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Choosing an electric smoker involves balancing cabinet capacity, temperature regulation, and how wood smoke is maintained over long cooking sessions. Backyard cooks must choose between the convenience of digital control panels that monitor heat electronically and straightforward analog dials that deliver steady element warmth. Cabinet size also shapes your outdoor setup: a compact thirty-inch vertical cabinet fits easily on smaller patios, while a forty-inch cabinet provides the clearance needed for uncut rib racks and holiday turkeys. Evaluating rack layout and fuel loading helps you build a dependable setup.
The Masterbuilt catalog is organized into clear categories based on cabinet dimensions, heat controls, and dedicated accessories. Core offerings center on thirty-inch and forty-inch vertical cabinets available with digital control boards or analog dials. The brand also supplies tailored weather covers, cold smoker attachments for low-temperature curing, and replacement temperature hardware. This masterbuilt smoker comparison details how each model functions so you can select the right configuration for your cooking routine.
Masterbuilt Electric Smokers Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Cooking Space | Control Type | Key Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ | 711 sq in | Digital up to 275°F | Side wood chip loader |
| Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ | 970 sq in | Digital up to 275°F | Leg kit and air damper |
| Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker | 535 sq in | Analog dial up to 275°F | Internal wood chip tray |
| Masterbuilt 40-inch Vertical BBQ Smoker Weather-Resistant | Fits 40-inch cabinets | Protective cover | Polyurethane-coated polyester |
| 2-Pack Meat Probe for Masterbuilt 710 | Dual immersion probes | Digital / WiFi | Stainless steel with clips |
| Masterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker Accessory | 10″ x 10″ x 18″ attachment | Push-button element | 6 hours continuous smoke |
The Models in Detail
Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ FOUR chrome coated smoking racks included
Check price on Amazon 4.3 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers
Best for: Everyday backyard smoking for standard families
Pros
- Side wood chip loader
- Digital time and temperature control
- Four chrome-coated racks
- Removable rear grease tray
Cons
- Width limits uncut briskets
- Requires outdoor electrical outlet
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ, model MB20071117, is the brand’s primary digital smoker for standard households. Running on corded electric power, it delivers 711 square inches of cooking space across four chrome-coated racks. The digital control panel lets you power the unit on and off while setting cooking time and temperature up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring consistent heat without manual burner adjustments.
This masterbuilt 30 inch digital smoker features a patented side wood chip loader that lets you add wood chips without opening the door, preserving internal heat and moisture. A removable water bowl adds humidity to keep meats juicy, while a removable rear grease tray collects food drippings for easy cleaning. The listing notes that the interior holds up to six chickens, two turkeys, four pork butts, or four racks of ribs.
For cooks considering a masterbuilt 30 inch electric smoker, this unit offers an effective balance of digital automation and compact patio sizing. It suits everyday family meals and weekend chicken or pork smoking. However, cooks who regularly prepare uncut rib slabs or whole briskets may find the thirty-inch width snug, making forty-inch models a more spacious option.
Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
Check price on Amazon 4.0 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers
Best for: Large family gatherings and crowd cooking
Pros
- Spacious 970 square inch capacity
- Elevated leg kit included
- Adjustable air damper control
- Door viewing window
Cons
- Larger patio footprint
- Heavier unit to move
The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ, model MB20070122, provides high-volume capacity for large cookouts and holiday feasts. Offering 970 square inches of cooking space across four chrome-coated racks, this cabinet accommodates up to sixteen chickens, four turkeys, eight pork butts, or eight racks of ribs. An included leg kit lifts the smoker to an ergonomic height, reducing bending when checking on food.
Operated by a digital control board, this masterbuilt 40 inch digital smoker manages cooking time and temperatures up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. It includes the patented side woodchip loader to add wood flavor without opening the door, along with an adjustable air damper for smoke management. A front door window allows visual checks without losing heat, while a removable water bowl and rear grease tray handle drippings.
As a heavy-capacity masterbuilt vertical smoker, this model suits pitmasters who cook for crowds or smoke full brisket packers flat. The extra width easily fits long cuts that thirty-inch racks cannot take. However, the larger frame requires more patio space and seasonal storage clearance, making it less practical for small balconies or tight deck setups.
Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker THREE chrome coated smoking racks included
Check price on Amazon 4.5 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers
Best for: Cooks seeking simple rotary dial operation
Pros
- Simple analog temperature dial
- Three removable chrome racks
- Removable rear grease tray
Cons
- Door must open to reload chips
- Smaller 535 square inch capacity
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker, model MB20070210, emphasizes mechanical simplicity over electronic programming. This masterbuilt analog electric smoker features an analog temperature control dial calibrated up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside, three chrome-coated smoking racks provide 535 square inches of cooking space, holding up to three chickens, two turkeys, three pork butts, or three racks of ribs.
Inside the cabinet, a removable wood chip tray sits directly over the heating element for adding smoke flavor, while an internal removable water bowl sustains cooking moisture. A removable rear grease tray catches drippings to streamline maintenance. Without digital display boards to manage, operation requires only plugging in the cord, turning the rotary dial to your target heat, and monitoring cooking progress.
Shoppers comparing this unit to a charbroil electric smoker will appreciate its straightforward rotary controls. It is well-suited for cooks who prefer manual dials without complex electronic menus. The trade-off is that reloading wood chips requires opening the main door, venting heat. Cooks wanting external chip loading or digital countdown timers should step up to a digital Masterbuilt model.
Masterbuilt 40-inch Vertical BBQ Smoker Weather-Resistant HEAVY-DUTY DURABILITY – Get dependable protection cook after cook with
Check price on Amazon 4.3 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers
Best for: Year-round weather protection for 40-inch smokers
Pros
- Polyurethane-coated polyester fabric
- Resists fading and cold cracking
- Fitted vertical smoker profile
- Integrated tool holder
Cons
- Fits 40-inch models only
- Must cool before covering
Protecting an outdoor smoker from rain and sunlight preserves its finish and internal heating components. The Masterbuilt 40-inch Vertical BBQ Smoker Weather-Resistant cover, model MB20080210, fits all Masterbuilt forty-inch vertical smokers. Made from heavyweight polyester with a polyurethane coating, this masterbuilt smoker cover 40 inch protects your setup from rain, sun exposure, sleet, snow, and changing outdoor conditions throughout every season.
Measuring 24.6 inches wide, 16.9 inches deep, and 38.6 inches high, the cover is fitted to the tall profile of forty-inch cabinets. The material is designed to resist sun fading and cold cracking during harsh winters, and includes a built-in tool holder for barbecue implements. For owners storing their forty-inch smoker outdoors, this tailored cover prevents weather-related wear between cooking sessions.
2-Pack Meat Probe for Masterbuilt 710 Applicable with Masterbuilt 710 Electric Smoker Grills
Check price on Amazon 4.2 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers
Best for: Masterbuilt 710 owners needing replacement probes
Pros
- Dual stainless steel probes
- High heat resistance up to 1000C
- Includes probe clips and silicone sleeves
- Waterproof and easy to clean
Cons
- Compatible only with Masterbuilt 710
- Third-party manufactured accessory
Monitoring internal food temperatures is necessary for safe, juicy barbecue results. The 2-Pack Meat Probe for Masterbuilt 710 is a third-party accessory from Banbitebq made specifically for the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Electric Smoker Grill, matching part number 551315. The set includes two 3.5 mm waterproof stainless steel probes, two grill grate clips, two rubber grommets, and heat-resistant colored silicone sleeves.
With an immersion depth of four inches and an upper temperature rating up to 1000 degrees Celsius, this meat probe for masterbuilt 710 connects to the smoker’s digital and WiFi monitoring system. It provides real-time meat temperature tracking for multiple cuts simultaneously. Note that these probes work only with the Masterbuilt 710 model and do not fit Gravity Series, AutoIgnite 545, Pit Boss, or Traeger units.
Masterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker Accessory Ideal for smoking cheese, fish, bacon, and jerky
Check price on Amazon 4.6 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers
Best for: Cold smoking cheese fish and jerky
Pros
- Up to six hours continuous smoke
- Push-button automated heating element
- Removable ash tray for easy cleanup
Cons
- Not compatible with analog smokers
- Adds external footprint to cabinet
While vertical electric smokers excel at standard hot smoking, delicate foods require smoke without high chamber heat. The Masterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker Accessory, model MB20100112, attaches to the side of Masterbuilt digital electric vertical smokers. Measuring 10 inches by 10 inches by 18 inches, this masterbuilt cold smoker attachment features a push-button heating element that ignites wood chips automatically.
This attachment features a continuous wood feed system that delivers up to six hours of smoke without reloading. It allows cold smoking for cheese, fish, bacon, and jerky, or continuous smoke during hot smoking up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. A removable ash tray simplifies ash disposal. Because it requires a side loader port, it works with digital models but cannot attach to analog smokers.
Matching a Model to Your Setup
- For everyday family meals on a standard patio, the Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ provides automated digital temperature control, four-rack capacity, and convenient external wood loading.
- For hosting large backyard gatherings or smoking uncut rib slabs, the Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ provides 970 square inches of cooking space, an elevated leg kit, and a viewing window.
- For cooks who prefer simple rotary dials without digital menus or electronics, the Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker offers dependable analog temperature management.
- For protecting forty-inch vertical cabinets stored outdoors year-round, the Masterbuilt 40-inch Vertical BBQ Smoker Weather-Resistant cover prevents water damage, sun fading, and winter cracking.
- For Masterbuilt 710 owners tracking core food doneness via digital or WiFi readouts, the 2-Pack Meat Probe for Masterbuilt 710 delivers dual-probe internal temperature monitoring.
- For curing bacon or smoking cheeses and fish at low temperatures, the Masterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker Accessory supplies up to six hours of continuous wood smoke.
Before You Buy
Before deciding which masterbuilt smoker to buy, review your outdoor power setup and fuel choices. All Masterbuilt electric smokers require a grounded outdoor electrical outlet to run their heating elements. Long or light-gauge extension cords can cause voltage drops that prevent the smoker from reaching its maximum 275-degree Fahrenheit temperature in cold weather. Furthermore, these units are engineered for standard hardwood chips; the listings do not specify using wood pellets or large chunks, which burn differently and may cause erratic heat in electric trays.
Buyers should also verify included components and accessory compatibility before purchasing. While base smokers include racks, water bowls, and grease trays, the listings do not specify included meat probes with the standard digital or analog cabinets. Additionally, accessory compatibility is strictly divided: the cold smoker attachment requires the side loader port found on digital models, and the Banbitebq meat probes function exclusively with the Masterbuilt 710. Confirming model numbers ensures every accessory fits your setup properly.
FAQ
What is the difference between Masterbuilt digital and analog electric smokers?
Masterbuilt digital smokers feature digital control boards to set cooking times and temperatures up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, alongside an exterior side wood chip loader. Masterbuilt analog smokers use a rotary temperature dial and an internal wood chip tray, offering mechanical operation without digital timer programming.
Can you use wood pellets in a Masterbuilt electric smoker?
The manufacturer listings specify standard wood chips for these models. Wood pellets are formulated for specialized pellet augers and fire pots; using them in electric wood chip trays can cause uneven combustion or excessive ash. Following manufacturer guidelines ensures consistent smoke and reliable operation.
Does the Masterbuilt cold smoker attachment work with analog smokers?
No, the Masterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker Accessory is designed exclusively for Masterbuilt digital electric smokers with an external side loader port. Because analog models use an internal wood chip tray and lack the mounting port, this accessory cannot be attached to analog units.
Which Masterbuilt smoker should you buy for whole briskets or large gatherings?
The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ is the best option for whole briskets and large crowds. Its 970 square inches of cooking space and wider racks fit full briskets flat, accommodating up to 16 chickens, 4 turkeys, or 8 racks of ribs.
How do you monitor internal meat temperatures with these smokers?
Standard Masterbuilt digital and analog smokers monitor cabinet air temperature rather than internal food doneness. Cooks can use standalone digital meat thermometers, or use compatible probe sets like the 2-pack meat probes for Masterbuilt 710 WiFi smokers to track internal temperatures directly on the control panel.