MES 40 Electric Smoker Buyer's Guide: Which Version to Buy

The Masterbuilt 40-inch electric smoker has earned its reputation as a reliable weekend workhorse for suburban patio cooks , consistent heat, minimal babysitting, and enough rack space to feed a crowd without clearing your schedule. If you’re searching the MES 40 specifically, you already know what you want. The question is which version fits your setup, and whether you need accessories to protect it.

I’ve spent enough time researching this line to know the differences matter more than they look. Here’s what to consider before you buy.

What to Look For in an Electric Smoker

Temperature Control and Consistency

The single most important variable in electric smoking is temperature consistency. A smoker that swings 30 degrees on either side of your target turns a three-hour pork butt session into a guessing game. Digital controllers hold tighter tolerances than analog dials , not because analog is inherently bad, but because it relies on your ability to read a mechanical thermometer and manually adjust a dial that has no feedback loop. Digital units read internal temperature and cycle the element accordingly. For low-and-slow work, that difference is real and noticeable in the finished product.

Look for units that let you set a specific degree target, not just a dial range labeled “low,” “medium,” and “high.” The more granular your control, the more repeatable your results become across different sessions and different meats.

Cooking Capacity and Rack Configuration

Rack count matters, but usable rack space matters more. A four-rack smoker where only two racks can hold a brisket flat is functionally a two-rack smoker for most of what you’ll actually cook. Measure the square inches across all racks combined , that’s the number that tells you whether you’re feeding six people or sixteen.

Vertical smokers concentrate capacity in a narrow footprint, which is an advantage on a 16-by-14 patio where width is the limiting factor. The trade-off is that lower racks run slightly hotter than upper racks due to proximity to the heating element. Rotating racks during a long cook is easy enough, but worth knowing before you commit to a four-rack setup and expect perfectly uniform results without any attention.

Wood Chip Loading and Smoke Management

How you add wood chips mid-cook changes the experience entirely. A side-loading chip tray lets you reload without opening the main chamber , which means you don’t dump heat or let smoke escape while you’re fueling the fire. On a cold Ohio morning, that matters. Every time you crack the door to add chips, you add 15, 20 minutes to your cook while the temperature recovers.

Electric smokers produce a lighter smoke profile than offset or charcoal units. That’s a trade-off, not a flaw. The upside is milder smoke that appeals to a broader table, easier cleanup, and zero fire management. If you want a heavier smoke ring, soak chips less and load more frequently , the side loader makes that practical in a way that door-loading designs simply don’t.

Build Quality and Weather Protection

Electric smoker components , particularly the heating element and digital control panel , are vulnerable to moisture. The smoker body handles rain reasonably well, but leaving a control panel exposed to standing water or extended outdoor humidity will shorten its life. A fitted cover designed for your specific unit isn’t optional gear; it’s basic maintenance. An ill-fitting generic cover that lets water pool around the door seal is worse than no cover at all.

For everything you need to compare on electric smokers before making a decision, it helps to understand which features separate the strong performers from the ones that will frustrate you after two cooks.

Top Picks

Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (MB20072918)

The Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (MB20072918) is the version most buyers end up with, and it earns that position honestly. The chrome racks hold their shape under load, the digital panel is responsive and easy to read in direct sunlight, and the side wood chip loader works the way it’s supposed to , slide it open, drop in chips, push it back. No drama.

The 970 square inches of cooking space is enough for two brisket flats, a rack of ribs on every shelf, or a serious batch of chicken thighs. The vertical footprint is narrow enough for a patio that can’t sacrifice floor space to a wide horizontal cabinet. The power outlet dependency is real, but any standard 120V outdoor-rated extension cord handles it without issue.

Where this unit earns its best-overall position is in reliability over time. The control panel holds calibration across multiple long cooks. The chamber seals well. If you’re buying your first dedicated electric smoker and you want something that will work without a learning curve, this is the one to start with.

Check current price on Amazon.

Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit (MB20070122)

The Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit (MB20070122) shares the same core spec as the MB20072918 , 970 square inches, digital controls, side chip loader , with one notable difference: the leg kit raises the unit off the ground.

