Review of the 40” MASTERBUILT 20075315 Electric Smoker

When it comes to affordable, durable and reliable electric smokers, this could be the top choice on the market! Read our review of the 40” MASTERBUILT 20075315 ELECTRIC SMOKER to find out why. 

40'' MASTERBUILT 20075315

When it comes to picking an electric smoker for your backyard, you can rest assured that this model is a safe, reliable choice that helps you get the most product for your budget. We've spend hours doing our research, and there is a reason this electric smoker is so popular.

If you're looking to buy an electric smoker, be sure to check out our electric smoker reviews  to help you choose the best electric smoker. You will surely recognize the #1 pick! 

Key Features of 40” MASTERBUILT 20075315

  • 975 sq. inch total cooking area with 4 chrome-coated racks
  • A proprietary side-loading system so you can pile in your wood chips with no need to open the door
  • Nifty remote control lets you take charge from a distance
  • Onboard thermometer promotes even cooking while giving you one less thing to worry about
  • Monitor progress at a glance through the full-sized transparent window

Overview

With summer looming once again, it’s only natural to be thinking about BBQs and long, lazy weekends outside.

We know we are!

Maybe you’re thinking of treating yourself to a smoker. Perhaps you’ve already got one in your arsenal, and you’re thinking of adding to it.

Either way, you won’t be able to escape the name Masterbuilt when you’re on the buying trail, and that’s not surprising.  This reliable brand specializes in producing mid-range smokers at an attractive price point. It’s what makes them the perfect investment to upgrade your BBQs.

There’s a problem, however…

While Mastercraft’s impressive range gives you plenty of options, making the right choice can be confusing.

But we at Fire Food Chef here to help with that.

Of the trio of 40-inchers, the 20075315 might lack the Bluetooth connectivity of the 20072115, but it’s substantially lighter without sacrificing cooking area.

There are several variants of this model. We went for the version with the controller on the front, but there’s another with the controller up above. If you want a more utilitarian look, there’s a window-less unit, and another comes with a separate Cuisinart thermometer.

Holding Capacity

With 4 rock-solid chrome-plated racks, you’ll get a combined cooking area of 975 sq. inches. What does that mean in terms of food?

40” MASTERBUILT 20075315 Electric Smoker

Well, imagine loading up a dozen whole chickens, 48 sausages, or 24 burgers. If you’re a ribs fan, put 4 whole racks inside the Masterbuilt and get that BBQ popping.

Cleaning

So, you’ll have more than enough space to feed a large, hungry gathering but how about when the party’s over? One of the biggest disincentives to cooking outside is the way BBQs and smokers can get clogged up with grease and debris. Let’s face it, if the thought of cleaning up after loading up on food fills you with dread, what’s the chance you’ll bother at all?

Luckily, cleaning this smoker is a cakewalk. The drip pan in this rebooted version got a welcome tweak, and those chrome-plated racks are non-stick.

Easy to Use

Ease of use extends to more than clean-up with the Masterbuilt 20075315. This model uses wood chips, and you can avoid the usual niggle of continually opening the door and messing with the temperature. Simply load your chips in the side of the smoker and keep that heat in place.

It goes unsaid that sidestepping charcoal or propane saves you a lot of mess and grief. If you’re reluctant to place your trust in an electric smoker, we can assure you this model won’t stiff you when it comes to taste.

You’ll get that deliciously charred and smoked finish every time. If you are interested in upping your meat-cooking game, be sure to check out our meat smoking guide to help you attain the coveted title 

40'' MASTERBUILT 20075315 remote controller

If you’re thinking a remote control on a smoker is unnecessary frippery, you might rethink that once you put the Masterbuilt to work. Be honest, do you really enjoy the continuous tinkering when you’re outside cooking? Wouldn’t you sooner kick back in your chair with a cold one while keeping your eye on things from afar?

Well, the glass frontage with LED light lets you keep a close eye on your meal. The RF remote allows you to fine-tune the temperature and timing.

You might be asking yourself how you’ll regulate the temperature if you’re new to smoking. Masterbuilt makes that easy for you with a thermostat baked in so you can expect complete consistency with every meal.

Build Quality

Insulation is top-notch. Firstly, this means you can use the smoker even if it’s close to freezing outside. Also, although the outside does get hot to the touch, it won’t instantly strip the skin off your hand. This is a nice built-in safety angle if you’ve got kids running around the yard. You should obviously educate them to steer well clear of the smoker, but this does minimize the chance of any burnt little hands.

Assembly is straightforward. All you’ll need is a Philips screwdriver since it arrives pretty much fully assembled. You’ll only need to apply the finishing touches. Although it’s a weighty beast at nearly 73 pounds, the casters and handle mean you’ll be able to shift the smoker around when you need to without breaking your back.

Are there drawbacks?

No product is perfect, and the 20075315 comes with a few minor downsides. These issues shouldn’t stop you from buying the smoker, but they may help you know if it is the right one for you.

Made for Beginners

While the range of 40” smokers is beginner-friendly and super-simple to use, for more advanced cooks this might be perceived as a disadvantage. If you’re looking to get down and dirty with a more hands-on smoking experience, this is perhaps not the best fit for you. If, on the other hand, you want a set-and-forget solution you can monitor remotely, the 20075315 makes perfect sense.

Short Warranty

The 90-day warranty, frankly, is a disappointment. That said, if you hunt around in online forums and look out for user reviews like this one, you’ll find evidence that Masterbuilt sometimes steps in to replace defective remotes or parts even after the warranty has expired. Customer care is responsive and capable, but there’s no escaping the fact three months is not the most robust coverage.

One of the Best Electric smokers

While electric smokers serve up unparalleled convenience, there’s a lot more chance something could go wrong than with gas or charcoal alternatives. You’ll encounter a range of complaints about problems developing over time. I can’t say my Masterbuilt has let me down. Also, you never know how these people treated their smokers, so be sure to look into any reviews you read.

Whether you’re a complete novice to the art of smoking or a fully weathered pro, the Masterbuilt 20075315 is a smart choice at a very competitive price. You’ll get a first-class electric smoker that you can set and forget at a second-class price so what’s not to love?

Get STarted With this Easy To Use Electric Smoker

If you're thinking about getting started, this is one of the easiest electric smokers to use. Be sure to check out these recipes to help feed your inspiration. 

If you're interested in getting started but don't want to invest that much money, then be sure to check out this guide to the best electric smokers under $200.

About the Author William Clay

William Clay is a BBQ enthusiast dedicated to sharing his grilling (and overall cooking) expertise with FireFoodChef's readers.