Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Brand Review

Why Choose Masterbuilt?

In production for over 45 years, the Masterbuilt company is dedicated to excellence, forming lasting friendships with their customers and being innovators in their market. It is this type of dedication that shows in all of their products. Masterbuilt smokers are among the most popular because of their durability, customer service, and ease of use. The technology that they bring to the industry and their smokers shows in the finer details. You can see below some of these innovations and product enhancements that make Masterbuilt a smart choice.

Built-in Thermostats

Cooking temperatures are crucial to that perfect sear on your steak. Whether you want to produce a brisket with a smoke ring and love the slow and low method or want to char a pork chop for tonight’s dinner, you need a constant and precise temperature. Built-in thermostats do just that. While many built-in thermostats can be improved with a third-party add-on, the Masterbuilt thermostats are accurate and dependable without having to change.

Remote Control

If you don't have time to check on your smokers continuously, you can opt for a model with remote control. With a remote, you can set or change temperatures, adjust pellet feeding speed, or even turn the smokers on and off.

Bluetooth Technology

With Bluetooth technology, you can take even more control of your smokers. Bluetooth enabled smokers will update your smartphone with temperature changes, low-temp alerts, and other features depending on the abilities of the smoker. While some master grillers consider this “cheating,” unless you are in a competition, the only thing that matters is what ends up on your dinner table.

Patented Side Wood Chip Loading System

For those that like to infuse smoke flavoring with wood chips, Masterbuilt has a patented side-loading chip tray that allows you to add water and wood chips without having to open the main compartment. The side loader keeps the heat and smoke in the cooking chamber where it belongs even when you need to change or add more wood to the fire.

Digital LED Display

Easy-to-read displays help the chef when it comes to timers, temperatures, and taking the guesswork out of cooking. The Digital LED screens on some Masterbuilt models can display time, date, temperatures, timers. With Bluetooth models, you can even get the weather, ambient temperature, and other features to help your cooking time stay perfect.

Temperature Control Panels

The days are gone where you were required to guess how hot or cold your smoker was. Over adding wood and charcoal or turning up the propane flame can cause your meat to dry out. Not having enough, and you add hours to your cooking time. With easy-to-use temperature control panels, Masterbuilt has put full control in your hands in a user-friendly manner. No more guessing, no more hoping., Just perfect temperatures every time.

Versatile

Masterbuilt smokers aren’t just for smoking. You can braise, grill, roast, smoke, and dehydrate. With one of the most versatile smoker lineups on the market, you will find a Masterbuilt smoker that fits all of your needs (and probably a few you didn’t know you needed).

Double Walled Construction

Durability and reliability start with the build and craftsmanship of the smoker. Masterbuilt uses double-walled construction to help prevent warping, cracking, and damage due to high-heat exposure. The thicker walls also insulate the cooking chambers to help maintain an even temperature while keeping the smoke and heat inside where it belongs.

Budget-Friendly

Masterbuilt is made for the everyday cook, and their budget-friendly models prove they care about the working class. You don't have to save for months on end to be able to purchase a reliable smoker. Thanks to Masterbuilt, every budget has a smoker they can afford.

Masterbuilt Smokers Compared

Masterbuilt Smoker Types

When it comes to Masterbuilt smokers, there are four major types. Electric smokers are the easiest to use, along with propane smokers. Pellet smokers are the most popular while their portable models can go with you anywhere, regardless of location, time, or temperature. Here is a brief overview of the different Masterbuilt smoker types.

Electric Smoker

Electric smokers are by far the easiest smokers to use. These smokers come in analog and digital forms and use an electrical outlet for power. Tied to an outlet, the electric smoker isn’t portable and usually stays where it is first set up. Compared to a propane smoker, the electric type is slightly easier to use, though they produce less smoke than the other types, and the big trade-off comes in the lack of infused flavorings of the meats cooked.

