In the showdown of Big Chief vs. Masterbuilt electric smokers, both beginners and seasoned smokers are eager to see which brand offers the best smoking experience. Each brand has its strengths, whether it’s in ease of use, durability, or the flavor it imparts to the meat.
This comparison digs deep into what sets these two apart, focusing on their performance and user-friendliness. We’ll dissect their features and capabilities to help you decide which smoker best fits your outdoor cooking needs.
Let’s go ahead and dive in to break this down.
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Some Prominent Similarities
The Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker and the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker are two prominent models that frequently come up in discussions regarding electric smokers. While each smoker is successful in their way, they also differ in particular ways. To begin with, here are some important ways in which they are both similar.
1. Both Run On Electricity
Electricity is used to power both the Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker and the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker. By replacing the demand for charcoal or propane, this power source offers a practical and reliable heat source for smoking.
When using an electric smoker, all you have to do is plug it in, choose the temperature you want, and concentrate on cooking your food.
2. Ample Cooking Space
Both the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker and the Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker have a large enough cooking space to capacitate large quantities of food. They have multiple racks and movable shelving so you can smoke several different foods at once, making these smokers ideal cooking tools for when you want to host your friends and family for a hearty meal.
3. Smoker Type
Both the Big Chief and Masterbuilt smokers are vertical flow cabinet-style models. The front of the smokers opens up, with the Big Chief having a removable front panel and the Masterbuilt featuring a latching door. Wood chips are burned at the base of the smoker, allowing the smoke to flavor the food as it rises and exits through the top vents.
This design enables efficient smoke circulation and consistent heat distribution throughout the cabinet, ensuring a slow and even cooking process for the most delicious and tender results.
You can find both of these smokers on Amazon.com, with this link for the Big Chief smoker and this link for the Masterbuilt 140b smoker.
Differences Between The Big Chief and Masterbuilt Smokers
Despite their similarities, there are some distinctions between the two smokers that can impact your decision of which smoker to invest in. Here are some prominent differences between the two.
1. Construction & Design
The design and construction of the two smokers represent one of their main differences. The Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker is constructed out of sheets of formed aluminum. The plus sides of this construction are lightweight and excellent rust resistance, which means that these electric smokers can last decades. The downside of the Big Chief is the lack of insulation, which means you might need to purchase an insulation blanket to go with it.
On the other hand, the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker features a durable sheet metal exterior and interior, with insulation between the two layers. This robust construction makes it an excellent choice for colder climates. However, the sturdy design of this smoker makes it heavy and more difficult to move around in comparison to the Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker.
2. Heat And Temperature
The Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker operates between a temperature range of roughly 165°F and 175°F and has a 450-watt heating element, making it ideal for slow smoking and curing.
The Masterbuilt Electric Smoker, in contrast, has a wider temperature range that frequently reaches 275°F or higher, as well as greater wattage heating elements, which typically range from 800 to 1200 watts. This range makes the Masterbuilt smoker ideal for slow smoking as well as high-heat grilling.
3. Additional Features
Both the Big Chief and Masterbuilt smokers have different supporting features that might impact which of the two you end up choosing. To begin with, advanced features like digital control panels with LED displays, internal meat probe thermometers, and remote controls are often included with the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker. These options offer improved comfort and exact control over the smoking process.
On the other hand, the Big Chief smoker typically features simpler controls, making it a viable choice for smoking novices. So, even though it may lack bells and whistles, those who prefer a simple smoking experience may find the Big Chief smoker’s simplicity appealing.
You can find both of these smokers on Amazon.com, with this link for the Big Chief smoker and this link for the Masterbuilt 140b smoker.
| Feature | Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker | Masterbuilt Electric Smoker 140b |
| Power Source | Electricity | Electricity |
| Cooking Space | 845 square inches (5 racks of 16.5″ x 10.25″ each) | 970 square inches (4 racks of 19.7″ x 12.2″) |
| Smoker Type | Vertical flow cabinet-style with a removable front door panel | Vertical flow cabinet-style with a latching door |
| Construction & Design | Made from formed aluminum, lightweight, excellent rust resistance, lacks insulation | Durable sheet metal exterior and interior with insulation, heavier and more suited for colder climates |
| Heat and Temperature | Operates at 165°F to 175°F with a 450-watt heating element, ideal for slow smoking and curing | Temperature ranges from 100°F to 275°F with a 1200-watt heating element, suitable for low-temperature smoking up to slow smoking a variety of foods |
| Additional Features | Plugin operation only, suitable for smoking novices | Digital control panels with LED displays and wood chip load tube to prevent heat and smoke loss during reload. |
| Ideal For | Traditional slow-smoking, especially suitable for small fish and jerky | Wide temperature range and digital precision, ideal for cooking a variety of foods to perfection |
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up our comparison between Big Chief and Masterbuilt electric smokers, it’s evident each brings its unique strengths to the table. Big Chief is unmatched for those who prefer the simplicity and authenticity of traditional slow-smoking, especially suitable for small fish and jerky.
Masterbuilt excels with its wide temperature range and digital precision, which is ideal for those who appreciate the ability to cook a variety of foods to perfection. Choosing between them boils down to your personal smoking style and preferences.
Whether perfecting jerky with Big Chief or exploring diverse culinary delights with Masterbuilt, both guarantee a fulfilling smoking adventure.
If you’d like to learn about different recipes and cooking techniques to try out on either of these smokers, visit my YouTube page.
You can also find various reviews and helpful guides on my blog, as well as buying advice on which smokers or grills you should invest in.