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Top Masterbuilt Smokers for Easy Backyard Barbecue

By Chris Johns •  Updated: April 27, 2026 •  13 min read

Masterbuilt MES 130b Digital Electric Smoker

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Masterbuilt has built a strong reputation for making backyard smoking accessible to everyone, from first-time enthusiasts to seasoned pitmasters. Their lineup covers electric, digital, propane, and charcoal smokers, giving you a purpose-built option no matter how you prefer to cook. Each model is designed to deliver consistent results with minimal fuss.

Whether you want WiFi control from your phone, a massive capacity for large cooks, or a no-fuss analog setup, there is a Masterbuilt smoker for your backyard. This guide breaks down the best picks for 2026 so you can find the right fit quickly.

Quick Roundup List

Why Choose a Masterbuilt Smoker?

Masterbuilt smokers are built around one core idea: you should be able to load your food, set a temperature, and walk away with confidence. The brand offers digital controls on most models, letting you dial in precise heat without guesswork. That reliability is a big reason these smokers are consistently among the best-selling options on the market.

The fuel variety is another major advantage. Electric models plug in and maintain steady heat automatically, making them ideal for long, unattended cooks.

Propane smokers give you mobility and strong output when you are away from an outlet. The Gravity Series brings authentic charcoal flavor with the convenience of digital control — a genuine best-of-both-worlds option.

Pitmaster Tip: Electric smokers perform best when you season the unit before the first cook. Run it empty at 275°F for two to three hours to burn off any manufacturing residue and prep the interior for smoke absorption.

How to Choose the Best Masterbuilt Smoker

Cooking space is the first thing to size up. A 30-inch model with around 535-711 sq. in. works well for families and smaller gatherings.

If you regularly smoke for a crowd, the 40-inch models with 960-970 sq. in. let you load multiple racks of ribs or briskets at once.

Fuel type shapes your entire cooking experience. Electric smokers are the easiest to operate and are perfect for neighborhoods with HOA restrictions on open flame.

Propane delivers higher heat output and works without an outlet, making it a strong choice for camping or remote setups. Charcoal via the Gravity Series rewards those who want the full smoke ring and deep charcoal flavor.

Digital controls add precision and flexibility. A built-in timer, programmable temperature, and meat temperature probe ports let you manage long cooks without staying glued to your smoker. WiFi connectivity, available on the 710 model and Gravity Series 800, takes that freedom even further by putting full control on your smartphone.

Pro Tip: When comparing digital smokers, look for a patented side wood chip loader. It lets you add chips mid-cook without opening the door, which keeps your temperature rock steady throughout the smoke.

The Best Masterbuilt Smokers for 2026

Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker – Best Overall

Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker

Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker is built for cooks who want app control and set-and-forget electric smoking.

The Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker earns the top spot by combining a generous 711 sq. in. cooking area with full WiFi connectivity and Masterbuilt’s proven patented side wood chip loader. You can monitor and adjust your cook from anywhere through the app, which is a game changer for long brisket sessions.

The digital control panel makes it straightforward to set temperature anywhere from 100°F to 275°F, and the four chrome-coated racks handle everything from ribs to whole chickens.

This is the best masterbuilt electric smoker for anyone who wants true set-and-forget performance with remote oversight. It suits beginners who want guidance and experienced smokers who want freedom.

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  1. “Ive only just started smoking and this was a great choice for a beginner. Easy to setup and use.”
  2. “Smoker works great but the Bluetooth app does not work.”
  3. “This is the best electric smoker that I’ve ever owned.”

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Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker – Best Large Capacity

Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker

Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is built for cooks who need large electric capacity for brisket, ribs, and party-size batches.

When you need to smoke for a large group, the 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker delivers with a massive 970 sq. in. of cooking space across its chrome smoking racks. The digital control panel handles time and temperature with ease, and the side wood chip loader keeps smoke flowing through long cooks without any door-opening interruptions.

