Smoking meat is one of the best ways to infuse rich, smoky flavor. But choosing the right smoker can be tough with so many options on the market. Two of the most popular brands are Masterbuilt and Pit Boss.
But which one is better for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Masterbuilt and Pit Boss smokers side-by-side. We’ll look at key features, price, durability, ease of use and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly which smoker is the best fit for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Masterbuilt | Pit Boss |
| Fuel Source | Electric element, wood chips | Wood pellets |
| Temperature Control | Digital with consistent heat | Fluctuates somewhat |
| Smoke Flavor | Good with chips | Excellent with real wood pellets |
| Ease of Use | Very simple, automated | Moderate learning curve |
| Capacity | Up to 800 square inches | Up to 1,500 square inches |
| Construction | Average thickness steel | Heavy duty stainless steel |
| Grill Ability | No, smoker only | Yes, grills too |
| Cold Smoking | Good, can hold low temps | Poor at very low temps |
| Warranty | 3-5 years comprehensive | 1 year limited |
| Price | $200 – $500 range | $300 – $1,200 range |
Overview of Masterbuilt Smokers
Masterbuilt is one of the biggest names in electric smokers.
The Georgia-based company makes a wide range of smokers designed for backyard use.
Masterbuilt smokers use electric heating elements to slowly infuse smoke flavor.
Most models have a side loading wood chip tray so you can add more chips without opening the smoker.
Temperature and time controls automate the smoking process for true “set it and forget it” convenience.
Three of their most popular models are:
- Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker: An entry-level smoker with 721 square inches of cooking space and basic controls. Around $200.
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series: A new line of charcoal gravity fed smokers with digital controls and the set-and-forget ease of an electric smoker. Around $500.
- Masterbuilt 560: A midrange smoker with traditional electric heating but also an integrated pellet hopper and auger for using real wood pellets. Around $500.
In general, Masterbuilt smokers are known for their simplicity and ease of use. Even beginners can make competition-quality smoked meat with minimal fuss.
They’re ideal for those who want the flavor of real wood smoke without having to constantly manage temperature.
Overview of Pit Boss Smokers
Pit Boss started out making pellet grills and gradually expanded into electric smokers. They’re sold exclusively through Walmart both online and in stores.
Many Pit Boss smokers use a combo approach with gas ignition and a wood pellet firebox. This gives the flavor of real burning wood along with electric controls. Models include:
- Pit Boss Copperhead: A $300 vertical pellet smoker with double wall insulation and a 40-lb pellet hopper.
- Pit Boss Austin XL: A $400 horizontal cabinet smoker that runs on wood pellets with 1,500 square inches of cooking space.
- Pit Boss Pro Series 4: A midrange propane smoker with gas ignition and wood chip tray. Around $275.
Pit Boss is known for its heavy duty construction and generous cooking capacity. The insulated pellet smokers hold heat extremely well for fewer temperature swings. Pellet hoppers hold enough fuel for hours of unattended smoking.
Many Pit Boss models give you the flexibility to use them as either a smoker or a standard grill. This adds a lot of value for those with limited space.
Masterbuilt Pros
Now let’s compare the pros and cons of Masterbuilt smokers versus Pit Boss models:
- Huge selection of electric smokers: From entry-level to high tech, Masterbuilt has the most diverse electric smoker lineup. You can find a model tailored to any budget.
- Precise temperature control: Electric heating elements provide a very steady and even smoking temperature. There are minimal fluctuations compared to charcoal or pellet smokers.
- Simple to operate: Masterbuilt smokers are designed for simplicity. Even novices can make competition-quality smoked meat with little effort.
- Glass viewing window: Many Masterbuilt smokers have a glass window in the door so you can view your food without opening the smoker.
- Excellent customer service: Masterbuilt is known industry-wide for its exceptional support and warranty service if any issues arise.
For pure convenience and ease of use, Masterbuilt can’t be beat. You get the amazing flavor of real wood smoked meat with “set it and forget it” simplicity.
Pit Boss Pros
Now let’s look at the benefits of going with a Pit Boss smoker:
- Use real wood pellets: Pellet smokers like Pit Boss burn real hardwood pellets for authentic BBQ flavor. Pellets impart more depth than chips or chunks.
- Huge capacity: Many Pit Boss models can hold 50+ pounds of meat at once. The large pellet hopper means less frequent refueling.
- Great insulation: Double wall steel construction and thick insulation makes Pit Boss smokers incredibly efficient. Very little heat or smoke escapes.
- Combo smoker/grill: Most Pit Boss pellet grills have a dual purpose design letting you use them as either a smoker or a normal grill. Fantastic versatility.
- Heavy duty build: Commercial grade 304 stainless steel makes Pit Boss an extremely durable long-lasting brand. It’s built to last through years of heavy use.
For authentic wood-fired smoking flavor and large capacity, Pit Boss smokers stand out. Their versatility as grills adds even more value.
Masterbuilt Cons
No smoker is perfect. Here are a few downsides common to Masterbuilt electric smokers:
- Less robust smoke flavor: Flavor from smoldering wood chips isn’t as deep and nuanced as real burning wood or charcoal.
- Temperature recovery issues: After you open the door it can take 15-20 minutes for heat to fully recover. This extends total smoking time.
- No grill functionality: Masterbuilt smokers only have a single purpose. You won’t get the flexibility of a grill/smoker combo unit.