For patio surfaces where drainage is a concern, or if you simply want to clear the unit off concrete that pools water after rain, that elevated stance matters. It also makes the lower access panel easier to reach without crouching. The controls and cooking performance are identical to the MB20072918, so this decision comes down entirely to your setup.

If your patio drains well and height isn’t a concern, either unit serves you equally. If you have an uneven surface or you want the unit elevated for ergonomic reasons, the leg kit version solves that problem without requiring aftermarket modifications.

Check current price on Amazon.

Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker with Window and Legs + Cover Bundle

The Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker with Window and Legs + Cover Bundle adds two things to the baseline Masterbuilt formula: a viewing window in the door and a cover in the box. The window is more useful than it sounds. On a multi-hour cook, being able to check color and bark development without opening the door and shedding 20 degrees of built-up heat is a genuine quality-of-life improvement.

The bundled cover matters because you’d need one eventually anyway. The cover that ships with this bundle is cut for the unit , it fits the way a fitted cover should, which means it protects the door seals and the control panel rather than just draping over the top.

The caveat is that window seals require monitoring over time. If the gasket around the glass begins to degrade, it becomes a heat loss point. That’s a maintenance consideration, not a disqualifier , but it’s worth knowing before you assume the window is a purely free upgrade.

Check current price on Amazon.

esinkin 40-Inch Waterproof Electric Smoker Cover

The esinkin 40-Inch Waterproof Electric Smoker Cover isn’t a smoker , it’s what keeps your smoker running past the first season. If you bought one of the Masterbuilt units above without a bundled cover, this is the cover to add.

The fit is specific to the 40-inch Masterbuilt footprint, which means it doesn’t gap at the corners or bunch around the control panel housing. Waterproof construction matters most at the seams , cheap covers fail there first, allowing water to wick inside rather than run off. This one holds up to the kind of intermittent Ohio rain and occasional snow that a patio smoker faces without cover.

A purpose-designed cover is a low-cost way to extend the life of a mid-range appliance. The control panel on these units is the most vulnerable component to moisture damage; a cover that protects it properly is worth the investment.

Check current price on Amazon.

Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Analog Electric Smoker

The Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Analog Electric Smoker belongs in a different conversation than the Masterbuilt units , and that’s worth saying plainly. The 28-inch footprint and analog controls make this a better fit for the buyer who wants a simple, low-commitment entry point rather than a production-capable smoking setup.

Three cooking grates and 454 square inches of cooking space handle a reasonable batch of ribs or a pair of pork tenderloins. The analog dial is honest in what it offers: you turn it to the heat level you want and check it periodically. There’s no digital readout, no precise degree target, and no side chip loader , you’re opening the door to add fuel, which costs you temperature each time.

For a buyer who smokes occasionally and doesn’t need the repeatability that digital controls provide, this is a lower-stakes purchase. It won’t perform at the level of the Masterbuilt 40-inch units, but it also doesn’t ask for the same investment.

Check current price on Amazon.

Buying Guide

Deciding Between Digital and Analog Controls

Digital controls aren’t just a convenience feature , they change how you approach a cook. With a set-point controller, you dial in 225°F and the unit maintains it automatically, cycling the element on and off as needed. With an analog dial, you’re reading a mechanical gauge and adjusting manually. For a two-hour chicken cook, that’s manageable. For a twelve-hour brisket that starts at midnight, it’s the difference between sleeping and babysitting.

If you’re buying a smoker you’ll use regularly for long cooks, digital control is worth the modest step up in investment. If your smoking is casual and short, analog gets the job done.

Evaluating Cooking Capacity for Your Actual Needs

The 40-inch Masterbuilt units offer 970 square inches of cooking area across four racks. That sounds like a lot until you’re fitting a 14-pound packer brisket, which needs most of one rack by itself. Think realistically about what you cook and how often you cook for crowds.

