Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Instructions (Using, Cleaning, Maintaining & More)

I’ll be honest, smokers can be pretty intimidating to first-time users. Add that to a ton of seasoned smokers gatekeeping this fantastic method and it is perfectly normal to be scared of the whole procedure in general.

That all changes with the best masterbuilt electric smoker. This is one fantastic device that has done wonders for beginners and newbies who just want to dip their toes into the vast world of smoking meat and fish. 

With the help of our simple Masterbuilt electric smoker instructions article, that can be you too!

So why wait any further?

Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Setup & Assembly Instruction

First things first, you need to set up and assemble the smoker. It is a big device and does not come pre-assembled. Thankfully, the process is pretty easy and can even be a fun activity for you and your pre-teen children.

You will only be needing 2 things:

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• A flat non abrasive surface to lay your smoker body down

Now just follow these steps:

Step-1: Lay your smoker on one of its sides and use the adjustable screw leg to secure the caster wheel/leg to the body of the smoker. Then use 2 included screws to fully attach the leg.

Step-2: Repeat step one for the other leg. Ensure the two legs are level. If not, tighten or loosen the adjustable screw to bring both legs to level.

Step-3: Stand your smoker unit up and locate the included control panel unit from the box. It will have 2 wires and you will see 2 corresponding wires sticking up from the top of your smoker. Connect these 2 wires. They are not identical so no confusion about which lead goes where.

Step-4: Mount the control panel to the body by inserting the stabilizing screw into the keyhole located on top of the smoker.

Step-5: Secure the controller unit by screwing it to the back of the smoker using 2 included screws.

Step-6: Attach the included handle using 4 included screws (2 on each side) to the back of the smoker.

Step-7: Open the smoker door and insert all the included racks. Ensure that the bend on the racks is towards the back of the smoker.

Step-8: Put the water bowl just below the lower rack, right on top of the firebox.

Step-9: Insert the ashtray into its designated spot right above the heating element.

Step-10: Insert the drip tray at the very bottom of the smoker. Ensure that the hole in the drip tray is properly lined up with the hole in the body.

Step-11: Locate the drip tray and stick it to the bottom backside of your smoker using the tabs on the body.

Step-12: Get the chip/fuel loader and stick it in the hole located on the side and twist it clockwise to secure it.

By following these 12 simple steps, you can easily assemble your Masterbuilt electric smoker. Now all that is left is to preseason the unit and get to cooking the masterbuilt smoker recipes.

Also Read: Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Tips And Tricks

Masterbuilt Electric Smoker User Instructions

So, excited to be cooking in your shiny new electric smoker for the first time? Of course, you are. Here are the steps you need to follow to get going:

Step 1: Seasoning: This is a very important step and no you can not avoid it. It does take a bit of time but the overall process is pretty easy. 

• First, give the whole thing a rub down so that no dirt or dust is stuck anywhere. 
• Then plug it in, turn the device on, and set the temperature to 275 degrees F. 
• Run the device for 3-4 hours. 
• After the 3-4 hours are over, add half a cup of fuel or wood chips into the loading tray and run the smoker for another 40 minutes. 
• Let the smoker cool down completely and you will have a seasoned smoker.

Step 2: Prepare your meat: Whenever you are about to smoke any meat whether it is beef brisket or chicken quarters, you will need to give it enough time to take in all the seasoning or marinate. This time can range anywhere from a couple of hours to even overnight. 

Step 3: Pre-heating is a must: Before you put your meat inside the smoker, you will definitely want to preheat the smoker. For this, just put half a cup of wood chips into the tray, plug the smoker in, turn it on, and run it for around 45 minutes. 

When the wood chips all burn off and there is no smoke inside the smoker, add another half cup of chips.

Also Read: How Much Wood Chips For Masterbuilt Electric Smoker (Answered)

Step 4: Set Temperature and Fill Water Pan: You need to use the controller unit to set the smoker to your desired temperature. You will also want to fill up the water pan with water/beer/juice/vinegar and place it inside the device.

Step 5: Now It’s time for Cooking: The prep work is done and you can put the meat inside the smoker now and let it run for as long as it needs. 

