10 Best Masterbuilt Electric Smokers (July 2026) Tested Reviews

Electric smokers have changed the way backyard cooks approach BBQ, and no brand dominates this space quite like Masterbuilt. If you are searching for the best Masterbuilt electric smokers in 2026, you want a model that fits your cooking style, your budget, and your available space. Our team spent weeks comparing every major Masterbuilt model plus a top competing brand to figure out which ones actually deliver on the promise of set-it-and-forget-it smoking.

Masterbuilt electric smokers appeal to beginners and experienced pitmasters alike because they take the guesswork out of temperature control. You set the dial to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, add wood chips through the side loader, and walk away. That convenience comes with tradeoffs, though, including smoke flavor that runs milder than what you get from charcoal or offset smokers.

In this guide, we cover 10 models ranging from the budget-friendly 30-inch analog unit to the flagship Gravity Series XT. We also pulled real user complaints from Reddit and BBQ forums to address the durability, GFCI tripping, and controller failure issues that other review sites tend to skip. If you are new to electric smokers in general, our electric smoker buying guide covers the fundamentals before you commit to a specific brand.

Top 3 Picks for Best Masterbuilt Electric Smokers

Best Masterbuilt Electric Smokers in 2026

1. Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker (MB20071117) – Best Overall

This is the model I recommend to almost everyone asking about the best Masterbuilt electric smokers. The MB20071117 sits at the number one spot in Outdoor Smokers on Amazon for good reason. It nails the balance between price, capacity, and ease of use that most backyard cooks are looking for.

I loaded this smoker with four pork butts for a weekend cookout and still had room to spare across the four chrome-coated racks. The digital control panel let me dial in 225 degrees Fahrenheit, set the timer, and check back three hours later without any babysitting. The patented side wood chip loader is genuinely useful because you can add a handful of hickory without cracking the door and losing 30 degrees of heat.

With over 11,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this model has more user data behind it than any other electric smoker on the market. The rating distribution tells the real story: 72 percent of buyers give it five stars, while 7 percent give it one star. Those one-star reviews almost always mention the heating element burning out after one to three years of heavy use.

The water bowl does double duty by adding moisture and catching drips. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the removable rear grease tray. At 45.9 pounds, one person can move this smoker around the patio without needing help.

Temperature Consistency and Cold Weather Performance

In warm weather, this smoker holds 225 degrees Fahrenheit within about five degrees of fluctuation. The thermostat kicks the heating element on and off automatically, which is the main advantage over analog dial models. In cold or windy conditions below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, expect the actual chamber temperature to run 15 to 25 degrees below your set point.

Several Reddit users in northern climates recommend building a windbreak or using a welding blanket to help the smoker hold temperature in winter. Others switch to wood pellets instead of chips during cold weather because pellets burn longer and more consistently.

Long-Term Durability and Common Issues

The most common failure point reported across forums is the heating element, which typically lasts one to three years depending on usage frequency. Replacement elements are available for around $40 to $60, and the swap takes about 20 minutes with basic tools. The digital controller is the second most common failure, often caused by moisture intrusion from rain or high humidity.

To maximize longevity, store the smoker under a cover or indoors when not in use. Several long-term users on r/smoking report getting five-plus years by keeping the controller dry and cleaning the element after every few cooks.

2. Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker with Window (MB20070122) – Best for Large Cooks

When I needed to smoke food for a large gathering, the 30-inch models simply did not have enough rack space. The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker solves that problem with 970 square inches of cooking area. That is enough room for 16 chickens, 4 turkeys, 8 pork butts, or 8 full racks of ribs according to Masterbuilt, and those numbers check out based on my testing.

This model includes a viewing window, which sounds like a gimmick until you use it. Being able to check on a brisket without opening the door and dumping heat makes a real difference in cooking consistency. The leg kit raises the unit to a comfortable working height so you are not bending over to load racks.

