Founded in 1973, Masterbuilt produces a variety of affordable models designed to work with charcoal, propane, pellets, wood chips and electricity to enhance the flavor and texture of your smoked dishes. The best Masterbuilt smoker is a reliable, high-quality product with reasonable pricing which fits a wide range of budgets and lasts for ages if you maintain it properly, of course.
Factor in the cooking area and space capacity to estimate the number and amount of dishes you can prepare simultaneously. The next important thing you should consider before making your decision is the number of grates which will allow you to shorten the overall cooking time by making several dishes at once, as well as the type of their coating which facilitates efficient heat distribution and prevents the smoked meat from sticking to the grates. Other key factors include the dimensions and weight of the unit for storage and portability purposes. Based on these, we compiled a list of the 7 best Masterbuilt smokers and the Masterbuilt MB20071117 is our top pick.
Extra features: patented side wood chip loading system
Not only does Masterbuilt MES 130B Digital Electric Smoker come with a wide range of features, but it also has a user-friendly digital control panel which suits both newbies and professional chefs.
The ample cooking area accommodates up to six chickens, two turkeys, four racks of ribs or four pork butts and the four chrome-plated grates can be adjusted to fit in larger pieces of meat.
Convenient features include an overflow grease tray on the rear of the unit, wood chips which are loaded or emptied from the right side (eliminating the need to open the main chamber), a water bowl and a removable drip pan.
The smoker features a double-walled construction fully-insulated with foam to retain heat for even, consistent cooking. Heat is regulated by the top air damper, which controls the amount of smoke. To further assist you with that, the integrated thermostat displays the current temperature on the accessible digital panel at the top of the unit. This panel also features on/off digital controls and displays time.
The wheels, adjustable screw legs with boots for leveling and a rear handle improve portability while the ability for remote control makes this the best Masterbuilt electric smoker you can get with advanced features that are easy to operate. The unit comes with an instructional manual.
Extra features: max. temperature 275F, digital control panel, chrome-coated racks
The Masterbuilt MB20070421 is one of the best investments any food enthusiast or professional cook can make. It offers top value for money with its top quality construction and high-end performance. The electric smoker boasts a clean black design that can go well with any kitchen décor, in case you want it indoors. It would also look pretty great on your patio if you love outdoor cooking.
Looks aside, the Masterbuilt MB20070421 is quite the beast in terms of performance. For starter, it has ample smoking space of about 711 sq.in. You can squeeze in different types of foods and cook in one go to feed your whole family. The unit comes with four chrome-coated racks that allow you to have four different cooking sections. Cleaning and maintenance of the racks is a breeze, thanks to the chrome coating.
Controlling the smoker is child’s play. It features a digital panel control which is pretty straightforward to use. The panel allows you to switch the smoker on/off as well as control the temperature and cooking time.
The most distinguishing feature of the Masterbuilt MB20070421 is the patented side wood chip loader that allows you to experiment with your food’s flavor without opening the smoker’s door. What’s more, with the thermostat-temperature control you are guaranteed even, consistent smoking for all types of food.
Extra features: thermostat temperature control, removable wood chip tray, 1800W, fits up to 4 chickens, 2 turkeys, 2 racks or ribs, or 2 pork butts
The Masterbuilt MB20077618 is an analog electric smoker with two smoking racks and easy use. It’s the most affordable option on our list but does not skimp on quality while offering a low price. This smoker features a smoking space of 354 square-inch and is powered with electricity and charcoal. With its durable stainless-steel construction and chrome-coated smoking racks, you can enjoy cooking your food.
If you’re looking for a Masterbuilt smoker with extensive temperature control, the MB20077618 is the best-suited option. It features an 1800-watt heating element and thermostat temperature control for even and consistent smoking. The temperature control dial is sleek and easy to operate. This budget-friendly Masterbuilt smoker is also designed with a removable wood chip tray and water bowl for adding moisture and flavor to your food.
Extra features: front-access door; built-in lid thermometer
Charcoal smokers can use wood pellets or wood chips to provide restaurant-level tastes and aromas.
One advantage that charcoal smokers have over even the best Masterbuilt electric smokers is the distinctive authentic smoky flavor which has made smokers a popular staple in American households.
In addition to wood chips, Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Bullet Smoker diversifies your palate with wood pellets which enable you to customize this flavor. You can add a personal touch to the dishes prepared on the 395.4 square inches of cooking space which can fit 10 to 15 pounds of meat.
