Electric smokers are the perfect type of smoker to get if you’re a beginner or if you’re looking for something convenient and easy to use.
Smoke Hollow and Masterbuilt are companies that BBQ lovers primarily know in the electric smoker area. And, with Masterbuilt’s acquisition of Smoke Hollow in 2017, both companies as one created some of the best seen in recent years.
If you’re the market for an electric smoker, then this article is perfect for you. While you’re reading this, you’ll find three of the best Smoke Hollow-Masterbuilt digital electric smokers in the market. We’ve reviewed each according to its features, build quality, pros, cons, and of course, price.
We’ll be considering three models: the Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow 30162E, the Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow SH19079518 Digital Electric Smoker, and the Masterbuilt 30162EW Electric Smoker with Window.
Best Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker Models
Though electric smokers are typically meant for indoor smoking or at least somewhere with cover, Masterbuilt and Smoke Hollow’s collaboration has yielded exciting results.
The three models that we’re going to examine considers how some users will want to experience outdoor cooking with an electric smoker. Being able to achieve such a feat deserves ample compliments.
Of course, you’ll have to take precautions when it comes to the electrical parts, but for the most part, you won’t have to worry about outdoor cooking with these models.
Considering their experience in this particular area, both Smoke Hollow and Masterbuilt offers a long list of the best vertical smokers on their respective websites. The models are listed here should you want to check them out:
| Masterbuilt Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Masterbuilt MES 430 S | Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker |
| Masterbuilt MES 440 S | Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker |
| Masterbuilt MES 340 G | Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker |
| Masterbuilt MPS 330 G | ThermoTemp Propane Smoker |
| Masterbuilt MPS 340 G | ThermoTemp XL Propane Smoker |
| Masterbuilt MPS 230 S | Propane Smoker |
| Masterbuilt MWS 130 S | Pellet Smoker |
| Masterbuilt MES 430 G | Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker - Adventure Series |
| Masterbuilt MES 35 B | Electric Smoker |
| Masterbuilt MWS 140 S | Pellet Smoker |
| Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite | XL Pellet Smoker |
| Smoke Hollow Model 26142E - 26" | Electric Smoker |
| Smoke Hollow Model 26142G - 26" | Gas Smoker |
| Smoke Hollow Model 44241GW - 44" | Gas Smoker |
| Smoke Hollow Model 44241G2 - 44" | Gas Smoker |
| Smoke Hollow Model 38205GW - 38" | Gas Smoker |
| Smoke Hollow Model 38202G - 38" | Gas Smoker |
| Smoke Hollow Model 3615GW - 36" | Gas Smoker |
| Smoke Hollow Model 30164G - 30" | Gas Smoker |
Aside from sizes, these smokers are different based on several other factors.
These factors include the fuel source and the type of vertical smokers, such as offset. We’ll be focusing on the 3 best vertical electric smokers that both companies made in collaboration.
Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow 30162E Electric Smoker Reviews
The first smoker that we’re going to consider is Model 30162E, which is a vertical electric digital smoker. It was built specifically for outdoor cooking, and it can handle various meat and vegetables.
Its dimensions are at 21.5 by 18 by 38 inches. It’s relatively small compared to most vertical smokers, but it’s important to note that for these models, both companies are targeting portability in their build.
And at 47.2 pounds, it’s movable and portable. We consider it a small electric smoker.
Where it does have some disadvantages is concerning its cooking space.
At only 220 square inches of cooking space, it’s on the smaller side. However, it’s perfect for those looking to smoke meat and vegetables for a small crowd.
The features of this smoker include a 1,500-watt heating element, three cooking grids, three temperature settings, two cool-touch spring side handles for easy transport, a heat indicator, and a magnetic door-latching system.
The heating element has fully adjustable temperature control. It also includes a water pan and a wood chips tray in the package.
Unfortunately, this smoker is an analog electric unit, meaning it doesn’t have features such as precise and variable temperature control. It also doesn’t display the cooking time.
Finally, the construction features a steel double-walled cooking area, chrome-plated cooking grates, and porcelain-coated steel water pan. Unfortunately, there is no grease tray included.
- A portable analog electric smoker
- Durable and well insulated because of the double-walled steel construction, porcelain coating, and chrome plating
- Capable of outdoor cooking
- Inexpensive and great value for money
- Three adjustable cooking grids
- No wheels despite portability marketing
- Finicky analog electric temperature control
- Accessing the water pan and wood chip box causes significant heat loss
This smoker is perfect for anyone who might have experience smoking meat because it does not have the digital characteristics that make most other electric smokers the best option for complete beginners.
Compared to everything else that Masterbuilt and Smoke Hollow offer, this model is the best for anyone who’s looking for a portable option that doesn’t sacrifice cooking space, unlike the 2-Series and the overly broad 7-Series.
Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow 3616DEW Digital Electric Smoker
The next smoker that you should consider is Masterbuilt and Smoke Hollow’s digital electric smoker. Compared to the first model we reviewed, this model offers more digital control through a display that indicates the cooking temperature, cooking time, and power on and off.
