40" Masterbuilt MB20060321 Digital Charcoal Smoker (Gray) $202.44 + Free Shipping

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07-08-2021 at 10:04 AM #2

New to smokers and looking for a good one under 300 (not easy). Ive been looking at pellet but are these charcal ones any good?

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07-08-2021 at 11:06 AM #3

Quote from MMFC378

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New to smokers and looking for a good one under 300 (not easy). Ive been looking at pellet but are these charcal ones any good?

I would say to stay away from this particular one. It's supposedly has serious design issues.
I'm not sure what you classify as "good" but is shouldn't be that difficult to find a charcoal or gas (or combo) for under $300 (maybe not pellet as I haven't researched those). I wouldn't blow the bank on your 1st smoker. This electric deal is still live at $100 and this dual one was live for quite a while - I got it as my 1st smoker. One thing to note with Charcoal is that it is more difficult to hold temps. I've only used mine with gas so far and I've been quite happy with it, but still learning how to get the temps to hold better. I'm still experimenting with the tyrpes of wood chips, whether to soak or not and how much to use. I've only done a couple cooks so far, and think I will have it down pat pretty soon as far as what works for me.

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07-08-2021 at 11:45 AM #4

Quote from gabe23111

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I would say to stay away from this particular one. It's supposedly has serious design issues.
I'm not sure what you classify as "good" but is shouldn't be that difficult to find a charcoal or gas (or combo) for under $300 (maybe not pellet as I haven't researched those). I wouldn't blow the bank on your 1st smoker. This electric deal is still live at $100 and this dual one was live for quite a while - I got it as my 1st smoker. One thing to note with Charcoal is that it is more difficult to hold temps. I've only used mine with gas so far and I've been quite happy with it, but still learning how to get the temps to hold better. I'm still experimenting with the tyrpes of wood chips, whether to soak or not and how much to use. I've only done a couple cooks so far, and think I will have it down pat pretty soon as far as what works for me.

Pellet sees to be what im after. I can see myself buying something like gas or charcoal and getting upset about the temperatures. I need a "set it and forget it" sorta thing (yes, i understand its not that easy) and pellets seems to be the way. Thanks for the heads up!

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07-08-2021 at 12:29 PM #5

Quote from MMFC378

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Pellet sees to be what im after. I can see myself buying something like gas or charcoal and getting upset about the temperatures. I need a "set it and forget it" sorta thing (yes, i understand its not that easy) and pellets seems to be the way. Thanks for the heads up!

I would seriously suggest an electric for what you said, best set and forget out there (if you have an outdoor outlet or can run cord through a door). Usually cheapest and I've had one for years and love how easy and consistent it works! Usually smoke butts or briskets overnight and have one helluva breakfast waiting

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07-08-2021 at 01:10 PM #6

Quote from DealArtist

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I would seriously suggest an electric for what you said, best set and forget out there (if you have an outdoor outlet or can run cord through a door). Usually cheapest and I've had one for years and love how easy and consistent it works! Usually smoke butts or briskets overnight and have one helluva breakfast waiting https://static.slickdealscdn.com/ima...es/biggrin.gif

When you say electric, which fuel are we talking about? I mean, pellets are electric but are you talking about gas or charcoal electric?

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07-08-2021 at 02:28 PM #7

Quote from MMFC378

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When you say electric, which fuel are we talking about? I mean, pellets are electric but are you talking about gas or charcoal electric?

I think he means plain old electric electric, which uses an electric heating element to generate heat & control temp like your oven, but simultaneously causes wood chips/chunks to smolder and generate smoke. A few of these have a separate heating element to control the wood smoldering component (mine does this and gives better control over the smoke). These don't get up to high temps (usually 275F max), but that's fine for smoking and super easy to use. Some people add a pellet tube to get more smoke or better control over the smoke, but it's not necessary. You won't have charcoal flavor, but the smoke flavor can be quite good. I'm happy with my Masterbuilt electric. Just don't leave it out in the rain.

The deal linked here is also pretty good. There have been some issues with build quality and grease fires with the non-vertical model that's more like a grill/smoker, but haven't heard much about this particular model. You'll get charcoal flavor with this for sure, but not necessarily more smoke.

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07-08-2021 at 02:28 PM #8

Walmart now at $225 with 2-day delivery. Amazon is 2 months out.

