East Oak vs Masterbuilt Electric Smoker: The Battle for Backyard Dominance

For over a decade, Masterbuilt has been the reigning champion of the entry-level electric smoker market. Walk into any big-box hardware store, and you’ll likely see their black, rectangular boxes lining the shelves. They revolutionized backyard BBQ by making it accessible, affordable, and incredibly simple. But in recent years, a challenger has emerged.

East Oak is shaking up the patio industry with sleeker designs, upgraded materials, and aggressive pricing. If you have read our East Oak Electric Smoker reviews, you know they are serious contenders. But can a newcomer really knock the king off its throne?

In this comprehensive head-to-head comparison, we are pitting the East Oak Digital Electric Smoker against the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker (MES) series. We will analyze insulation quality, smoke production, ease of use, and overall value to help you decide which unit belongs on your patio. Whether you are looking for the best electric barbecue smoker for ribs or just a hassle-free way to cook holiday turkeys, this guide covers it all.

Quick Comparison: At a Glance

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, here is a high-level overview of how the popular 30-inch digital models from both brands stack up against each other.

Round 1: Design and Build Quality

When purchasing an outdoor appliance, durability is paramount. Electric smokers are essentially outdoor ovens, and if they leak heat, your brisket will stall indefinitely.

Masterbuilt: The Classic Standard

Masterbuilt defined the form factor: a black box with a window (on some models) and a control panel on top. Their insulation is generally good, using foam-filled walls to retain heat. However, long-term users often report that the door seals can degrade over a few seasons, leading to smoke leakage. The paint quality is decent, but if left uncovered, rust can develop on the bottom legs.

East Oak: The Modern Challenger

East Oak has clearly studied the market complaints. Their unit features double-walled steel construction that feels slightly more robust in hand. The standout feature here is the door seal and latch mechanism. East Oak utilizes a tighter, more adjustable latch that compresses the gasket firmly, ensuring smoke stays inside where it belongs. This superior seal often leads to more stable internal temperatures, especially on windy days.

Winner: East Oak. While Masterbuilt is reliable, East Oak’s focus on a tighter seal and robust double-wall insulation gives it the edge in build quality for the price.

East Oak 30″ Digital Electric Smoker

Modern design with superior door sealing technology.

View East Oak on Amazon

Round 2: Wood Chip Loading System

One of the biggest advantages of electric smokers over charcoal smokers is the convenience. You shouldn’t have to open the main door to add fuel.

Masterbuilt’s Patented Loader

Masterbuilt patented the side wood chip loading system. It’s a tube that pulls out, you fill it with chips, insert it back in, and twist to dump the chips onto the heating element. It is a proven system that works well. However, because it is a moving mechanical part exposed to high heat and creosote, it can sometimes get sticky or jammed with ash if not cleaned regularly.

East Oak’s Side Loader

East Oak employs a nearly identical side-loading mechanism. It allows you to add wood chips (not chunks) without losing heat. In our testing and research, the East Oak loader feels slightly smoother to operate out of the box, likely due to newer tooling and manufacturing molds. Both systems achieve the same goal effectively.

Winner: Tie. Both brands offer the convenient side-loading feature that is essential for maintaining consistent cooking temperatures.

Round 3: Control Panel and Ease of Use

The “set it and forget it” promise relies entirely on the digital brain of the smoker.

Masterbuilt Interface

Masterbuilt’s interface is legendary for its simplicity. You set the temp, you set the time, and you walk away. Some higher-end Masterbuilt models include Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to monitor the smoker from your phone. While the app connectivity has historically been hit-or-miss with connection stability, the option is there for tech-savvy users.

East Oak Interface

East Oak sticks to a straightforward LED digital control panel. It is bright, easy to read in direct sunlight, and responsive. It lacks the Bluetooth bells and whistles of the premium Masterbuilt models, focusing instead on rock-solid core functionality. For many, this is a plus—fewer complex electronics mean fewer things to break in the rain.

