Masterbuilt smokers any good?

[silver pigeon]

My local farm store has a sale coming up on Masterbuilt's Analog Electric Smoker. Regular price is $159.99 on sale for $59.99. Do any of you have one of these? Are they any good? Is that a good deal? It is supposed to be able to do 4 chickens, 2 turkeys, 2 racks of ribs or 2 pork butts. Thanks

 

[scott44]

I have the Masterbuilt LP version and I'm happy with it, I've had it for 2 yrs and it no problems so far.

 

[ksgobbler]

Ive had 2 0f them. Both had connector issues that make you have to cut a panel and rewire the interior. My brother still uses the 2nd one. Don't know if they have fixed that issue or not.

 

[Telemark]

$60 is a great price for that unit.

 

[ghilliehunter]

This is the Masterbuilt I have. Had it 5 years so far with no problems.

 

[jpe40]

Got one from cabelas used it 4 or 5 times over a year before the electronics went. My buddy bought one in January, he used it quite a bit but the electronics went on it already. I believe it's $40 to replace the control panel

 

[silver pigeon]

Thanks for the info everyone. I did some research on a bbq forum and several others talked about having electrical problems. The people that had problems posted about three years ago. Maybe the problem has been resolved. I think I'm still going to buy one. Seems like a decent price. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[mtholton]

I have an electric one and it's hit or miss (same one Ghillie has I believe). Does the job most of the time, but not super high quality, but works. Biggest complaint is the fire box is finicky. Gotta sometimes bend it closer to the heat source and it has trouble producing smoke at lower temps. If the price is right and expectations aren't super high, should do the trick. I'm looking at getting a Traeger to replace it soon.

 

[silver pigeon]

I have an electric one and it's hit or miss (same one Ghillie has I believe). Does the job most of the time, but not super high quality, but works. Biggest complaint is the fire box is finicky. Gotta sometimes bend it closer to the heat source and it has trouble producing smoke at lower temps. If the price is right and expectations aren't super high, should do the trick. I'm looking at getting a Traeger to replace it soon.

For around $65 after tax, my expectations are not very high, but I think I'll give it a try. Thanks for the info.

 

[Lee Haakenson]

Ive had 2 0f them. Both had connector issues that make you have to cut a panel and rewire the interior. My brother still uses the 2nd one. Don't know if they have fixed that issue or not.

Same here...

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[Lee Haakenson]

Mine is from 2011 and have had to replace burner and temp probe. Its ok but I am sure newer ones are better. I would suggest a green mountain pellet grill or similar for hot smoking/cooking when you are at temps in the low 200s and up (ribs, brisket, pulled pork etc.). In essense, to replace the propane or charcoal grill. To me the sweet spot of a true smoker is for low temp smoking where you are trying to stay between 120 and 170 degrees (summer sausage, bolonga, jerky, sticks, etc.)

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[silver pigeon]

Here's a little more info. I found out there is a one year warranty. Also, my brother in law said he had one of the analog electric models and said it was a good unit. He said it's very important and the owners manual even says to store unit indoors when not in use, and do not expose electric smoker to rain or water at any time. Maybe that has been the cause of some peoples electrical issues.

 

[mtholton]

Ironically I ordered a Traeger and went out last night for one last cook on my Masterbuilt and after heating up for 10 minutes the heating element must have gone out. I think it’s a easy fix, but still not that many hours in it to already be breaking... 20 bucks for it on Craigslist now just to get it out of the garage!

 

[Telemark]

I've had a Masterbuilt at my cabin in Canada for 10 years and it still works. Maybe the newer ones have gone down in quality.

 

[silver pigeon]

Well, I bought two of them. $130.18 out the door. Bought one for deer camp and one for at home. Wish me luck.