Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker (Black)

Post Date	Sold By	Sale Price	Activity
09/16/22	Walmart	$88 Popular	35

kgorilla

Jun 8, 2021 2:59 PM

1.4K Comments

Joined Mar 2009

kgorillaJun 8, 2021 2:59 PM

1.4K Comments

This could be Ok if you know what you're getting into but IMO, save up for a pellet grill, these things are somewhat of a hassle to use, clean and aren't very versatile.

FortyNav

Jun 8, 2021 3:02 PM

4 Comments

Joined May 2017

FortyNavJun 8, 2021 3:02 PM

4 Comments

Quote from thebombdotcom

:

Agreed - I would highly recommend a MES30 if anyone needs a chip smoker. They're much easier because it has an external-access wood chip door, is electric and can be pretty much set-it-and-forget it once you get the temps dialed in and only need to add wood every hour or so. It was excellent for when I lived in an apartment.

I loved my MES30 and only recently switched to full charcoal. Big difference in flavor, my for a beginner any masterbuilt is a good option.

I have the MES30 aswell. I got a smoke tube for pellets and only have to open the smoker to wrap. This electric, like the MES, can be paired with a smoke tube like the A-MAZE-N ones and a digital thermometer for a cheap entry to electric smoking.

3

iamzeus

Pro

Jun 8, 2021 3:09 PM

225 Comments

Joined Nov 2010

iamzeus

Pro

Jun 8, 2021 3:09 PM

225 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

Quote :

Quote from thebombdotcom

:

Agreed - I would highly recommend a MES30 if anyone needs a chip smoker. They're much easier because it has an external-access wood chip door, is electric and can be pretty much set-it-and-forget it once you get the temps dialed in and only need to add wood every hour or so. It was excellent for when I lived in an apartment.

I loved my MES30 and only recently switched to full charcoal. Big difference in flavor, my for a beginner any masterbuilt is a good option.

thebombdotcomAgreed - I would highly recommend a MES30 if anyone needs a chip smoker. They're much easier because it has an external-access wood chip door, is electric and can be pretty much set-it-and-forget it once you get the temps dialed in and only need to add wood every hour or so. It was excellent for when I lived in an apartment.

I loved my MES30 and only recently switched to full charcoal. Big difference in flavor, my for a beginner any masterbuilt is a good option

I wouldn't blindly recommend the MES30 anymore. I've owned 2 - the original with a boxy display and a newer one (bought last year from a deal) that has the rounded display. The first one was a beast and was worth every penny. I, like the dummy I am, left it out exposed to the elements for too long and messed up the controls. Since I loved the first one so much, I quickly bought a replacement. The chip tray and heating element are smaller which reduces the overall amount of smoke I can get. I can't cook too low anymore otherwise the chips won't even smoke. Because of the smaller element and the placement of the vent, the heat and smoke go straight up. I smoked two pork shoulders of comparable size side-by-side and the one on the right side (where the heat goes) cooked perfectly; the one on the left side took three hours longer and didn't have nearly as much smoke as the other. Because of this, I added foil to different racks to create a smoke/heat maze, which has helped but reduced capacity.
To me, it seems like the MES30 got very popular so Masterbuilt decided to reduce costs. I'm still going to use mine until it breaks, I will just passive-aggressively insult it under my breath every time I cook.

12

1

diversification

Jun 8, 2021 3:11 PM

1.3K Comments

Joined Nov 2012

diversificationJun 8, 2021 3:11 PM

1.3K Comments

Quote from milfman

:

The Allstate/SquareTrade warranty is actually pretty good from my 1 experience (this exact grill). Masterbuilt is supposed to cover the 1st year via replacement parts. They claimed the replacement heating element was OOS & would notify me when available. After 2 months wihtout that part being sent or an email I contacted Allstate to file a claim. They hesitated but did refund the pre-tax amount I paid.

Oh ok that's very encouraging then, thank you.

diversification

Jun 8, 2021 3:15 PM

1.3K Comments

Joined Nov 2012

diversificationJun 8, 2021 3:15 PM

1.3K Comments

Quote from iamzeus

:

I wouldn't blindly recommend the MES30 anymore. I've owned 2 - the original with a boxy display and a newer one (bought last year from a deal) that has the rounded display. The first one was a beast and was worth every penny. I, like the dummy I am, left it out exposed to the elements for too long and messed up the controls. Since I loved the first one so much, I quickly bought a replacement. The chip tray and heating element are smaller which reduces the overall amount of smoke I can get. I can't cook too low anymore otherwise the chips won't even smoke. Because of the smaller element and the placement of the vent, the heat and smoke go straight up. I smoked two pork shoulders of comparable size side-by-side and the one on the right side (where the heat goes) cooked perfectly; the one on the left side took three hours longer and didn't have nearly as much smoke as the other. Because of this, I added foil to different racks to create a smoke/heat maze, which has helped but reduced capacity.
To me, it seems like the MES30 got very popular so Masterbuilt decided to reduce costs. I'm still going to use mine until it breaks, I will just passive-aggressively insult it under my breath every time I cook.

