Masterbuilt Electric Smoker: Your First Setup Made Easy

Struggling with your Masterbuilt Electric Smoker’s initial setup? 😕 You’re not alone. This guide offers simple setup steps. 🛠️ Soon, you’ll smoke meats and cheeses quickly.

Comprehensive Guide to Masterbuilt Electric Smokers

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on Masterbuilt Electric Smokers. 😊 Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide offers essential tips and tricks for mastering the art of smoking.

Elevate your cooking game to an impressive level with a Masterbuilt electric smoker.

Introduction to the Masterbuilt mb20071117 Digital Electric Smoker

The Masterbuilt mb20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is perfect for both beginners and experts. 🌟 This model offers:

• Digital control panel: Easy operation
• Four chrome-coated smoking racks: Ample space for smoking

Understanding the features of the Masterbuilt mb20071117 is crucial for a rewarding smoking experience.

Overview of Masterbuilt Electric Smokers

Masterbuilt offers a range of electric smokers, each with unique features to meet different smoking needs. 🛠️

• Masterbuilt 40: Great for smoking larger quantities like brisket or ribs
• Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker: Simpler and usually more affordable

Pick any model; it’s an excellent appliance for all your smoking needs. 🥩🍗 Each model comes with:

• Wood chip trays: Add flavor
• Water pans: Keep the meat moist

Digital vs Charcoal

• Digital electric smokers: Better temperature control
• Charcoal smokers: Offer a traditional smoky flavor

Remember, each model has its own set of preheating steps. It’s also essential to know how to clean a Masterbuilt electric smoker to ensure longevity. 🧼👌

Masterbuilt Smoker Parts

Before we get started, getting to know the different parts of the Masterbuilt signature series electric smoker is a good idea. According to the Masterbuilt electric smokehouse manual, these parts of the smoker are replaceable.

Smoking Chamber:

This is the largest and most important part of your smoker as it is where smoking occurs. The electric smoker chamber is made from highly insulating materials and has well-fitted doors. This prevents the heat and smoke from escaping during the smoking process.

Heating Element:

The electric heating element is the heat source of your smoker. They are generally placed at the bottom of the smoker, but some have them surrounding the smoking chamber. Your smoker may have one or two heating elements.

This can determine the Masterbuilt smoker cooking times and some come with a thermostat or temperature control unit. These can be replaced if your Masterbuilt electric smoker temperature problem starts acting up.

Wood Chip Tray:

Every smoker tends to come with a tray that holds your wood chips. The electric smoker wood chips are what infuse your meat with that special smoky flavor. 

You can find it above the heating element and under the smoker racks. The size of the tray depends on the size of your smoker and too many chips can over-smoke your food.

Water Pan:

A water pan in Masterbuilt electric smoker looks pretty nondescript, but it goes a long way in improving the flavor of your meat.

It is a good idea to have a removable and dishwasher safe smoker water pan as this makes it easier to clean. If your pan gets busted up, a Masterbuilt smoker water pan replacement is easy to find.

Drip Pan:

This item has a simple premise- it collects the grease that drips down during the smoking process. Not every smoker comes with a drip pan, but we strongly recommend using one to reduce the mess on your deck or patio.

How to Use a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker: Everything You Need to Know

These 12 steps will show you how to get the hang of your smoker.

1 Seasoning Your Smoker for the First Time

Before your smoker is ready for use, you have to season it. This makes sure that any oil, dust, or other substances present on the smoker are burnt off, cleaning and seasoning the electric smoker.

• Make sure that all your smoker’s equipment is in the right place. Make sure that the water pan is empty.
  
• Plug the electric smoker into a power source and press the power button to switch it on.
  
• Set the temperature to 275F.
  
• Then, set the timer to three hours or 180 minutes.
  
• Next, add half a cup of wood chips to the tray in the final 45 minutes to wrap up the smoker’s pre-seasoning procedure.
  
•  After 3 hours, turn off the smoker and let it cool down.
  
•   Once cooled, your smoker is ready to be used.

2 How to Prepare the Best Meat for Smoking

The way you prepare your meat is determined by the recipe you want to follow. Different recipes require different spices and herbs for seasoning and different marinating times.

Regardless of the recipe you follow, allow the meat to marinate for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to permeate the meat and soften in the marinade.

3 Turning On the Smoker to Preheat

Follow these steps to properly preheat your smoker.

•  Place the wood chips in the cold smoker before you turn it on.
• Preheat the smoker for 45 minutes before you add the meat or veggies.
• Add half a cup of wood chips in increments.
• Add in the other half cup after the first batch stops creating smoke.

4 Setting the Ideal Cooking Temperature

The Masterbuilt smoker temperature range is around 100 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. The precise temperature to get perfect results, especially smoking meat and fish is 225F.

