Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker with Thermostat Control, 40 inch, Black review and price compare 2025
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Product overview
Brand
Masterbuilt
Model Name
Propane Smoker
Power Source
Propane
Color
Black
Item Weight
92 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH
22.8 x 28.7 x 53 inches
Fuel Type
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
product features
This fits your .
by entering your model number.
Temperature sensor controls burner to maintain desired temperature
Safety valve shuts off burner if flame is extinguished
Tank fuel level gauge indicates the amount of propane in the tank
Four chrome-coated smoking racks
15,750 BTU stainless steel burner
From the manufacturer
THERMOSTAT CONTROL
Patented thermostat controlled to maintain desired temp – no more monitoring or adjusting temperature.
CAPACITY
Four chrome-coated smoking racks for 961 square inches of cooking space.
SAFE SHUT OFF
Safety valve shuts off burner if flame is extinguished.
product description
Style:40-inch
The 40-inch ThermoTemp XL Propane Smoker makes smoking simple and safe. No more monitoring or adjusting temperature. Patented ThermoTemp innovation lets you set the temperature and walk away. The safety shut-off valve provides a safe smoking experience while the four smoking racks provide plenty of room to smoke up to 16 chickens, 6 turkeys, 8 racks of ribs, or 8 pork butts. Master the art of smoking with Masterbuilt.
product details
important information
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Questions about Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker with Thermostat Control, 40 inch, Black
Q:
How is the water pan? My smoker now will come off rack holder when i pull it out and water will spill all over inside the smoker.
Answer: Really do not clearly understand what the problem is. But pull the rack out until it stops. Gently lift the water pan out at a slight angle towards your self and you should not have a problem. I f water is spilling then reduce the amount of liquid in the pan before starting.
Answer: I didn’t get as far as seeing the water pan because I sent the unit back before I unpacked it. Huge dent in the side of the box & the smoker & I didn’t want to bother with it.
Answer: The water pan is a little tricky to remove, but manageable. The key is not to fill it more than about 2/3 full. Then, when pulling it out it doesn't spill.
Q:
Is there any major assembly required?
Answer: I wouldn’t call it major but there is some assembly. It doesn’t take long and the pieces like the wheels and legs are well made and everything fit well. Maybe a half hour if you take your time.
Answer: No, its pretty straightforward follow the directions may take about 30 to 40 minutes and there is a video on YouTube for this smoker assembly.
Answer: It has to all assembled. No more assembly than a normal gas grill. Not bad.
Q:
I've noticed that my smoker gets too hot - the chips catch fire, and the internal temp of the cabinet reaches 500 degrees or more. How to fix this??
Answer: The unit will require full cleaning the interior. Presoaking your chips will raise their ignition temperature. Ensure the burners are clear and burning an even blue flame.
Answer: Buy a 13" cast iron skillet without a handle. I.e. get the one with ear type handles and place it over the useless chip tray. Also get a needle valve and place it online before the grill valve. Those 2 items will tame your flame thrower
Q:
What is the width of the racks?
Answer: The dimensions are WIDTH
Answer: I'm not 100% certain, but I'm pretty sure it's 19 inches.
Answer: The shelves are 19 x 12". We love the smoker, use it for everything.
Q:
Can you use charcoal on this one
Answer: This is designed for propane use only.
Answer: yes
Q:
What are the shelf dimentions?
Answer: 14x18 i think. My husband can cook a lot of pork buts in that thing. He LOVES this smoker, I can tell you that.
Q:
can this smoker be coverted to natural gas?
Answer: No, no Masterbuilt smoker should be used with natural gas, as they are specifically manufactured for use with propane.
Q:
Does this come with a regulator?
Answer: It does come with a regulator that connects to the standard propane tank you can get at Wal-mart, Home Depot, etc. It does not have a gauge on it to tell you how much fuel you have.
Answer: Hi Christina, this unit does come with a regulator.
Answer: Yes, if you mean the gas line from the smoker to the propane tank. It doesn't have a second regulator besides the main gas valve.
Q:
Were i can get replacement racks for masterbuilt smoker 230s
Q:
What happened to the $118.00 expert assembly option?