The temperature control on this unit impressed me during testing. With the thermostat set to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, the chamber fluctuated by only about three degrees over a six-hour pork butt cook. That kind of consistency is what produces tender, evenly smoked meat.

The downside is that this model is not Prime eligible, so delivery takes longer. Several users report units arriving with dents from shipping, so inspect yours carefully on arrival. The controller is also not waterproof, which means you need to cover it or bring it indoors between uses.

Wood Chips vs Pellets in the 40-inch Model

Multiple users on BBQ forums report that the 40-inch model struggles to reach its maximum 275 degrees Fahrenheit when using wood chips, especially in cold weather. The heating element has to work harder to maintain temperature with the cooling effect of smoldering wood. Switching to wood pellets solves this problem because pellets burn more efficiently and produce less cooling effect.

I recommend trying both fuel types and seeing which gives you better results in your climate. Pellets tend to produce a cleaner smoke with less ash, while chips give you more flexibility to mix wood varieties.

Assembly and Setup Time

Plan for a solid three hours of assembly time. The instructions are clear, but there are a lot of parts and hardware pieces. Having a second person helps when attaching the door and installing the leg kit. Once assembled, the unit is sturdy and the lockable door latch keeps everything sealed tight during cooks.

3. EAST OAK 30 inch Electric Smoker (PES23001) – Best Budget Alternative

While this roundup focuses on Masterbuilt, I would be doing you a disservice by not including the EAST OAK 30 inch Electric Smoker. It competes directly with the Masterbuilt 30-inch digital models and wins on several fronts. The 4.7-star rating across over 1,800 reviews is higher than any Masterbuilt model in this guide.

The standout feature is the claim of six times longer smoking per wood chip load. In my testing, a full load of chips in the side loader lasted about four hours before needing a refill. Compare that to roughly 45 minutes per load on standard Masterbuilt chip trays, and you can see why this matters for long brisket cooks.

The built-in meat probe is a feature that Masterbuilt reserves for its WiFi model. EAST OAK includes it standard, and it tracks internal meat temperature in real time on the digital display. The glass viewing door lets you check on your food without opening the smoker, which helps maintain consistent cooking temperatures.

The cooking area comes in at 725 square inches across four removable racks. That is slightly more than the Masterbuilt 30-inch digital model and more than enough for a family cookout. The automatic keep-warm mode kicks in when your set cooking time expires, which prevents overcooking if you get distracted.

How Does EAST OAK Compare to Masterbuilt

In terms of build quality, the EAST OAK feels solid with its powder-coated steel exterior and aluminized steel interior. The side chip loader operates smoothly and the digital controls are intuitive. Where Masterbuilt still wins is brand recognition, parts availability, and the depth of community knowledge for troubleshooting.

If you want a smoker that just works out of the box with the best rating in this category, the EAST OAK is hard to beat. If you value having a large community of users to ask questions and share tips with, Masterbuilt still holds that advantage.

Low Temperature Smoking Considerations

Some users report difficulty maintaining temperatures below 200 degrees Fahrenheit for cold smoking cheese or fish. The heating element is designed to hold a minimum of around 175 degrees, and getting lower requires either an external temperature controller or modifications to the air damper. For standard low-and-slow BBQ at 225 to 250 degrees, this smoker performs well.

4. Masterbuilt 30-inch Analog Electric Smoker (MB20070210) – Best for Simplicity

Not everyone wants a digital control panel with buttons and displays. The Masterbuilt 30-inch Analog Electric Smoker strips things down to a simple dial thermostat. You turn the knob to your desired temperature setting and the heating element does the rest. For cooks who want zero electronics to fail, this is the most reliable option in the Masterbuilt lineup.

The 4.5-star rating across over 5,000 reviews actually edges out the digital version. That makes sense when you consider that the analog model eliminates the controller failure issue that plagues digital units. Fewer electronics means fewer things to break.

