MES 30 Overloaded?

[unity5358]

I have an old MES 30 and a new one.  They were only $140 at Amazon so I couldn't resist.  With both of them, if I have two whole racks of spare ribs in them [cut in half to fit, of course] I can't get the temp up past 210 [according to my ThermoWorks Smoke].  Do I just have to accept that I can't do 2 racks in an MES 30?  I thought maybe the old one was just on its way out, but the same thing happened with the new one today.  I have a 25' orange extension cord.  I got a 12/3 extension today.  Haven't used it yet.  Is that gonna make that much difference?  Thanks!

 

[dward51]

What gauge was the old 25' cord?  Also did it get "warm" when the smoker was on full heat?  I doubt that is the issue, but it's worth asking.  Which MES model is it?  If it is the analog, they do not have any insulation in the body. It is a double wall body, but it is just open air space between the inner and outer shell.  I think all the MES units with the digital controls on top (back or front) are insulated, but I'm not 100% certain.

I would guess at $140 they are the analog versions.

If it's analog, the heat control is a dial knob and it mounts on the lower left side of the smoker body.  Should have a 1,200 watt element though unless it's the smaller analog (I think those had either 800 or 900 watt elements).

 

[unity5358]

The extension was the standard you get at the hardware store.  Just a 25' version of the good old 100' orange outdoor extension cord.  I didn't think to feel if it was hot.  The MES is the 30" digital.  Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller. Same as the old one.  BTW, they are still $135 + tax at Amazon for Prime members.  This is only 800 watts.  The analog version is 1500.  Go figure.  Maybe I should have gotten the analog.  They're the same price.  Anyway, do you other guys do two racks of ribs in an 800 watt MES and get it up to 220 or better?