Propane Smoker

Like an electric smoker, a propane gas (or natural gas) smoker is relatively simple to use. They do have a wide temperature range and can be controlled through remote control or Bluetooth (if equipped). Because propane is less expensive than electricity, they are better for more frequent uses and can be taken with you (depending on the size and number of propane tanks you have). There is a threat of running out of propane during cooking that can ruin the meal, though.

Pellet Smoker

Pellet smokers are, by far, the favorite among avid smokers and master grillers. Like charcoal grills, pellet smokers are allowed in competitions and produce the best flavoring of any smoker type. The trade-off is that you have a higher learning curve, and they are among the most difficult to use properly. Masterbuilt makes pellet smoking a bit easier with automatic augers, temperature control panels, and built-in thermometers.

Portable Smoker

Portable smokers are designed to be mobile, as you can tell from the name. They are smaller and usually less expensive than the other types listed here. However, you can put them in a trunk or truck bed and go tailgating, camping, or anywhere else you want to smoke some ribs. The downside is the lack of cooking space. Most smokers will allow you to have plenty of room for multiple types and cuts of meats, where portable models cut down on the square-inch cooking surface to aid in portability.

1. Masterbuilt MB20073519 MES 130P

Our top pick for the best Masterbuilt electric smoker goes to the MES 130P. This digital electric smoker will slow cook any cut of meat you can put inside it. It comes with four chrome racks for holding meats and a top burner for charring or quick-cooking.

The digital panel gives you full control over temperature, times, and power. If you want more, you can also pair the smoker through Bluetooth and get all the information, timers and make adjustments right from your living room. The patented side wood chip loader makes it quick and straightforward to add wood chip flavoring at any time, without opening the door. The stainless water bowl, wood chip tray and drip pan are easily cleaned with warm soap and water.

This smoker has over 700 square inches of cooking surface to accommodate any need you may have. We don’t recommend cooking chicken, though, as the temperature range may not get hot enough to cook thoroughly. The MES 130P is ideal for the beginner smoker, those looking for a second unit to increase cooking space and anyone that wants to dabble in the back yard barbecue game.

Overall, the MES 130P offers everyone a chance to be the BBQ king. However, it is not ideal for those needing a portable unit, requiring a standard, grounded outlet for power, it won’t be great for tailgating or camping.

2. Masterbuilt 44241G2 Smoke Hollow

The Smoke Hollow from Masterbuilt is the top of the range when it comes to propane smokers. You will find almost two of everything here, including access doors, burners, and grates. The dual burners can be heated to 345 degrees, which is hot enough to cook any type of meat. You also get grilling racks, bacon racks, drying racks, a sausage hanger, and a rib rack. With 6.5 cubic feet of cooking area, the adjustable shelves will accommodate just about anything you can put inside.

The bottom door gives you access to the water bowl and wood chip tray without releasing heat or smoke from the main cooking chamber. Even at 100 pounds, the Smoke Hollow is one of the most rugged, durable smokers available. The powder-coated steel is double-walled and can withstand most weather conditions.

If you want a quick-fire, easy to start smoker that will give you quality cooked meat time and again, this is the model for you. The Smoke Hollow has a double chip tray to last an entire cooking session without having to add more wood chips, and you can’t go wrong with one of the most accurate built-in thermometers we have seen. The Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow is ideal for those that want a portable unit to take camping or to sit around the back patio smoking a brisket.

3. Masterbuilt 20073716

If you are headed to the big game and want to set p shop for a great meal, your tailgate just got even better. The Masterbuilt electric portable smoker is perfect for those on the go. It can accommodate 280 square inches of food and heats up to 275 degrees (F) fast.

The legs are made of sturdy steel and still fold under for easy transportation. At only 22 pounds, you can take it just about anywhere (as long as you have a power supply). The turn dial temperature selector plugs into the side of the unit, so it doesn’t get in your way. Don’t expect to craft masterful smoke rings on briskets, or pull out delicate ribs. This unit isn’t designed for that. However, it will cook your meats to perfection and infuse them with some smoke flavoring.

