Smoky Beginnings BBQ found that the Masterbuilt 710 delivers reliable set-and-forget convenience, maintaining temperatures within five to ten degrees of the target via its well-insulated chamber and digital controls. The unit offers substantial capacity with four racks for large batches, while Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring through a smartphone app. However, electric heating elements produce only subtle smoke flavor and fail to create the deep pink smoke ring prized by traditionalists. This model fits beginners or those seeking low-maintenance cooking who prioritize tenderness over bold intensity, but it may disappoint purists expecting robust combustion flavors.
Full review
Temperature stability and insulation performance
The Masterbuilt 710 relies on a well-insulated smoking chamber to maintain consistent heat without constant user intervention. This design allows the unit to function as a true set-and-forget appliance, eliminating the need for beginners to manage fire or adjust vents throughout long cooking sessions. The digital controls provide precise temperature management, with users able to select settings anywhere between 100 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoky Beginnings BBQ recorded that during extended cooks, the internal environment remained remarkably steady, staying within a five to ten degree variance of the target setting. This level of thermal consistency is critical for proteins like prime rib or pork butts, which require hours of uninterrupted heat exposure to render properly without drying out.
The heating element operates by warming a dedicated tray where wood chips are placed, generating smoke as they smolder rather than burn. Because the chamber retains heat so effectively, users do not need to worry about temperature drops caused by external weather conditions or door openings. This insulation is particularly beneficial for those living in colder climates who might otherwise struggle with traditional charcoal smokers losing heat rapidly. The result is a cooking environment that prioritizes moisture retention and even cooking over the high-heat searing capabilities found in gas or charcoal models, making it an ideal tool for low-and-slow barbecue techniques.
Smoke intensity limitations compared to combustion
A primary characteristic of electric smokers is the nature of their smoke production, which differs significantly from traditional charcoal or offset wood burners. Smoky Beginnings BBQ noted that while the flavor profile remains pleasant and noticeable, it lacks the heavy, bold smoke intensity associated with open-flame cooking methods. The electric heating element produces a lighter, more subtle smoke that coats the meat without overpowering its natural taste. This can be a distinct advantage for those who prefer a delicate smokiness, but it represents a trade-off for enthusiasts seeking the robust, pungent flavor profiles typical of backyard charcoal grilling.
The visual indicator of this smoking difference is the absence of a deep pink smoke ring on meats cooked in the 710. Smoky Beginnings BBQ observed that while prime rib and other large cuts developed a nice crust and remained incredibly juicy, they did not achieve the thick pink ring often prized by barbecue purists. Electric smokers do not create the same combustion conditions necessary for this chemical reaction to occur deeply within the meat's surface. For users who judge smoke quality primarily by visual cues or intense flavor punch, this limitation is significant; however, for those focused on tenderness and moisture retention, the subtle smoke delivery proves sufficient.
Connectivity features and remote monitoring
The 710 model distinguishes itself from basic electric smokers through its integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Users can connect to the Masterbuilt smartphone application to set smoking temperatures, monitor progress remotely, and receive alerts when cooking milestones are reached. Smoky Beginnings BBQ highlighted that this connectivity has become a must-have feature for many users who are busy during long cook times and cannot remain stationed at their backyard smoker all day. The ability to check pit temperature from inside the house adds a layer of convenience that justifies the digital upgrade over purely analog controllers.
The unit includes four probe ports, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of both the ambient air temperature inside the chamber and the internal temperatures of multiple meat items simultaneously. Although only one meat probe is included in the box, the infrastructure supports expansion for more complex cooks. The app interface provides real-time data transmission via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, ensuring that users are notified if a probe reaches its target pull temperature or if an alarm triggers due to door openings. This digital oversight reduces the guesswork involved in smoking large cuts of meat like eye of round roast beef, which requires precise internal temperature management to achieve deli-style tenderness.
Cooking capacity and rack configuration
With 710 square inches of cooking space, the Masterbuilt 710 offers substantial vertical volume for large batches of food. The interior is equipped with four chrome-coated smoking racks that can be adjusted to accommodate various protein sizes. Smoky Beginnings BBQ found that this capacity allows users to fit two whole pork butts comfortably or up to four racks of baby back ribs, depending on how the space is utilized. For smaller items like chickens, the vertical design can handle up to sixteen birds at once, making it a viable option for family gatherings or small-scale catering events.
