A vertical electric smoker can make smoking meat much less complicated than managing a charcoal fire or propane burner. You set the temperature, load your food, add wood chips, and let the smoker handle much of the heat management. The Masterbuilt 30-inch and 40-inch digital electric smokers follow that same basic approach, but the size difference becomes important once you’re cooking for a larger group.
The 30-inch model provides 711 square inches of cooking space in a cabinet that is easier to fit into a patio or backyard. The 40-inch version expands that capacity to 970 square inches and has a considerably larger body. Both have digital controls, four chrome-coated racks, a side wood-chip loader, and a water bowl, so the real question is whether you actually need the additional capacity.
Key Difference Between Masterbuilt 30 Inch vs 40 Inch Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt 30-inch offers 711 square inches of cooking space, while the 40-inch provides 970 square inches. I’d choose the 30-inch for smaller households and easier placement, while the 40-inch is the better option for larger batches, bigger cuts, and frequent entertaining.
Masterbuilt 30 Inch vs 40 Inch Comparison Table
| Feature | Masterbuilt 30 Inch | Masterbuilt 40 Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Model | MB20071117 | MB20072918 |
| Cooking Space | 711 sq. in. | 970 sq. in. |
| Smoking Racks | 4 chrome-coated | 4 chrome-coated |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Digital Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Temperature | Up to 275°F | Not specified in supplied data |
| Wood Chip Loader | Side loader | Side loader |
| Water Bowl | Yes | Not specifically listed |
| Smoke Damper | Not listed | Adjustable |
| Weight | 45.9 lb | 56.9 lb |
| Width | 20.9 in. | 25.6 in. |
| Depth | 19.8 in. | 19.9 in. |
| Height | 33.3 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Outer Material | Alloy steel | Cold rolled steel |
| Best For | Smaller families, moderate batches | Large batches and entertaining |
| Check Latest Price on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
The first thing I’d consider with these smokers is how often I actually need the extra space. The 40-inch model is not simply a taller version that takes up a little more room; it has a noticeably larger footprint and is over 10 pounds heavier.
At the same time, the additional cooking capacity can be genuinely useful. Rather than judging the two by their dimensions alone, I would look at how the size affects loading food, managing smoke, moving the smoker, and cleaning it after a long cook.
Design
The Masterbuilt 30-inch has a relatively manageable vertical footprint. It measures 20.9 inches wide, 19.8 inches deep, and 33.3 inches high, with a listed weight of 45.9 pounds.
I like this format for a typical backyard setup because it gives me a decent amount of smoking capacity without making the smoker feel like a major piece of outdoor equipment. The vertical cabinet makes efficient use of space, and the four chrome-coated racks give me several levels for arranging food.
The black exterior also gives it the familiar traditional Masterbuilt appearance.
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in…
- Digital panel controls on/off, cooking temperature and time
- Power source type: corded electric
The 40-inch model is considerably larger. It measures 25.6 inches wide, 19.9 inches deep, and 41.3 inches high. At 56.9 pounds, it is also 11 pounds heavier than the 30-inch version.
That extra height and width aren’t just cosmetic. The larger cabinet gives me significantly more room to arrange food, especially when I’m smoking multiple cuts simultaneously.
I would, however, think carefully about where I’d put it. The 40-inch model needs more vertical and horizontal clearance, and moving a 56.9-pound smoker isn’t something I’d want to do casually.
For compact patios and easier handling, I prefer the 30-inch model. If I have a dedicated smoking area and don’t mind the larger footprint, the 40-inch design makes more sense.
Ease of Use
The digital control system is one of the reasons I like these smokers in the first place.
With the 30-inch model, I can set my desired smoking temperature and cooking time from the digital control panel. The supplied specifications state that it can smoke at temperatures up to 275°F.
The side wood-chip loader is particularly convenient. Instead of opening the main smoker door every time I want to add chips, I can load them through the side. That helps me avoid unnecessarily releasing the heat, smoke, and moisture that I’ve built up inside the cabinet.