You get two racks for food storage and a seal-tight door with a built-in thermometer. There isn’t a meat probe, so you will need to check manually, however, with near-instant heat, even opening the door won’t detract from your cooking times. While the best portable option isn’t designed for everyday use, proper care, maintenance, and storage will give you a reliable smoker for years to come.

4. Masterbuilt MB20070210 MES 35B

5. Masterbuilt 20075315

Ready to up your game from the best 30-inch Masterbuilt smoker? It’s time for the best 40-inch Masterbuilt smoker. Now you can cook on 975 square inches and increase your temperatures to 350 degrees (F).

The Masterbuilt 20075315 is arguably the most dependable, durable, and best-priced 40-inch smoker on the market. It also comes with a huge LED digital display with blue lighting so you can view it at night or in direct sun. You also have the ability to control the settings, temperatures, and power with an IR remote control.

Aside from the price, the best part is the construction. Heavy-duty powder-coated steel ensures your food stays engulfed in smoke and heat. You don’t have to wonder, either. With the full-view window pane door, you can watch as your meats turn that delicious golden-brown. The interior meat probe will keep your internal food temperatures perfect, so you know exactly when to remove.

The assembly can be a little rough, but the instructions are crystal clear, and if you take your time, you won’t need more than about an hour. Add another three hours for the initial burn-in and clean up, and you can start cooking for tonight's meal sooner than you think.

6. Masterbuilt 20051311 GS30D

Looking for the best value for the money? The Masterbuilt GS30D propane smoker is your answer. With over 700 square inches of cooking space, you won’t have any problem fitting any type of meat inside.

Because the unit is propane powered, you have a higher temperature range to cook anything you desire. Add in a grid mat, and you can smoke vegetables and fish, too. The four chrome cooking racks are adjustable, just like the air dampers and baffles that help you control the heat and smoke.

Assembly is straightforward, and the door comes with an inner seal. No need for gaskets here. Once you complete the pre-seasoning, you are good to go. Open the valve on your propane tank and push the ignite button. Simple, easy, and ready to add food in less than 15 minutes.

The access panels allow you to keep the water bowl and wood chip tray full without losing heat. The built-in temp gauge is accurate to within 10 degrees (F), so you won’t need to replace it right away with a third-party thermometer. The GS30D is even lightweight enough to take with you camping to the tailgate or neighborhood cookout. No matter where you are, you can cook like a pro without breaking the bank.

7. Masterbuilt 20050614

The best Masterbuilt propane smoker gives you over 2,000 square inches of cooking space. You won’t need any more space than that! You can fit anything inside here if you knock the hooves off first. With twin burners, the heat will arrive quickly and stay throughout the cooking process, no matter how hot you have it.

The easy access dual-door system Masterbuilt is famous for, comes into play here, too. Add water to the bowl, new wood chips on the hour, or check the drip tray without the cooking chamber looking heat or smoke.You can even take it with you! The easy pull handle and weight under 100 pounds mean you can take the propane smoker camping or to your mothers-in-law when you are ready to impress her.

The unit comes with three cooking racks and two hanging racks for bacon, sausage, or vertical ribs. You can even add a cover and a grid mat for storage or cooking fish. Finding the right temperature won’t be a challenge, either. With a range exceeding 400 degrees, you can sear your steak or put that final glaze on those ribs, all without doing more than turning a dial.

The thermometer should be changed during assembly but is accurate within 20 degrees if you haven’t found a better option by the time it arrives. The viewing window will help you know when the meat is ready, too.

8. Masterbuilt MB20250618

For those wanting the best flavor, easiest cooking, and lots of smoke, the best Masterbuilt pellet smoker is what you are after. Pellet smoking is an art form and takes a while to get the hang of it. With the Masterbuilt pellet smoker, your learning curve gets cut in half.