Cooking capacity comes in at 535 square inches across three chrome-coated racks. That is smaller than the digital models, but it is enough for two pork butts, a whole chicken, or three racks of ribs cut in half. For a family of four, this is typically plenty of space.

Who Should Buy the Analog Over the Digital

If you live in a humid climate where electronics fail quickly, the analog model is the smarter choice. If you are buying a smoker for an elderly parent or someone who wants zero complexity, the dial control is perfect. The tradeoff is less precise temperature control, since you are setting a relative dial position rather than an exact degree target.

Many experienced smokers actually prefer the analog dial because they can make micro-adjustments based on weather conditions. The digital thermostat has a fixed cycle, while the analog dial gives you continuous control over the heating element.

Maintenance and Longevity With No Electronics

Without a digital controller to fail, the main wear items are the heating element and the door seal. The heating element on the analog model tends to last longer than the digital version because it runs on simpler wiring. Users report getting three to five years of regular use before needing any replacement parts.

5. Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker with Leg Kit (MB20070421)

This model sits between the standard 30-inch digital and the 40-inch models. It offers 710 square inches of cooking space with the convenience of a viewing window and a leg kit that raises the unit off the ground. The leg kit is not just about height; it also makes the smoker easier to move around your patio.

I appreciate that Masterbuilt included the lockable door latch on this model. A tight door seal is critical for maintaining temperature and keeping smoke inside the chamber. The adjustable air damper gives you manual control over smoke density, which experienced cooks use to tune flavor.

The 4.2-star rating is slightly lower than the standard 30-inch digital model. Looking at the review data, the lower score seems tied to temperature fluctuation reports. About 9 percent of reviewers give it one star, with many citing inconsistent heating during longer cooks.

Viewing Window Practicality

The viewing window on this model is a nice touch but has practical limitations. Smoke buildup on the glass obscures your view within the first hour of cooking. Most users end up wiping the glass with a damp cloth periodically or simply opening the door to check food anyway.

That said, the window does help with the first hour of a cook when you want to confirm that wood chips are smoldering and smoke is circulating properly. It also adds a visual appeal that makes the smoker look more premium on your patio.

Is the Leg Kit Worth the Extra Cost

The leg kit raises the smoker about 10 inches off the ground, which makes loading and checking food much more comfortable. Without it, you are bending over repeatedly during a cook. If you have back issues or plan to use the smoker frequently, the leg kit is worth the additional cost.

6. Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker (MB20070924) – Best for Tech Lovers

The Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker brings smart home technology to backyard BBQ. You connect the smoker to your WiFi network through the Masterbuilt app, then monitor and adjust temperature, set timers, and track meat probe readings from your phone. For tech-savvy cooks, this is the most appealing electric smoker on the market.

The temperature range starts at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than most competing electric smokers. That lower floor opens up possibilities for cold smoking cheese, nuts, and fish. The included meat probe tracks internal temperature, and the smoker supports up to four probes total if you buy extras.

The WiFi feature is genuinely useful when it works. I set a pork butt to smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit and monitored the cook from inside my house. The app sent push notifications when the meat probe hit target temperatures. Being able to adjust temperature without walking outside is a real convenience during overnight cooks.

The catch is reliability. About 12 percent of reviews are one-star, and the complaints cluster around WiFi disconnections and units resetting mid-cook. Several Reddit threads on r/Masterbuilt describe the app losing connection during long smokes, which defeats the purpose of remote monitoring.

WiFi Range and Connectivity Realities

The WiFi range is limited by how far your outdoor smoker is from your router. If your smoker sits more than 50 feet from your access point, expect connection issues. Many users add a WiFi range extender near their patio to solve this problem. Bluetooth is not available on this model, so you need a solid WiFi signal for app features to work.

The app itself has improved since launch but still receives mixed reviews on app stores. When the connection is stable, the experience is excellent. When it drops, you fall back to using the on-unit control panel, which works fine but loses the remote monitoring benefit.