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07-08-2021 at 04:41 PM #9

Quote from MMFC378

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Pellet sees to be what im after. I can see myself buying something like gas or charcoal and getting upset about the temperatures. I need a "set it and forget it" sorta thing (yes, i understand its not that easy) and pellets seems to be the way. Thanks for the heads up!

Camp Chef!!!!!!!! Do it you'll love it!!

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07-08-2021 at 05:53 PM #10

Quote from MMFC378

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New to smokers and looking for a good one under 300 (not easy). Ive been looking at pellet but are these charcal ones any good?

An external PID controller (<$200) will turn a cheap electric smoker (<$100) into a great smoker.

Auber makes some good ones: https://www.auberins.com/index.ph...Path=14_28

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07-08-2021 at 05:56 PM #11

Quote from MMFC378

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Pellet sees to be what I'm after. I can see myself buying something like gas or charcoal and getting upset about the temperatures. I need a "set it and forget it" sorta thing (yes, i understand its not that easy) and pellets seems to be the way. Thanks for the heads up!

Don't buy a cheap pellet grill. Most have bad temp swings.

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07-08-2021 at 08:38 PM #12

Quote from drawz

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I think he means plain old electric electric, which uses an electric heating element to generate heat & control temp like your oven, but simultaneously causes wood chips/chunks to smolder and generate smoke. A few of these have a separate heating element to control the wood smoldering component (mine does this and gives better control over the smoke). These don't get up to high temps (usually 275F max), but that's fine for smoking and super easy to use. Some people add a pellet tube to get more smoke or better control over the smoke, but it's not necessary. You won't have charcoal flavor, but the smoke flavor can be quite good. I'm happy with my Masterbuilt electric. Just don't leave it out in the rain.

The deal linked here is also pretty good. There have been some issues with build quality and grease fires with the non-vertical model that's more like a grill/smoker, but haven't heard much about this particular model. You'll get charcoal flavor with this for sure, but not necessarily more smoke.

I second that! I have owned a Masterbuilt 40" electric smoker. Just adding wood chips, set the temperature and time, you will have one heck of a beef brisket, pork ribs, pork butt, turkey, chicken legs or salmon. 😁

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07-08-2021 at 08:39 PM #13

Seeing a decent amount of reviews indicating issues with this particular smoker ranging from lack of smoke, wood chunks always igniting, very easy damage b/c of thin & flimsy body / walls, poor welds, not working well with pellet tubes / mazes, and so on.

I'm guessing this is all part of why this unit is on sale.

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07-08-2021 at 08:39 PM #14

Quote from gabe23111

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I would say to stay away from this particular one. It's supposedly has serious design issues.
I'm not sure what you classify as "good" but is shouldn't be that difficult to find a charcoal or gas (or combo) for under $300 (maybe not pellet as I haven't researched those). I wouldn't blow the bank on your 1st smoker. This electric deal is still live at $100 and this dual one was live for quite a while - I got it as my 1st smoker. One thing to note with Charcoal is that it is more difficult to hold temps. I've only used mine with gas so far and I've been quite happy with it, but still learning how to get the temps to hold better. I'm still experimenting with the tyrpes of wood chips, whether to soak or not and how much to use. I've only done a couple cooks so far, and think I will have it down pat pretty soon as far as what works for me.

I'd agree with this conclusion. Reviews across a few places either a lot of reviews echo the same problems: shipping damage, thin metal that may not hold a temp, quality issues and a smoker door that is not sealed and leaks smoke.

For $200 or so it's probably fine given how huge it is, but it seems like your satisfaction may vary if you are picky.

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07-08-2021 at 08:52 PM #15

Quote from MMFC378

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New to smokers and looking for a good one under 300 (not easy). Ive been looking at pellet but are these charcal ones any good?

Saw your other posts so I changed my response...

Regardless of what you get, there will be a learning curve with whatever you get.....meaning .....pick something and just go with it. You'll have to learn how your pit reacts to weather....extra logs/coal... overheating....fire dying, etc. You also have to consider the space you have available, but I'm sure you'll factor that in. I started with an offset smoker which is probably a good to start with, but I'm about to buy the Bronco for my next one (barrel). A pellet is COMPLETELY different from a charcoal smoker. I wouldn't go budget on one of those though as the cheaper ones can crap out easily and leave your grill limited on utility...imo. Since you want set it and forget it, I'd just consider getting an electric Bluetooth temperature gauge....that'll at least give you some flexibility with having to sit and watch it.

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