Masterbuilt ThermoTemp Propane Smoker Follow Up Review

Hi, Thanks for visiting my channel. I have owned my Masterbuilt ThermoTemp Propane Smoker for about 6 months and I use it a lot. Several people that watched my initial review have asked for a follow up review. A few of the main pros and cons;
Pros - very handy, very well built, easy to move, easy to clean, good on propane, safe to use, holds constant temperature well. Cons- hard to assemble, hard to access water pan, a little small for large items like turkeys, hams and briskets that are over 13lbs in size, need to add a thermometer. Moe detail is covered in the video. Thanks for watching and please subscribe to my channel. If you have any questions please ask and I will answer if I can. James T Again, if you have any questions please ask them. Please hit that big red SUBSCRIBE box after viewing. Thank you very much. Jamest

[@nashvillehokie]

I know this video is several years old, but thank you for it. I just had this smoker delivered and will be putting it together this weekend! I am so excited!

[@peteprizzi8508]

Hi folks after a nightmare trying to run an OJ offset + over smokin expensive meat, i bought a M 340 + i love it! No babysitting a fire box. I do use a digital temp probes + the temp dial is pretty accurate in comparison.But i would recommend a temp probe with a remote.I also bought a Weber kettle 22 in. for the charcoal flavor w/ a rotisserie. There are opinions on which is tastier, charcoal verses propane + the difference is i feel not that much.Wood + charcoal has the edge but there's pro's + con's. It's nice not having to be worrying about bad smoke + temp swings. I would recommend this smoker over a pellet one as well. And really there is no set it + forget it.BBQing is not a walk in the park. Nice review dude!

[@OutontheRanchwithDrLee-xb4lo]

Thanks brother.... I bought one about a year ago, and have yet to unpack/assemble it.....Today's the day! Great videos...again, thank you for the tips!

[@matthewcragg3607]

Great review! I think you sold me on one.

[@lavontrellrussell2235]

I will be adding this one to my Collection!! Pretty good reviews over all

[@Sourcecg]

Great review video! I’m considering upgrading from an old model Masterbuilt electric smoker to the latest propane model similar to yours. Thanks for the insight and review!

[@avrilmaina3335]

Thanks for the 6 month review.

[@bodhisattva3660]

Pop in law just got me this so thank you so much for the review!!

[@jamest9297]

Your welcome.

[@Miller3492]

Do you like it?

[@bodhisattva3660]

Miller3492 I love it!!

[@mmaudits3562]

Thanks for this brother, I just bought mind and I'm a newbie, I mean I'm 54 years old and never smoked any meat before. Thanks for the tips. Oh and I subscribed.

[@jamest9297]

Thank you Montana Miller, hope you enjoy your smoker! jamest

[@jamest9297]

PS; if you didn't see my first review of the smoker you might want to check it out.

[@mmaudits3562]

@@jamest9297 I didn't see it but will definitely check it out

[@kieranathaide]

Hi ! Looks fabulous! How long do the wood chips last? Is there an option for cold smoking?

[@fryranch]

Thanks for the follow up. Can you add water to the water tray from the bottom door also? Or do you have to open the top door?

[@jamest9297]

Hi, That is one of my cons on this smoker. The water tray is hard to access and remove to fill, especially when the unit is hot. I have started filling mine while in place by pouring the water through the wire rack above the water tray. I hope this helps you.

[@raynist]

Hi - what thermometer do you have in the smoker?

[@markstover984]

Can you describe further how you do the cold smoking you mentioned? You mentioned pellets but I’m new to this. Thanks...your videos make me really hungry! Planning to get this same smoker soon. Thanks for posting this.

[@jamest9297]

Hi Mark, thanks for visiting my video. You can buy a stainless tube that will hold your wood pellets and allow them to burn from one end (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073QLB5QC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Just simply place the tube in your fire box and put you items you want to cold smoke on your racks. The temp should never rise above 100 degrees F. You can then smoke items that you don't want to cook. I have a short demo video on youTube showing this done (kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3zMYoOjibZops0) I hope this helps.

[@markstover984]

Tex Man, thanks for the pointers! I’ll have to give it a try.

[@donna7016]

Maybe you can help me. I purchased this model in May. It is mid August and I still haven't been able to use it. The flame only burns if I hold the orange control valve. Sit for hours to hold it??? No. After 3 service calls, maybe I should give up.

[@renaesnow5361]

I am also having trouble with it staying lit. Sometimes it starts up fine and will burn the whole time, other times it will light and go out after a few hours, or doesn't want to light from the start. It's frustrating. The last time I smoked a pork butt and had to move it to the oven, thankfully, it was almost time to wrap it anyway.

[@Miller3492]

Do you have any issues fitting ribs or a brisket in it. Not doing huge cooks. Just for 2-4 people

[@jamest9297]

Hi, with large items like brisket or whole pork loins I cut them in half. I hope this helps.

[@Grandpa_RLP]

How long does a pan of wood chips last? Do they catch on fire raising the temp while not watching?

