Ever get the itch for some slow-smoked barbecue, but the thought of babysitting a charcoal fire all day makes you want to reach for a beer instead of a brisket? I hear ya. (The art of smoking meat is as old as fire itself, but leave it to the 21st century to turn it into a plug-and-play affair.)

Still, the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker caught my eye.

Let’s fire this baby up and see what’s cooking.

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First Impressions

When the Masterbuilt arrived on my doorstep, I half expected it to start smoking on its own, given its “set it and forget it” reputation. Alas, some assembly was required, but nothing that would make you question your life choices. Thirty minutes later, I was staring at what looked like a mini-fridge for meat lovers.

First things first: It’s about as sexy as a microwave, but hey, we’re here for the meat, not poetry.

Plugging it in felt almost sacrilegious. Where’s the challenge? The danger? The singed eyebrows? But as I loaded up the wood chip tray and set the digital controls, a part of me whispered, “This is the future, old man. Embrace it.”

My first smoke was a rack of ribs, because go big or go home, right? The process was disturbingly simple. Set the temperature, add chips, close door, wait. No babysitting, no constant temperature checks, no sweating over flare-ups. It felt like cheating.

But when those ribs came out? They were tender, juicy, with a smoke ring that could make a competitive pitmaster weep. And I had barely lifted a finger. It was then I realized: this isn’t cheating, it’s evolution. I love it.

Key Features

Digital Controls: The brain of the operation. Set your temperature and time, then walk away. It’s like having a robot pitmaster, minus the oil stains and colorful language.

Patented Side Wood Chip Loader: You can add wood chips without opening the main door, keeping the heat and smoke locked in. It’s like sneaking extra booze into a party – thrilling and efficient.

Water Bowl: Adds moisture to keep your meat from turning into jerky. Pro tip: try different liquids for flavor experiments. Apple juice for pork, beer for brisket. Just don’t use your expensive scotch – trust me on this one.

Spacious Design: With 711 square inches of cooking space, you can smoke enough meat to feed a small army or one really ambitious person. It fits 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts, or 4 racks of ribs. Or one of everything if you’re feeling adventurous.

Chrome-Coated Racks: Four of them, to be exact. They’re durable, easy to clean, and make your meat look like it’s lounging on a beach in Miami.

Pros

Ease of Use: If you can operate a microwave, you can use this smoker. It’s so simple, it almost feels like cheating. Almost.
Consistent Results: The digital controls maintain a steady temperature, resulting in evenly cooked meat every time. No more “surprise” charred spots or raw centers.
Low Maintenance: Once it’s going, you can ignore it for hours. Perfect for those who want to smoke meat and have a life simultaneously.
Versatility: From delicate fish to tough briskets, this smoker handles it all. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of smokers, minus the tiny scissors no one uses.
Energy Efficient: Uses less energy than traditional smokers. Your electric bill won’t spike, and you won’t contribute to deforestation. Win-win.

Cons

Lack of “Authentic” Experience: If you’re looking for the primal thrill of tending a fire, this isn’t it. It’s more “set it and forget it” than “man vs. nature.”
Limited Temperature Range: Maxes out at 275°F, which might be too low for some recipes.
Weather Sensitive: In cold weather, it struggles to maintain high temperatures. Using it in a Minnesota winter might require a smoker parka.

Final Thoughts

The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is the lazy man’s path to pitmaster glory. It’s perfect for the backyard BBQ enthusiast who wants great results without dedicating their life to the craft.

Is it cheating? Maybe. But when you’re serving up perfectly smoked ribs while your neighbor is still cursing at his charcoal, you won’t care. It’s ideal for beginners, busy folks, or anyone who values consistency over tradition.

That said, if you’re the type who finds joy in babysitting a smoker all day, who revels in the unpredictability of fire and wind, this might leave you feeling a bit… unfulfilled. It’s efficient, yes, but it lacks the romance of traditional smoking.

In the end, the Masterbuilt does exactly what it promises: it delivers quality smoked meat with minimal effort. And in a world where time is increasingly precious, that’s nothing to sneeze at (unless you’re allergic to delicious smoked meats, in which case, my condolences).

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