New MES Bluetooth Digital smoker

[dennispfaff]

I have a the Masterbuilt 30" with BT. I had to uninstall the application and reinstall it to get the bluetooth to work after Masterbuilt did an update to the app.  Android OS.

I experienced the same thing...had to uninstall the Masterbuilt Bluetooth on my iPad and reinstall it. Now I can report that they did improve the Bluetooth and it now can be monitored from inside my house. The prior Bluetooth operation had very limited range, and in-sight only, like 30-40 feet. Not only that, when I called Masterbuilt they promptly answered my call and politely walked me through the Bluetooth operation. Almost like a different company.

I purchased my 40 in 2.5 MES from Bass Pro in April, so those who recently purchased one may not even realize the improvement in the Bluetooth format.
Dennis

 

[jayace]

What would you say the range is now with the update? Been waiting to pull the trigger on the MB 30 or 40 but the disappointed comments with the BT range was holding me back.

 

[dennispfaff]

What would you say the range is now with the update? Been waiting to pull the trigger on the MB 30 or 40 but the disappointed comments with the BT range was holding me back.

Actually it was not much of a distance improvement, maybe 10-15 feet. Once I wondered away from the window I lost connection. I think the range I experienced was about 35-40 ft.

 

[smokingbro]

What would you say the range is now with the update? Been waiting to pull the trigger on the MB 30 or 40 but the disappointed comments with the BT range was holding me back.

I have the MES 30 2.5 and BT connection has been good. I get a good connection anywhere in my house, about 20-25 feet away from MES. I think the phone you are using also has has an impact on the range. I'm using an iPhone 6. The BT on my iPhone connects to our car when my wife is a half block away driving home.

 

[captrichc]

I got this smoker for christmas. With an amps. Put the mailbox mod on it today. Smoked a brisket last week. It was great.

 

[remsr]

I get the same thing out of my 2.5 40" about 25 to 30 feet and I also have the iPhone 6 and in hooks up with my wife's ML350 about a half block away. I have had my Masterbuilt since July

 

[dennispfaff]

I get the same thing out of my 2.5 40" about 25 to 30 feet and I also have the iPhone 6 and in hooks up with my wife's ML350 about a half block away. I have had my Masterbuilt since July

That could be it. Just bought my wife an iPhone 6s Plus, I will see if the Masterbuilt range is better with that device next time I smoke something.
Dennis

 

[Bearcarver]

LOL----I'm sitting this one out for a change!!

I'm using the controls on my 2.5 for the time being.

If I ever use the Bluetooth remote, it'll be after you guys all get it nailed down for me.

Bear

 

[dennispfaff]

I just learned something today from Verizon. The newer cell phones have 4G LTE technology, which they explained has a much stronger signal than when using WIFi connection. I have always used my iPad with the WIFI connection for the MES Bluetooth operation.

This may be why some are reporting good distance connection using their iPhone (or whatever cell phone with the 4G LTE technology). I'm not a tech guy, maybe 1 step above Bear, but this may help. Next time I smoke something I will try using my wife's iPhone.
Dennis

 

[bob dominik]

Wood not buy ,.infact just used 40 " Masterbuildt Blue tooth for the first time could not get a signal from 20 '. Thinking of taking smoker back , thats how diappointed i am.

 

[brickguy221]

 
LOL----I'm sitting this one out for a change!!

I'm using the controls on my 2.5 for the time being.

If I ever use the Bluetooth remote, it'll be after you guys all get it nailed down for me.

Bear

Ditto for me. My BT works just fine using the controls on it. In fact, if something needs adjusted, I need to be there anyhow to see why.

 

[jayace]

Bluetooth actually works independent of both wifi and cell signal so it's likely related to the bluetooth technology in each phone.

 

[smokingbro]

I wish the MES phone app could set an alert for the meat probe temperature. I smoked a pork butt the other day and it would have been nice to know when the internal temp reached 165 to wrap in foil and 205 when it was done, without have to watch the app all the time.

 

[smokingearl]

I wish the MES phone app could set an alert for the meat probe temperature. I smoked a pork butt the other day and it would have been nice to know when the internal temp reached 165 to wrap in foil and 205 when it was done, without have to watch the app all the time.

That's why most of us a nice remote thermometer. I love my maverick 733.

 

[mummel]

Yeah Bluetooth is a gimmick.  I would prefer them to bring down the cost of the smoker and remove the BT.  It has its place, but I could live without it.

I mostly used it for monitoring meat temp as a backup probe to my Mav, but now my MES probe is reading 10F higher than it should.  I tested it in boiling water when the smoker was off and it was maybe like 2F off, but when smoking, its reading like 10F off, so I dont use it anymore.

Also, when changing the temps, I have to walk up to the smoker to listen for the beep, to make sure my temp change has been transmitted.  If you are out of range, the app appears to be working, but your temp change wont be transmitted.  So you have to walk to the smoker anyway.

Seriously, remove BT, make the smoker cheaper or switch out the BT for a PID that works!

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Yeah Bluetooth is a gimmick.  I would prefer them to bring down the cost of the smoker and remove the BT.  It has its place, but I could live without it. 

Yup---I prefer the regular remote we had on all the other models over the last 5-6 years. My old MES remotes had a lot fewer drops than any of my Mavericks. LOL---And it's the only one that never drops while sitting next to my recliner!!! (Steel door between my Smoker & my Recliner) 

Bear

 

[smokingearl]

Yeah Bluetooth is a gimmick.  I would prefer them to bring down the cost of the smoker and remove the BT.  It has its place, but I could live without it

I mostly used it for monitoring meat temp as a backup probe to my Mav, but now my MES probe is reading 10F higher than it should.  I tested it in boiling water when the smoker was off and it was maybe like 2F off, but when smoking, its reading like 10F off, so I dont use it anymore.

Also, when changing the temps, I have to walk up to the smoker to listen for the beep, to make sure my temp change has been transmitted.  If you are out of range, the app appears to be working, but your temp change wont be transmitted.  So you have to walk to the smoker anyway.


Seriously, remove BT, make the smoker cheaper or switch out the BT for a PID that works!

They are saving money by making them Bluetooth vs supplying a remote.

 

[mummel]

I see their was a bug in the app (temp setting?) that was fixed on 1/6.

 

[candurin]

Just downloaded the updated app and went outside to test it during today's smoke (BB ribs and scarbelly wings).

Used my phone (iPhone 6), iPad, wife's iPhone and my son't android tablet.  Damn thing wouldn't connect to anything!

Good advice?  Read the manual!  Completely forgot to hold down the set temp button in order to turn on the smoker's bluetooth!  An hour later, it's working.

 

[captrichc]

I can't get my new phone to connect. May try Uninstaller and reinstalling.