The removable water bowl is another useful feature. I can add water or other suitable liquids to introduce moisture during longer cooks.
Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Smoking Racks and 970 Cooking Square Inches…
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
The 40-inch smoker follows the same basic operating approach. It has a digital control board and a patented side wood-chip loader, so I don’t have to repeatedly open the main door just to add smoke-producing wood chips.
The bigger cabinet does require more planning when loading food. With additional space available, I need to think about rack placement and airflow rather than simply filling every available inch.
One feature I particularly appreciate on the 40-inch model is the adjustable smoke damper. It gives me additional control over the smoke environment inside the cabinet.
For simplicity, the 30-inch model gets my vote. But if I am comfortable managing a larger smoker, the 40-inch offers more control and flexibility.
Functions
Both smokers are designed primarily for convenient electric smoking rather than high-temperature grilling. That distinction is important.
The 30-inch model gives me 711 square inches of cooking space across four chrome-coated racks. Masterbuilt’s supplied capacity information says it can accommodate up to six chickens, two turkeys, four pork butts, or four racks of ribs.
That’s already a substantial amount of food for a household smoker.
The side wood-chip loader lets me add smoke without opening the main door, while the water bowl gives me another way to manage moisture during the cooking process.
The 40-inch model increases the total cooking area to 970 square inches. That’s a significant jump from 711 square inches, giving me 259 additional square inches of cooking space.
This is the main reason I’d buy the larger model.
If I’m preparing several racks of ribs, multiple pork cuts, poultry, or food for a gathering, the extra capacity can prevent me from having to smoke in separate batches.
The 40-inch model also has an adjustable smoke damper, which gives me another variable to work with when managing the smoker.
One point I’d keep in mind is that the supplied information describes the four racks as providing 710 square inches of cooking space in the 40-inch model, while the overall product listing states 970 square inches. Because those figures don’t align, I would rely on the manufacturer’s current specifications for the exact rack configuration before making a purchase based on a precise capacity calculation.
Still, the overall size advantage of the 40-inch model is clear.
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in…
- Digital panel controls on/off, cooking temperature and time
- Power source type: corded electric
Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Smoking Racks and 970 Cooking Square Inches…
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
Maintenance
Electric smokers are generally straightforward to maintain, but the larger cabinet naturally means more surface area and more components to clean.
On the 30-inch model, I would pay particular attention to the removable rear grease tray. It collects cooking runoff and makes post-cook cleanup considerably easier than having grease accumulate inside the bottom of the cabinet.
I’d also clean the racks after they have cooled and wipe down the interior as needed. The water bowl should be emptied and cleaned after use rather than allowing residue to sit inside it.
Because the 30-inch smoker is smaller, I find it easier to reach the interior and manage the racks. That’s a small but meaningful advantage when I’m doing regular maintenance.
The 40-inch model requires essentially the same basic care, but there’s simply more smoker to clean. The larger cabinet and additional space can make wiping down the interior and handling the racks slightly more cumbersome.
The adjustable smoke damper is another component I’d keep clean and free of buildup so it continues to function properly.
Neither model is difficult to maintain, but if I smoke frequently and want the least cumbersome cleanup routine, I’d rather have the 30-inch cabinet.