For family-scale cooking , weekend ribs, a couple pork butts for a party , the 970 square inch models handle it without compromise. The 28-inch Royal Gourmet fits smaller batches and takes up less patio space, which is the right call if you’re cooking for four rather than fourteen. Match capacity to your actual use case, not your aspirational one.

Understanding the Side Wood Chip Loader

The side chip loader on the Masterbuilt 40-inch models is a more significant feature than it appears in the spec sheet. Every time you open the main door to add chips, you release heat and smoke, and the unit spends the next 15, 20 minutes recovering temperature. On a short cook, that’s a minor annoyance. On a six-hour pork shoulder, it affects the final product.

The side loader lets you add chips from outside the chamber with the door sealed. The mechanics are simple , a tray that slides out, accepts chips, and slides back in , and they work reliably session after session. If you plan to add chips more than once per cook, it’s a feature worth prioritizing.

Planning for Power and Placement

Electric smokers need a power outlet within reach. On a 16-by-14 patio, that usually means an outdoor-rated extension cord to the nearest exterior outlet. The Masterbuilt units draw standard household current , no special wiring required , but the cord needs to be outdoor-rated and appropriately gauged for the distance.

Placement also affects airflow around the exhaust vent at the top of the unit. Keep the smoker at least 18 inches from walls, fences, or overhead structures. The exhaust pushes smoke and heat upward; anything directly above it will show it. A little clearance planning before your first cook saves you from re-positioning a loaded smoker mid-session.

Protecting Your Investment Between Cooks

A smoker left uncovered on an outdoor patio takes weather damage across every season. The control panel housing, door gasket, and chip loader tray are the first components to show wear from moisture exposure. A fitted cover addresses all three simultaneously by keeping the unit dry between cooks.

The Masterbuilt Window + Cover bundle solves this from the start. If you bought a standalone unit, the esinkin cover is a straightforward add. Either way, covering the smoker after every cook is the single highest-return maintenance habit you can build. Browse the full range of electric smoker accessories and models to see what else pairs with a 40-inch setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the MB20072918 and the MB20070122?

Both are 40-inch Masterbuilt digital electric smokers with 970 square inches of cooking space and a side wood chip loader. The MB20070122 includes a leg kit that raises the unit off the ground, which is useful for uneven surfaces or if you want to improve drainage clearance beneath the smoker. The MB20072918 sits lower to the ground. If your patio is level and dry, either performs identically.

Do I need a cover if I already bought the Window and Legs bundle?

The Window and Legs bundle ships with a cover included, so you’re set from the start. If you purchased a standalone Masterbuilt 40-inch unit without a cover, the esinkin 40-Inch Waterproof Electric Smoker Cover is a purpose-fit option. Generic covers that don’t account for the control panel housing tend to let water pool in exactly the wrong place, so a model-specific fit matters.

Is the Royal Gourmet SE2805 a good alternative to the Masterbuilt 40-inch models?

For occasional, low-volume smoking, yes , but it’s a different category of tool. The Royal Gourmet is smaller, analog, and lacks a side chip loader, which means more door-opening and less temperature consistency on longer cooks. If you want repeatable results on briskets and pork shoulders over multiple hours, the Masterbuilt 40-inch units are the better fit. The Royal Gourmet makes sense for buyers who want a simpler, more casual entry point.

How often do I need to add wood chips in a Masterbuilt electric smoker?

Most users add chips every 45 minutes to an hour for sustained smoke production, though this varies by the wood species and how tightly you pack the tray. The side chip loader on the Masterbuilt 40-inch models makes frequent additions practical , you’re not cracking the door and losing heat each time. Lighter woods like apple and cherry burn faster than dense woods like hickory, so your refill interval will vary based on what you’re using.

Can I use an extension cord with the Masterbuilt 40-inch electric smoker?

Yes, and most patio setups require one. Use an outdoor-rated, grounded extension cord rated for the amperage the smoker draws , check the unit’s label for the amperage spec. A 12-gauge cord rated for outdoor use handles the load without voltage drop that could affect temperature consistency. Keep the cord connection point off the ground and away from any water runoff from the smoker itself.

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