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.
In this guide (jump ahead)
- The Masterbuilt lineup in 2026
- Best all-round: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800
- Best set-and-forget: Masterbuilt MES 140S Digital Electric
- Best budget: Masterbuilt Analog Electric
- Best propane: Masterbuilt MPS 230S Digital Propane
- Masterbuilt lineup comparison
- Essential Masterbuilt accessories
- Editor’s ranking
- Related PitPrimer guides
Disclosure: PitPrimer earns commission on qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates.
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.
See also: Ooni Karu 12 vs Karu 16 vs Volt 12 Compared 2026: The Ooni Lineup Head-to-Head
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.
See also: Masterbuilt MES 140S vs Pit Boss Analog Vertical vs Bradley Digital: Electric Smokers Compared 2026
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.
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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
Related PitPrimer guides
- Masterbuilt MES 140S vs Pit Boss Analog Vertical vs Bradley Digital: Electric Smokers Compared 2026
- Best Traeger Grills 2026: Pro Series, Ironwood, Timberline, and Ranger Full Lineup Guide
- Weber SmokeFire EX6 vs Traeger Ironwood XL vs Pit Boss Pro Series 850 Compared 2026
- Best Louisiana Grills 2026: Founders Series, Black Label, and Portable LG-800 Compared
Frequently asked questions
How were these products selected?
This guide is a research-based synthesis of product specs, brand reputation, current Amazon reviews, and category trends. It is not a hands-on review – use it to narrow options before you buy.
What price range should I expect?
Prices vary significantly across the categories above. Entry options start at the lower end of each tier listed, while premium picks can be several times more. Amazon pricing changes frequently, so confirm current numbers on the product listings.
Should I always buy the most expensive option?
Not necessarily. Premium products offer better materials, longer warranties, and higher-end features, but mid-tier picks meet the needs of most buyers. Match the pick to your actual use case rather than defaulting to the top of the price range.
How often is this guide updated?
This guide is refreshed as new products launch and older picks are discontinued. Amazon pricing and stock change daily – always confirm current price and availability on Amazon before purchase.
Where is the best place to buy?
Amazon is linked throughout this guide because it typically has broad selection, current pricing, and standardized return policies. Direct manufacturer sites and specialty retailers are also options depending on category and preference.
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