Editor’s note: This comparison replaces our earlier Masterbuilt 30 vs 40 article, which is no longer available. It was rewritten in November 2026 from Masterbuilt’s own product pages (linked at the end). We haven’t tested these smokers ourselves. Stock changes: when we checked, Masterbuilt listed the 30-inch model MB20071117 as sold out and the 40-inch MB20072918 as available.
Quick answer
- Same design, different size. Both are vertical digital electric smokers with four chrome-coated racks, a 100–275°F temperature range, a removable water bowl, an adjustable air damper and Masterbuilt’s side woodchip loader.
- The 40-inch has about 37% more space: 970 sq in against 710 sq in. Masterbuilt says it fits up to 16 chickens or 8 pork butts, against 6 chickens or 4 pork butts for the 30-inch.
- The 40-inch adds a viewing window and stands 8 inches taller.
- Choose the 30-inch for typical family cooks and smaller patios. Choose the 40-inch if you regularly smoke for crowds or cook several large cuts at once.
Masterbuilt’s digital electric smokers are a popular way to start smoking at home: plug in, set the temperature and time on the control panel, and add wood chips as you go. The 30-inch and 40-inch models share almost everything except size. This guide compares them using Masterbuilt’s published specifications.
Masterbuilt 30-inch vs 40-inch at a glance
| Specification | 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker (MB20071117) | 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker (MB20072918) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking space | 710 sq in | 970 sq in |
| Racks | 4 chrome-coated | 4 chrome-coated |
| Listed capacity | Up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts or 4 racks of ribs | Up to 16 chickens, 4 turkeys, 8 pork butts or 8 racks of ribs |
| Temperature range | 100–275°F | 100–275°F |
| Controls | Digital: set cooking time and temperature | Digital: set cooking time and temperature |
| Side woodchip loader | Yes | Yes |
| Viewing window | No (a windowed 30″ version is sold separately) | Yes |
| Width × height × depth | 20.5 × 33.3 × 19.9 in | 25.6 × 41.3 × 19.9 in |
| Water bowl, grease tray, air damper | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
All figures are from Masterbuilt’s product pages. Capacity examples are Masterbuilt’s own; what fits depends on the size of the food.
What both smokers share
- Digital control panel: set the cooking time and temperature, and the smoker maintains it.
- Side woodchip loader: add wood chips without opening the door, so heat and smoke stay inside.
- Vertical design: heat and smoke rise through the chamber. Masterbuilt says this gives good smoke circulation.
- Removable water bowl to add moisture and catch drippings, plus a removable rear grease tray for cleanup.
- Adjustable air damper to control smoke, and a lockable door latch on a fully insulated body.
- Electric power: no charcoal or propane. Plug it in and start smoking.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker
The 30-inch is the more compact option. At 33.3 inches tall and about 20.5 inches wide, it fits more easily on a small patio or in a garage corner for storage. Its 710 sq in of space across four racks handles most family cooks: Masterbuilt lists up to 4 pork butts or 4 racks of ribs.
Pros
- Smaller footprint and lower height
- Plenty of space for typical family cooks
- Same features as the 40-inch except the window
Cons
- No viewing window on MB20071117
- Less room for large gatherings
- 1-year warranty
If you want a window at this size, Masterbuilt also sells a 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker with Window (MB20071322), listing 710 sq in, four racks and 100–275°F.
Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker
The 40-inch keeps the same features and depth but is wider and 8 inches taller, giving 970 sq in of cooking space. That’s room for big cooks, such as several pork butts or full racks of ribs, according to Masterbuilt’s capacity examples. It also adds a window, so you can check on food without opening the door and losing heat and smoke.
Pros
- About 37% more cooking space
- Viewing window
- Same simple digital controls
Cons
- Taller and wider: needs more space
- Same 275°F maximum as the 30-inch
- 1-year warranty
Which should you choose?
Choose the 30-inch if…
- You usually smoke for a family or a few friends.
- Space on your patio or in storage is limited.
- You don’t mind opening the door to check, or you’ll buy the windowed version.
Choose the 40-inch if…
- You regularly cook for groups or smoke several large cuts at once.
- You want a window to check progress without letting heat out.
- You have space for a taller unit.
Comparing other smoker types? See our best electric smokers under $200, the charcoal Weber Smokey Mountain 18 vs 22 and the pellet Pit Boss vs Traeger.
Getting the most from an electric smoker
- Use a meat thermometer. The smoker’s display shows the cabinet temperature, not the food’s. A leave-in or wireless probe lets you watch the meat without opening the door; see our wireless BBQ thermometer guide.
- Cook to safe internal temperatures. USDA-based minimums are 145°F for whole cuts of pork and beef (plus a 3-minute rest), 160°F for ground meat and sausage, and 165°F for all poultry. Pulled pork and brisket are usually cooked well past these minimums so they become tender. See our safe cooking temperature chart.
- Use the water bowl as Masterbuilt intends, to add moisture and catch drippings.
- Clean the grease tray and drip areas after each cook.
- Follow Masterbuilt’s safety guidance on outdoor use, clearances and extension cords.
Bottom line
The Masterbuilt 30-inch and 40-inch digital electric smokers are the same smoker in two sizes. Pick the 30-inch for everyday family smoking and a smaller footprint, or the 40-inch if you need about 37% more space and want a viewing window. Both top out at 275°F and come with a 1-year warranty.
FAQ
What’s the difference between the Masterbuilt 30 and 40 electric smokers?
Size and the window. According to Masterbuilt, the 40-inch has 970 sq in of cooking space against 710 sq in, stands 8 inches taller, and includes a viewing window. Both have four racks and a 100–275°F range.
How hot do Masterbuilt digital electric smokers get?
Masterbuilt lists a temperature range of 100–275°F for both models.
How many racks do they have?
Four chrome-coated smoking racks each.
Do they have a window?
The 40-inch MB20072918 does. The 30-inch MB20071117 doesn’t, but Masterbuilt sells a separate 30-inch model with a window (MB20071322).
What warranty do they come with?
Masterbuilt lists a 1-year warranty for both.
Sources: Masterbuilt product pages: 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker (MB20071117), 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker (MB20072918) and 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker with Window (MB20071322), checked November 2026. Food-safety temperatures: FoodSafety.gov.
