Masterbuilt 40-Inch Propane Smoker Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp is a strong choice if you want a large propane smoker with dial controls and four racks. Its 960 sq in cooking area suits batch cooks, while smaller cabinets fit cooks with less space or smaller meals.
On this page (8 sections)
- Which Masterbuilt propane smoker is the best fit?
- What should you check before buying this vertical gas smoker?
- How do the four smokers compare?
- How do you set up a propane smoker for its first cook?
- What helps keep heat and smoke steady?
- What common mistakes should you avoid?
- How should you care for a vertical propane smoker?
- Which Masterbuilt propane smoker should you choose?
The Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp is a large propane smoker with 960 sq in of cooking space, four racks and a temperature dial. It suits cooks who want room for substantial batches and a vertical layout, though its 53 in height and 92 lb weight call for a deliberate spot.
This guide compares that Masterbuilt propane smoker with three alternatives, then covers fit, setup, care and common cooking mistakes. The smaller cabinets suit different needs, including charcoal flexibility, adjustable shelves or a more compact footprint.
Which Masterbuilt propane smoker is the best fit?
The 40-Inch ThermoTemp is the capacity pick, while the Dual Fuel is for cooks who want propane and charcoal options. The Dyna-Glo prioritizes adjustable rack positions, and the MPS 230S is a simpler propane-only choice with a smaller cabinet.
Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp Propane Smoker: Best for large gatherings
- 960 sq in cooking space
- 4 chrome-coated racks
- Temperature dial up to 375°F
- Window and lockable door latch
The largest smoker in this comparison, with a temperature dial, ignition button and window. Its 92 lb body needs a planned place and enough room to move it.
Pros
- Largest stated cooking area in this group
- Temperature dial adjusts up to 375°F
- Window lets you monitor food
- Lockable latch and insulated body
Cons
- Tall and heavy for a compact patio
- Uses propane rather than charcoal
The ThermoTemp has a viewing window, adjustable air damper, lockable latch and insulated body. The removable water bowl catches drippings and adds moisture, while the woodchip tray supplies smoke flavor.
The maker gives capacity examples of up to 16 chickens, 6 turkeys, 8 pork butts or 8 racks of ribs. Treat these as separate loading examples, and leave room between pieces so heat and smoke can move around them.
This model is a good fit if you cook for a group, prepare several foods in one session or want a window to check progress. Skip it if you usually smoke one small item, have little outdoor floor space or need charcoal as a fuel option.
What should you check before buying this vertical gas smoker?
Measure the smoker's destination and the route to it before choosing the 40-inch model. It measures 22.8 in deep, 28.7 in wide and 53 in tall, and weighs 92 lb.
Check gates, steps, turns and overhead clearance, not just the open patio area. Plan where the propane cylinder will sit and how you'll access it, following the smoker and cylinder instructions.
Capacity should match the food you actually cook. A larger cabinet helps with batch cooking, but it can be awkward to place if you mostly prepare a few portions; a smaller vertical model may be easier to accommodate.
Use a propane smoker outdoors, away from enclosed spaces. Keep it on a stable surface and follow the manual's directions for assembly, fuel connections, lighting and safe clearances.
How do the four smokers compare?
The 40-inch ThermoTemp offers the most stated cooking space here, while each alternative has a different practical advantage. Compare fuel, access and rack layout along with capacity.
| Smoker | Stated cooking area | Fuel | Rack and access details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp | 960 sq in | Propane | 4 racks; window; lockable latch |
| Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel | 717 sq in | Propane and charcoal | 4 racks; locking door |
| Dyna-Glo 36-Inch Vertical LP | 784 sq in | LP gas | 4 adjustable racks; double doors |
| Masterbuilt MPS 230S 30-Inch | Not stated | Propane | 4 racks; built-in gauge |
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel suits a cook who wants the choice of propane or charcoal. It has four chrome racks, a built-in temperature gauge, push-button ignition, a removable water pan and a porcelain-coated wood chip tray.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Smoker: Best for fuel flexibility
- Propane and charcoal fuel
- 717 sq in cooking space
- 4 chrome racks
- Push-button ignition
A vertical option with both propane and charcoal fuel. Pick it if switching fuel types matters more than the 40-inch model's extra cooking area.
Pros
- Can use propane or charcoal
- Push-button ignition
- Locking door and built-in temperature gauge
- Removable water pan and wood chip tray
Cons
- Less cooking space than the 40-inch ThermoTemp
- Temperature dial range is not stated
Choose the Dyna-Glo 36-Inch if shelf spacing matters more than a viewing window. Its four steel wire racks adjust in height, and separate upper and lower doors provide access to different sections.
Dyna-Glo 36-Inch Vertical LP Gas Smoker: Best for flexible shelf spacing
- 784 sq in cooking space
- 4 adjustable steel wire racks
- 15,000 BTU cast-iron burner
- Double-door design
A vertical LP smoker with adjustable rack positions and separate upper and lower doors. Its stated space is between the 40-inch ThermoTemp and smaller Masterbuilt options.
Pros
- Adjustable rack height
- Separate upper and lower doors
- 15,000 BTU cast-iron burner
- 784 sq in cooking area
Cons
- No viewing window is specified
- Weighs 54 lb
The Masterbuilt MPS 230S is propane-only and includes a built-in temperature gauge, push-button ignition and four chrome-coated racks. Its cooking area is not stated, so consider your usual food sizes and compare the cabinet dimensions before buying.