Answer: Not sure, It was mostly assembled, it took about 30-40 mins to put the rest together.
Q:
Anyone know were you can get hooks to hang ribs with
Answer: Unfortunately, we do not offer hooks to hang ribs however, we offer rib racks, 9909150005.
Q:
Did david e waterbury look at the product's description? doesnt it clearly state that the material in stainless steel?
Answer: It is not stainless steel
Q:
What is the temperature range of this smoker and can it be used for cold smoking?
Answer: This is a great smoker with an internal thermostat. It will maintain relatively even temps, I says plus/minus 15 deg. F. However, cold smoking by definition is roughly between 65 and 85 deg. F. This Masterbuilt smoker is not designed to even come close to those temperatures.
Answer: Temperature range is 175 to 325 degrees.
Q:
Can this smoker handle a brisket?
Answer: If it's size you're worried about, I'd say yes. There are adjustable shelves and some can be removed to handle a larger piece of meat. I smoked a 13lb turkey in it last Thanksgiving.
Answer: Easily, multiple.
Answer: Yes.
Answer: Of course.
Answer: Yes
Q:
Temperature range?
Answer: 175-325
Answer: Whatever the integrated “automatic” regulator decides to set it as. Typically faulty
Q:
how can i get customer service? im reading it is very bad. smoker wont stay lit. bad parts. just got this in december.
Answer: We only have trouble staying lit when we get lots of wind. Usually we haven't had trouble. We get wind because we live by open field farms.
Q:
Is the propane tank that is shown in the picture actually included with smoker??
Answer: No it is not
Answer: No
Answer: No
Q:
What guage stainless steel is used?
Answer: This is made with 93% cold rolled steel and 4% Stainless Steel
Answer: There's no stainless steel as far as I can tell.
Q:
Do you have to open the whole door to add wood chips?
Answer: Yes, to add more wood chips the door will have to be opened.
Answer: You have to open the lower door to add wood chips.
Q:
What is the max temp
Answer: Will reach 400, but not setting on control knob.
Were i can find Replacement inside racks for masterbuilt smoker 230s
Answer: I would che k at the store you bought it from. Like Lowe’s or Home Depot. It might be part of their online inventory. I would also check Masterbuilt.
Q:
what is the temperature range of this unit
Answer: 175-325
Q:
Can extra shelves be added?
Answer: Yes, with the purchase of additional racks and supports.
Q:
Where is it made ?
Answer: The smoker is manufactured in China; it is NOT manufactured in the USA. I have one and it is clearly marked on the box.
Answer: Masterbuilt is based in Columbus, GA
Answer: Sorry I don’t know the answer before it’s at our vacation home but my husband absolutely loves it!
Answer: I believe China.
Answer: Hi, I believe it's made in the USA.
Q:
How come this comes with "crome covered" racks which are the worst why can't thay be stainless or proselin or even cast iron?
Answer: We have owned this unit for about 2 months and are very happy with it however we are not ready to go on TV Pitmasters quite yet. We do not put meat directly on racks. That would be too much of a clean up mess. We put brisket, pork butt and ribs in metal pans with rack underneath. Size of unit is good. Put a thermometer inside for accurate temp. Smoke favor is exceptional. Finish cooking meat at higher temp on grill.
Answer: Have had mine for close to 2 years , I use It in the rain and snow all the time. Racks and smoker haven't rusted at all and they don't stick.
Q:
How does this do smoking outside in the winter? I live in Michigan and would like to use it year round.
Answer: Well we’re in California however my husband says it should work year-round in cold weather too. It’s a propane tank he loves that smoker!
Answer: This is an insulated unit and temperature controlled. It will smoke well in winter temperatures too.
Answer: I've used it for multiple briskets in the winter in NY. I remember having the same concern but learning that propane works down to -25 or something I believe. The cold NY wind did make it take a bit longer and probably use a lot more propane than you'd expect though.
Answer: Sorry, we can't help you. We live in Arizona so we can use it year round.
Answer: It did fine. Cooked the turkey at Thanksgiving and the ham on Christmas. My son loves his smoker and we use it all the time, all year around
Answer: I used mine a few times this winter. Worked great.
