Masterbuilt MB20050716 Mps 330g Thermotemp Propane Smoker, Silver & black

I did quite a bit of research before buying our first smoker. Saw many different manufacturers but the consensus was that Masterbuilt is one of the best-built smokers. I have not been disappointed, as it appears to be a very well constructed unit. Does one go with an electric or a propane smoker? I read that the electric smokers are limited to the level of heat you can get the smoker, which can restrict the amount of smoke generated and require longer cook times. Therefore, the propane model is the way to go. Happy I went with the propane because it allows me to raise the temp to finish off a job if I feel enough smoke has been infused. It can get up to 400 degrees or so, pretty similar to a grill with the lid closed. The gauge connected to the propane tank (which requires a standard 20lb tank that you can swap between your grill and your smoker) is a very valuable feature. There were some complaints that a full uncut rack of ribs is a bit too wide for this model, and I can see that, but I don't have any problem cutting them in half. There are four shelves to fit whatever you want to prepare. The window is great to keep an eye on how things are going during the process. The temperature regulator is another great feature, which kicks down the gas flow when it reaches the desired temperature. Does an excellent job maintaining a sustained heat. I added an analog thermometer that hangs from one of the shelves to confirm the temp and they have been pretty much spot on. The wood chip tray with the second door allows for the addition of additional wood without affecting the cooking temp. We have found that you get about 15-20 minutes before you need to add more chips. I have read that wood chunks instead of chips will extend this time but have not tried it yet, I'm sure the tray will accommodate. The assembly process did take about 2 hours but it's important to take your time, particularly when assembling the ignitor/burner mechanism. Some have complained that the flame does not stay lit. I read on boards that you especially need to make sure to fully connect the flame sensor wire to the value assembly (do not just hand tighten), otherwise if you have a leak, the flame will go out. We have not had any issues. It was a great project to do with my teenage daughter, she loves to assemble things. There is a very good video online that describes step-by-step instructions for the assembly. We watched that while following the written directions that came with it and it was a breeze. We found that we would lose a bit of smoke out the doors rather than just out the back damper. I added High Temp Nomex BBQ HT Gasket Smoker Seal around each door frame and that sealed it up nicely. If you are looking for a larger smoker that can prepare food for more people, go with the 40-inch ThermoTemp XL propane smoker, I assume it will be constructed just as well. However, for our family of four, it is a wonderful addition to our cooking tools.

All in all I’ve enjoyed this smoker. I’ve done Boston butt’s and ribs on it so far and I’ve gotten nothing but compliments. Here’s the pros and consPros:-it maintains the temperature at what it thinks it is (I’ll explain more in cons)-it’s extremely low maintenance as smokers go-it’s sturdy, easy to transport, and easy to cleanCons:-the thermogauge is going to be off. It’ll maintain the temperature it thinks it is. Mine is about 10 degrees low, so I set it ten degrees higher and problem solved. I used a laser thermometer gun to get the actual temp and adjusted accordingly.-Whoever created the packaging for this probably also invented Tetris. I’ve never seen a box use every single inch of available space so efficiently. It was like taking a puzzle apart.-go ahead and budget a few hours for assembly. The instructions aren’t the greatest.tl;dr it’s a great smoker that’s a pain to put together.

Significant assembly is required for this product. It was packed in the box by a Tetris Master. Plan on spending about 30 minutes getting it out of the box. Once out of the box there were a couple bent flanges and a small dent on the door. These were easy to move back in place and did not effect assembly. Overall the instructions are fairly straight forward. When attaching the burner one side of the mounting surface is flat and the other is not. The burner housing is flat on both sides. It will fit correctly as you tighten the screws the burner housing will conform to the base. This is not clear in the instructions. When you are putting the legs on pay attention to the instructions. Each leg is different, they will all fit in each position but you will not be able to attach anything else if any are in the wrong place. Most of the assembly is done with the smoker upside down. Don't tighten anything until it is all assembled. This allows you to adjust the fit while assembling. Be sure to tighten everything before turning the smoker upright to finish assembly. It isn't called for in the instructions but I found it was easier to lay the smoker on the back while routing the temperature probe. This allowed me to use gravity in my favor.I'll update on its operation when I get to use it.

This smoker is extremely easy to use and it’s built well. Takes sometime to put it together but there is an easy to follow YouTube video that is extremely helpful.

The design of this unit is terrible. It works great as an oven keeps the temperature in an acceptable range but the way it’s designed it doesn’t smoke at all. My wife creates more smoke frying eggs than this thing did after cooking a butt for 10 hours. I’m going to have to tear it apart and redesign the lower part. The water pan catches most of the dripping so no smoke. The drippings hitting a hot metal plate is what creates the smoke which flavors the meat. Any drippings that miss the water pan lands on the bottom where it’s not hot enough to create smoke. You can cook a better Boston Butt in your oven and have an extra $300 in your pocket so don’t buy this unit unless you want an outside oven. I would send it back but it’s way too much trouble taking it apart and there no way a normal human could get all the pieces in that box. I expect this what Masterbuilt had in mind when they decided to sell this piece of crap so I guess I’m out the $300. I expect Masterbuilt will say I don’t know what I’m doing but I’m 72 and have been smoking meat since I was a teenager. I’ve smoked using hickory, gas, electric and charcoal and this is by far the worst so called smoke I’ve ever seen. Do yourself a favor run as fast as you can away from this page.

I have had zero problems with this smoker. I’ve everything from brisket to salmon to butt