Introduction
Welcome to the Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new smoker. Designed for ease of use, this vertical electric smoker allows you to create deliciously smoked meats and other foods with precise digital control over temperature and time. Please read this manual thoroughly before initial use to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Important Safety Information
Always follow basic safety precautions when operating electrical appliances. This smoker is intended for outdoor use only. Do not operate indoors or in enclosed areas. Ensure the smoker is placed on a level, stable, non-combustible surface.
- Keep electrical cords away from heated surfaces.
- Do not use the smoker in the rain or near water.
- Always use insulated barbecue mitts when handling hot components.
- Keep children and pets away from the smoker during operation.
- Never leave the smoker unattended while in use.
- Ensure proper ventilation by keeping the air damper clear.
Product Overview
The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker is designed for efficient and flavorful smoking. Its vertical design promotes even heat and smoke distribution.

Figure 1: Front view of the Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker.

Figure 2: Interior view showcasing the multiple chrome-coated smoking racks and internal components.
Setup
Before using your smoker for the first time, proper assembly and seasoning are crucial. While assembly is straightforward, it may take longer than the estimated 25 minutes. Follow the included assembly instructions carefully, using only an adjustable wrench and a Philips screwdriver.
Initial Seasoning (Burn-Off)
To remove any manufacturing oils and odors, perform an initial seasoning:
- Ensure all components are correctly assembled and the smoker is placed outdoors on a stable surface.
- Plug in the smoker and set the temperature to 275°F (135°C).
- Allow the smoker to run at this temperature for approximately 2 hours. This process burns off any residual chemicals and prepares the interior for cooking.
- For the last hour of the seasoning process, add a small amount of wood chips to the wood chip loader to begin seasoning the interior with smoke flavor.
After seasoning, the smoker is ready for use. The interior may appear discolored, which is normal.
Operating Instructions
Operating your Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is simple with its intuitive controls.
Digital Control Panel

Figure 3: The digital control panel for setting temperature and time.
The digital control panel located on top of the smoker allows you to precisely manage your cooking. Use the power button to turn the unit on/off. The up and down arrows adjust the temperature, which can be set up to 275°F (135°C). The timer button allows you to set the desired smoking duration.
Side Wood Chip Loader

Figure 4: The patented side wood chip loader for adding smoke flavor without opening the main door.
The patented side wood chip loader is a convenient feature that allows you to add wood chips without opening the main smoker door, thus preventing heat and smoke loss. Simply pull out the loader, fill it with your preferred wood chips, and push it back in to drop the chips onto the heating element.
Adjustable Air Damper

Figure 5: The adjustable air damper on top of the smoker to control smoke levels.
The adjustable air damper on the top of the smoker allows you to control the amount of smoke and heat retention. Adjust it to achieve your desired smoke intensity and internal temperature stability.
Cooking Racks and Water Bowl

Figure 6: Four chrome-coated smoking racks provide ample cooking space.

Figure 7: The removable water bowl adds moisture to your food and catches drippings.
The smoker features four chrome-coated smoking racks, offering 970 square inches of cooking space. These racks are removable, allowing you to customize the internal space for larger items like turkeys or roasts. The removable water bowl, located beneath the racks, is essential for adding moisture to your food and catching any drippings, contributing to tender and juicy results.
Smoking Process Overview
For best results, preheat your smoker to the desired temperature before adding food. Add wood chips as needed to maintain consistent smoke. The digital control panel allows for precise temperature management, ensuring your food smokes to perfection.

Figure 8: The Masterbuilt smoker in action, producing flavorful smoke.
Official Product Video
Video 1: Official product video demonstrating key features and use of the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your smoker and ensure consistent performance.
Rear Grease Tray

Figure 9: The rear grease tray is easily removable for cleaning.
The rear grease tray collects excess grease and drippings. It is designed for easy removal and cleaning. Regularly empty and clean this tray to prevent grease buildup and ensure proper hygiene.
For general cleaning, allow the smoker to cool completely. Wipe down interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. The chrome-coated racks can be removed and washed with warm, soapy water.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Masterbuilt smoker, refer to the table below for common problems and solutions. For more complex issues, consult the official user manual PDF or contact customer support.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Smoker not heating up or dropping temperature. | Power supply issue, heating element malfunction, insulation issue, or extreme ambient temperature. | Check power connection. Ensure smoker is not exposed to strong winds or very cold temperatures. Verify the heating element is glowing. If issues persist, contact customer support. |
| Digital display not visible in daylight. | Direct sunlight interference. | Relocate smoker to a shaded area or use a temporary cover to shield the display from direct sunlight. |
| Smoker shuts down with an error message. | Internal fault or sensor issue. | Unplug the smoker, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in. If the error persists, contact customer support with the specific error code. |
| Insufficient smoke production. | Insufficient wood chips, wet wood chips, or improper temperature. | Ensure wood chips are dry and sufficient. Verify smoker temperature is adequate for smoke production (typically above 225°F). |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Masterbuilt |
| Model Name | 40-inch Digital Electric |
| Model Number | MB20072918 |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Color | Black |
| Outer Material | Cold Rolled Steel |
| Inner Material | Steel |
| Item Weight | 58.3 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 19.9"D x 25.6"W x 41.3"H |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Manufacturer | Masterbuilt Manufacturing, LLC. |
| UPC | 094428272224 |
Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and comprehensive support, please refer to the official user manual PDF provided with your product or visit the Masterbuilt website. You can also find additional support resources and FAQs on the Masterbuilt Store.
Official User Manual (PDF): Download Here
Instructions for Use (IFU) (PDF): Download Here





