Masterbuilt's Digital Electric Smoker Balances Convenience with Authentic BBQ Flavor
The Masterbuilt MB20071117 represents a specific category of electric smokers that prioritize set-and-forget operation while delivering genuine smoke flavor. Its 30-inch vertical design with 710 square inches of cooking space and side-loading wood chip system addresses key pain points for backyard enthusiasts who want consistent results without constant monitoring. This model's digital controls and electric heating element make it particularly suitable for beginners or those seeking predictable smoking sessions.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The side wood chip loader allows adding chips without opening the main chamber, which is crucial for maintaining consistent temperature and smoke levels during long cooks like brisket or pork shoulder.
- With 710 square inches across four chrome racks, this smoker can handle multiple racks of ribs or a full packer brisket, but the vertical design requires strategic placement of larger cuts to ensure proper airflow and smoke circulation.
- The digital electric system provides precise temperature control from 100°F to 275°F, making it versatile for everything from jerky to poultry, though it lacks the high-heat capability of charcoal or pellet smokers for searing.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality indicators for electric smokers like this Masterbuilt include robust construction of the side chip loader mechanism, which sees frequent use, and the durability of chrome-coated racks against moisture and heat cycling. The digital controller's responsiveness and accuracy, particularly at lower smoking temperatures around 225°F, are critical for achieving proper bark development and smoke penetration in meats.
Smokers Market Context
Market Overview
The electric smoker market has evolved significantly, with digital models like this Masterbuilt now dominating the entry-to-mid-level segment due to their temperature consistency and reduced learning curve. Vertical designs remain popular for their space efficiency and natural heat convection, though they compete with increasingly affordable pellet smokers that offer more automated wood flavor delivery.
Common Issues
Electric smokers frequently face challenges with maintaining consistent smoke production, as many models require frequent chip reloading and struggle with proper combustion at lower temperatures. Another common concern is heat retention in thinner-walled units, particularly in cooler weather or windy conditions, which can extend cooking times significantly.
Quality Indicators
Superior electric smokers feature well-sealed doors with quality gaskets to prevent heat and smoke leakage, along with reliable heating elements that can maintain steady temperatures through long cooks. The construction of the chip tray and loading system is particularly important, as poor designs can lead to flare-ups or inadequate smoke generation.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
The Grade B authenticity rating with an 11% estimated fake review percentage suggests that while most feedback is genuine, shoppers should be slightly more discerning than average. For this Masterbuilt smoker, this means approximately 1 in 9 reviews may be artificially positive, though the high volume of verified purchases (10,373 reviews) provides substantial authentic data to balance this.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on reviews that mention specific cooking experiences with this exact model, particularly those discussing the side loader's performance during long smokes or how the digital controls handled temperature fluctuations. Verified purchase reviews that include photos of actual cooks or mention using the smoker through multiple seasons provide the most reliable insights.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Pay special attention to reviews discussing the chip loader's functionality during extended cooks and the durability of components like the door seal and heating element over time. Look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback regarding temperature consistency at the 225°F range, which is critical for proper barbecue results.
Expert Perspective
The Masterbuilt MB20071117's exceptional 4.89/5 Amazon rating, even when adjusted to 4.60/5 for authenticity concerns, indicates strong user satisfaction, particularly regarding its ease of use and consistent results. The side-loading chip system represents a meaningful improvement over top-loading designs, reducing temperature fluctuations during refueling. However, the electric nature means it won't achieve the same smoke ring or bark development as offset stick burners, placing it firmly in the convenience-focused segment of the smoker market.
Purchase Considerations
This smoker makes the most sense for those prioritizing consistent results over traditional barbecue authenticity, as the electric heating provides reliable temperature control but limits maximum heat output. Consider your typical cook volume—the 710 square inches accommodates family-sized meals well but might require creative rack management for larger gatherings. The digital interface appeals to beginners but offers less manual control than analog models.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare this Masterbuilt against similar digital electric smokers from brands like Char-Broil and Smoke Hollow, as well as entry-level pellet smokers that offer different convenience-to-flavor tradeoffs.