This smoker is also more spacious than the small electric smoker we previously reviewed. At three cubic feet or almost 300 square inches of cooking space, it’s more than enough for people who will need a unit that can cook for large crowds.
It’s got four chrome-plated cooking grids that are height adjustable.
Unlike the first model, this digital electric smoker also comes with an external-loading wood chip container that will allow for easy access and even more effortless loading.
The 1,500-watt heating element is perfectly capable of smoking at 175 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
And through the large, tempered glass, and easy-to-clean viewing window, you won’t have to worry about undercooked or burnt food.
A relatively large water pan is also in the package, allowing you to achieve wonderfully juicy meat instead of dry food.
The downside is that this smoker doesn’t have a built-in meat probe. With all its digital controls, it would have been a bonus point if the manufacturer included a meat probe. However, given the features of this smoker, it isn’t much of a loss, especially if you have your tool.
- The digital front controller allows for adjustable and accurate temperature control.
- Viewing glass with heat indicator is sturdy and useful for monitoring the smoked food.
- Adequate cooking space; more substantial than the previous model
- Durable with a build that contains a mix of welded steel, stainless steel, and chrome plating
- Includes four cooking grids that are height-adjustable
- External-loading wood chips tray makes it easy to add more chips without sacrificing the smoke and heat within the cabinet
- The digital front controller may break easily and will require you to take special care in cleaning and using.
- No side handles, which makes it hard to transport and isn’t at all portable compared to the previous model
- Not compatible with cold smokers
- Not weatherproof but capable of outdoor cooking regardless of temperature
This smoker is perfect for beginners because of the adjustable temperature control that you can precisely change at a moment’s notice.
While less technology-laden than the Adventure Series of Masterbuilt (a lineup of Bluetooth digital electric smokers), this smoker is still more than capable of fulfilling the most basic digital needs.
The cooking space makes it perfect for anyone who’s looking for a unit that can cook enough food for a large family or crowd.
Masterbuilt 30162EW Electric Smoker with Window
This next model from Masterbuilt and Smoke Hollow is an improvement of the first unit we reviewed.
Whereas the first model was a pure analog electric smoker, this one features a window. This feature may not seem like much, but it makes all the difference when it comes to smoking meat.
As we’ve mentioned before, one of the benefits of having a window on your smoker is the fact that you can monitor your meat without having to open the cabinet door. Another advantage is being able to see if your meat needs less or more heat.
This particular electric smoker also doesn’t skimp on build quality. It features a double-wall construction in the cabinet, a porcelain-coated water pan, and select high temperature-resistant paint on the wood chip box. These offerings mean that the smoker is not only durable but is also perfectly capable of maintaining the heat inside the cabinet.
The 30162EW is also a smoker with adjustable temperature control, beyond achieving consistent temperatures.
The 1,500-Watt heating element comes with temperature control that is not only adjustable but also removable – a feature that sets it apart from the first model.
The cooking space in this electric smoker is the same as the first one. As such, it faces the same challenges.
With only 220 square inches, it’s not meant for people who may want to smoke meat for large crowds and multiple family members.
At the very least, though, it has enough space to cook meat for a small crowd.
- A definite improvement from the first model thanks to how it equips a window
- At 47 pounds, this smoker is portable enough, even without wheels.
- Durable, well-insulated, and capable of maintaining temperatures because of the double-walled construction of the cabinet
- Adjustable and removable temperature control
- Paint on wood chip box resists high temperatures – another feature that sets it apart from the first model we reviewed
- Three cooking grids are sufficient for a small crowd
- May struggle to reach high temperatures due to the window
- You may need some time to get used to the analog electric temperature control
Overall, this smoker is a definite improvement from the first model we reviewed. It still falls below the features offered by the digital electric smokers of Masterbuilt and Smoke Hollow’s lineup, but it does give enough benefits to outweigh the cons.
This smoker is perfect for someone who would like a bit more features but doesn’t need a larger cooking capacity.
It’s also the best option for someone who’s looking for a smoker that offers a window to monitor the meat but is less expensive than the second model.
This one is our top pick for an analog electric smoker.
The Verdict
All the smokers presented in this review are within a budget-friendly price range.
If you’re in the market for an electric smoker that has the most basic functions but can handle outdoor cooking, then the 31062E is the best option for you.
If you’re looking for something a little more high-end with all the bells and whistles but doesn’t cost a ton of money, then our top Smoke Hollow electric smoker pick is the 3616DEW Digital Electric Smoker.
If you’re leaning toward the analog side of electric smokers but would like a way to monitor your food, then the 31062EW Electric Smoker is a great option.
No matter what you choose among the vertical electric smokers on this list, we can assure you that you’ll be getting that smoke flavor you’ve wanted to achieve.
I spent most of my life fascinated by food, and the outdoors. I can’t think of a more fitting combo that leads to mastering the art of BBQ one day. I ended up decent enough to grill the perfect burger and choose the best equipment after years of improvement. I create this website for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, who are fueled by interest but lacking in help, feel educated when they leave because I see my past clueless self in them.
