Masterbuilt Electric Smokers: 30 vs 40 Inch Digital and More

Best for
First digital smoker for small crews

The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker, model MB20071117, is the classic starting point. You set the smoking temperature and cooking time on a digital control panel, with a maximum of 275°F, and the smoker handles the rest. The patented side wood chip loader lets you add chips without opening the door, which keeps heat, smoke and moisture inside.

Capacity is listed as fitting up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts or 4 racks of ribs across four chrome-coated racks. The title says 710 cooking square inches while a feature bullet says 711, a trivial gap but worth knowing. A removable water bowl adds moisture, and a removable rear grease tray simplifies cleanup. Warranty is listed at 1 year.

This model suits a household that smokes for a few people and wants digital timing without a huge footprint. It gives way to the 40-inch model when you regularly cook for a crowd. Our deeper look at the 30-inch digital electric smoker covers setup in more detail.

• Digital time and temperature, up to 275°F
• Patented side wood chip loader
• Four chrome-coated racks
• Removable water bowl and rear grease tray

Best for
Big batches on long game days

The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker, model MB20070122, scales the same idea up to 970 square inches. The listing says it fits up to 16 chickens, 4 turkeys, 8 pork butts or 8 racks of ribs on four chrome-coated racks, which is ideal for a tournament watch party or a big family weekend.

It keeps the digital controls up to 275°F and the patented side wood chip loader, and adds an adjustable air damper for smoke control and a leg kit, per the title. The model name on the specs mentions a window, though the feature bullets do not describe one, so check photos if a viewing window matters. The removable water bowl also catches drippings, and a rear grease tray handles cleanup.

Choose this one if capacity is the priority and you want the easiest electric workflow. If your crew is small, the 30-inch digital model saves space. For more on this size class, see our 40-inch electric smoker guide.

• 970 square inches of cooking space
• Digital controls up to 275°F
• Adjustable air damper
• Leg kit per title

Best for
Simple plug-in smoking on a dial

The Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker, model MB20070210, swaps the digital panel for an analog dial. You set the temperature up to 275°F with the dial, and there is no mention of a digital timer, so you track cook time yourself. It has 535 cooking square inches and three chrome-coated racks.

Wood chips go into a removable wood chip tray rather than a side loader, which generally means opening the smoker to add more. A removable water bowl and rear grease tray are included. Capacity numbers disagree slightly: the features say 3 chickens, 2 turkeys or 3 racks of ribs, and the description adds 3 pork butts. The spec sheet also lists the power source as charcoal, which contradicts the title and description, both of which describe a plug-in electric smoker.

This model suits someone who wants the simplest electric smoker and is happy to watch the clock. If you want to set a timer and walk away to your next match, the digital models are the better fit.

Best for
Charcoal flavor with app control

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Smoker Grill, model MB20040221, is not electric in the fuel sense: it burns charcoal fed by gravity from a hopper that holds 10 pounds of lump or 16 pounds of briquettes for up to 10 hours. What makes it relevant is digital control. You set the temperature on the panel or from a smart device over WiFi or Bluetooth, and the DigitalFan holds it steady.

It heats fast, listed at 225°F in 8 minutes, 450°F in 10 and 700°F in 14, and includes a flat top griddle insert, cast iron grates and two porcelain-coated smoking racks for 800 square inches total. A built-in temperature gauge and meat probe thermometer are included.

This suits the reader who wants to smoke, sear and griddle, and likes checking temperature from the couch. It gives way to the electric models if you want no charcoal handling at all.

• App control via WiFi or Bluetooth
• DigitalFan temperature control
• Griddle insert and cast iron grates
• Meat probe thermometer

Best for
Off-grid smoking away from outlets

The Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker, model MB20051316, runs on propane with push-button ignition and an adjustable dial up to 375°F, higher than any electric model here. ThermoTemp technology is described as maintaining the set temperature evenly through the cook.

It offers 960 square inches across four chrome-coated racks, fitting up to 16 chickens, 6 turkeys, 8 pork butts or 8 racks of ribs. A removable water bowl, a woodchip tray and an adjustable air damper round it out.

This is for smoking where no outlet is handy, like a campsite or a far corner of the yard. If you have power nearby and want timer control, the 40-inch digital electric model is simpler.

Best for
Cold smoking cheese, fish and jerky

The Masterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker Accessory, model MB20100112, is an add-on rather than a smoker. It heats wood chips automatically at the push of a button and feeds them continuously for up to 6 hours of smoke, either cold smoking or hot smoking up to 275°F.

The listing says it is ideal for cheese, fish, bacon and jerky, and the description says it is compatible with all Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smokers. The title mentions Masterbuilt vertical BBQ smokers more broadly, so confirm your specific model. It measures 10 x 10 x 18 inches and has a removable ash tray.

Add this to one of the digital electric models if low-temperature projects interest you. If you are keeping an eye on repairs for an older unit, our heating element guide may help too.