With over 720 square inches of vertical cooking space, the electric auger will keep the burner going with the precise application of wood pellets. The hopper will hold up to 8 pounds, which will provide enough fire for about 15 hours of cooking. There isn’t an automatic cleanout for the hopper, though, so you will need to ensure you get it thoroughly cleaned out (unplug it first!) before changing wood pellet flavors.

The electronic ignition means you can start the smoker and be adding food in less than 15 minutes. It also has the ability to infuse more smoke during the first hour and cook evenly for the duration to give your meats the ideal smoke ring and flavor possible. With the preset smoke and cook cycles, the guess-work is gone, and you can sit back and let the smoker do the work.

Comparison to Other Brands

When it comes to the major name brand smokers out there, Masterbuilt has created its own little niche that allows more people to own a reliable, durable smoker. There are top-tier brands such as Oklahoma Joe’s and Yoder. Masterbuilt Smokers can produce the same quality food, though they don’t quite compete with the construction, durability, and feature sets that these big brands have (and charge you for).

Pit Boss and Bradley smokers are more comparable in both price and features to Masterbuilt, though neither has the range of smoker types and prices that Masterbuilt offers. As far as being durable and the construction materials, Masterbuilt is on par or slightly better than these brands.

How to Setup & Use a Masterbuilt Smoker

When you get your smoker home, you will need to assemble it. Make sure you understand the instructions for assembly as each smoker is different. What is the same, though, is that you will need either gasket material or high-temp sealant.

If using a sealant, make sure that it is food-grade and that you place it around every part that gets assembled. The first time you use your Masterbuilt smoker, you will need to do an initial burn-in. In the industry, it is known as seasoning your grill (we also call it pre-seasoning). You will follow all instructions for cooking on your smoker, with the exception that there is no food.

The Masterbuilt owner’s manuals will have season instructions. Still, the basic idea is to do an initial burn to remove any excess oils and materials leftover from the manufacturing process. You will start with a low temp setting and let the smoker run for about two hours. From there, you will increase the temperature to a high setting and let the smoker cook for about 30 minutes.

Following the high-temp cycle, you will go through the cool down and shut down phases and let the smoker cool completely. A good cleaning of the smoker and it is then ready to cook real food. You can view this video from Masterbuilt to get a better idea of assembly and seasoning.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your smoker clean is vital to the flavors of your food and the longevity of the smoker. Cleaning is a straightforward process. You will want to remove all of the racks, trays, and bowls from the inside and wash them by hand with warm, soapy water.

For the smoker itself, Masterbuilt recommends you never use harsh chemicals and instead make a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. Using the mix and a soft sponge wipe the walls, rack holders, probes, and door and wipe clean.

Once all of the components and the inside of the smoker are clean, put it back together and store it in a covered, dry area. If you are unsure about the elements, you can purchase a smoker cover to help protect your investment. For more details, check out the cleaning and storage video from Masterbuilt.

People also Ask (FAQs)

How much electricity does a Masterbuilt smoker use?

How hot does a Masterbuilt smoker get?

Do you soak wood chips for Masterbuilt electric smoker?

How long do the wood chips last? How often should I add wood chips to my Masterbuilt electric smoker?

Can I use aluminum foil in an electric smoker?

Where is the best place to find Masterbuilt smoker manuals? Does it come with the product?

Where is the best place to buy Masterbuilt smoker replacement parts?

What does the Masterbuilt electric smoker app do?

What Masterbuilt smoker accessories do I need?

Conclusion

Masterbuilt has a long history of providing quality smokers at affordable prices. If the construction and durability aren’t enough to sway you, the customer service will be. Every customer is treated like family, and Masterbuilt strives to make each individual consumer feel like they belong.

Whether you decide to go electric, propane or pellet, your new Masterbuilt smoker will provide you astounding meals day-in and day-out for years to come. There is a reason Masterbuilt is a powerhouse name in the affordable smoker industry. Once you buy, you will see why.