Customer Reviews

Masterbuilt 20070106 30-Inch Electric Smokehouse Smoker, Stainless

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I received the Masterbuilt Smoker as a gift. It was easy to use. All you had to do was set the temp, the time, put in the meat, add the wood chips and come back when it was finished. I smoked pork shoulder, turkey and salmon and each time the results were quite good.

Unfortunately there is a design flaw with the unit. When the door is fully opened the top corner catches on the hinge and the metal peels back like a can opener. After this happened the first time I returned it and got another one, vowing to be more careful when opening the door. So far so good for the first month or so but one day a gust of wind came up just as I had opened the door and it popped into the hinge. The same thing happened; the metal in the corner peeled back. The problem got worse with subsequent smokes, to the point that the plastic trim started to give way and the rubber seal became loose. I took the second unit back and got a refund. I am now looking for another smoker that will hold up better.

A smoker in this price range shouldn't be so flimsy. I wouldn't recommend the Masterbuilt smoker under any circumstance.

I love this smoker, it is truly a set it and forget it smoker for me.

If you are doing a lot of research, you may have noticed in months/years back that these smokers had some issues with previous buyers. One issue was the element was not replaceable (new models are), and there was issues with door and it not being able to stay tightly closed (new models have improved now adjustable for when needing extra strength or readjustment) I called Masterbuilt before I bought my smoker, and they told me if whatever model I am looking at is listed on their website, then it has the replaceable element AND the Better door fastener. So be careful, if you see a great deal on some models at various stores and outlets, compare those model numbers to masterbuilt's website, otherwise what you are looking at may be some old stock that you do not want that got the older complaints.

I got the smoker with the inside light and window, and I believe that is the best thing for me, otherwise I would be constantly opening the door to view and losing heat which in turn delays cook time.

ALSO, while many get great service out of using wood chips (wet and dry) I have found cooking pellets (not heating pellets) work best for me. I buy them from cookinpellets because they are 100% pure hickory with no alder fillers, (alder is great for fish but not something you want for Memphis style BBQ or ribs) and it usually requires no more than a cup or two of pellets per cook. I have now cooked several boston butts (for pulled pork barbecue) and baby back ribs, both turned out great moist and tender.

NOTE ADDED: Always check models #' and dates of reviews, if you are going to base your buying decision of current models on internet reviews and opinions.

After smoking with Charcoal over 20 years, I bought this. I am amazed how easy it is working with this product. It is good construction, and easy to clean. Like they say:Set it and Forget it! I will have to get used to not peaking. The chip loader is a nice feature. Because you aren't cooking at higher temperatures, the water pan doesn't boil out nearly as fast as it does with uncontrolled charcoal cooking. Keep your meat thermometer handy for internal temperature checking. All in all nice product. Consider this a worry free purchase

I have been using mine for 2 years without any trouble what-so-ever. I get a lot of compliments and could sell some Boston buts if I wanted to.I cook the whole butts to 196 degrees and can pull the bone out by hand. I also have several woods in the pellet form. It only takes 1/3 cup for a 12 hour cook.