5 When and How Often to Add Wood Chips and Refill the Water Pan

When the first batch of wood chips has stopped making smoke, add more to the tray. Make sure you add just half a cup at a time. Using too many wood chips can alter the flavor of the food giving it an overwhelming smoky taste.

Based on the instruction manual, follow the steps, and refill the water pan whenever it empties. The water in the pan turns to steam and this keeps the meat tender and juicy as it gets smoked.

6 Placing the Meat in the Smoker

Once you think that there is enough smoke, you can add the meat to your smoker. You need to place the meat on top of the grill trays that come with the smoker.

7 Keeping the Meat Moist During Smoking

For a Masterbuilt electric smokehouse, the cooking time of the meat depends on three factors- the size, thickness, and the temperature needed to cook it. To keep your meat moist and soft, you have to baste your meat after around two-thirds of the cooking time. This also gives it an amazing flavor boost as well.

8 Tips for Adding More Wood Chips During the Smoking Process

To get the best results, we suggest you keep a check on the wood chips.Like we mentioned previously, be careful to add just half a cup at a time. Keep note of how much smoke is being produced and if you think it isn’t sufficient, just add more wood chips.

Unless you’re dealing with Masterbuilt smoker thermostat problems, don’t worry if there is an increase in temperature after adding more wood chips. The temperature drops back down by itself and you don’t have to do anything.

9 Applying Sauce for Perfect Final Touches

Adding a layer of sauce gives your smoked meat an extra dose of flavor. You can brush on some barbecue sauce or any other sauce of your own choice 45 minutes before removing the meat from your smoker. Besides enhancing the taste of your food, your meat will be ready to eat once out of the smoker.

10 Removing the Meat from the Smoker and Serving

After the designated amount of time, your meat is smoked and ready to eat. Remove it from the smoker, let the meat rest a little, and then cut yourself a sizeable piece. Pairing it with some fresh crusty bread, cheese, and a green salad will enhance your culinary experience.

11 Turning Off the Smoker Safely

After you are done smoking your food, turn off the smoker. Then allow it to cool down to room temperature, which makes it safe to clean and dismantle.

12 Cleaning Up Post Smoking

Although the smoking is done, you still have work to do. Putting off the cleaning process just makes it harder when you do get around to doing it. Cleaning your smoker also keeps it working properly for much longer.

Wait for your smoker to cool, clean the smoking chamber, grills, and various pans, get rid of any ash and remaining wood chips. Then, pack it away for the next time.

Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Tips and Tricks

Safety Precautions

Safety must come first when using a Masterbuilt electric smoker. 🛑

• Read the User Manual: Comprehensive guidance on how to use your smoker.
• Pay Attention to Warnings: Helps you avoid any accidents.
• Masterbuilt Smoker Stand: Use it for added stability.
• Keep Flammable Items Away: Particularly from the heating element.

Remember, proper safety measures are crucial for a risk-free smoking experience. 🌟

Achieving the Perfect Smoke Ring

Great, you’ve got your safety in place! 🙌 Now, let’s talk about achieving that perfect smoke ring.

• Visual Marker: It shows your meat, like brisket or ribs, is well-smoked.
• Consistent Temperature: Vital for achieving the perfect ring.
• Regular Wood Chips: Don’t forget to add them at regular intervals.
• Smoker Seasoning: Crucial for the perfect smoke ring.
• Mix of Woodchips and Water: Use in your electric smoker water pan for best results.

Using Aromatics for Enhanced Flavor

To boost flavor, consider adding aromatics when you smoke. 🌱🍋

• Fresh Herbs: Like rosemary or thyme.
• Citrus Peels: Lemon or orange for a zesty kick.
• Teas: For a unique, smoky flavor.

Place these in the Masterbuilt electric smoker water pan along with the water. These aromatics excel in smoking chicken or pork and can change how you use an electric smoker. 🐔🐷

Check this section regularly for more Masterbuilt electric smoker tips and tricks to enjoy a gourmet-level meal right at home. 🏡🍖

Additional Tips

First time using a smoker? Follow these useful tricks for a smooth smoking experience.

• Use a meat probe to keep track of the temperature of your meat.
• Adding foil on the drip pan and heat deflector makes cleanup much easier. However, do not add foil on the grills as this prevents proper heat circulation.
• Make your Masterbuilt electric smoker sturdier by storing it indoors and covered with a plastic bag.
• Clean your smokers regularly. This will prevent bits of meat and grease from hardening on the grill.
• Get a Masterbuilt electric smoker stand for easier and more convenient use of your smoker.
• You can use this appliance to cold smoke cheeses and cured meats. You can use a Masterbuilt electric smoke generator kit for cold smoking.
• Resolve any issues your smoker faces and get replacements as soon as needed to prevent even more trouble in the future.

Cleaning Your Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

Maintaining a clean smoker is vital for its longevity and performance.

🌟 Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a Masterbuilt electric smoker effectively.

