Masterbuilt made electric smoking accessible to millions of home cooks.
Founded in Georgia in 1973, Masterbuilt built its reputation on affordable set-and-forget electric smokers. Their Gravity Series (launched 2020) revolutionized the charcoal + electric hybrid category. This guide covers every Masterbuilt line: traditional electric, analog propane, and the game-changing Gravity Series.
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The Masterbuilt lineup in 2026
- MES (Masterbuilt Electric Smoker) — classic electric cabinet, $300-500.
- Analog Electric Smoker — simplest entry electric, $200.
- Propane Smoker (MPS) — analog propane cabinet, $250-350.
- Gravity Series 560 — charcoal hopper with digital control, $500.
- Gravity Series 800 — larger Gravity + griddle, $700-900.
- Gravity Series 1050 — the flagship, $800-1,000.
Best all-round: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800
The Gravity Series is Masterbuilt’s most important product innovation. A charcoal hopper feeds lump charcoal into a digitally-controlled fan-driven firebox. Result: real charcoal flavor with pellet-grill convenience. The 800 model adds an integrated griddle plate on one side, effectively giving you smoker + grill + griddle in one appliance.
Cook range: 225F for smoking up to 700F for searing. WiFi app control. 20-lb charcoal hopper lasts 15+ hours per fill.
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 (smaller)
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 (flagship)
Best set-and-forget: Masterbuilt MES 140S Digital Electric
The classic Masterbuilt electric. Digital control panel, 4 chrome-coated smoking racks, side wood chip loader (add chips without opening the door). Plug it in, set temp and time, walk away. Great first smoker for absolute beginners. $400.
Best budget: Masterbuilt Analog Electric
Under $200 for a legitimate electric smoker. Analog dial (no digital display), 3 chrome racks, wood chip tray. Not fancy but it smokes real BBQ and lets you learn without a big investment.
Best propane: Masterbuilt MPS 230S Digital Propane
For anyone whose HOA or apartment forbids electric but allows propane. Runs on standard 20 lb propane tank. Digital thermostat control, 4 cook grates. $300.
Masterbuilt lineup comparison
| Model | Fuel | Max Temp | App? | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analog Electric | Electric | 275F | No | $200 |
| MPS 230S | Propane | 350F | No | $300 |
| MES 140S | Electric | 275F | Yes (BT) | $400 |
| Gravity 560 | Charcoal (digital) | 700F | Yes (WiFi) | $500 |
| Gravity 800 | Charcoal + Griddle | 700F | Yes (WiFi) | $800 |
| Gravity 1050 | Charcoal | 700F | Yes (WiFi) | $1,000 |
Essential Masterbuilt accessories
- Cold smoker attachment (for cheese, salmon)
- Gravity Series model-matched cover
- Wood chip loader replacement
- Lump charcoal (for Gravity Series)
Editor’s ranking
Best all-round Masterbuilt: Gravity Series 800 at $800. Charcoal flavor with app control plus integrated griddle.
Best beginner electric: MES 140S Digital at $400. Cheapest legitimate smoker: Analog Electric at $200. Apartment/HOA propane: MPS 230S at $300.
The Gravity Series is the most important product Masterbuilt has ever made. If you want charcoal flavor without babysitting a charcoal fire, buy one.
About this guide
Our recommendations synthesize manufacturer specifications, published editorial reviews (AmazingRibs, Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Meathead), and community feedback from BBQ forums (r/smoking, r/BBQ, Smoking Meat Forums), cross-checked against real-world reports. We do not accept payment for recommendations.
Last reviewed: July 2026