The portable unit, weighing only 15.3 pounds, features a thermometer integrated in the lid to provide accurate readings and a charcoal pan and water bowl coated with porcelain to withstand high temperature and resist abrasion and corrosion. The two smoking grates are also coated with this durable material which prevents deterioration from natural elements. This makes this smoker ideal for backyard cooking, tailgating, and camping trips.
Refilling charcoal is convenient owing to the front access door, but the location of the water pan makes it more difficult to add water. Buyers have also reported internal fluctuation of temperature.
This cost-effective smoker is ideal for beginners, average-size families, campers, and travelers who would like to enjoy their favorite smoked meals on the go.
Extra features: LED display; app control
What makes this model the best Masterbuilt electric smoker is the spacious cooking area, chrome-plated cooking grates, digital control panel with a handy LED display, app-connectivity, and convenient access to the drip pan and the wood chip loading system.
The model’s cooking area is a whopping 711 square inches. Together with four adjustable racks, it can smoke beef, chicken, hams, and vegetables in one go.
The built-in thermostat maintains cooking temperature ranging from 100 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and the intuitive LED display is legible enough to view the time and temperature for thorough cooking, even in glaring sunlight.
Steady temperature is maintained by loading wood chips from the side of the smoker because you don’t have to open the main chamber, which may let heat escape. The drip pan is conveniently located at the bottom of the front side where all the excess grease drains through a hole into the grease pot underneath.
We like the set-it-and-forget-it nature of this smoker, which is easy to assemble and operate, as well as the availability of replacement and spare parts on the manufacturer’s website.
Extra features: temperature ranges from 250-550°F, SteadyTemp dial, QuickCollapse cart
The Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart is rated among the best Masterbuilt smokers. It comes with a chrome-coated grate and a stainless-steel burner which produces enough heat to smoke four chickens, one turkey, two racks of ribs, or two pork butts.
This is a compact unit with enough features to prepare a variety of meals for a small family. Its low weight together with the folded legs increases its portability and has made it popular for camping and RVs.
The built-in temperature gauge helps you to maintain consistent heat while the regulation knob adjusts the flame to your preferred temperature once you have ignited the smoker with the push button.
This propane unit is easy to assemble and operate, and the removable pan and tray make it easy to add water and wood chips, respectively. You may, however, need to refill regularly because of the small size of the water pan and wood tray.
The manufacturer recommends using the smoker with the one-pound gas cylinder or getting an adapter hose to use with a regular propane tank (20-pound) which has a protective collar.
Extra features: built-in temperature gauge; push-button ignition
Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp XL Propane Smoker is one of the more affordable units with a generous cooking area which is large enough to smoke up to 16 chickens, 6 turkeys, 8 pork butts, or 8 racks of ribs. The four chrome-coated smoking grates can be adjusted or removed to accommodate larger meals.
The smoker is equipped with a stainless-steel burner with a high heat output, push-button ignition, and a built-in temperature gauge adjusted with a knob which provides consistent heat and a steady supply of smoke to prevent undercooking or overcooking food. An adjustable sliding vent on the rear of this unit regulates the amount of moisture and smoke for optimal cooking conditions.
We like the inclusion of the water pan as it allows you to add some moisture and flavor to customize your cooking experience.
The manual advises against using pellets or converting this smoker to natural gas. You will also have to acquire a gas tank separately.
One weakness of this model is that it can come with scratches on top.
In this guide, we will look at the benefits of owning a Masterbuilt smoker and the key features to consider before making a purchase. The FAQ segment provides greater insight into smoker covers and the most economical types of smokers to run.
The following features will help you to identify the right smoker, which will provide you with maximum return on your investment.
There are four main types of smokers: electric, charcoal, gas, and pellet. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Electric models are both eco- and user-friendly, only requiring you to plug the unit in and set your preferred temperature. However, they require an electric outlet and are the least effective type in achieving the original, smoky flavor.
Pellet smokers are equipped with digital thermostats and meat probes and powered by electricity. They automatically feed the flame with wood pellets which come in various flavors to generate heat and personalize the taste. They are also costlier than other options.
Charcoal and wood smokers like the Masterbuilt Charcoal Bullet Smoker are typically the most affordable type of smokers. They provide the most authentic smoky flavor and the best crusty texture but require more effort and attention than the other types.
