Masterbuilt Propane Smoker Review Best Vertical Gas Smoker for Flavor and Space

Description

Highlights of the Vertical Propane Smoker’s Design and Capacity

Testing the Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316 gave me a clear sense of how thoughtfully designed this smoker is. The spacious vertical design immediately stood out, offering 960 square inches of cooking space spread across four chrome-coated smoking racks. This setup comfortably fits up to 16 chickens, 6 turkeys, 8 pork butts, or 8 racks of ribs, which makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping a feast for family gatherings.

The overall dimensions (22.8″ deep, 28.7″ wide, and 53″ tall) make it a sizable piece of equipment but still manageable in most backyard spaces. Its black alloy steel exterior not only looks sleek but feels sturdy and able to withstand the outdoor elements. I appreciated the thoughtfulness behind the lockable door latch which keeps heat and smoke sealed inside, maintaining consistent cooking conditions even on windy days.

Positive Features That Make This Smoker Stand Out

Several perks of this propane smoker impressed me throughout my use:

• Easy ignition button: Lighting the fuel with just a push is a godsend, especially compared to fiddling with matches or lighters on chilly mornings.
• Adjustable temperature dial: Being able to set the temperature up to 375°F with an analog dial gives a nice tactile feel and precise control, which is crucial for smoking different types of meats.
• Removable water bowl: This feature adds moisture to the cooking chamber and catches drippings, preventing flare-ups and keeping the meat juicy.
• Woodchip tray: Adding smoky flavor is effortless with the built-in tray — just toss in your favorite wood chips, and the flavor infuses beautifully.
• Convenient window: Peeking at the food without opening the door helps retain heat and smoke, ensuring even cooking.

The ThermoTemp technology impressed me by maintaining an even smoking temperature, which is often the Achilles’ heel of propane smokers. This consistency resulted in tender, flavorful meats every time I fired it up.

Downsides and Areas for Improvement

Despite the benefits, some less favorable aspects surfaced during my experience:

• The smoker weighs 92 pounds, which makes it somewhat difficult to move around without assistance — not ideal if you like rearranging your outdoor setup often.
• The analog temperature control, while functional, might feel a bit outdated to those used to digital precision controls; dialing in an exact temperature can sometimes take trial and error.
• The smoker is made in China, and although the build quality is generally solid, some parts (like the water bowl and racks) felt a bit lightweight and could wear out quicker than expected.
• I noticed a slight temperature fluctuation when the external weather was windy or cold, which means you might need to keep a close eye on it during less-than-ideal outdoor conditions.

Versatile Features for Various Smoking Needs

The smoker’s adjustable air damper allows fine-tuning of smoke control, letting me customize the intensity of the smoky flavor. This feature is especially useful when switching between delicate items like salmon and hearty cuts like pork shoulders. The removable water bowl not only adds humidity but also makes cleanup easier, which is a blessing after a long cooking session.

Cooking different proteins was straightforward. I managed to smoke a whole turkey and several racks of ribs simultaneously without crowding the racks, thanks to the generous vertical space. The window on the door saved me from opening it too often, helping preserve the internal environment. This is not something you see on every smoker, and it made monitoring progress much more convenient.

Competitive Options in the Outdoor Smoker Market

Comparing this smoker to other popular models reveals some interesting contrasts. Electric smokers often boast digital controls and automated temperature settings, which some users prefer for ease of use. On the other hand, charcoal smokers provide that classic smoky flavor but require more hands-on management and experience. This propane smoker strikes a balance by offering easy ignition and temperature adjustment with the flavor benefits of wood chips.

Products like the Weber Smokey Mountain excel in build quality and heat retention but often come at a higher price point and with smaller cooking space. The Masterbuilt model’s large capacity and vertical design make it ideal for those who regularly entertain or cook in bulk. However, some advanced users might miss the precision and programmability found in higher-end electric smokers.

Price to Quality Ratio: Is It Worth the Investment?

Assessing the price to quality ratio of this smoker, I feel it offers solid value for money. The combination of ample cooking space, ease of use, and consistent temperature control makes it a worthy contender in its price range. While there are fancier smokers with digital controls and extra bells and whistles, this model delivers on the essentials without overcomplicating things.

The cost-efficiency shines through, especially for those who want a reliable smoker without breaking the bank. The versatility to smoke a variety of meats and maintain juicy, flavorful results justifies the investment. For casual and semi-serious smokers looking for straightforward propane convenience, this unit provides a dependable option.

User Experience: Family, Friends, and Fun

Watching my family and friends enjoy meals prepared on this smoker was arguably the most rewarding part. The smoke flavor was rich and authentic, impressing even those who usually prefer grilling over smoking. My kids especially loved the ribs, which came out tender and well-seasoned every time.

My coworker, an avid barbecue enthusiast, noted the convenience of the push-button ignition and the ease of cleaning the drip tray, which often gets overlooked but makes a huge difference in day-to-day use. However, he also mentioned that the smoker could benefit from a more modern temperature gauge for better precision.

One amusing moment was when my neighbor peeked over and was amazed at how simple it was to operate. The analog dial and visible smoke control made it approachable for beginners, unlike some complex smokers that intimidate first-timers.

Final Thoughts on Practicality and Maintenance

The removable components like racks and water bowl make cleaning less of a chore, which is a big plus since nobody enjoys scrubbing charred bits after a long cook. The alloy steel exterior requires occasional wiping to prevent rust, but overall, the smoker holds up well to regular use.

Adjusting the air damper to regulate smoke was intuitive, although it took some experimentation to find the sweet spot for different recipes. I found that monitoring the temperature through the window helped me avoid frequent door openings, which in turn kept the smoking environment stable.

In terms of fuel, using propane means I never had to worry about charcoal quality or wood maintenance, which simplified the smoking process. However, having to replace propane tanks means a bit more planning ahead compared to electric models.

The Masterbuilt vertical propane smoker blends convenience, capacity, and solid smoking performance into one package. While not perfect, its ease of use, generous cooking space, and reliable temperature maintenance make it a compelling choice for smokers who want a straightforward propane-powered option without too many complexities.

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