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.
Full review
Digital controls and side loader simplify operation
The Masterbuilt MB20070421 operates as a straightforward vertical electric smoker, removing the need to manage live coals or gas flames. The primary interface is a digital control panel located on the top of the lid, which allows users to set both the cooking temperature and an automatic shut-off timer with precision. samiskababhouse found that this digital setup makes it easy to control on/off functions, time settings, and temperatures up to 275°F without guesswork. The built-in thermostat cycles the heating element to maintain a steady heat level, which eliminates the constant vent-chasing required by charcoal or offset smokers. This set-and-forget approach is particularly valuable for beginners who want consistent results without learning complex fire management techniques.
A standout feature that reinforces this ease of use is the patented side wood chip loader. Traditional electric smokers often require opening the main door to replenish smoke, which causes significant heat loss and temperature fluctuations. The Masterbuilt loader allows users to add wood chips through a small port on the side without ever opening the main chamber door. By keeping the cabinet sealed while feeding the fire, the smoker maintains its internal environment more effectively than models requiring frequent door openings.
711 square inch capacity fits large cuts
Despite its compact exterior footprint of 33 inches in height and roughly 20 inches wide, the smoking cabinet offers a generous 711 square inches of cooking space. The interior is arranged with four chrome-coated racks that provide ample room for various types of meat. samiskababhouse reported being able to fit two large pork shoulders and a whole chicken simultaneously without any issues during their review. This capacity makes the unit suitable for feeding larger families or hosting backyard gatherings where multiple items need to be smoked at once.
The chrome-coated racks are designed to support heavy cuts of meat while remaining easy to clean after use. The vertical design maximizes space efficiency, allowing users to stack different proteins on separate levels. While the total square footage is high, the individual rack dimensions mean that very wide items might need to be trimmed or positioned carefully. However, for standard racks of ribs, whole chickens, and large pork butts, the layout provides a practical and organized cooking environment.
Stock chip tray requires frequent refilling
The convenience of the side loader is somewhat offset by the small size of the internal wood chip tray. The stock tray holds only a limited amount of fuel, which means it burns through quickly during extended cooking sessions. samiskababhouse noted that they had to refill the tray every 20 to 30 minutes to maintain consistent smoke production. This frequency can become tedious for cooks attempting long brisket or pork butt sessions that last eight hours or more.
To mitigate this issue, some users have reported success using wood pellets instead of standard chips. Pellets tend to burn longer and produce a denser smoke cloud, potentially extending the time between refills. However, even with pellets, the small capacity means that frequent attention is still required if deep smoke flavor is desired. The side loader makes these refills less disruptive since you do not have to open the main door, but it does require periodic pauses in your cooking workflow to top up the tray.
Temperature accuracy varies between racks
While the digital thermostat holds a steady temperature at the control panel's sensor location, heat distribution within the cabinet is not perfectly uniform. Heat naturally rises, and users have observed noticeable differences in cooking temperatures between the top and bottom racks. This thermal gradient means that food placement matters; lighter items like fish or ribs cook faster on the upper shelves, while heavier cuts benefit from the slightly lower heat near the bottom.
The built-in meat probe thermometer has also been criticized for potential accuracy issues. For precise cooking, especially with large roasts or briskets, relying solely on the included probe might lead to overcooking. Using an external digital thermometer as a secondary check is recommended to ensure food safety and optimal doneness.
Thin aluminum walls impact insulation
The exterior construction of the Masterbuilt MB20070421 utilizes alloy steel with thin aluminum walls, which contributes to its relatively lightweight design but raises concerns about durability and heat retention. SmokedBBQSource pointed out that the plastic controller and thin metal walls indicate a lower build quality compared to premium competitors. The unit weighs approximately 45.9 pounds, making it lighter than many cast-iron or thick steel smokers, which also means it can be more susceptible to dents if mishandled.
The thinner insulation affects performance in colder weather conditions. In freezing temperatures, the cabinet struggles to maintain heat as effectively as heavily insulated models, drawing more power and taking longer to recover temperature after opening the door. While it functions adequately in mild climates, users cooking in winter or windy environments may find that the thin walls require more energy to keep the internal environment stable. The plastic components on the control panel also feel less robust than metal alternatives found on higher-end units.
Mild smoke flavor suits specific foods
Electric smokers produce a cleaner, milder smoke compared to charcoal or wood-burning stick burners. This characteristic makes the Masterbuilt an excellent choice for delicate proteins that can be easily overwhelmed by heavy smoke. Similarly, jerky and sausages benefit from the consistent low-temperature environment.
For users seeking a bold, competition-style bark or a deep smoke ring on brisket, this smoker may fall short. The electric element does not create the same combustion conditions as burning wood logs, resulting in a subtler smoky profile. To enhance smoke flavor, users can add chips more frequently or utilize an external cold-smoke generator attachment, which produces significantly more smoke but requires separate purchase.
Ideal for beginners and apartment dwellers
The Masterbuilt MB20070421 is best suited for individuals new to smoking who want a hassle-free introduction to the hobby. The plug-and-play operation removes the anxiety of managing fire, making it accessible to anyone with access to an outdoor electrical outlet. It is also highly recommended for apartment dwellers or those in townhouses where open flames or charcoal use might be prohibited by lease agreements or local regulations.
Busy parents and professionals who want smoked food without spending hours babysitting a grill will find this model particularly appealing. The combination of digital controls, the side chip loader, and consistent temperature holding allows users to start a cook in the morning and focus on other tasks. While it may not satisfy seasoned pitmasters seeking maximum flavor complexity or rugged durability, it delivers reliable, moist results for everyday cooking needs.
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.
How it compares
This unit has a smaller 711 square inch cooking area compared to the larger capacities of the MB20072918 and Masterbuilt 710.
Rating sources
“In conclusion, the Masterbuilt MB20070421 Black Smoker is a great value, and we highly recommend it to anybody who loves smoked meat.”
“It's super easy to use and it's perfect for beginners... the smoker does a great job of hoing in the moisture because it's electric I didn't have to constantly adjust the temperature or worry about running out of fuel”
Our 4.0 score is the average of these published ratings. 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.