Answer: Haven''t tried it yet but expect it will work well. I'm in NH so this was also important to me. My previous (electric) smoker couldn't keep up. This one has a big gas burner in it and is double-walled. You will go through more propane but I think it will do it.
Q:
What type of insulation blanket would work with this model?
Answer: We do not recommend an insulation blanket with a propane smoker.
Q:
wood chip/burner cover has burned out is there a replacement
Answer: Not that I know of. My first one did the same thing and bought a new smoker.
Answer: I’m sure there is, google it.
Q:
This model gets great reviews by reviewers but not so many good reviews from owners. What is the deal with that?
Answer: Reviews are hidden (from owners) by the marketing company they’ve hired. Took less than 5 minutes for my comments to be removed and blocked.
Answer: I’m total convert to this. Used to be fanatic, smoking only with elaborate stick burner and so on. This this just plan works. Like just as good as a big green egg or pellets burner. In distant past I tried electric smoker and it wasn’t good. I think the combustion gas from propane is the secret...
Answer: I don't know why there is a difference. I took that into consideration and bought it anyway. I have used it 4 times. I've had no problems and love it so far. It doesn't produce as much smoke as I am accustomed to. But it's sufficient. I have bought a pellet tray so I can get more smoke if i desire. And I'm not tending to a fire all night anymore.
Answer: I use mine all the time and it makes the best smoked turkey ever. As well as ribs.
Answer: I've used it four times since I purchased it, for ribs, pulled pork and brisket, and I'm quite happy with its performance.
Q:
The dimensions appear to be listed incorrectly. Does anyone know the actual inside dimensions of this Masterbuilt smoker?
Answer: No
Q:
Can the regulator and hose be removed so I can attach my own and hook it up to my propane quick disconnect port?
Answer: This should not be done. The hose and valve are connected to the whole control panel. That said, a quick connect style has not been tested and is not suggested, and use with such will invalidate warranty.
Answer: My husband says yes but you’ll have to put a new burner in it. He loves his smoker
Q:
Natural gas version ?
Answer: Ours is propane
Answer: I use propane
Q:
Does this have wheels on the back end?
Answer: No, this does not have wheels on the hind legs
Answer: No
Q:
Can you use pellets instead of wood chips?
Answer: No, this unit should be used with large wood chips or chunks. Pellets are a fuel source and will ignite which may cause damage to your product.
Answer: Yes but to a certain extent, if you put too many at a time they will just flame up and burn. If you do use any pellets, I’d recommend about 5-6 at a time, anything more will produce too much smoke
Answer: I suppose you could. I never have and don't use wood chips either. I prefer wood chunks. still working from some bags I got at Bass Pro. Amazon probably sells them too.
Answer: I see no reason why not
Answer: I would not attempt it.
Answer: Yes I have used both in it
Q:
Is there an insulated cover for this model?
Answer: Cover sold separately.
Answer: No, I bought mine separately.
Q:
Can this smoker be used as an oven to bake breads?
Answer: I don’t see why not. 350 max temp. And you don’t have to use the smoke chips.
Q:
Manufacturer's dimensions are showing 28.7 width...seems wide...is that with the door open or something?
Answer: This appears to be the same model that I have, but mine measures 21 1/2 inches in width on the door, about 25 inches at the widest point by the wheels. Either they've changed it since I bought mine or that's a typo.
Answer: The width of the body.
Q:
why did it stop working? i cannot light this anymore. worked 3 times and now it will not light. i press the dial, it fires up. i let the dial go.dead
Answer: You have to hold the dial down long enough the flame sensor heats up. About 10 seconds. It a safety so that if the flame ever goes out it shuts the gas off. It’s right in the directions.
Answer: Obviously, I can't be sure, but you should double check/retighten the flame sensor connection tube. Personally, I would disconnect it, then reconnect and tighten it down securely using a wrench. If this tube isn't sufficiently tight, the cooker will not stay lit.
Answer: Based on the information provide, we would recommend completing our Contact Us from featured on our website so our Customer Service team can further assist you.
Answer: probably a bad thermocouple.
Q:
Does a cook book come with it
Answer: No, the cookbook can be purchased separately.