The rack layout requires some strategic planning, as users may need to remove or reposition racks to fit larger cuts of meat such as whole chickens or large roasts. The inclusion of a water pan and a grease collection tray at the bottom helps manage drippings and maintain humidity within the chamber. While the four-rack setup provides flexibility for ribs and smaller proteins, cooking very large items like briskets may require sacrificing one rack to ensure proper airflow and probe placement. This spatial constraint is typical for vertical electric smokers but remains an important consideration for buyers planning to cook oversized cuts regularly.
Wood chip usage and flavor enhancement strategies
The smoker utilizes a small, cylindrical wood chip loader that inserts directly into the heating element tray. This mechanism allows users to add chips without opening the main door, preserving heat stability during long cooks. Smoky Beginnings BBQ recommended filling the loader about halfway with apple or hickory chips to maintain consistent smoke production throughout the session. The unit is specifically designed for small wood chips rather than large chunks, as chunks burn too slowly and fail to produce adequate smoke output for this type of heating element.
For users seeking a more intense smoke flavor despite the inherent limitations of electric smoking, Smoky Beginnings BBQ suggested several enhancement strategies. These include adding chips more frequently through the loader or utilizing an external cold smoker attachment that can be purchased separately. While the Masterbuilt 710 does not come with this accessory, it is compatible with third-party smoke tubes that wrap around meat to deliver localized, heavy smoke exposure. This flexibility allows users to customize their flavor profile, bridging the gap between the convenience of electric smoking and the bold taste preferences of traditional barbecue enthusiasts.
Assembly process and physical build quality
The Masterbuilt 710 arrives heavily packaged to protect its components during shipping, a detail noted by Smoky Beginnings BBQ who expressed surprise at the unit's substantial weight. Assembly is described as straightforward, involving bolting on legs and attaching the faceplate with the digital controller. The heaviest lifting involves removing protective wrapping and cleaning up packaging debris before the first use. Once assembled, the smoker presents a robust, insulated exterior that feels durable rather than flimsy or lightweight.
Before introducing food, Smoky Beginnings BBQ emphasized the importance of performing a burn-in cycle to heat the unit thoroughly. This step helps eliminate any residual manufacturing oils or packaging dust from the interior surfaces and racks. The process involves setting the temperature to its highest setting, keeping the top vent fully open to allow fumes to escape, and adding wood chips to begin seasoning the chamber with smoke flavor. This initial preparation ensures that the first actual cook is not tainted by unwanted odors and helps establish a baseline smoky coating on the interior metal surfaces.
Ideal user profile for electric smoking
The Masterbuilt 710 caters specifically to beginners or those who lack the time, space, or desire to manage traditional charcoal fires. Smoky Beginnings BBQ identified that users who are new to backyard barbecue will appreciate the elimination of fuel management tasks such as constantly adding charcoal or adjusting vents to maintain temperature. The electric nature of the unit removes the hassle and cost associated with purchasing wood or charcoal regularly, making it a convenient option for urban dwellers or those with limited outdoor space.
This smoker is also well-suited for individuals who prefer milder smoke flavors over intense, pungent profiles. It serves as an excellent tool for cooking delicate proteins like poultry or fish where heavy smoke could overwhelm the natural taste. However, it may not satisfy experienced barbecue purists who prioritize deep smoke rings and bold combustion flavors above all else. Buyers should weigh their desire for convenience and consistency against their expectations for traditional barbecue aesthetics and intensity when deciding if this electric model meets their specific culinary goals.
Strengths
- +Set-and-forget temperature control eliminates the need to manage fire or adjust vents, making it ideal for beginners.
- +Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allows users to monitor pit and meat temperatures remotely via a smartphone app.
- +Includes four cooking racks providing ample vertical space for multiple items like pork butts or spare ribs.
- +Well-insulated chamber maintains steady heat with only minor fluctuations of 5-10 degrees from the set temperature.
Watch-outs
- −Produces a lighter, more subtle smoke flavor compared to traditional charcoal or offset smokers.
- −Does not create a deep pink smoke ring on meats due to the nature of electric heating elements.
How it compares
It distinguishes itself from the other Masterbuilt models by offering Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring via a smartphone app, which the MB20070421 and MB20072918 lack. While it shares similar electric heating limitations regarding smoke ring depth with the East Oak, its four racks provide ample vertical space comparable to the 30-inch model.
Rating sources
“It's super easy to use and it's perfect for beginners... the smoker does a great job of hoing in the moisture”
Our 4.0 score is the average of the 1 scored review above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
