A Masterbuilt electric smoker is one of the things I have on my wish list. This was reason enough to have a good look at them and write some Masterbuilt electric smoker reviews.
There are several models to choose from. First, there are two sizes. The 30 inches and the 30 inches. The 30-inch has 3 models and the 40-inch comes in 2 models.
To make it a little easier I made a table with all features on it. I used random pictures from Masterbuilt for the real pictures look at the reviews
Master built electric smoker 30 and 40 inch
| Features/Model | Masterbuilt - Top Controller/Window model  | Masterbuilt - Digital/No Window model  | Masterbuilt - Front Controller/Window model  |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Inch | yes | yes | yes |
| 40 Inch | yes | N/A | yes |
| Watts 30 inch | 800 | 800 | 800 |
| Watts 40 Inch | 1200 | N/A | 1200 |
| Cooking Surface 30 inch | 730 | 730 | 730 |
| Cooking Surface 40 inch | 975 | N/A | 975 |
| Racks 30 and 40 inch | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Thermostat 30 inch | 100-275 degrees | 100-275 degrees | 100-275 degrees |
| Extra's | N/A | Remote control and meat thermometer. |
Masterbuilt 30 Electric Smoker
As I mentioned there are 3 models of the Masterbuilt 30-inch electric smoker.
- Top controller with a window and remote controller
Masterbuilt 20070411 - Digital with a controller on top at the back
Masterbuilt 20070910 - Digital with a controller at the top on the front
Masterbuilt 20078715
All three have the same basic features and each model has some extras.
- 730 sq feet of cooking space
- 800 Watt heating element
- 4 Racks
Thermostat range from 100 – 275 degrees
Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker
As I mentioned there are 2 models of the Masterbuilt 40-inch electric smoker.
- Top controller with a window and remote controller
Masterbuilt 20070311 - Digital with a controller at the top on the front
Masterbuilt 20078715
Both have the same basic features and each model has some extras.
- 730 sq feet of cooking space
- 800 Watt heating element
- 4 Racks
Thermostat range from 100 – 275 degrees
FAQ For The Masterbuilt Electric Smokers
Some frequent questions I found and had myself.
Q: Can you change out the heating element
A: Yes, There are Masterbuilt parts for all models
Q: Are the smokers insulated
A: Yes, about 3/4 inch and probably foam
Q: Window or no window
A: The window seems to give some temperature loss and the smoke makes them a little useless
Q: How long is the cord
A: About 6 feet
Masterbuilt average ratings
I spent some time online to find out how happy people are with their Masterbuilt electric smokers and here are some numbers. On one of the largest consumer websites, I found over 3800 reviews.
- 5 stars – 67%
- 4 stars – 15&
- 3 stars – 5%
- 2 stars – 4&
- 1 star – 9%
I always like to have a look at the low ratings to see if they have things in common.
Many of them had problems with the electronics and keeping the unit going.
Seems that in those cases they tried to change the setting while the smoker was working and that screwed it up.
Unplugging looks like the only solution for this.
When I started looking at their more recent reviews I found fewer problems. Still, a good warning is to start using the smoker as soon as you receive the unit since the warranty is only 90 days.
I will dig deeper into the pros and cons of the Masterbuilt electric smokers in the individual reviews of the Masterbuilt 30 and the Masterbuilt 40.
For more models, you can have a look at our electric smoker review page
Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smokers – My Opinion
As I mentioned earlier I have had meat that was smoked in the Masterbuilt and it tasted fine. I did not miss the smoked wood flavor at all.
The electric smokers perform very well and with the easy setup, I think I would like to have one myself sooner or later.
With no charcoal or pellet to feed you can have very long cooking sessions without having to monitor it.
Some models have the option to add woodchips and that will improve the overall taste in my opinion.
Compared to the pellet grills I reviewed I do not read a lot of complaints about temperature fluctuations. The reason is probably that there are no moving parts involved.
Overall I think this smoker is perfect for people who do not like to mess with charcoal or propane.
Just remember to use the right outlet and that it is properly grounded.
The fact that you can choose between the 30 and 40-inch models means you can pick the one that fits your family the best.
Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken has run his own full-service restaurant for many years. Before that, he worked as a grill and buffet cook in some of the mainstream restaurants. With his experience using professional kitchen equipment, he is able to write expert reviews. You can read more about Eddie van Aken here.