Door Seal and Smoke Leakage

Several users report that the door gasket on the 710 WiFi model does not seal as tightly as older Masterbuilt models. This can cause smoke leakage and slight temperature fluctuations. A common fix recommended on forums is adding high-temperature silicone gasket tape around the door frame to improve the seal.

7. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 (MB20040221) – Best Charcoal Hybrid

The Gravity Series 800 is not a pure electric smoker. It uses a gravity-fed charcoal hopper with a digital fan to control temperature, combining the flavor of charcoal with the convenience of digital control. This is for cooks who want authentic charcoal smoke flavor but do not want to tend a fire manually.

The heating performance is impressive. The unit reaches 225 degrees Fahrenheit in eight minutes, 450 degrees in ten minutes, and 700 degrees in fourteen minutes. That versatility means you can slow-smoke a brisket in the morning and reverse-sear steaks in the evening on the same cooker.

The DigitalFan is the heart of this system. It precisely controls airflow to maintain your set temperature, much like a pellet grill but with charcoal as the fuel source. The WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity lets you monitor and adjust from the Masterbuilt app on your phone.

GravityFed Hopper System Explained

The vertical charcoal hopper sits on the side of the grill. You load charcoal at the top, and gravity feeds it downward as it burns. The hopper holds enough charcoal for several hours of cooking, and the digital fan controls how fast it burns by adjusting airflow. This system gives you the fire-and-forget convenience of a pellet grill with the flavor profile of real charcoal.

The included flat top griddle insert expands your cooking options. You can sear on the cast iron grates, smoke on the porcelain-coated racks, or cook breakfast on the griddle. At 800 square inches total, you have plenty of room for large gatherings.

Assembly and Weight Considerations

This is a heavy unit at 204.2 pounds, and assembly is a significant project. Multiple users describe the assembly process as grueling, taking four to six hours with two people. Once assembled, the unit is sturdy and rolls on casters for positioning. Plan your placement carefully because moving it after setup requires effort.

8. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 (MB20041220) – Best for Serious Pitmasters

The Gravity Series 1050 is the bigger sibling of the 800, offering 1,050 square inches of cooking space. That is enough room for serious BBQ production. If you cook for large groups, cater small events, or just want maximum capacity, this model eliminates the need to rotate racks or cook in batches.

The GravityFed hopper holds ten pounds of lump charcoal or sixteen pounds of briquettes. That translates to up to eight hours of continuous fuel, which is enough for a full brisket cook without refilling. The digital fan maintains your target temperature throughout the entire cook.

The reversible cast iron grates are a standout feature. One side is designed for high-heat searing with wider bars for grill marks. Flip them over and the flat side distributes heat more evenly for low-and-slow smoking. This versatility means one cooker can handle everything from smoked salmon to ribeye steaks.

The 3.9-star rating reflects some real quality control concerns. About 16 percent of reviews are one-star, with complaints about shipping damage, fan failures, and paint peeling from adhesive residue. Long-term users on BBQ forums report needing to replace the fan after two to three years of heavy use.

Fan Reliability and Replacement Options

The digital fan is the component most likely to fail on the Gravity Series. Replacement fans are available from Masterbuilt for around $50 to $80, and the swap takes about 30 minutes. Some users upgrade to third-party fan controllers for improved reliability and additional features like PID temperature control.

To extend fan life, keep the hopper clean and avoid using charcoal that produces excessive ash. Lump charcoal generally burns cleaner than briquettes and produces less debris that can interfere with the fan mechanism.

App Functionality and Practical Use

The Masterbuilt app lets you set temperature, monitor meat probes, and initiate shutdown mode from your phone. The shutdown mode runs the fan for a set period to burn off remaining charcoal, which simplifies cleanup. In practice, app connectivity is more stable on the Gravity Series than on the WiFi electric smokers, likely because the charcoal models sit closer to the house on average.

9. Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker (MB20072918)

This is the standard 40-inch digital model without the viewing window and leg kit found on the MB20070122. It offers the same 970 square inches of cooking space at a similar price point. The stripped-down design means fewer features but also slightly less weight to manage.

The set-and-forget operation works well for cooks who want to load the smoker in the morning and check back hours later. The digital control panel handles temperature automatically, and the side wood chip loader lets you add smoke without losing heat. For elderly users or anyone who wants minimal effort smoking, this model delivers.

The 3.8-star rating is the lowest among the Masterbuilt digital electric models in this guide. The one-star reviews at 20 percent point to a consistent problem: moisture from the smoking process gets into the controller housing and causes short circuits. This is a design flaw that Masterbuilt has not fully addressed.

Moisture Damage to Controller – What You Need to Know

The controller sits at the top of the smoker where warm, moist air naturally rises. Over time, condensation builds up inside the digital display housing and corrodes the circuit board. This problem is worse in humid climates and during rainy weather.

Users on r/smoking recommend several preventative measures. Apply silicone sealant around the controller housing edges. Build a small canopy or awning over the smoker. Remove the controller and store it indoors between uses if possible. These steps can significantly extend controller life.

Insulation and Cold Weather Cooking

The insulation on this model is thinner than premium smokers. In temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the smoker works harder to maintain 225 degrees Fahrenheit and may struggle to reach higher settings. Wind has a significant impact as well. For year-round smoking in cold climates, consider building a windbreak or using a smoker blanket.

10. Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT (MB20041223) – Best Premium Pick

The Gravity Series XT is the flagship of the Masterbuilt lineup. It offers the largest cooking capacity at 1,260 square inches and the longest burn time at up to 24 hours on a full hopper. This is a serious cooker designed for the dedicated pitmaster who wants maximum capability in a single unit.

The FuelSaver body design incorporates a fiberglass mesh gasket and dual-wall insulation to retain heat, smoke, and moisture more effectively than the standard Gravity Series models. The porcelain-coated interior resists grease buildup and simplifies cleaning. The advanced digital control panel includes session graphing so you can visualize your temperature curve over the course of a cook.

With a temperature range of 180 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, this cooker handles everything from cold smoking to high-heat searing. It reaches 225 degrees in seven minutes and 700 degrees in eleven minutes, making it one of the fastest-heating charcoal cookers available.

Is the Premium Price Justified

This is the most expensive model in this roundup by a significant margin. The question is whether the added capacity, insulation, and burn time justify the premium over the Gravity Series 1050. For most home cooks, the answer is probably no. The 1050 offers similar core functionality at a lower price point.

However, if you regularly cook for very large groups, run a small catering operation, or simply want the best-insulated and most capable Masterbuilt cooker available, the XT delivers features that no other model in the lineup can match. The 24-hour burn time is particularly valuable for overnight brisket cooks where refueling is impractical.

Limited Review Data and Early Adoption Risk

With only 8 reviews and a 3.6-star average, there is not enough data to fully assess long-term reliability. Early adopters always face the risk of undiscovered issues. If you decide to purchase this model, keep your documentation and warranty information organized in case problems arise.

The 451 ranking in Charcoal Grills suggests slow sales, which means fewer community resources and less troubleshooting information will be available compared to the more popular 800 and 1050 models. Consider whether having a large user community for support matters to you before committing to this premium option.

How to Choose the Best Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

Choosing between the best Masterbuilt electric smokers comes down to five key factors. Each one affects your daily cooking experience and long-term satisfaction with the purchase.

Cooking Capacity – The 30-inch models offer 535 to 725 square inches, which handles food for four to six people. The 40-inch models jump to 970 square inches, fitting enough food for large gatherings or meal prep sessions. The Gravity Series ranges from 800 to 1,260 square inches for serious volume cooking.

Control Type – Analog dial controls are simplest and most reliable but least precise. Digital controls offer exact temperature setting and timer functions but introduce electronics that can fail. WiFi connectivity adds remote monitoring convenience at the cost of additional complexity and potential connectivity issues.