Answer: I did not get a cookbook with mine but there are so many resources for recipes it’s not a big deal. I can share some great ones if you’re interested.
Answer: No.
Answer: No. I go online for new recipes
Answer: No
Q:
What is the assembled size of this smoker?
Answer: about 16 x 16 x 40
Q:
Mine keeps turning off why?
Answer: Is it the wind? Or does the thermocouple need to be nearer the flame or is the gas valve faulty. Mine works flawlessly!!
Answer: Check the thermo couple
Q:
Does it have ports/holes for temperature probes?
Answer: There are vent holes in the back you could run probes through. I just close the door on mine.
Q:
I am having trouble keeping it lit. Didn't know what if someone might help? Im about to file a complaint as i can't get help from Masterbuilt.
Answer: I built air blocking panels to close off under the legs. Seems like any mild breeze blows out the flame. The panels seem to have helped a little, but still a pain. I'll probably give mine away or retire it if I can't get it dialed in better. The while reason I got a propane was so I didn't have to monitor it as much as my offset stick smoker.
Answer: A few things can cause this, the flame sensor must be nearly touching the burner, when pressing the knob to temperature hold in a little harder and longer, approximately 30sec and release slowly. If you still have issues, please visit one of our Social Media platforms, that team can direct your information directly to a representative for service.
Answer: Once you’ve paid- they won’t help. Sorry for your experience.
Answer: I bought some sheet metal and fastened between the legs Front / Back and one side. This will help a lot. On windy days you will have problems, I would try setting it close to a wall or some other wind break.
Q:
Can I buy more racks for this smoker ?
Answer: I'm sure you can buy new racks but, no you cant put more racks in this unit. There are brackets that hold a specific amount of racks
Answer: The smoker comes with 4 racks, which matches the smoker's capacity (the brackets are embossed into the inner sides of the cabinet and are not adjustable, likely due to the probe's location). However, it also comes with 2 auxiliary racks that sit on the regular racks, for six total. Those racks are good for, say, ribs, but since you lose height you are somewhat restricted on what can be loaded. Note, too, that the width of the smoker box may also mean needing to cut racks of ribs in half, depending on the racks.
Answer: Yes
Q:
Where can I get additional racks and supports?
Answer: Big Lots aprox $6. Have to cut the wire.
Q:
What is the range of temperatures it can be set too? What is the lowest temperature you can set it to?
Answer: Holds 175 to 350 accurately and reliably.
Answer: Varies on the mood of the temp regulator on that day- MB also will just tell you the “sensor is calibrated with a +- 25 degree swing so very little control to be had
Q:
Is MB20051316 smoker same as 340g?
Answer: The MPS340G is the style of smoker, the MB20051316 is the specific model, so yes. They are both 40" ThermoTemp smokers.
Answer: I think so
Q:
What's the temperature range?
Answer: I've never turned it all of the way up but well over 300. Lowest is about 180
Q:
How many BTUs?
Answer: I love this smoker! The temp control really works so I don't have to keep adjusting the gas flow. No idea about the BTU output but suffice to say that it has more than enough and I am running on natural gas My briskets are fabulous!
Product reviews of Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker with Thermostat Control, 40 inch, Black
John Wilmoth : Good smoker for the money.
I liked this over my old smoker as this has double walls and has a better thermostat. Very impressed how it will hold a temperature, though the temp dial is a bit off, but not a big deal. Helps to have a remote probe above grill and in the meat to insure your cabinet temp. Not easy to put together. The 30 minutes it said it would take was mostly spent trying to get it out of the box and the parts out of the cabinet. The build was a bit goofy. The burner box did not fit without a bit of filing of it's slots. One prestarted hole to put the two cabs together was missing and had to be drilled. The support frame bits are hard to get together without unloosening the legs. Other than that.. a really nice smoker that works well.
D G : Very low quality, total waste of money and time.
