Umair Gaines
Bradley and Masterbuilt are two of the most well-known electric smoker brands. Both brands offer smokers with precise temperature control and consistent smoke flavour. However, there are some key differences between the two. Bradley smokers are known for their ease of use and durability, while Masterbuilt smokers offer greater cooking capacity and more affordable prices. Ultimately, the decision between the two brands depends on individual needs and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | Bradley smokers are more affordable than Masterbuilt smokers, with prices ranging from $400 to $700. |
| Cooking capacity | Bradley smokers have less cooking space than Masterbuilt smokers. Bradley smokers have 572 to 858 square inches of cooking space, while high-end Masterbuilt smokers have more than 1,000 square inches. |
| Fuel source | Bradley smokers use wood "pucks" or "bisquettes," which are proprietary and need to be ordered online. Masterbuilt smokers use wood chips that can be purchased locally. |
| Temperature control | Both Bradley and Masterbuilt smokers have temperature control features, but Bradley smokers offer more precise temperature regulation. |
| Ease of use | Bradley smokers are considered easier to use as they do not require constant monitoring and adding of chips. Masterbuilt smokers may require more frequent tending, especially when using the chip loader. |
| Durability | Both Bradley and Masterbuilt smokers are durable, with stainless steel exteriors and insulated interiors. The most expensive Bradley smoker is made from grade 76L stainless steel. |
| Brand reputation | Masterbuilt is a family-run company with a long history in the world of electric smokers, dating back to 1973. They also manufacture fryers, grills, fuels, and accessories. |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking capacity
Bradley electric smokers only come in vertical models, so their cooking capacity depends on the number of racks they have. They typically have four cooking racks, with rack dimensions of 4 x 11 x 13 inches, and a cooking chamber of 4 x 11 x 13 inches. This cooking capacity is suitable for smoking chicken, pork chops, and ribs, but you may need to cut larger cuts of meat like a packer brisket or a slab of spare ribs. Bradley smokers also offer precise cooking and consistent smoke flavour, with accurate temperature control and an automatic feed system that can keep the smoker going for up to nine hours.
On the other hand, Masterbuilt smokers offer more cooking space, with some high-end models providing over 1,000 square inches of cooking space. This increased cooking capacity can be useful if you plan to smoke larger cuts of meat or multiple items at once. Masterbuilt smokers also feature good insulation and a smart wood chip tray system, allowing you to restock wood chips without opening the chamber doors and losing heat.
Both Bradley and Masterbuilt smokers have temperature control features, but the Bradley smoker's automatic feed system and longer smoking duration may be advantageous if you want to set it and forget it. However, some users have noted that the Bradley smoker's heating element is located across the back wall, which can require rotating racks for even cooking, especially with larger items like sausages and hams.
In summary, if you prioritise cooking capacity, Masterbuilt smokers offer larger cooking spaces. However, Bradley smokers' vertical design and precise cooking features provide adequate capacity for smoking various foods, and their automatic feed system and temperature control make them convenient for longer smoking sessions.
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Price
Bradley electric smokers are priced from about $400 to $700, while Masterbuilt smokers are priced from $230 to $350. This makes Bradley smokers more expensive than Masterbuilt smokers. However, it is important to note that Bradley smokers offer a wider range of price points, so they may have models that are more affordable or expensive compared to specific Masterbuilt models.
Both Bradley and Masterbuilt smokers have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cost-effectiveness. Bradley smokers use proprietary wood "pucks" or "bisquettes", which are not available in local stores and need to be ordered online from the Bradley Smokers website. The price of these pucks can be more expensive than wood pellets or chips used in Masterbuilt smokers. On the other hand, some users have reported that the pucks in Bradley smokers provide better flavour and efficiency, justifying the higher price.
Masterbuilt smokers, on the other hand, use wood chips that can be purchased from various sources, making them more readily available and potentially cheaper. Masterbuilt also offers a mini-fridge design, allowing users to restock wood chips without opening the chamber doors, thus preventing heat loss. This feature can help save on fuel costs and improve smoking efficiency.
When considering the price and cost-effectiveness of Bradley and Masterbuilt smokers, it is essential to weigh the initial cost of the smoker with the ongoing costs of wood fuel and the convenience of use. While Bradley smokers may have a higher upfront cost, their pucks might provide better flavour and efficiency. In contrast, Masterbuilt smokers are generally more affordable upfront and offer the convenience of using readily available wood chips.
Additionally, it is worth noting that both brands have a range of models, and the specific features and prices may vary across these models. Therefore, when making a decision, it is advisable to compare the prices and features of specific models that meet your individual needs and preferences.
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Ease of use
Bradley and Masterbuilt electric smokers have different features that can make them easier or more difficult to use. Bradley smokers are known for their Bisquette feeding system, which allows for quantifiable control of wood and smoke flavour. The Bisquettes are available in 14 flavours, including common smoking woods and some more exotic options. Bradley smokers also have precise cooking and consistent smoke flavour, with accurate temperature control and an automatic feed system that keeps the smoker going for up to nine hours. The Bradley Digital Food Smoker has four cooking racks and a cooking chamber that reaches temperatures up to 280ºF. It can be used as a cold smoker for cheese and vegetables or for smoking larger cuts of meat like pulled pork. Bradley smokers also have an iSmoke app with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to control the smoker straight from their smartphones.