Masterbuilt 30 Inch Digital Electric Smoker
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in…
- Digital panel controls on/off, cooking temperature and time
- Power source type: corded electric
Pros:
- 711 square inches of cooking space
- Four chrome-coated smoking racks
- Digital temperature and time controls
- Side wood-chip loader
- Removable water bowl
- Rear grease tray
- More compact footprint
- Lighter at 45.9 pounds
- Fits smaller outdoor spaces more easily
- Rated for temperatures up to 275°F
Cons:
- Less capacity than the 40-inch model
- Smaller cabinet limits large-batch cooking
- No adjustable smoke damper listed in the supplied specifications
- Less suitable for very large gatherings
Masterbuilt 40 Inch Digital Electric Smoker
Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Smoking Racks and 970 Cooking Square Inches…
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 970 square inches of cooking space
Pros:
- 970 square inches of listed cooking space
- Four chrome-coated smoking racks
- Digital control board
- Side wood-chip loader
- Adjustable smoke damper
- Much more room for larger batches
- Excellent for entertaining
- Same convenient vertical smoker concept
- Compatible accessories include a cover and optional mobility/leg kit
Cons:
- Heavier at 56.9 pounds
- Significantly taller and wider
- Requires more storage and operating space
- More cumbersome to move
- Larger interior means more cleaning
Masterbuilt 30 Inch vs 40 Inch: Which One Would I Buy?
If I were buying one for regular home use, I’d first ask myself how much food I actually smoke at one time.
For a smaller household, I think the Masterbuilt 30-inch is the smarter purchase. Its 711 square inches of cooking space is already generous, and the four racks provide enough flexibility for most weekend smoking sessions. I also appreciate that it’s easier to position on a patio and less intimidating to move around.
The 30-inch model would be my choice if I’m usually smoking a couple of pork butts, ribs, chicken, or similar quantities rather than preparing food for a large group.
But if I frequently host backyard gatherings, prepare large batches, or simply hate running out of rack space, I’d step up to the 40-inch model.
The extra 259 square inches of listed cooking space is substantial. It gives me more room to separate different foods and arrange larger quantities without crowding the racks.
I also like that the 40-inch model adds an adjustable smoke damper. Combined with the larger cabinet, it gives me more flexibility when I’m working on longer or more involved smoking sessions.
The trade-off is physical size. At 41.3 inches tall and 56.9 pounds, this is a smoker I’d want to place carefully rather than move around frequently.
Final Verdict
My overall pick for most households is the Masterbuilt 30-inch.
It offers enough capacity for serious home smoking while keeping the footprint and weight relatively manageable. The 711 square inches, four racks, digital controls, side wood-chip loader, water bowl, and grease tray make it a capable smoker without requiring a huge dedicated space.
I’d choose the Masterbuilt 40-inch if capacity is the priority. Its 970 square inches of listed cooking space make it better suited to large families, frequent entertaining, and anyone who routinely cooks multiple large cuts at once.
So my recommendation is simple:
Choose the 30-inch if you want the better balance of capacity, size, and convenience. Choose the 40-inch if you know you’ll use the extra cooking space.
I wouldn’t buy the 40-inch simply because bigger sounds better. If most of your cooks fit comfortably inside the 30-inch cabinet, the smaller smoker is easier to live with. But once you regularly find yourself wishing for another rack or more room, the 40-inch becomes the obvious upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Masterbuilt 30-inch and 40-inch smokers?
The biggest difference is capacity. The 30-inch model has 711 square inches of listed cooking space, while the 40-inch model has 970 square inches. The 40-inch smoker is also wider, taller, and heavier.
Is the Masterbuilt 40-inch smoker better than the 30-inch?
Not necessarily. The 40-inch is better if you need more cooking space, but the 30-inch is easier to accommodate and move. For smaller households and typical weekend smoking, I’d choose the 30-inch.
Do both Masterbuilt smokers have a side wood-chip loader?
Yes. Both models use Masterbuilt’s side wood-chip loading system, allowing you to add wood chips without opening the main smoker door.
Which Masterbuilt smoker is better for a large family?
I’d choose the 40-inch model because its listed 970 square inches of cooking space provide considerably more room for large batches. It makes more sense for entertaining or cooking multiple large cuts at the same time.
Is the Masterbuilt 30-inch easier to move?
Yes. The 30-inch model weighs 45.9 pounds compared with 56.9 pounds for the 40-inch version. Its smaller dimensions also make it easier to position and store, although both are substantial outdoor appliances.