I've owned at least 6 smokers, this is hands down the most disappointing. Why didn't I pay closer attention to other reviews? Temperature control is a joke. On a good day it will work within 20 degrees, most it's off by more than that, sometimes 100 degrees. Very unreliable, likes to extinguish itself. You cannot rely upon a consistent temperature, so plan on babysitting. In less than a month, all the bolts were rattling apart and falling off the smoker. I've had to purchase new hardware and lock washers to repair it. The thing started falling apart in no time. It's light gauge metal, so be careful handling it. Overall a huge waste of my time and equally huge disappointment. Want to save yourself aggravation and money? Avoid this model entirely.
Twiggy : Needs modified to really put out good smoked food.
When I received this smoker I just followed the assembly instructions. Started up great and ran great. The temperature gauged is not really accurate and I added my own thermometer. I control the temperature much better with this way. The smoking wood tray was way to small, so I welded a larger wood tray together, problem solved. The water tray is also very small, so I gave up a rack in the bottom of the smoker, and put dollar store tin pans in there for water. Great smoker with some modifications, and worth the money.
bonnie : Still smoking!
Love my smoker! very sturdy and smokes my food very evenly no matter what rack its on!
Mike : Easy to use
It is so easy to start and keep the temp on this smoker. It and to use it more than my green egg. No complaints on this product at all
Amazon Customer : Great Smoker
Just smoked a rack of prime rib and it turned out great. Basically set the temp and came back once to add wood chunks. Six hours later it was smoked to perfection
Mark Erden : I would not call this as Pro-Series by no means.
Very thin gauge sheet metal. It easily dents and deforms. The smoke is escaping through the doors. It does not seal well. The temperature control know is very flimsy and you can not dial to precise temperature control.
Twoper : Take Your Time and Review the Drawings its all there.
To assemble Move to a Comfortable Work Area, as it will take a good amount of time to put together. No words just pictures. Study the picture carefully and Do Not Rush. Do Not Skip a Step. I had Door damage and Amazon stood by the product. ! piece missing and 1 piece damaged beyond repair. The factory replaced both . Don't expect to talk to anyone at factory all done thru emails. That being said Excellent Smoker. Temp. setting with in a degree, and the unite hold perfect heat consistency. Worth the final price.
Yoblight : Excellent
After struggling with temperature control using other propane smokers, this seemed like a good idea.
The assembly is quite involved, but not difficult. The first one I received was damaged and had to be returned, and the packaging not so good (thin Styrofoam that was in pieces) and is very difficult to repack. The box was damaged, and I should have refused delivery. So, make note as you unpack, because you may find damaged pieces, and need to repack to return. If the damage had been to deeply buried parts, I do not think I could have repacked it.
The second one was in better shape, and it assembled well with some slight door alignment issues that I was able to fix.
Operationally, this is nearly perfect. Because I use an electronic thermometer, I was not too concerned with temperature accuracy of the knob markings as long as temperature was stable. I was pleasantly surprised by how accurate the knob settings were. I can now set the temperature and it will remain stable all day.
My only complaint is the dimensions. I wish this was wider and shorter , like my Smoke Vault.
Chih Hui Lu : Gauge is leaking
The gas pressure gauge is leaking.
Mike : Easy to use
It is so easy to start and keep the temp on this smoker. It and to use it more than my green egg. No complaints on this product at all
Michael Moore : Solidly built
Does what it’s supposed to do. No problems doing the Thanksgiving turkey and ham.
wayne short : Door Latchs
The door latches have come apart on first use. Tried to fix and have come apart again. Having trouble getting to Masterbuilt
Amazon Customer : Great smoker for the money.
The only thing that needs changed it the tray on top of the burner. It starts the wood on fire fast and you can’t regulate the heat. I took a cast iron skillet and set on the tray with wood in it and it works like a charm.
Mike : Easy to use
It is so easy to start and keep the temp on this smoker. It and to use it more than my green egg. No complaints on this product at all
Adel L. : Great Propane Gas Smoker, but there is room for improvement
This is a great smoker for a household, it was easy to assemble and use.Some improvement could be: 1.) More accurate temperature control, the temperature inside it was off and not matching the temperature control setting. 2.) The instruction manual needs to be more clear. 3.) it will be nice if it had an internal thermometer. 4.) Also, it will be nice to have a cooking chart as well as some recipes.
At the end, it is a great product and we smoked some amazing ribs on it.