It is one of the most spacious digital smokers Masterbuilt makes.

Reviewers consistently praise it for sausage, snack sticks, jerky, and salmon — all cooks that benefit from the wide, graduated temperature range. If cooking capacity is your top priority, this is the best smoker in the lineup.

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  1. “I got the 40 inch size so a whole big brisket fits on 1 rack.”
  2. “They are very easy to use and produce very good smoked food.”
  3. “Great for sausage, snack sticks, jerky, & salmon. Anything you need to start low and slowly increase temp.”

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Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker – Best Propane

Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker

Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker is built for cooks who want propane output with steadier cabinet temperature control.

The ThermoTemp Propane Smoker brings Masterbuilt’s large-capacity design to propane-powered cooking, with 960 sq. in. across four chrome-coated racks. An adjustable temperature dial lets you set heat up to 375°F, and a built-in door window lets you check on your food without cracking the door and losing heat.

It is an excellent choice for cooks who prefer propane or need to smoke away from an electrical outlet.

First-time smoker owners have praised this model for its easy setup process, and the insulated cabinet holds heat well. For the best propane smoker experience at scale, this is the standout Masterbuilt option.

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  1. “This was my very first smoker and my out of box experience has been excellent so far.”
  2. “I was totally blown away by the quality and finish!”
  3. “I love the Masterbuilt at it’s sale price.”

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Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker – Best Analog Electric

Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker

Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is built for cooks who prefer a simple plug-in smoker without WiFi or digital menus.

For anyone who prefers keeping things simple, the 30-inch Electric Vertical Smoker delivers reliable results through an intuitive analog temperature dial. It offers 535 sq. in. across three chrome-coated racks — enough space for a family cookout without the complexity of digital menus or connectivity features.

The removable wood chip tray makes adding smoke straightforward.

Veteran smokers who have used the same model for decades keep coming back to this design because it is proven, durable, and does the job without fuss. It is an especially good fit for beginners who want to learn smoking without a steep learning curve.

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  1. “This is my third one of these.”
  2. “Really like this smoker. Heats well and distributes the heat and smoke well.”
  3. “I love this smoker! It’s my very first smoker.”

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Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Smoker Grill – Best Charcoal/Griddle Combo

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Smoker Grill

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Smoker Grill is built for cooks who want charcoal flavor, grilling heat, and griddle versatility in one cooker.

The Gravity Series 800 is Masterbuilt’s most versatile cooker, functioning as a charcoal smoker, a traditional grill, and a flat-top griddle all in one unit.

It reaches 225°F in 8 minutes and can climb to 700°F in 14 minutes, giving you the full spectrum from low-and-slow smoking to searing steaks. The gravity-fed charcoal hopper, DigitalFan temperature management, and WiFi/Bluetooth app control deliver authentic charcoal flavor with the convenience of a digital smoker.

The included flat-top griddle insert expands your cooking options even further, making this the best pick for cooks who want a single backyard unit that handles every cooking style. The 800 sq. in. cooking area is ample for large gatherings.

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  1. “The gravity feed charcoal is a game changing design for me.”
  2. “VERY happy with how this works once I get it up and running.”
  3. “I finally upgraded from my old Masterbuilt Barrel Smoker and I knew I could count on a quality product and great customer service.”

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Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker – Best Compact Digital

Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker

Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is built for cooks who want digital electric control in a smaller backyard footprint.

The 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker packs 711 sq. in. of cooking space into a compact 30-inch footprint, making it the ideal digital smoker for smaller backyards or patios. Digital controls let you program your temperature and cooking time precisely, and the patented side wood chip loader keeps smoke circulating throughout the cook without door interruptions.

Four chrome-coated racks provide serious capacity despite the smaller cabinet size.

Reviewers who have switched from traditional charcoal setups consistently report being impressed by the consistent white smoke production even at lower temperatures like 220°F. It delivers reliable performance at a more accessible size and price point.

