Masterbuilt electric as a holding cabinet

phil c · Posted: Aug 11 2013 Post subject: Masterbuilt electric as a holding cabinet

I'm considering buying a 40 in masterbuilt electric "smoker" for use as a holding/proofing cabinet.I have a couple of Cambros but they have their limitations. I'm pretty sure the inside dimensions will allow me to use chafing pans inside. and I like being able to set the temp.
Has anyone used one of these for that purpose? Goods, Bads?
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Don Baer · Joined: 30 Jun 2013 Posts: 19

Phil,
I know a coupla guys using em for their primary smoker and the only complaint they had was the temp control was tough to get a handle on. Kinda hit and miss. That said one of em came up with a slick design for a PID and that seems to have solved the problem. Let me know if you want info on the PID.

Don Baer · Joined: 30 Jun 2013 Posts: 19

I stand corrected they did not have the 40 they has the cheaper version. I see that the 40 has a built in controller.

Smoldering Coals · Posted: Aug 12 2013 Post subject:

Mine worked great till it got stolen.

Bedlam BBQ · Posted: Aug 13 2013 Post subject:

I have the 2nd generation of the 40's -- the 1st generation had the control display on the top towards the back. It gets in the way when you want to set a rack on top of the smoker. The 2nd generation has the control display towards the front and it is recessed down -- so it won't block the top to set a rack there.

But I had issues with mine when I first got it last December. After contacting Masterbuilt, I later found out they had a production hold as they worked out some production issues -- the insulation they sprayed into the frame was shrinking back and exposing the wiring, causing the controls to stop working (this was the issue I had). After a couple of months, I finally got notifed from Masterbuilt they were shipping me another unit (minus the door and the inside racks -- I was supposed to transfer these things from my first unit). I had to cut the power cord and one of the data plates off the back and send back to Masterbuilt when I started the warranty replacement process. The new unit arrived but it had an issue with the leveling screw - it would not come out in order to put the side piece on. I had to cut the power cord and data plate off this unit and just send a pic in showing that I had done that. They finally shipped out another complete unit. I've done 3-4 cooks on it and so far I have not had any issues. My dad, brother and friend all have the 1st generation of the 40 and they have had no problems at all. I would not recommend the 30 as it is way too small. I'm able to fit a whole disposable pan in the 40 if I bend the ends up in order to fit -- otherwise it is just a tad too narrow.
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