Masterbuilt MPS 230S 30-Inch Propane Smoker: Best for compact patios
- 4 chrome-coated racks
- Push-button ignition
- Built-in temperature gauge
- 15,400 BTU burner
This 30-inch Masterbuilt is propane-only and includes a built-in gauge, push-button ignition and a flame disk bowl for the wood chips.
Pros
- Push-button ignition
- Stainless-steel burner
- Four racks
- Flame disk bowl shields burner from grease
Cons
- Cooking area is not stated
- No viewing window is specified
For more options across gas designs, see our best propane smokers guide. The broader gas and combo smokers category explains where propane and dual-fuel designs fit among other smokers.
How do you set up a propane smoker for its first cook?
Start with the manual, assemble the smoker on a stable outdoor surface and check that the fuel setup is correct before lighting. The ThermoTemp uses a propane connection, an ignition button, a temperature dial and a separate woodchip tray.
Wash removable food-contact pieces as the manual directs, then place the racks, water bowl and tray in their intended positions. Check that the door closes and latches, and that the smoker has the required clearance from walls, railings and overhead surfaces.
Connect the propane cylinder according to its instructions and check the connection for leaks using the method specified by the manual. Never use a flame to check for leaks.
If you smell gas, stop, shut off the supply if safe, and follow the cylinder and smoker safety guidance.
Follow the maker's lighting sequence, then let the chamber warm toward your target temperature before adding food. The dial adjusts up to 375°F; begin with a moderate target suited to the recipe and avoid turning the control sharply in response to every small temperature change.
Our propane smoker setup guide walks through lighting, heat control and a first cook. If this is a new smoker, review how to season a smoker and its manual before cooking.
What helps keep heat and smoke steady?
Steady cooking comes from controlling airflow, limiting unnecessary door openings and checking temperature with a reliable method. The ThermoTemp's adjustable air damper lets you change airflow, while the window helps you watch food without opening the door.
Add wood chips to the intended tray rather than directly to the burner. Use a modest amount at first, since a heavy load of wood can make smoke harsh instead of adding a clean wood aroma.
The water bowl can catch drippings and add moisture, but it does not control the cook by itself. Keep the bowl and tray correctly seated, and make sure food does not block airflow between racks.
Use a separate food thermometer when the recipe calls for checking doneness. The smoker's temperature setting and built-in chamber gauge are not substitutes for checking the center of meat.
For wood choices, see our guide to the best wood for smoking. Mild woods often suit poultry and fish, while stronger woods can stand up to richer cuts; match the smoke level to the food and your taste.
What common mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid placing the smoker where its height, weight or fuel connection creates a problem after assembly. Measure first, leave safe clearance and keep the cylinder accessible without blocking the cooking area.
Don't keep opening the door to check progress. Every opening releases heat and smoke, so use the window when possible and group necessary checks together.
Don't crowd every rack simply because the cabinet has four of them. Food needs space around it for smoke and heat to circulate, and unevenly packed racks can make a large cook harder to manage.
Avoid using too much wood or changing several controls at once when smoke or temperature looks different from what you expected. Make one small adjustment, give the chamber time to respond and use the manual's guidance.
How should you care for a vertical propane smoker?
Clean cooled racks, the water bowl and woodchip tray after a cook, following the manual's care directions. Remove grease and ash-like residue before buildup makes the parts harder to handle or affects the next session.
Let the smoker cool fully before cleaning, and shut off the propane supply as directed. Don't soak burners, valves or other gas parts; use the maker's instructions for those components.
Keep the interior dry between cooks and protect the smoker from weather when practical. Check the hose and regulator before use for wear or damage, and replace parts only with compatible components specified for the model.
Our smoker cleaning guide covers a practical routine after each cook. The fuel and care section has more advice for upkeep across smoker types.
Which Masterbuilt propane smoker should you choose?
Choose the 40-Inch ThermoTemp for larger batches and window viewing, the Dual Fuel for propane-and-charcoal flexibility, the Dyna-Glo for adjustable rack height, or the MPS 230S for a more compact propane-only setup. Skip the largest cabinet if its height, weight and capacity don't match your space and normal cooking volume.
If you're still deciding between gas and electric, read our propane vs electric smoker comparison. For the ThermoTemp, measure its footprint and overhead clearance first, then choose it when its extra room solves a real cooking need.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp propane smoker worth considering?
Yes, if you want 960 sq in of cooking space, four racks and a temperature dial that adjusts up to 375°F. Its 53 in height and 92 lb weight make placement worth planning.
Choose a smaller model if you rarely cook large batches or have limited patio room.
How much food fits in the Masterbuilt 40-Inch propane smoker?
Masterbuilt gives separate capacity examples of up to 16 chickens, 6 turkeys, 8 pork butts or 8 racks of ribs. These are alternative loading examples, not amounts to cook all at once.
Leave room around food for heat and smoke to circulate, and follow the manual's rack guidance.
Does the Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp use charcoal?
No, this model uses propane gas for heat. Its woodchip tray adds smoke flavor, while the burner supplies cooking heat.
If you want charcoal as another fuel choice, consider the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Smoker.
How does the ThermoTemp compare with the Dyna-Glo 36-Inch?
The ThermoTemp has 960 sq in of cooking space, compared with 784 sq in for the Dyna-Glo. The Dyna-Glo has adjustable racks and two doors, while the ThermoTemp has a viewing window, lockable latch and dial range up to 375°F.
Choose by capacity, rack spacing and how you want to access food.