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  1. “I have purchased this smoker twice. The first one ran great for 3 years, but finally the heating element burned out.”
  2. “I love how simple it is to assemble and the price is definitely worth it.”
  3. “I’ve been using a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker for more than 20 years. I used to scoff at the thought of an electric smoker.”

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Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker – Best Basic Propane

Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker

Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker is built for cooks who need a basic propane cabinet smoker for simple low-and-slow meals.

The MPS 230S Propane Smoker is a no-frills, dependable propane unit built for cooks who want straightforward operation without digital menus. Its 15,400 BTU stainless-steel burner provides steady heat, and the four chrome-coated racks offer solid capacity for ribs, chicken, and sausages. A built-in temperature gauge keeps you informed at a glance.

Longtime Masterbuilt fans note that this model mirrors proven older designs that have held up reliably for over a decade. It is a great entry point into propane smoking or a solid replacement unit if you already know and trust the platform.

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  1. “I have had a Masterbuilt Pro Smoker for about 10 years. It was wonderful and easy to use.”
  2. “Assembly was easy. I typically have a terrible time putting things together.”
  3. “Great small smoker for the price! Just did a 7 pound pork shoulder in 7 hours and tastes great!”

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Masterbuilt Smoker Comparison

The table below summarizes the key differences across all seven models to help you identify the best smoker for your setup at a glance.

Masterbuilt smoker models compared by fuel type, cooking area, and key feature
Product Fuel Type Cooking Area Key Feature
Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker Electric 711 sq. in. WiFi Connectivity
Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Electric 970 sq. in. Large Capacity
Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Propane 960 sq. in. Analog Temp Control
Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Analog Electric 535 sq. in. Compact Analog
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Charcoal 800 sq. in. Flat-Top Griddle Combo
Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Electric 711 sq. in. Digital Controls
Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Propane N/A 15,400 BTU Burner

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best masterbuilt electric smoker?

For most backyard cooks, the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker is the best electric smoker in the lineup. It offers WiFi remote control, a 711 sq. in. cooking area, and the patented side wood chip loader — all in one package that works for both beginners and experienced smokers.

If you regularly cook for large groups, the 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker edges ahead on capacity with 970 sq. in. and the same digital ease of use. Your choice comes down to whether you prioritize connectivity or raw cooking space.

What is the number one rated smoker?

Rankings vary by category and source, but Masterbuilt digital smokers consistently rank among the top options for ease of use and consistent results. The 710 WiFi model and the Gravity Series 800 both receive high marks from backyard cooks and review publications alike.

For pure electric simplicity, Masterbuilt is widely regarded as the leader in the vertical digital smoker segment. For charcoal performance with digital control, the Gravity Series competes directly with premium pellet grills at a compelling value.

Is Masterbuilt better than Traeger?

Masterbuilt and Traeger serve different audiences. Traeger pellet grills use compressed wood pellets to deliver smoke and heat in one fuel source, which appeals to cooks who want wood-fired flavor with digital automation. Masterbuilt electric smokers use wood chips for smoke and a heating element for temperature control, which tends to be simpler and more affordable to operate.

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is the closest direct comparison to a Traeger — it uses charcoal for fuel and digital controls for precision, producing an authentic charcoal smoke flavor that pellet grills cannot replicate. If budget and simplicity matter most, Masterbuilt wins. If you want pellet convenience with wood-fired taste, Traeger remains a strong choice.

What smoker does Joe Rogan use?

Joe Rogan has publicly discussed using a Traeger pellet grill and has mentioned it on his podcast and social media. He is not known to endorse or specifically use Masterbuilt products based on publicly available information.

That said, Masterbuilt smokers — especially the Gravity Series 800 — produce the kind of deep charcoal smoke flavor that serious BBQ enthusiasts like Rogan gravitate toward. If you are drawn to the same results, the Gravity Series is the Masterbuilt model most likely to satisfy that preference.

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Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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