASY ACCESS drawers to access the water pan, wood chip box and grease tray without opening the main smoking chamber door
  • Durable large plastic door and drawer handles
  • Porcelain-coated steel water pan
  • Steel wood chip box with vented lid
  • Interior runoff grease shields
  • Galvanized steel removable grease pan
  • Adjustable top damper vent with plastic guard
  • Back handle and large mounted wheels for easy movement
  • Adjustable feet
  • CSA Certified
  • Weather-resistant cover available (model #32921)
  • Meat Hanger available (model #32924)

Dimensions:
Assembled Smoker: 40.5” x 24.25” x 22.25”
Assembled Weight: 96.5 lbs.

Well, well. I'll be damned! A 30 and a 40. Just like Masterbuilt. I'll bet we are seeing the new Masterbuilt line except with the Landmann name. Door and hinge design the same. But some nice design changes a TONS of room. If the controller issues have been fixed Masterbuilt has done a nice job. IF its a Masterbuilt.
 
There aren't any electric smokers there that are big enough for my needs.

the MES 40 is on the small side of what I am considering. That's why I was kind of liking this new Landmann.

But I am strongly leaning toward the Smoken-It #3.
 
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