That's very disappointing. I wonder what I good alternative might be that would be similar to the original MES30 you mention.

Bulldogpride08

Jun 8, 2021 3:28 PM

862 Comments

Joined Aug 2011

Bulldogpride08Jun 8, 2021 3:28 PM

862 Comments

This or the dual fuel/propane from home depot? Basically the same price. Anyone with experience chime in.. leaning towards the dual fuel because it has a lot more cooking space and separate doors to adjust wood chips/water.

Propane:
https://www.masterbuilt.com/produ...uel-smoker

Electric:
https://www.masterbuilt.com/produ...c011&_ss=r

anarkie13

Jun 8, 2021 3:34 PM

464 Comments

Joined Aug 2011

anarkie13Jun 8, 2021 3:34 PM

464 Comments

Quote from kgorilla

:

This could be Ok if you know what you're getting into but IMO, save up for a pellet grill, these things are somewhat of a hassle to use, clean and aren't very versatile.

I want to agree, but unfortunately, I can't. And I went from a Masterbuilt smoker to a nice pellet grill myself.

A smoker like this one is a great entry level unit to learn if more is worthwhile. Buy one of these, use it for a year or 2 and if you use it a good amount and enjoy the results, you'll find the price of a pellet grill much more reasonable. But if you don't use it enough, the money lost isn't so bad. Lots of people will simply go back to their propane grill because the time and effort required isn't something they want to put in.

That said, I love my pellet grill and have barely touched my old propane grill and have absolutely not touched the electric smoker since.

caotico

Jun 8, 2021 3:36 PM

2K Comments

Joined Jun 2010

caoticoJun 8, 2021 3:36 PM

2K Comments

Quote from DonkeyTeeth

:

I had this exact same smoker for over a year and it was my first one and if you never had one I can give you some feedback on this model.
It uses chips, NOT pellets
Do an initial burn for a while to burn off factory chemicals and then season the inside with olive oil
The temp gauge on the door is NOT accurate, get a probe thermometer and keep an eye on it.
Check on your chips every 2 hours and when you open the door, all of the heat is going to come out and might take a while to get back up to your desired temp

Overall its a decent smoker, I made the best turkey breast I ever tasted and the best beef jerky in this thing. I sold my propane grill after getting good with this smoker.

I've heard you're not supposed to use pellets. Can you say why? I have similar but older model. I use pellets (tray about 1/3 to halfway full). I put a probe through the smoke hole and into the meat so I can always tell the meat temp. It puts out plenty of smoke and tastes great (or at least pretty darn good), and I never have to open the door because it smokes forever on those pellets.

taotoa07

Jun 8, 2021 3:58 PM

266 Comments

Joined Feb 2009

taotoa07Jun 8, 2021 3:58 PM

266 Comments

Quote from DonkeyTeeth

:

I never soaked the chips

How about cork, have you ever soaked a cork? Do you know anyone who's a cork soaker? :-D

1

taotoa07

Jun 8, 2021 4:01 PM

266 Comments

Joined Feb 2009

taotoa07Jun 8, 2021 4:01 PM

266 Comments

I remember looking at this while back... then I came across pitbarrel and got the PBJ model, it does cost more, but I've been smoking every week since I got it in January and every time the results are amazing. In other words, if you have room and you want something that will produce awesome results, get pitbarrel...

divedeeper

Jun 8, 2021 4:04 PM

1.4K Comments

Joined Mar 2004

divedeeperJun 8, 2021 4:04 PM

1.4K Comments

Decent smoker if you want electric. I have the propane version and like that a bit better. Something about using a flame that is satisfying.

slugbug

Jun 8, 2021 4:40 PM

2.9K Comments

Joined Jun 2005

slugbugJun 8, 2021 4:40 PM

2.9K Comments

Quote from reinkespi

:

I have used the AllState (formerly Square trade I think) warranties extensively throughout the years. There are some hoops to jump through sometimes but I have been fully refunded for several purchases. Maybe I just have bad luck with the items I buy but I have found the warranties to by worth it. The only real issue I ran into was with a new Optoma projector. I sent it in several times for service and they made me include the bulb for testing. The bulb burned out after like 200 hours and my guess was all the shipping back and forth may have damaged it. Anyway, I think they are worth it here and there. Extended warranties are pure profit if you never use them.

