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Epicurus.com - Meco Model 5030 Electric Grill and Combination Water Smoker
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List Price: $149.55
Our Price: $166.95
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Meco
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Average Customer Rating:   
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Binding: Lawn & Patio
Brand: Meco Grills
Color: Satin Black
EAN: 0042952049461
Feature: Electric Water Smoker
Label: Meco
Manufacturer: Meco
Model: 5030-4-181
Publisher: Meco
Studio: Meco
Variation Description: Satin Black
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Features
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Electric Water Smoker
1650 Watt Heating Element
Removable Thermostat
Heat Resistant Wood side and Hood Handles
351 Square Inches of Cooking Surface
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Editorial Reviews:
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This Meco Smoker is for outdoor use only! -351 square inches of usable cooking surface -cooking grids are 15 inches in diameter -Two nickel-plated cooking grids with handles for two-level cooking -Porcelain, 5-1/2 quart water pan -Sliding access doors for checking and adding to the water levels. -120 volts, 1650 watts -height of grill with lid on is 30 inches
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Don't even think about charcoal
Comment: I'm someone who's tried both charcoal and electric and I can tell you without a doubt that electric is better and this product in particular is waaay better. I had previously bought a Brinkmann for probably more money that lasted only one season. By the winter it was already burned through the metal.
I too resisted the idea that electric would give as good of a smoking experience. Boy was I going to a lot of trouble for nothing using charcoal. The briquettes would only last about 5 hours and die away. They couldn't get enough oxygen due to the poor design of the Brinkmann. Nuf said. The temperature gauge only lasted a few times as well.
The electric smoker is so much more convenient, consistent, and powerful than a charcoal one it's stupid (not to get it). I have never been happier. My Meco is made out of good materials that are not rusting. I don't honestly have much complaint. Meats come out so much better because of the temperature consistency and the fact that I can leave it on for days if need be. No more tending the charcoal and starting new briquettes.
Oh and as far as the smoking? The wood smokes up just fine with the electric element, you just put some good size wood chunks and they magically turn into a white powder when it's all said and done.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Not well built
Comment: This smoker creates some terrific Bar B Q, but the construction of this smoker is disappointing. After two years of use, we have to replace it. The metal lid warped the first time it was used, which means the lid and body don't fit together well. The biggest problem, though, is that the electric control is flimsy and must be jiggled constantly or it stops cooking. This smoker was recommended by Cook's Magazine, and while the food is terrific, poor construction means that after only two years of infrequent use, we have to replace it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Performance at a Good Price
Comment: First let me say that I am not a cook, But I have gotten nothing but rave reviews on the BBQ briskets and chicken that I have done on this great little smoker. An eight pound brisket fits quite well on the top shelf, while a chicken and some links snuggle on the bottom shelf. I followed the cooking times given in the Meco instruction sheet for all items, and the results are Great! Both mesquite and hickory have yielded excellent flavors. We can't wait to try some other fruitwoods and rubs.
Given the price of this smoker, I find the quality to be right on. I can, and have, recommended this water smoker to friends and family. It is well made, Very easy to use and very easy to clean up (both grates and the water pan clean up well on the pots-n-pans setting on our dishwasher).
If you are looking for a good, easy-to-use home smoker, look no further ... You've Found It in the Meco.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Quality control stinks
Comment: The first shipment arrived missing the heating element. The replacement arrived with a damaged bowl. Fortunately I had not yet returned the first one so I managed to cobble one together by combining parts. Assembling was not too bad, given that the manual did not have step by step pictures but only a picture of the overall assembly.
I really can't comment on the smoker's performance yet as I have only used it once. At least it didn't blow a fuse and given the poor quality control exhibited I had my doubts about that.
I will probably keep it unless it fails to perform correctly but I cannot recommend anyone purchase it given the quality control issues.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Smoker, Just Doesn't Hold Up
Comment: I have had 2 of these smokers within the past 2.5 years. On both units, the adjustable power source broke within 1.5 years of purchase. On the first unit, the heating element that attaches to the power source was also ruined.
The warrantee was 12 months from the date of purchase, and no luck with the manufacturer after that period (I called). 50 dollars to replace the broken parts. I bought another unit instead, just 13 months after that, the adjustable power source has broken again. This unit was kept under a cover, indoors, when not in use.
I love the ease of use of this smoker, and the final product it produces, it just doesn't hold up.
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