Throughout the cooking time, you will want to keep checking the fuel tray and top it up with half a cup of fuel every time it is empty. You can follow whichever recipe you want for the rest of the way and the result will be a delicious and juicy piece of meat.

Here is the full guide on how to use a masterbuilt electric smoker you must follow to master the cooking process. 

How To Use A Wood Chip Loader?

The wood chip loader of your electric smoker is the device that keeps the smoker fed with fresh fuel in the form of wood chips. Using it is also very simple much like everything else about these electric smokers. 

The steps are as follows:

• Rotate the handle counterclockwise 180 degrees and pull on the handle. The loader will come out fully from the device.
• Fill the loader with around half a cup of wood chips.
• Shove the loader inside the opening and this time rotate it 180 degrees but in the clockwise direction.

Your firebox is now filled with fresh wood chips!

Also Read: Do You Soak Wood Chips for Masterbuilt Electric Smoker (Explained)

Cleaning Instructions – How To Clean

Now that you are done cooking, you will want to get to cleaning. You can leave it for a few hours to rest but remember that leaving a used smoker uncleaned for a long time will encourage mold growth and may potentially even ruin your smoker. So get to cleaning sooner rather than later. 

Either way, the cleaning process is very simple. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: First, you will want to remove all the shelves, drip pan, drip tray, and water pan. The first-party ones are usually dishwasher safe but still consult the manual on if they are. If not, you can just manually clean all the grease and grime out of them.

Step 2: The second step is to clean out the ashtray. Below the smoker box, you will see that ash from all the burnt fuel is accumulated. Take the tray out and clean out the ash. 

Step 3: Now we get to the interior. If you notice any thick grease or grime build-up, scrape them off gently. Then rub down all the sides of the smoker and clean it thoroughly.

Step 4: If your unit comes with a glass door, you will want to clean that separately too. Use a plastic or wooden tool to scrape off all the grime and give it a rub down. You can even use a sponge soaked in soap water.

Step 5: You can now let all your pieces air dry or run the smoker once again for the insides to dry properly. Do whichever is more convenient for you!

And you will have a clean and squeaky smoker ready to churn out delicious meat once again!

How To Maintain A Masterbuilt Electric Smoker?

It is imperative that you take care of your electric smoker, particularly if you smoke a lot, in order for it to retain its lustrous sheen and continue to function as a smoking device.

Make sure that the shelves are rubbed down with vegetable oil every time before they are used so that food doesn’t become stuck to them.

After each usage, and preferably while it is still warm, scrape every rack using a wire brush or grill cleaner. This will get rid of sticky bits of food and then you can burn off any drippings with a brief blast. 

The smoker will stay considerably cleaner if you follow both of these processes, and you won’t have to worry about any mold growing in the space in between usage.

In addition, it is essential to make sure that your smoker is protected by a cover while it is not being used. This not only makes it last for a longer period of time, but it also shields it from the effects of the environment.

How To Use Control Panel & Remote Control

Using the control panel on one of these devices is pretty easy as the buttons say what they do precisely on them. 

You can press the set temp or time button and use the plus and minus to navigate to your desired time/temp and then press the set button once again to confirm your settings.

If you bought the remote control, you will need to sync it first. The synching process is very simple:

• Press and hold the Set temp button until you hear a bip and the display starts flashing.
• Get your remote and press the following sequence of keys: Meat probe, Light, Meat Probe, Light.

Your remote should be synched now. Try pressing the buttons on the remote and see if your smoker responds. 

If for some reason, the connection is not working, you will want to unplug your smoker from the wall, wait 10 minutes or so, plug it back in, and redo the synching process.

General Warnings and Safety Information

Now whenever you get a device like this, you should always consult the manual first to know all the important ins and outs of the device. That includes warnings and safety information. 

Most of this information is very self-explanatory but you still ought to give the manual a try as safety should always be the number one priority!

Conclusion

That is everything! You should now be fully prepared to take your Masterbuilt out for a proper smoking session. Always use equipment like this for their intended purposes and try to stick to the best practices for the most amazing results!