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.
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
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 |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy 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.
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
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.
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
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.
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
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
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
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
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
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.
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.
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.