On the other hand, Masterbuilt smokers are known for their wood chip-loading feature, which allows users to restock wood chips without opening the chamber doors and losing heat. Masterbuilt smokers also have good insulation, a smart wood chip tray system, and an affordable price. The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker is easy to set up, operate, and clean, with a navigable control panel. It has a removable drip pan, accessory drip tray, and racks that make cleaning simple. The racks are sturdy and can be partially slid out for easy loading of food. The Masterbuilt smoker holds its temperature well and has a construction that prevents smoke from escaping.
In terms of ease of use, both Bradley and Masterbuilt smokers offer different advantages. Bradley smokers provide more flavour customisation and automation, while Masterbuilt smokers excel in convenience features and temperature control. Some users have noted that the Bradley smokers can be more expensive and that the Bisquettes can be costly and difficult to source, locking users into the Bradley brand. Meanwhile, Masterbuilt smokers may require more frequent wood chip refills and have had issues with replacement parts, as some models require purchasing an entire cabinet instead of just a new element. Ultimately, the decision between Bradley and Masterbuilt electric smokers depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
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Durability
When it comes to durability, both Bradley and Masterbuilt electric smokers have their pros and cons. Bradley electric smokers are known for their precision and consistent smoke flavour, as well as their accurate temperature control. The Bradley Digital Food Smoker, for example, has a temperature range of up to 280ºF. The most expensive Bradley electric smoker is constructed of grade 76L stainless steel, ensuring durability for years. Bradley smokers also have vertical designs, which means their cooking capacity depends on the number of racks available.
On the other hand, Masterbuilt electric smokers are manufactured by a family-run company with a long history in the industry, dating back to 1973. Masterbuilt smokers are known for their good insulation and smart wood chip tray system. They also have a wider temperature range, with some models offering temperatures between 100 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Masterbuilt smokers also have larger cooking spaces, with high-end models offering over 1,000 square inches of cooking space.
In terms of durability, both brands offer long-lasting products. Bradley smokers, particularly the high-end models, are designed with stainless steel exteriors and are known to last for years. Masterbuilt smokers also have stainless steel exteriors, and their insulated interiors contribute to their durability.
One consideration regarding durability is the availability of replacement parts. Some users have reported issues with the Masterbuilt smokers' replacement parts, specifically with the element burning out. In some cases, users have had to purchase an entire cabinet instead of just the replacement element. This can increase the cost of maintenance and impact the overall durability of the product.
Overall, both Bradley and Masterbuilt electric smokers offer durable options, but the specific model and its features, such as construction materials and replacement part availability, will play a significant role in the long-term durability of the smoker.
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Temperature control
The Masterbuilt smoker's wood chip-loading feature allows users to restock wood chips without opening the chamber doors, maintaining the set temperature. The Bradley smoker, on the other hand, uses wood "pucks" or "bisquettes", which some users find more convenient as they are less messy than wood chips. However, these bisquettes are more expensive and only available on the Bradley Smokers website.
Some users have reported issues with the temperature control of the Bradley smoker, with one user stating that they had to purchase a separate temperature controller to address the issue. Additionally, the heating element of the Bradley smoker is located across the back wall, which can lead to uneven cooking and the need to rotate racks when cooking certain types of food.
Overall, both Bradley and Masterbuilt electric smokers offer good temperature control, but some users have reported minor issues with each brand that may be worth considering when making a decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Bradley electric smokers are priced from $400 to $700, which is more affordable than Masterbuilt. Bradley only has vertical smokers, so the cooking capacity depends on how many racks the smokers have. Generally, Bradley smokers have less cooking space than Masterbuilt. The biggest difference is the use of wood "pucks" or "bisquettes" with the Bradley, which are proprietary and can be expensive. Masterbuilt, on the other hand, uses wood chips that can be purchased anywhere.
Bradley smokers have precise cooking and consistent smoke flavour. They have accurate temperature control and an automatic feed system that keeps smokers smoking for up to nine hours. The most expensive Bradley electric smoker is made from grade 76L stainless steel, so it will last for years.
Masterbuilt smokers have good insulation and a smart wood chip tray system. They also have a wider temperature range than Bradley smokers, with a maximum temperature of 275°F compared to Bradley's 280°F. Masterbuilt smokers also have a larger cooking capacity, with some high-end models offering over 1,000 square inches of cooking space.
Both Bradley and Masterbuilt manufacture quality electric smokers. Bradley smokers are known for their ease of use and durability, while Masterbuilt smokers offer good insulation, temperature control, and a wider temperature range. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some users prefer the convenience of Masterbuilt's wood chip system, while others may prefer the consistent smoke flavour and automatic feed system of Bradley smokers.