Gas smokers work with natural gas or propane used by the Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp XL Propane Smoker to achieve the highest heat output, which is ideal for searing. They also feature push-button ignition and temperature gauges, which are convenient to operate.
This is the cooking surface which may range from 250 to 2,000 square inches depending on the model.
Manufacturers usually specify the size of the cooking area in square inches, and may even indicate the food capacity for one smoking session. For instance, the Masterbuilt MES 130B allows you to smoke two turkeys, four racks of ribs or four pork butts in one go whereas the Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp XL Propane Smoker has a capacity for eight chickens, two turkeys, four racks of ribs or four pork butts.
The ideal capacity will be determined by your available space, the amount of food you intend to prepare and the number of people you are feeding. One pound of meat per person is the generally accepted guideline.
The best Masterbuilt electric smoker comes with multiple grates which allow simultaneous preparation of several types of dishes. These adjustable grates can be removed or adjusted to fit in larger pieces of food and expand the cooking space. A model that embodies this is the Masterbuilt MB20070421 which features four grates you can adjust to extend the 711 square inches of cooking area.
Grates are mostly made of steel and cast iron which is then coated with porcelain or chrome-plated.
Chrome is a non-reactive and non-porous material which does not impart or transfer flavor when smoking different types of dishes and is effective at heat distribution.
Porcelain, found in the Masterbuilt Charcoal Bullet Smoker, is the most common material used to coat grates because it is durable and can withstand high temperature. It is also non-sticky, easy to clean, and resistant to rust, corrosion, and natural elements. However, it is prone to chips and cracks, so avoid abrasive cleaning material.
Masterbuilt smokers are available in a variety of sizes and weights which give you more options to customize your choice to your preferred volume and variety of smoked meals, and fit in the space you have designated for set up and storage of the unit.
Remember to leave enough clearance around the smoker to prevent obstruction of air circulation.
The size and weight of the smoker mainly depend on the construction material (e.g., steel), thick insulated walls, and the size of the cooking area and cooking space.
If you intend to smoke food for a small family or to take the unit with you on road trips or to campsites, consider a compact and lightweight model such as the Masterbuilt Charcoal Bullet Smoker which has a portable weight of 15.3 pounds and dimensions of 19.1 x 21.6 x 31.5 inches.
All the smokers we have recommended in this review weigh less than 60 pounds and feature compact space-saving designs with a small footprint which fits in small spaces.
In-built thermometer: Although this feature is commonly found in electric and pellet models, all our reviewed smokers come with an integrated thermometer which maintains consistent heat for even cooking. The Masterbuilt Charcoal Bullet Smoker has a built-in thermometer integrated into the lid. A meat probe can be bought separately to monitor the internal temperature of the meat.
Temperature control panels: These digital push-button controls allow you to adjust the cooking temperature and smoking time. Consider a smoker with a wide range of temperature or the high heat output of propane models like the Masterbuilt MB20070924 for various cooking methods.
Ease of use: Look for a smoker with accessible and removable water pan, wood tray, and drip pan which are convenient to refill or empty.
Heat distribution: To regulate the amount of heat and limit fluctuations, opt for well-insulated steel construction which retains heat, doors that close tightly, unobstructed air vents which can be sealed shut, and efficient replenishment of fuel and water with minimal heat loss.
Portability: Models such as the Masterbuilt MES 130B are equipped with handles, wheels, and adjustable legs to improve mobility, maneuverability, and storage.
Warranty: Research the warranty, brand reputation, customer support, and availability of parts and compatible accessories for an informed decision.
We consider the Masterbuilt MES 130B the best Masterbuilt electric smoker because it can hold its own among costlier high-end models. The impressive model allows for remote operation and maintains steady heat and smoke for consistent cooking. Optimal smoking temperature is accomplished by using well-insulated double walls which prevent heat loss, as well as an integrated thermostat and digital panel which monitor time and temperature.
The Masterbuilt MB20070421 is our second favorite option because it is one of the few smokers that come close to our first pick in terms of build quality and performance. The electric smoker is incredibly easy to use and has enough space to cook different foods to feed a crowd.
Our third pick is the Masterbuilt MB20077618, which is one of the most affordable Masterbuilt smokers. Its notable features include two grates for up to four chickens and a removable wood chip tray for flavorful cooking.
We hope you’ll find your perfect smoker in our compilation of the best Masterbuilt smokers.