Winner: Masterbuilt (for features), East Oak (for simplicity). If you want an app, go Masterbuilt. If you want a panel that just works, East Oak is highly reliable.

Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker

The classic choice with optional Bluetooth features on select models.

View Masterbuilt on Amazon

Round 4: Cooking Performance

Ultimately, it comes down to the food. Whether you are aiming for the best smoker for ribs and brisket or just smoking some salmon, consistency is key.

Both smokers cap out at around 275°F. This is standard for electric units. They are not designed for high-heat grilling (read our difference between grilling and smoking guide for more on this).

• Temperature Stability: East Oak’s double-wall insulation helps it recover temperature faster after the door is opened. This is crucial in colder climates.
• Smoke Generation: Both units use a resistive heating element to smolder wood chips. The smoke profile is lighter and cleaner than a charcoal smoker. East Oak’s tighter door seal means more of that smoke stays in contact with the meat, potentially leading to a stronger flavor profile with less wood usage.
• Moisture Retention: Both units come with water pans. Electric smokers naturally retain moisture better than pellet grills because there is no fan blowing dry air over the meat. If you know how to keep meat moist in a smoker, you will find both units perform exceptionally well for poultry and pork.

Winner: East Oak. The superior insulation gives it a slight edge in maintaining the precise low-and-slow environment needed for difficult cuts like brisket.

Pros and Cons Breakdown

Still on the fence? Here is a direct breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of each brand’s standard digital offering.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between East Oak vs Masterbuilt ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize value and build quality or brand legacy and ecosystem.

Choose East Oak If:

• You are on a budget but refuse to compromise on build quality.
• You live in a cooler climate where insulation matters for temperature stability.
• You want a simple, robust machine without unnecessary app connectivity that might fail.
• You appreciate modern design aesthetics.

Choose Masterbuilt If:

• You need a larger capacity (like their 40-inch models) for huge parties.
• You love tech and want Bluetooth monitoring capability.
• You want the peace of mind that comes with buying from the most established brand in the electric smoker space.
• You plan to buy many specific accessories (like cold smoking attachments) that are guaranteed to fit.

Our Recommendation: For the average backyard cook looking for the best bang for their buck, the East Oak Digital Electric Smoker is currently the smarter buy. It fixes the common complaints about Masterbuilt (leaky doors) while coming in at a lower price point. It represents the next generation of electric smoking—efficient, effective, and economical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my electric smoker outside?

While both East Oak and Masterbuilt smokers are built for outdoor use, they are electrical appliances. You should never leave them uncovered in the rain. Moisture can damage the digital control panels. We highly recommend purchasing a waterproof cover and storing the unit under a patio roof or in a garage when not in use.

Which smoker gets hotter, East Oak or Masterbuilt?

Both smokers generally have a maximum temperature setting of 275°F. This is standard for electric smokers, which are designed for low-and-slow cooking, not grilling or searing. Neither gets significantly hotter than the other.

Do I need to season my new electric smoker?

Yes, absolutely. Before cooking food, you must run the smoker at maximum temperature for 2-3 hours (often with wood chips added for the last hour) to burn off any manufacturing oils and residues. Check our guide on how to season a new BBQ grill for detailed steps.

Can I use an extension cord with my electric smoker?

Manufacturers typically advise plugging directly into an outlet. If you must use an extension cord, ensure it is a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cord capable of handling the amperage (usually 15 amps) to prevent power drops that can affect heating performance.

Do East Oak smokers have a cold smoking attachment?

Currently, Masterbuilt is famous for their separate “Cold Smoker Kit” attachment. East Oak does not have a proprietary cold smoke attachment widely available yet, though generic smoke tubes can be used inside the chamber for cold smoking cheese or fish.

How often do I need to add wood chips?

For both East Oak and Masterbuilt units, a tray of wood chips typically produces smoke for 30 to 45 minutes. You will need to reload chips via the side loader periodically for the first few hours of the cook.