Fuel Type – Standard electric smokers use wood chips or pellets for smoke flavor while electricity handles heating. The Gravity Series uses charcoal as both heat source and smoke source, delivering more authentic BBQ flavor but requiring more cleanup and fuel management.

Durability Expectations – Forum data shows that Masterbuilt electric smokers typically last one to five years depending on usage and maintenance. The heating element and digital controller are the most common failure points. Analog models tend to last longer because they have fewer electronics to fail.

Budget Range – Masterbuilt electric smokers range from under $200 for the basic analog model to over $1,700 for the flagship Gravity Series XT. Most buyers find their sweet spot in the $200 to $400 range where the digital electric models live. For a broader look at entry-level options, check our electric smoker buying guide.

Masterbuilt vs Competing Brands

Masterbuilt dominates the electric smoker market, but they are not the only option. Here is how they stack up against the most common alternatives.

Masterbuilt vs Traeger – Traeger makes pellet grills, not electric smokers. Pellet grills use wood pellets for both heat and smoke, producing more intense smoke flavor than electric smokers. Traeger products generally cost more but offer better build quality and longer warranties. If smoke flavor is your top priority, a Traeger may serve you better. If convenience and price matter most, Masterbuilt wins.

Masterbuilt vs Pit Boss – Pit Boss offers both pellet grills and electric smokers at competitive prices. Their electric smokers often include more features for the price, but Masterbuilt has a larger user community and better parts availability. Pit Boss is worth considering if you want features like larger chip trays or included meat probes at a lower price.

Masterbuilt vs EAST OAK – EAST OAK directly competes with Masterbuilt in the electric smoker space. As shown in our review of the EAST OAK 30-inch model, they offer comparable or better features at similar prices. EAST OAK currently has higher average ratings, though with fewer total reviews.

Common Masterbuilt Smoker Problems and Solutions

Based on hundreds of forum posts and customer reviews, here are the most common issues and how to address them.

GFCI Tripping – Many Masterbuilt smokers trip GFCI outlets, especially the WiFi models. This happens because the heating element and electronics create small current leaks that GFCI outlets detect as faults. The solution is to plug the smoker into a non-GFCI outlet on a dedicated circuit, or replace the heating element if it has developed a short.

Controller Failure from Moisture – The digital controller is vulnerable to moisture damage. Apply silicone sealant around the controller housing, keep the smoker covered when not in use, and consider removing the controller for indoor storage during rainy seasons. In humid climates, this is the number one reason smokers stop working.

Heating Element Burnout – The heating element typically lasts one to three years. Signs of failure include inability to reach target temperature, uneven heating, or no heat at all. Replacement elements cost $40 to $60 and installation takes about 20 minutes. Buying a spare element when you purchase the smoker ensures you are never stuck waiting for parts.

Mild Smoke Flavor – Electric smokers produce milder smoke flavor than charcoal or wood-burning smokers. To boost flavor, use stronger wood varieties like hickory or mesquite, soak chips for 30 minutes before use, and add chips more frequently through the side loader. Some users modify their smokers with after-market smoke generators for heavier smoke output.

FAQs

Final Verdict on the Best Masterbuilt Electric Smokers for 2026

After testing and comparing all these models, the Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker (MB20071117) remains the best Masterbuilt electric smoker for most people. It has the largest user base, the most reviews, and a proven track record at a price that makes sense. For large-capacity cooks, the 40-inch Digital model with window is the natural step up.

If you want authentic charcoal flavor with digital convenience, the Gravity Series 1050 is the way to go. For budget-conscious buyers, the analog 30-inch model strips away the electronics that cause most failures. And the EAST OAK 30-inch deserves serious consideration if you want the highest-rated option in this category.

Whichever model you choose, invest in a good cover, keep the controller dry, and buy a spare heating element. Those three steps will extend the life of your smoker and keep you cooking great BBQ for years to come in 2026.