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Head-to-head · Best Electric Smokers

Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker vs Masterbuilt MB20072918 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Masterbuilt MB20072918 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Users who prioritize convenience and moisture retention over heavy bark development — read the strengths below before deciding.

Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker
Ranked #3 in Best Electric Smokers
Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker
2 sourcesall derived$268.51as of Oct 2

The Masterbuilt MB20070421 offers a straightforward electric smoking experience with digital controls that simplify temperature and timer settings up to 275°F. samiskababhouse found the patented side wood chip loader convenient for adding fuel without opening the main door, though the small stock tray requires refills every 20 to 30 minutes during long cooks. Smoky Beginnings BBQ noted that thin aluminum walls and a plastic controller result in lower build quality compared to premium competitors, affecting durability and heat retention in cold weather. This model fits beginners or those with limited space seeking hassle-free operation, but seasoned pitmasters wanting robust construction or intense smoke flavor should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Digital control panel allows precise temperature and time settings up to 275°F with built-in thermostat for consistent heat.
  • — Patented side wood chip loader enables adding chips without opening the door, preventing heat loss.
  • — Spacious 711 square inch cooking area includes four chrome-coated racks suitable for large cuts of meat.
Watch-outs
  • — Stock wood chip tray is small, requiring refills every 20 to 45 minutes during long cooks.
  • — Thin aluminum walls and plastic controller result in lower build quality compared to premium competitors.
$268.51 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Masterbuilt MB20072918 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Electric Smokers
Masterbuilt MB20072918 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker
2 sourcesall derived

The Masterbuilt MB20072918 offers precise digital temperature control up to 275°F and a side-mounted wood chip loader that minimizes heat loss, making it convenient for set-and-forget cooking. Smoky Beginnings BBQ found the unit retains moisture effectively, yielding tender results for salmon and pork butt, while IrixGuy's Adventure Channel highlighted the rear-accessible grease drain for easy cleanup. However, significant temperature stratification places the top rack noticeably hotter than the bottom, requiring strategic food placement to avoid uneven cooking. The plastic door components are prone to cracking from minor impacts, and slow heat recovery after opening can delay cook times by up to an hour. This smoker fits users who prioritize convenience and moisture retention over heavy bark development or robust smoke rings.

Strengths
  • — Side wood chip loader allows adding chips without opening the main door, minimizing heat loss.
  • — Digital control panel enables precise temperature setting up to 275°F with minimal babysitting.
  • — Effective moisture retention keeps meats like pork butt and salmon tender during long cooks.
Watch-outs
  • — Significant temperature stratification occurs, with the top rack running noticeably hotter than the bottom.
  • — Slow heat recovery after opening the door can delay cooking times by up to an hour.
  • — Plastic components on the door are prone to cracking from minor impacts.
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Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker

This unit has a smaller 711 square inch cooking area compared to the larger capacities of the MB20072918 and Masterbuilt 710.

Masterbuilt MB20072918 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker

It offers a significantly larger 970 square inch cooking area compared to the smaller Masterbuilt MB20070421 and East Oak models. However, it suffers from significant temperature stratification where the top rack runs hotter than the bottom, a issue not highlighted in the more stable PID-controlled Bradley Smoker.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMasterbuilt MB20070421 30-Inch Digital Electric SmokerMasterbuilt MB20072918 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker
Cooking Area711 sq in970 sq inches
Temperature Range275°F35°F - 275°F
Fuel TypeElectric (wood chips for smoke)Electric / Wood Chips
Weight45.9 lb66.3 lb
Dimensions33 H × 20 W × 19 D25.2 x 41.7 x 19.6 in
MaterialAlloy steel outer, stainless steel inner—
Control TypeDigital Control Panel—
Heating Element1500-Watt Heating Element—
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