- Prone to electrical failures: The heating element, wiring and digital controls can fail if exposed to water or improper electrical connections.
For the best possible smoke flavor and performance, Masterbuilt lags behind wood pellet smokers. Be prepared for some potential electrical glitches as well over time.
Pit Boss Cons
Pit Boss isn’t without a few disadvantages either:
- Requires pellets: You’ll need a steady pellets supply to fuel a Pit Boss smoker. Pellets average $1/pound.
- Moving parts require maintenance: The auger and fan have more things that could potentially break compared to a basic electric smoker.
- Not ideal for cold smoking: Pellet smokers have a hard time holding very low temps needed for cold smoking things like cheese or salmon.
- Prone to temperature spikes: The pellet dump cycle can cause brief temp spikes of 10-15 degrees until recovery.
- Short warranties: Most Pit Boss components like the burner, auger, controller, etc have just 1-year coverage. Masterbuilt offers much longer 3-5 year warranties.
Be prepared to clean and maintain a Pit Boss smoker regularly. Have backup pellets on hand as well.
Ease of Use Comparison
Ease of use is an important criteria for any backyard smoker. Here’s how Masterbuilt and Pit Boss compare:
Masterbuilt
- Extremely simple controls
- Set-and-forget automation
- Built-in meat probe
- No fire management needed
Pit Boss
- Fairly simple controller
- Temperature fluctuations require vigilance
- Must periodically add more pellets
- Firepot must be cleaned periodically
For true convenience where the smoker does all the work, Masterbuilt is the easier of the two. Pit Boss gives great results but requires a bit more effort and vigilance during smoking.
Price and Value Comparison
Affordability may be a key factor in choosing the right smoker. Here’s how prices stack up:
Masterbuilt Smokers
- Entry models around $200
- Midrange around $300-$500
- High end models $500-$1,200+
Pit Boss Smokers
- Entry around $275-$300
- Midrange $400-$600
- High end $900-$1,200
Value Analysis: Dollar for dollar, Masterbuilt gives you more cooking space for your investment. Pit Boss offers greater material quality and insulation in similarly priced models. Which represents better value depends on your needs and budget.
Durability Comparison
It’s important to consider unit lifespan when buying any appliance. Here is how the brands compare:
Masterbuilt
- Thin metal and average welding
- Gaskets/seals may deteriorate over time
- 3-5 year comprehensive warranties
Pit Boss
- Commercial grade stainless steel
- Excellent insulation and tight seals
- Mostly just 1 year warranties
Both brands will last many years if properly maintained. On balance Pit Boss may last a little longer thanks to thicker metal, but Masterbuilt’s excellent warranty service helps offset that.
Smoker Recommendations
Given all the pros, cons and comparisons, which brand is right for you?
- For Beginners
Those new to smoking should start with an entry-level Masterbuilt.
Models like the Masterbuilt Digital give fantastic results for less than $200. Perfect for learning without a huge investment.
- For Convenience
If you prioritize convenience and simple operation, choose a midrange Masterbuilt Gravity Series or digital smoker with a meat probe and lots of automation.
Masterbuilt makes smoking foolproof.
- For Authentic Wood Flavor
If you want the deepest, most authentic smoke flavor, get a Pit Boss Copperhead. It uses real wood pellets for unmatched taste at a reasonable price.
- For Large Capacity
Need to smoke large quantities of meat for parties or competitions? Go with a high capacity Pit Boss Austin XL or Brunswick model. Their huge interior can hold full packer briskets, racks of ribs, or dozens of chickens.
- For Flexibility
If you want the ability to grill and smoke from one unit, pick from Pit Boss’s combo grill/smoker selections. You get tremendous versatility in one powerful outdoor cooker.
- For Cold Smoking
Plan to cold smoke fish, cheese or other delicate foods? A Masterbuilt electric smoker is the better suited tool for maintaining ultra-low temperatures under 100°F.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Masterbuilt is one of the most reputable and popular electric smoker brands. Their smokers are reliable, easy to use, and make competition-quality BBQ.
Masterbuilt makes both standard electric smokers and pellet models like the Masterbuilt 560. Their pellet smokers get excellent reviews and make it easy to achieve real wood flavor. The only downside is smaller capacity pellet hoppers compared to brands like Pit Boss.
Overall, Masterbuilt makes the best electric smokers in terms of technology, ease of use, price and performance. Models like the Masterbuilt Gravity Series and Masterbuilt 560 are excellent pellet/electric combo units. Pit Boss also makes outstanding pellet smokers with larger capacities and stainless steel builds.
Yes, Pit Boss is one of the leading pellet smoker brands. They offer excellent insulation, heavy duty construction, and great smoke flavor from burning real wood pellets. Pit Boss smokers are slightly harder to use than Masterbuilts but produce comparable results.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between Pit Boss and Masterbuilt smokers, start by considering your budget and what features matter most.
If convenience and simplicity are important, Masterbuilt electric smokers can’t be beat. For large capacity and authentic wood pellet flavor, go with Pit Boss. Use this comparison to narrow down the right model tailored to your needs.
Whichever you choose, you can make incredible smoked meat with both of these leading brands. Your neighbors will envy the savory barbecue coming off your back patio.
Get smoking today and enjoy flavor that rivals your favorite barbecue joint.