Best Masterbuilt Smokers (2026)

The 1150 is the biggest gravity cooker in the lineup. A hopper above the fire drops charcoal as it burns, and a fan managed by a digital controller keeps the temperature where you set it. In effect, it replaces the pitmaster's most tedious chores.

It lists 1,150 sq in of cooking area and an app that sets temperatures, monitors up to four meat probes and sends alerts. That is the most capable control in any Masterbuilt cooker here, and it gives you real charcoal smoke rather than the milder flavor of chips on a tray.

It needs power for the fan and controller, so a power cut or a bad extension cord ends the cook. The hopper must stay dry, ash must be emptied after every run and a cover is not optional. For a household that entertains, it is the best Masterbuilt you can buy. Load the hopper with a mix of lump and briquettes for a steady burn, and add a few wood chunks near the top for flavor.

The 1050 sits between the 800 and the 1150, with 1,050 sq in of cooking space and the same gravity-fed charcoal design. The listing says it reaches 225 F in about 8 minutes and 700 F in about 15 minutes, so it works as a smoker at low settings and a hot grill at high ones.

A DigitalFan system maintains the set temperature, and a free app handles control and monitoring. The size is a good match for a family that wants room for ribs and a few sides at once.

The trade-off against the 1150 is a slightly smaller grate and fewer headline extras. Compared with the 800, it adds roughly 250 sq in. Keep the hopper dry, clean the ash trap and cover it between cooks. Treat it as the sweet spot of the family if you want to cook for six without paying for the largest grate. Preheat with the lid closed, and give the hopper a full load before a long smoke.

The 800 is the gravity model aimed at people who also want a hot grill. A flat-top griddle insert and cast iron grates come with it, and the listing says it reaches 450 F in about 10 minutes and 700 F in about 14 minutes.

At 800 sq in it has less room than the 1050 or 1150, which makes it better for a family of four than for a crowd. The DigitalFan minimizes temperature swings, and the app connectivity lets you monitor from inside.

Its versatility is its selling point: smash burgers on the griddle at lunch and ribs in the smoker mode at night. The downside is the same as the rest of the gravity line, which is that it needs power and a dry hopper. Season the griddle with oil after each use, because a bare flat top rusts quickly when stored outdoors.

The 600 is the entry point to the gravity line, with the same hopper, fan and app control as its larger siblings in a smaller body. It uses WiFi and the Masterbuilt app to set and monitor temperature and track cook data.

A DigitalFan holds the set temperature automatically, which is the feature that makes charcoal cooking forgiving. It is the sensible pick for a smaller patio or a couple that does not need the 1,150 sq in of the biggest model.

The tradeoff is capacity, since you will be unable to fit a big brisket and sides at once. As with every gravity model, it needs power, dry fuel and ash cleanup. It suits a small household that wants charcoal flavor and app control. Because it is the smallest, it also heats and recovers faster, which suits weeknight cooks.

The 40-inch propane model is the largest non-charcoal Masterbuilt smoker, with 960 sq in across its racks. A push-button igniter lights the burner and an analog dial sets output up to 375 F.

Because it burns propane, it needs no outlet, which makes it the Masterbuilt to buy for a patio without power or for a campsite. A tank of gas powers it, and the cabinet is tall enough to handle large poultry.

The dial is a loose control, so a probe at grate level is a good idea. Flavor comes from wood chips, which means it is milder than the gravity charcoal models. Check hoses each season and keep a spare tank. A second probe in the top rack catches the hotter zone that the dial never shows.

This is the simplest and cheapest Masterbuilt in the group, a 30-inch electric cabinet with 535 sq in of space and chrome racks. The maker says it fits three chickens, two turkeys or three racks of ribs.

An analog dial controls the element and a removable tray holds wood chips. It is a good first smoker because it behaves like an oven, but the dial drifts, so a probe is useful. It has no side loader, so adding chips means opening the door.

Compared with the gravity models it makes a lighter smoke and has far fewer parts to fail. Keep the drip pan clean, cover the cabinet outdoors and expect to find parts easily. Load a full tray of chips before you start, since refills mean opening the door and losing heat.

The MPS 230S is the compact propane option, with four chrome-coated racks, a built-in temperature gauge and push-button ignition. It is smaller than the 40-inch model and uses less fuel.

It suits a household of two to four who want propane convenience without a big cabinet. The gauge is only a rough guide, so add a probe. There is no outlet requirement, which keeps it flexible.

Because it is a small cabinet, you will fit fewer large cuts than in the 40-inch. Check the hose and regulator, keep the water pan clean and cover it between uses. Keep the water pan filled, because a dry pan lets the cabinet run hotter than the gauge suggests.