Cleaning the Smoking Chamber

Over time, grease and bits of meat can build up in the smoking chamber. 🥩

• Gloves: Put them on for safety.
• Scrape Off Residue: Use a scraper or brush.
• Frequency: Clean after every use to prevent buildup.

Remember, neglecting this part of cleaning could lead to your Masterbuilt smoker not smoking efficiently.

How to Clean the Heating Element

The heating element is the heart of your smoker. ❤️

• Disconnect: Make sure to unplug the smoker.
• Soft-Bristle Brush: Use it for gentle scrubbing.
• Grease and Soot: Watch out for these as they can affect heating.

It’s most effective to clean the heating element without damaging it, especially if you’ve been using Masterbuilt smokers often.

Cleaning the Wood Chip Tray

The wood chip tray holds the wood chips that provide the smoke. 🌳

• Remove Tray: Do this after each smoking session.
• Dump Ash: Get rid of any ash in the tray.
• Scrub Off Residues: Use a brush to scrub off sticky substances.

If you’re using a Masterbuilt analog electric smoker, consult your user manual for specific cleaning instructions.

Masterbuilt Charcoal and Bullet Smokers

Masterbuilt smokers come in various models, including electric, charcoal, and bullet smokers. 🔥

• Electric Smokers: Offer “set-and-forget” convenience.
• Charcoal and Bullet Smokers: Provide a more traditional smoking experience.

Introduction to Masterbuilt Charcoal Bullet Smoker

The Masterbuilt Charcoal Bullet Smoker is for those who love classic, smoky flavors. 🔥

• Heat Source: Uses charcoal, not electricity like the Masterbuilt analog electric smoker.
• Hands-On: Requires more attention during use.
• User Manual: Consult it, especially if you’re new. Operations vary between models.

Tips for Using Charcoal in Smokers

Charcoal smoking is an art, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. 🎨

• Fully Ignite Charcoal: Make sure it’s all lit to avoid bad flavors.
• Chimney Starter: Use one for cleaner and quicker ignition. No lighter fluid needed.
• Control Vents: Open for more heat, close for less. It’s a learn-as-you-go process.
• Water Pan: Helps control heat and adds moisture. Ideal for lean meats. 🍖

By following these tips, you’ll find charcoal smoking less challenging and more rewarding. Want more? See our section on Masterbuilt electric smoker tips and tricks for advanced techniques. 📘

Accessories for Masterbuilt Electric Smokers

Accessories can elevate your smoking experience. 🛠️

• Not Just the Smoker: Accessories make smoking easier and more efficient.

Protective Cover

A protective cover keeps your smoker safe from weather. 🌧️❄️

• Weather-Proof: Protects against rain, snow, and dust.
• Long-Term Benefits: A small investment for keeping your smoker clean and ready.

Stand for Stability

A stand makes your smoking experience more comfortable. 🛑

• Stability and Safety: More than just elevation.
• Ease of Use: No need to bend over, the smoker is at waist level.

Smoke Generator

A smoke generator lets you control smoke levels. 💨

• Advanced Smoking: For precise control, especially in cold smoking.
• Compatibility: Best used with a Masterbuilt electric smoke generator kit if available.

Checklists for Masterbuilt Smoker Users

Being prepared is key for successful smoking. Use these checklists for a smooth experience. ✅

• Two Types: One for seasoning your smoker and one for pre-smoking preparations.

Seasoning Checklist 🌿

✅Read the User Manual: The first step before using your smoker.

✅Clean the Interior: Remove dust or residues.

✅Load Wood Chips: Fill the wood chip tray.

✅Water Pan: Fill halfway with water.

✅Vent Position: Open the top vent fully.

✅Temperature Setting: 275°F (135°C) for seasoning.

✅Run Time: At least 3 hours.

✅Cool Down: Let the smoker cool before cooking.

Pre-Smoking Checklist 🍖

✅Check Supplies: Wood chips, water, and meat should be ready.

✅Preheat Smoker: Heat to the desired temperature.

✅Meat Preparation: Season or marinate the meat.

✅Temperature Probe: Insert into the meat if using.

✅Wood Chip Tray: Refill as needed.

✅Safety Gear: Heat-resistant gloves and meat tongs.

✅Timer: For checking meat or adding wood chips.

✅Vent Position: Adjust for desired smoke level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we answer questions you might have about your Masterbuilt electric smoker.

Epilogue

Using an electric smoker is the easiest way to smoke meat and fish. You can even use it to cold smoke cheeses and spices like paprika.

So, now that you know what to do, what’s stopping you from smoking some delicious slabs of meat? 😊🍖

More Related Articles:

• 10 Best Wireless Meat Thermometer for Smoker (The Secret to a Perfect Grill)
• How to Use a Smoker Box: Smoke Food without a Smoker!
• How to Smoke Meat on a Gas Grill: The Best Way to Turn Your Gas Grill into a Smoker

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