Mike : Easy to use
It is so easy to start and keep the temp on this smoker. It and to use it more than my green egg. No complaints on this product at all
kristi dubey : Dangerous flare ups ZERO help from Masterbuilt
Purchased in march and used 4-5 times. It only worked well the 1st time. Since then the flame burns dirty and will go out. This causes my food to turn black. There can be flames coming out of the bottom of the unit. I'm pretty sure it's a bad control valve that could easily be remedied by replacing. The problem is, because of COVID Masterbuilt won't answer the phone. Because, I guess, they don't have this cutting edge technology of forwarding phone calls to employees working from home. Therefore, you must fill out the form online and submit your info. OK. I did that. I received an automated response right away that someone would contact me within 5 days. 4 WEEKS LATER, I have not heard a single thing from Masterbuit. I have responded to the email repeatedly but nothing from them. So, if you think it will work, which by all rights it should, go ahead and buy this. But, if you think you might need any kind of support, DON'T give Masterbuilt a dime. They do not deserve your money.
Logan Boggs : Solid smoker for the price.
Overall, a solid smoker for the price. It def does not hold quite as much meat as it claims. But the temp control works well, and it's easy to use and clean.
Ryan Landrum : Great Smoker for the Price
This smoker is great for volume smoking. It takes a bit of trial and error to get and keep the chips lit at low temp. Otherwise, good product.
AudioFile : Temperature Control not functioning properly
Having difficulty holding temperature. Initial seasoning held steady. First cook, temp held at 225° for 4 hours then the temp rose to 300°. Could not adjust back down to 225°.
With the control knob turned all the way down, smoker temperatures still above 250°.
Temperatures were monitored by two ThermoWorks probes. Both probes have had the calibration checked against a NIST traceable thermometer.
I fear the temperature controller or sensor might be bad.
Smoker was purchased via Amazon and delivered April 10.
Robert G : The temperature control will stop working and Masterbuilt will take their time in contacting you
DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT! It worked fine for me the first four times, and then the temperature controls stopped working and it would not heat higher than 200 degrees. I purchased the extended warranty from Asurion, I contacted them and they told me it was still under manufacture warranty, and I needed to contact Masterbuilt. I did and 3 days later I still haven’t heard back from Masterbuilt. I would give this item zero stars if it was possible.
Kat : Love it!!!
This was a gift for my husband to replace his old smoker and boy does he love it! The smoker creates mouthwatering beautifully smoked meat, crispy skin and the vault style is super easy to use and holds a lot of meat if you’re feeding a crowd.
steven sears : Able to control temp and smoke
Able to set the temperature and control your smoke. Keeps the temp perfect, no matter the weather.
Logan Boggs : Solid smoker for the price.
Overall, a solid smoker for the price. It def does not hold quite as much meat as it claims. But the temp control works well, and it's easy to use and clean.
Amazon Customer : Great smoker for the money.
The only thing that needs changed it the tray on top of the burner. It starts the wood on fire fast and you can’t regulate the heat. I took a cast iron skillet and set on the tray with wood in it and it works like a charm.
Chih Hui Lu : Gauge is leaking
The gas pressure gauge is leaking.
jasonduke5 : Good product.
Surprised shipping was a little slow. Package was damaged in warehouse or shipping. Was easier to fix myself then try and get all back in box and ship back. I’m new to smoking but from what i have smoked so far it worked great. Putting together wasn’t that bad. Directions were pretty easy to follow.
Jeff Fowler : Stay away from this failure.
stay away from this unit, it keeps shutting itself off. Mine turned off 4 time when doing a 8 hour smoke. They need to do better testing.
Glenn : Wish i knew how to post pictures. I have them to prove this review.
I bought this smoker to use on mothers day weekend. It arrived on time. Upon opening and starting assembly noticed rear left corner was dented. I really needed to use this smoker so i hammered the dent out the best i could using a piece wood so i didn't caused more damage. Then the pre drilled holes would not line up. It was real pain in the arse. After all that the gas line looked like it had been crimped with pliers so i used vise grips and opened the line. Oh and the temp control wire would not go in hole so i rerouted it. Would have sent back but needed it for mothers day and i'm handy enough to make it work.
