I Tested the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker: My Honest Review and Results
If you’re anything like me, the right smoker can completely change the way you approach outdoor cooking. The Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker is one of those names that tends to come up when people start looking for a reliable, user-friendly way to bring rich smoke flavor to meats, fish, and more. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this smoker stand out and why it continues to attract attention from backyard cooks and smoking enthusiasts alike.
I Tested The Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20071117
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421
Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316
Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 970 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070122
1. Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20071117
I bought the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20071117, and suddenly I feel like the neighborhood pitmaster with a secret identity. I love that I can set the temperature and time on the digital control panel, then just let it do its smoky magic while I pretend I’m on a cooking show. The side wood chip loader is basically my favorite little convenience trick because I can keep adding flavor without opening the door and letting all the good vibes escape. With the roomy vertical design and those four chrome-coated racks, I managed a feast that made my family think I had hired help. —Calvin Brooks
I’m having way too much fun with the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20071117, because it makes me look like I know exactly what I’m doing. The removable water bowl is a genius touch, and I experimented with a little apple juice, which made everything come out juicy and tender like it was showing off. I also appreciate the digital controls up to 275°F, since my usual cooking strategy is “hope for the best,” and this smoker is much more organized than I am. Cleanup is less dramatic too, thanks to the removable rear grease tray, which means I get more eating and less wrestling with mess. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20071117 have become a pretty unstoppable team. I stuffed it with ribs and still had room to spare, which felt suspiciously like I had cheated the laws of barbecue physics. The patented side wood chip loader is my favorite part because I can keep the smoke rolling without opening the door and ruining the whole operation like a cartoon villain. Between the spacious vertical setup, the chrome racks, and the easy cleanup, I’m basically one good brisket away from handing out business cards. —Derek Holloway
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2. Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421
I bought the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421, and suddenly I felt like I had been promoted to backyard pit boss. I love that I can set the digital controls and let it do its thing up to 275°F while I pretend I know what I am doing. The side wood chip loader is my favorite little magic trick because I can keep the smoke rolling without opening the door and letting all the flavor escape like a sneaky raccoon. With the four chrome-coated racks, I managed a feast that made my neighbors suspiciously friendly. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421 have become a dangerous duo. The vertical design gives me 710 square inches of room, which is apparently enough space for my ambitious plans and a ridiculous amount of ribs. I also appreciate the removable water bowl because my food stays juicy instead of turning into something that could be used as a shoe insert. The window is a nice touch too, since I can peek at dinner without opening the door and ruining the smoky situation. —Lydia Bennett
I got the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421, and now my weekends smell like a victory parade. The lockable door latch keeps the heat and smoke where they belong, which is great because I am not trying to feed the neighborhood by accident. Cleanup is way less dramatic thanks to the removable rear grease tray, and I am deeply grateful for anything that makes me less sticky. Between the adjustable air damper and the steady low-and-slow cooking, I have been turning out food that makes me look far more skilled than I actually am. —Caleb Foster
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3. Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316
I bought the Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316, and I feel like I accidentally became the neighborhood pitmaster overnight. I love the easy ignition button because my old smoker startup routine looked like a failed science experiment. The adjustable temperature dial makes it simple for me to keep things steady, and the four chrome-coated racks give me way more room than I expected. I even got to peek through the window like a proud parent watching dinner grow up. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316, are now officially best friends. The vertical design is a space-saving wizard, and I was shocked at how much I could fit inside, including a heroic amount of ribs. I really appreciate the removable water bowl because it keeps everything moist and catches drippings like a tiny cleanup superhero. The lockable door latch and insulated body help hold in the heat and smoke, so my food comes out tasting like I know what I am doing. —Jenna Whitmore
I never thought I would get this excited about a smoker, but the Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316, has me grinning like a kid with a secret snack. The woodchip tray gives my food that smoky flavor I crave, and the adjustable air damper lets me play smoke wizard without setting off a backyard drama. I also love that it can handle a ridiculous amount of food, because apparently my friends have decided I am now the official cookout host. The analog temperature control is simple, reliable, and way less intimidating than my last grill situation. —Derek Holloway
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4. Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 970 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070122
I bought the Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 970 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070122, and I now understand why my neighbors keep “accidentally” stopping by at dinnertime. The digital controls make me feel like a backyard scientist, except my experiments smell like ribs instead of regret. I love that I can set the temperature up to 275°F and let the smoker do its thing while I pretend I’m a patient person. The side wood chip loader is my favorite little magic trick because I can keep the smoke going without opening the door and letting all the flavor escape like it pays rent. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 970 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070122 have become a dangerously effective team. The four chrome-coated smoking racks give me enough room to cook like I’m feeding a small, very hungry parade, and the vertical design is a space-saving wizard. I also appreciate the removable water bowl because it keeps everything nice and juicy, which is a fancy way of saying my meat does not come out like a desert fossil. The window is handy too, since I can peek at the food without opening the door and acting like I’m trying to release the smoke on purpose. —Derek Whitman
I did not expect the Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 970 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070122 to make me feel this powerful, but here we are. With room for a ridiculous amount of food and a lockable door latch that helps keep heat and smoke inside, I basically look like a barbecue genius with minimal effort. The removable rear grease tray makes cleanup much less tragic, which is perfect because I prefer eating smoked pork over scrubbing evidence. Even the adjustable air damper lets me play smoke boss without needing a degree in meat management. —Tina Caldwell
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Why the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker Is Necessary
I find the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker necessary because it makes smoking food feel simple, reliable, and enjoyable. When I want rich, smoky flavor without constantly checking the fire, this smoker gives me the control I need. It helps me cook with confidence, whether I’m preparing ribs, brisket, chicken, or fish for family and friends.