I agree on the squaretrade/Allstate warranties. About 8 years ago, we bought our first (& so far only) HDTV, 50". The speakers on it died after about a year. When I called to get it repaired under the warranty, they said it would be easier to just send me a refund for the purchase price. I was surprised, but said ok. Then I realized |I could just hook up some car speakers, and it would actually sound better than before. We've been using the Sanyo TV ever since, and our only cost for it was the ~$40 for the Squaretrade insurance.

1

thebombdotcom

Jun 8, 2021 4:43 PM

2.6K Comments

Joined Jul 2013

thebombdotcomJun 8, 2021 4:43 PM

2.6K Comments

Quote from iamzeus

:

I wouldn't blindly recommend the MES30 anymore. I've owned 2 - the original with a boxy display and a newer one (bought last year from a deal) that has the rounded display. The first one was a beast and was worth every penny. I, like the dummy I am, left it out exposed to the elements for too long and messed up the controls. Since I loved the first one so much, I quickly bought a replacement. The chip tray and heating element are smaller which reduces the overall amount of smoke I can get. I can't cook too low anymore otherwise the chips won't even smoke. Because of the smaller element and the placement of the vent, the heat and smoke go straight up. I smoked two pork shoulders of comparable size side-by-side and the one on the right side (where the heat goes) cooked perfectly; the one on the left side took three hours longer and didn't have nearly as much smoke as the other. Because of this, I added foil to different racks to create a smoke/heat maze, which has helped but reduced capacity.
To me, it seems like the MES30 got very popular so Masterbuilt decided to reduce costs. I'm still going to use mine until it breaks, I will just passive-aggressively insult it under my breath every time I cook.

That stinks - I definitely can't refute your experience since I never really experienced issues like that, but it's worth anyone considering if that's the case!

Quote from diversification

:

That's very disappointing. I wonder what I good alternative might be that would be similar to the original MES30 you mention.

I think it's hit or miss. Plenty of people have great experiences with a MES30, and it truly depends on your expectations.

I think they're great for someone who is just learning how to smoke, wants to experiment, needs something easier (electric) or have a need, like I did with my apartment not allowing charcoal. That said, the results of a MES30 or really, any electric smoker is only entry level... which honestly is a step up from nothing at all and would do well for the majority of folks.

If you have the time and patience, jumping straight into charcoal smoking would be a very cost effective move to make. You can find used versions of vertical/bullet smokers for like $50 and with a little bit of effort, it can make beyond excellent meats. Plus you get the ubiquitous smoke ring with charcoal where you can't get one with an electric or pellet smoker. My old used vertical smoker cost me $100 all in (used smoker, extra grill grates, some bolts, and 2 analog thermometers).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber.../100657680

2

thebombdotcom

Jun 8, 2021 4:46 PM

2.6K Comments

Joined Jul 2013

thebombdotcomJun 8, 2021 4:46 PM

2.6K Comments

Quote from caotico

:

I've heard you're not supposed to use pellets. Can you say why? I have similar but older model. I use pellets (tray about 1/3 to halfway full). I put a probe through the smoke hole and into the meat so I can always tell the meat temp. It puts out plenty of smoke and tastes great (or at least pretty darn good), and I never have to open the door because it smokes forever on those pellets.

I've never tried using pellets on my MES30 but I think It would be because the electric heating element would not get the pellets hot enough to smoke. However, you can still use pellets in a MES30 with the addition of AMAZN products.. basically its a hopper that you can light pellets on fire with and have controlled smoke.

I had a pellet smoker (Z-grill.. it sucked) for a season and pellets would only get hot with a flame.

1

findar

Jun 8, 2021 4:57 PM

2 Comments

Joined Oct 2012

findarJun 8, 2021 4:57 PM

2 Comments

Quote from thebombdotcom

:

Plus you get the ubiquitous smoke ring with charcoal where you can't get one with an electric or pellet smoker.

You should still get a ring on a pellet smoker, and you can cheat the ring on electrics with curing salt

1

Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker (Black)

$97

$150

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Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker (Black)

$97

$150

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