Some smokers promise convenience, others promise flavor — but few manage to deliver both the way Masterbuilt does. Having cooked with both the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Electric Smoker (MB20070421) and the Masterbuilt 40-Inch Electric Smoker (MB20071117), I’ve spent enough weekends experimenting with ribs, briskets, and whole chickens to know exactly where each shines.
If you’re torn between the 30-inch and 40-inch models, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — from size and performance to ease of use and real-world results.
Key Difference at a Glance: Masterbuilt 30 Inch vs 40 Inch Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt 30-inch is the more compact and affordable option, perfect for small families or beginners who want easy smoking without the fuss. It offers 710 sq. inches of cooking space with a digital control panel, a side wood chip loader, and four chrome-coated racks.
The Masterbuilt 40-inch, on the other hand, steps things up with slightly more cooking capacity (711 sq. inches), a taller build, and the same digital precision. It’s designed for people who smoke in larger batches or host BBQs regularly.
In simple terms: both are great, but your choice depends on how much food you smoke and how much control you want over your process.
Comparison Table: Masterbuilt 30 Inch vs 40 Inch Electric Smoker
| Feature | Masterbuilt 30-Inch (MB20070421) | Masterbuilt 40-Inch (MB20071117) |
| Cooking Space | 710 sq. in. | 711 sq. in. |
| Temperature Range | Up to 275°F | Up to 275°F |
| Smoking Racks | 4 chrome-coated | 4 chrome-coated |
| Wood Chip Loader | Patented side loader | Patented side loader |
| Water Bowl | Removable | Removable |
| Grease Tray | Rear removable tray | Rear removable tray |
| Weight | 50.3 lbs | 45.9 lbs |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 42″ x 24″ x 22″ | 33.3″ x 20.9″ x 19.8″ |
| Power Source | Electric | Electric |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Outer Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Ideal For | Small families, beginners | Larger gatherings, frequent use |
| View Current Price on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Design & Build Quality
I’ve always admired how Masterbuilt keeps things simple yet sturdy. The 30-inch smoker looks compact but doesn’t feel cheap. Its steel body and tight door latch seal in smoke beautifully, and the leg kit gives it a comfortable working height — something I appreciated after long cooking sessions.
The 40-inch smoker, while slightly shorter in design, feels a bit more refined. The door closes snugly, and the finish is consistent all around. I found the viewing window especially useful — I could check the meat’s color without opening the smoker and losing heat.
In terms of construction, both are nearly identical in material and insulation, but the 40-inch model has a cleaner internal layout. If aesthetics and organization matter to you, the 40-inch gets the edge.
Verdict: The 40-inch wins for usability, but the 30-inch offers slightly better ergonomics thanks to its leg kit.
Ease of Use & Setup
Both smokers come ready to go out of the box, with minimal assembly required. The digital control panel makes setting temperature and time incredibly simple. I personally love how intuitive Masterbuilt’s interface is — just plug it in, load your chips, set your temp (usually between 225°F to 250°F for ribs), and walk away.
The side wood chip loader is an absolute game-changer. I could add chips without opening the door, which means I didn’t lose any smoke or heat. Both models share this feature, and I can’t overstate how useful it is during long smoking sessions.
If I had to pick one for ease of use, the 30-inch model feels slightly more beginner-friendly — lighter to move, more compact, and just as functional.
Verdict: The 30-inch is perfect for beginners, while the 40-inch offers slightly better control for experienced users.
Cooking Performance
Now, let’s talk results — because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.
With the 30-inch smoker, I smoked two full racks of ribs and a whole chicken in one go. The smoke distribution was even, and the internal temperature stayed consistent throughout. Cleanup was simple — the rear grease tray and water bowl made it effortless.
When I switched to the 40-inch model, I noticed a small but welcome improvement in airflow. Larger batches — like six chickens or two turkeys — cooked evenly, and the smoke penetration was fantastic.
Both reach a maximum of 275°F, so they’re ideal for low-and-slow BBQs, not for grilling.
Verdict: For small households or limited patio space, the 30-inch is plenty. For anyone who hosts BBQ parties or preps in bulk, the 40-inch shines.
Maintenance & Cleanup
Cleaning is straightforward on both models. The chrome-coated racks slide out easily, and the rear grease tray catches most drippings. The water bowl doubles as a moisture control and a drip catcher — a clever design touch I truly appreciate.
The 30-inch’s removable parts are slightly easier to handle because of their smaller size, but the 40-inch compensates with a wider door, making interior access better.
Verdict: A tie. Both models are equally easy to clean and maintain.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Electric Smoker
Pros:
- Compact and beginner-friendly
- Sturdy leg kit adds height and stability
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- Excellent smoke retention
- Great for smaller families
Cons:
- Slightly limited cooking space for big batches
- No Bluetooth or smart controls
Masterbuilt 40-Inch Electric Smoker
Pros:
- Slightly larger cooking capacity
- Better airflow and even heating
- Ideal for larger gatherings
- Reliable digital control system
- Clean internal layout
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier to move
- A bit pricier
My Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After cooking countless meals with both smokers, here’s my honest take:
If you’re new to smoking, live in an apartment, or cook for a small family, the Masterbuilt 30-inch is your perfect match. It’s compact, efficient, and gives you all the classic smoked flavors without taking up much space.
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
However, if you’re serious about BBQing, host family gatherings, or like prepping in bulk, the Masterbuilt 40-inch pays off in the long run. The larger capacity and better internal layout make a noticeable difference when smoking multiple meats at once.
For me personally, I still reach for the 40-inch when entertaining — but the 30-inch remains my go-to for quick weekend smokes. Either way, both deliver that unmistakable Masterbuilt flavor that turns good BBQ into unforgettable BBQ.
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
My Recommendation:
- Choose the Masterbuilt 30-Inch for convenience, simplicity, and smaller batches.
- Choose the Masterbuilt 40-Inch for versatility, capacity, and performance.
Both models prove that Masterbuilt knows what true backyard smoking should feel like — flavorful, consistent, and fuss-free.