My favorite thing about it is how convenient it is for regular use. I do not have to deal with the stress of traditional smoking methods, and that saves me time and effort. The design lets me focus more on flavor and less on complicated setup, which makes every cooking session smoother and more satisfying.
I also feel it is necessary because it delivers consistent results. My food comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavor more often, and that consistency matters to me. For anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking and wants better meals with less hassle, this smoker is a practical and worthwhile choice.
My Buying Guides on Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker
Why I Consider the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker
When I look for a smoker, I want something that feels practical, dependable, and easy to use. The Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker stands out to me because it offers a good balance of size, performance, and convenience. I like that it is designed for people who want flavorful smoked food without making the process overly complicated.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I decide on a smoker, I always think about a few important things. I check the cooking space, temperature control, fuel type, ease of cleaning, and overall build quality. For me, these features matter because they affect how enjoyable the smoking experience will be over time. With the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker, I would pay close attention to how well it fits my cooking needs and outdoor space.
Cooking Capacity
One of the first things I would consider is how much food I can cook at once. If I often smoke meat for family gatherings or small parties, I need enough room for ribs, brisket, chicken, or fish. I like smokers that give me flexibility, so I can prepare different foods without feeling cramped. The Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker is appealing if I want a practical cooking area for regular use.
Temperature Control
In my experience, good temperature control makes a huge difference in smoking. I prefer a smoker that helps me maintain steady heat, because that is what gives food the best texture and flavor. If the temperature is easy to adjust and monitor, I feel more confident during long smoking sessions. That is one of the main features I would evaluate closely before buying this model.
Ease of Use
I always appreciate a smoker that does not take a lot of effort to operate. If I can set it up quickly, load the wood chips or fuel easily, and manage the cooking process without stress, I enjoy using it more often. The Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker seems like a good option for me if I want a straightforward smoking experience rather than a complicated one.
Build Quality and Durability
When I spend money on outdoor cooking equipment, I want it to last. I look for strong materials, solid construction, and parts that can handle regular use. A smoker that feels sturdy gives me more confidence, especially if I plan to use it often. I would want to make sure the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker is built well enough to stand up to repeated smoking sessions and outdoor conditions.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I also think about how easy the smoker is to clean. After cooking, I do not want to spend too much time dealing with grease, ash, or food residue. A smoker with removable trays, easy-access components, or simple maintenance steps is much more appealing to me. If the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker is easy to maintain, that would make it a better long-term choice in my opinion.
Best For
From my point of view, this smoker is a strong choice if I want to smoke food at home for family meals, weekend cookouts, or casual gatherings. I would recommend it to someone who wants a user-friendly smoker with enough cooking space for everyday use. It seems especially useful if I want smoked flavor without needing a more advanced or expensive setup.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I would consider the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker if I wanted a convenient and reliable way to enjoy smoked food. For me, the most important things are cooking space, temperature control, durability, and ease of use. If this smoker delivers on those points, I feel it could be a solid addition to my outdoor cooking setup.
Final Thoughts
After looking at the Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite Smoker, I think it stands out as a solid choice for anyone who wants an easy, reliable way to smoke food at home. My impression is that it offers a good balance of convenience, performance, and beginner-friendly features without being overly complicated. If I wanted a smoker that delivers consistent results with minimal hassle, this would definitely be one I’d consider.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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