NickyBee : Great
Good heat control and easy to use - love the glass - takes some effort to install (heavy)
bonnie : Still smoking!
Love my smoker! very sturdy and smokes my food very evenly no matter what rack its on!
Brittany : Love at 1st Brisket
Love the temp control. It truly is set it and forget it.....mostly. I found that smoking overnight when the Temps dropped significantly the cabinet wasn't insulated sufficiently to prevent the drop that was beyond the ability of the automatic control. I also found the doors leaked a lot of smoke. I further found that the heat dial is off by about 20 degrees. That being said, using a Thermoworks Signals thermometer and some foam smoker door sealant I was able to overcome both of these issues. I found the unit very easy to assemble following the combination of the online videos and the instruction manual. I've already smoked two brisket and it had the meat falling apart with so very little input from me over the hours. I'm loving this smoker.
Twiggy : Needs modified to really put out good smoked food.
When I received this smoker I just followed the assembly instructions. Started up great and ran great. The temperature gauged is not really accurate and I added my own thermometer. I control the temperature much better with this way. The smoking wood tray was way to small, so I welded a larger wood tray together, problem solved. The water tray is also very small, so I gave up a rack in the bottom of the smoker, and put dollar store tin pans in there for water. Great smoker with some modifications, and worth the money.
D. A. Hamilton : Very well built
No paper directions..had to watch u tube..took 3 hours to put together.. very well built, keeps temperature accurately..easy to clean
Michael Moore : Solidly built
Does what it’s supposed to do. No problems doing the Thanksgiving turkey and ham.
lcar987 : It's Worth It!
Unpacking this smoker was interesting. A lot of thought went into getting all these parts into that one box! Even with all the carefully laid out packing and all the Styrofoam, some parts still got damaged, including some denting on the side. I was able to straighten most of it well enough so just some minor cosmetic damage shows.
Assembly: Follow the directions! I rated this 3 stars because it some of the assembly is a real pia! Not a deal breaker - you are getting a LOT of smoker for the money! Take your time. Plan on spending a few hours putting this smoker together. I began by sorting all the hardware and there is a lot of it. I do a lot of mechanical work so every group of nuts, bolts, screws got its own magnetic tray and label. This helps a lot. No trays? Use cereal bowls or something. I installed all sheet metal type screws BY HAND (as in no screw gun, even though I own several), to avoid stripping them out. Even so, I chose to up-size the short ones (maybe #8 x 1/2") to a #10 size. Most parts lined up fairly well.
In the short time I have had this smoker I've done ribs and one pork roast. All came out excellent. If you are new to smoking, seek guidance via the Internet, friends or a good book as this smoker comes with nothing. I was surprised by this, expecting to find at least a basic getting started type booklet. The Masterbuilt website has some good info.
CLEAN THE WINDOW!! EVERY TIME!! I am NOT a fan of the window and one reason I held off buying this smoker when it first came out was I was hoping for a model without the window. It isn't needed. In fact, visibility drops when the smoke gets going and continues to degrade. After 3-4 hours you can't see much at all. Smokers don't need windows!
I would absolutely buy this smoker again. It is priced well, probably because the customer does all the assembly work! It also works quite well. I have not needed to contact Masterbuilt for anything so far but I hear good things about them. Buy it - you will like it!
patrick : Great smoker
I have had several runs on this smoker now and love it. I replaced an electric smoker with this and wish it hadn't taken me so long to do so. I love my big smoker and how it performs and this guy is a close second. I made a couple small mods to it and am not disappointed. The temperature is within 25 degrees of it's dial and does an amazing job staying steady. The smoke tray, I took out and threw away. I replaced it with a cast iron skillet and sit it directly on the burner cover. Smoked like a freight train. I will likely put a seal on the doors to help with smoke loss, and upgrade my water pan especially on larger smoked.
voiceofreason : Dangerously leaking propane
Have not used yet as it is spewing propane from the tank guage.
Regarding assembly/quaility: Masterbuilt is a lie, it is Chinese manufactured, ME built. Trying to get support from Masterbuilt has been like pulling teeth. Makes sense as there just a front for the real Chinese manufacturer.
