Masterbuilt Slow Smoker Review Ideal for Cheese, Fish, Bacon, and Jerky Smoking

Description

Masterbuilt® Slow Smoker: A Deep Dive into the MB20100112 Experience

Diving into the Masterbuilt® Slow Smoker Accessory Attachment, I must say, this is not just another smoker attachment. Right off the bat, the MB20100112 model stands out with its sleek black alloy steel design and compact, cuboid form factor, making it a neat addition to any backyard setup. As someone who takes their smoked cheese and jerky game seriously, I was genuinely curious to see how this would hold up during my testing process. Spoiler: it delivered, but there are some quirks you might need to work around.

Design and Build Quality

The alloy steel construction gives the smoker a sturdy feel, and at 9.95 pounds, it’s light enough to maneuver but heavy enough to stay stable during use. Its dimensions (8.1″D x 9.8″W x 16.8″H) make it compact yet spacious for its purpose. I personally found the removable ash tray to be a blessing—cleanup has never been easier. There’s nothing worse than spending an hour scraping residue off equipment, and this tray simplified that process drastically.

The black finish not only looks professional but also blends seamlessly with most outdoor setups. I attached it to my Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker with minimal effort, thanks to its smart compatibility. However, it’s worth noting that this attachment is designed specifically for Masterbuilt smokers, which could limit its versatility for those using other brands.

Key Benefits

Testing this product revealed several positive features that made it a joy to use:

• Continuous wood feed system ensures up to 6 hours of uninterrupted smoke without needing constant reloading.
• Push-button operation simplifies the process of heating wood chips—no fiddling with complicated settings.
• Perfect for cold smoking as well as hot smoking at temperatures up to 275°F, making it versatile for various dishes.
• Ideal for low-temperature smoking of delicate items like cheese, fish, bacon, and jerky.
• The removable ash tray significantly reduces post-smoking cleanup time.

The standout for me was the continuous wood feed system. I loaded the chips, hit the button, and let it work its magic. This feature is especially handy during long smoking sessions, as it eliminates the need to constantly check and refill.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many perks, the smoker isn’t without its shortcomings:

• The wood chip tray capacity could be larger, especially for those who like to experiment with longer smoking durations.
• Temperature control is limited, as the attachment depends on the main smoker’s settings.
• It’s only compatible with Masterbuilt smokers, which can be a dealbreaker for non-Masterbuilt users.

While the wood chip tray works well for short to medium sessions, I found myself wishing for a bit more capacity when smoking larger batches or experimenting with longer durations.

Performance and Functionality

Using this smoker attachment felt like leveling up my BBQ game. The cold smoking feature worked wonders on cheese—it came out with a rich, smoky flavor that my family couldn’t get enough of. The jerky I prepared was equally impressive, with a consistent texture and flavor throughout.

The push-button operation is a game-changer. Smoking can sometimes feel like a science experiment, but this smoker simplifies the process. I loaded the wood chips, hit the button, and let the machine do its thing. That said, the reliance on Masterbuilt’s main smoker for temperature regulation means you’ll need to monitor the primary unit closely if you’re aiming for precision.

Competing Products

When comparing this attachment to peer products like the Smoke Daddy Cold Smoke Generator or the A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker, the advantages and limitations become clear.

• Smoke Daddy Cold Smoke Generator: Offers similar cold smoking capabilities but lacks the continuous wood feed system, meaning more frequent refills.
• A-MAZE-N Pellet Smoker: Works with a wider range of smoker brands but doesn’t integrate as seamlessly as the Masterbuilt accessory with its parent unit.

The Masterbuilt Slow Smoker excels in its user-friendly design and compatibility with Masterbuilt smokers, but it’s not as versatile as its competitors for those with non-Masterbuilt setups.

Price to Quality Ratio

Speaking of price to quality ratio, this smoker attachment strikes a good balance. For its features—like the 6-hour continuous smoke, push-button operation, and removable ash tray—it feels worth the investment. While it might be pricier than some generic options, the convenience and performance justify the cost for those already using Masterbuilt smokers.

If you’re someone who values cost-efficiency and hates spending extra time on maintenance, this product ticks the right boxes. Just keep in mind that its value diminishes if you own a smoker from another brand.

Who Would Benefit Most?

This product is tailored for enthusiasts who want to explore cold smoking without investing in a standalone unit. If you already own a Masterbuilt smoker, this attachment is a no-brainer for you. It’s also perfect for anyone who loves experimenting with smoked dishes like cheese, fish, or jerky but doesn’t want to deal with overly complex setups.

That said, if you’re not already in the Masterbuilt ecosystem, you might find better options elsewhere—specifically those that offer broader compatibility.

Final Thoughts on the Masterbuilt Slow Smoker

The Masterbuilt Slow Smoker Accessory Attachment is a thoughtfully designed addition to the Masterbuilt family. Its easy setup, 6-hour smoke duration, and low-maintenance design make it a solid choice for backyard smoking enthusiasts. However, the product’s appeal is somewhat niche, given its exclusive compatibility with Masterbuilt smokers.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but only if you’re already a part of the Masterbuilt ecosystem or looking to dive into cold smoking with minimal hassle.

Additional information