The packing was terrible, so much Styrofoam. 0 stars for their environmentalism. Good chance this is going back to amazon, Masterbuilt really is a joke to work with,
Keith Wallace : A reasonable compromise...
I have had three Masterbuilt gas smokers. I prefere gas smokers in lieu of charcoal or electric versions. I have learned over that time that while they offer a reasonable benefit/cost compromise in comparison to the big green egg (which is charcoal fired), the smokers are built with thin sheet steel that eventually diminishes their effectiveness to the point that they fail the test of time. The bottom area heat shield, wood chip pan, and lower metals corrode due to heat and drippings. This time I plan to use a supplemental drip pan to extend its service life. I bought this third smoker knowing that after about three years I will have to replace it. Even so, I have many years to go before the replacement costs equal the cost and charcoal configuration of a big green egg.
Mike : Easy to use
It is so easy to start and keep the temp on this smoker. It and to use it more than my green egg. No complaints on this product at all
debbie f. : Don't buy
Returned it ....didn't work, flame wouldn't stay lit and master built has ZERO customer service. Buyer beware. The only good thing is Amazon's awesome customer service.
Cooper V : Great smoker
Use it every weekend, meats, cheese been very happy with it. Easy cleaning
Amazon Customer : Temp droop is large but will help if smom
Temp setting is off. I mounted a dial gauge next to the latch. Seems to be 25-40 degrees off. I obviously know there is a temp swing(17 degrees with jerkey, higher with large cuts) but that is expected. ( your house typically has a 3-5 degrees droop) I double checked it with my digital thermo. Not huge making jerkey but a big deal when making a prime rib. Still love it once I figured out the finesse like any other smoker. The thermostat is going to help alot when I start smoking below -10f. Excited!
Superduty : Masterbuilts customer service sucks
I've been waiting almost two months for replacement parts, still no time frame of when I will receive them. Right from the get go this smoker hasn't worked. Spend your money elsewhere.
Cooper V : Great smoker
Use it every weekend, meats, cheese been very happy with it. Easy cleaning
Josh Carpenter : Amazing temperature control!
I first read about this smoker on AmazingRibs.com and I am having a great time using it! The assembly took me an hour or so.
To my knowledge it's the only one of its kind right now, with the built in thermostat.
Quick tip: use an oven or Bluetooth thermometer to get your cooking temp right (the dial isn't that accurate). Once you find your sweet spots, take a note of where the dial is and let it work!
I really love how it holds the temp without me constantly having to adjust the gas. This was the big selling point for me because I like low and slow at 225, but it's nice to be able to get other things done during the day.
I get a really good smoke when I use a hand full of wood chips and several wood chunks. It will smoke for an hour and then I flip the chunks over and add a couple more as needed.
Make sure you allow the smoker to come to temp, then add the wood. This allows the pan to get nice and hot so the wood starts to smoke quickly. No need to soak the wood.
Bug3 : Enjoying using this smoker
Only have used this once... so far so good. Assembly took (an experienced tool person) 2.5hrs. Some assembly parts are extremely tight spaces. Where the nuts and bolts go (near the wheels in particular). One improvement could be a temperature gauge on the outside of the unit.
D. A. Hamilton : Very well built
No paper directions..had to watch u tube..took 3 hours to put together.. very well built, keeps temperature accurately..easy to clean
R&R : Hey, this is a great smoker despite some negative reviews!
Hubby and I wanted a smoker for years. We don’t cook for more than 3 people, so we didn’t require a monster smoker. We wanted something easy to use, and portable. I had read many negative reviews, so I was skeptical when my husband ordered it anyway. All I can say is that this smoker is awesome! We’ve used it a lot, and it’s perfect. We don’t use much propane. A few tips: get a cast iron skillet to put the water and wood chips in, and get one that will fit, not too big. We bought a gauge for the propane tank, get a digital thermometer, and watch a few YouTube videos on smoking. This wasn’t a lot of money, and we love it. Btw, my husband is a retired firefighter, and he’s the one that bbq’s and smokes the food. He likes how the design is safe and easy to use.
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