[@michaelmcgunagle757]

Hello there and thanks for posting this video. In your first video did you say you had the electric smoker as well, if so which one do you prefer, the propane or electric? I'm going back and fourth and not sure which way to go. Thanks again.

[@jamest9297]

Hi Michael, I just got rid of my electric, it still worked but I had quit using it for a whole year. I think this answers your question. Thanks for visiting my video!

[@adame924]

@@jamest9297 First, thank you very much for your initial review and this follow up review. Do you think the gas one smokes better or is it just more convenient because you don't have to plug it in? What electric model did you have?

[@jamest9297]

@@adame924 Hi Adam, I had the 30" with the glass front door and digital thermostat that was sold at big box stores about 10 years ago. It was great and had the pros that it held more, did not require gas and the temperature control was very exact. I still used it a couple of times a year for all night cooking of big whole briskets, large turkeys and whole roll chuck roast. The second heating element finally wore out a few months ago. They both have their place. I've cooked some good food on both. I plan to get another electric one this fall, before Thanksgiving. I hope this helps.

[@adame924]

@@jamest9297 Hi James, It does help. It sounds like I had the same unit. I am looking to purchase a new one because, just like yours, my 2nd heating element just went out and I think I am at the point I don't want to install a 3rd. Also the drip tray, the chip tray, the water dish, and the clean out tray all have at least one hole. It also sounds like they made them a little better 10 years ago because mine only made it 5 or 6 years. Thanks again for the videos and the additional info.

[@dwmcever]

I put my propane tank 2-3 feet away from my smoker. Just in case I have a grease fire.

[@joesmith7427]

Make sure u put the racks in correctly, or when you pullthe rack out, it will fall and so will your meat onto the ground!!

[@manicmazin1]

What's the price for this nice smoker ?

[@skobichevskii]

thanks for the video! does it go down to 150-160 degrees for smoking fish?

[@jamest9297]

Hi, thanks for visiting my reviews. For smoking fish, cheese and other cool smoking I normally use wood pellets and a stainless smoking tube. This smoker is great for that. You simply place the smoking tube in the stainless tray or on one of the racks. You can supplement additional heat from the burner; only if needed. For more on this please see my review on the subject at kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3zMYoOjibZops0 I hope this helps.

[@skobichevskii]

@@jamest9297 thanks for quick response and suggestion. I will definitely try the smoking tube. I guess the more specific question that I have is whether I can maintain low temperature (150-160) by just using propane.

[@jamest9297]

@@skobichevskii I don't know, I doubt it. The lowest I ever use mine at is 180 - 200.

[@VsixtyFive]

I have a problem keeping the temperature down and still getting the chips to smoke. The only way I can get it down to 180 is to push it in and crack it just a fraction. This company will not stand behind their products, will not sell replacement parts unless u have the original receipt .

[@JK-ug7rm]

How often do you have to refill wood chips?

[@jamest9297]

Hi, It depends on what I'm smoking. On smaller cuts usually only once, the first time when I start out. On large things like pork shoulders and briskets I normally add a second about 3 hours into the cooking, I hope this helps.

[@StevieRay6569]

Curious, how fast do you go through tanks of propane. I know it depends on time of cook and frequency!

[@jamest9297]

Hi, I can usually get 36 - 48 hours of smoking time per tank. The fuel gage that comes with it helps let me know when it is getting low.. I hope this helps.

[@nevilletisch9637]

@@jamest9297 what size gas tank. Also how much wood chunks would you use for say an 8 hour cook on a brisket. Thanks

[@marygates7130]

We recently purchased a Masterbuilt 340G propane smoker. After assembly we have not been able to light the burner. Where do you go for trouble shooting help? We are not smelling any propane and have tried several different tanks.

[@jamest9297]

Hi Mary, I would reread the instructions and do basic trouble shooting. If you are following the igniter instructions and it isn't working then I'm not sure what to recommend. I've never had a problem lighting mine. If you want to contact the manufacturer www.masterbuilt.com/pages/contact-us That is a link . I hope this helps.

[@jakeandrews3276]

So is this the 30 inch?

[@toddedwards7909]

can you use pellets instead of chips

[@jamest9297]

Hi Todd, Pellets will put out too much smoke unless you can control their burn with a perforated stainless pellet tube. You can google those tubes and buy them online. You will need a short one. The chips are a lot easier and they do a better job also make the meat taste better because they are easier to control (my opinion).

[@mattshimmin5452]

Hello, I am torn now between this ThermoTemp unit and the Pitboss Series 3 pellet smoker. I was leaning towards this unit until today. I wanted to know how often are you adding chips to this unit?

[@jamest9297]

Hi Matt, Since this is a propane smoker I normally use chips. The only time I use pellets is when I am cold smoking something like cheese, salmon, salt or any thing I don't want to take over 180 degrees. Or when I am doing something at a low temp. like brisket for a long time to add a little of smoke at the end. I use a stainless pellet tube you can buy off of Amazon. I hope this helps.

[@scibbo3966]

Great Video Tex Man Im in the market to purchase one. From your experience is the 330g or 340g XL the way to go? My concern is the 330g like you mentioned is the space. From experience using the 330g, when you make bbq for a gathering, how many people can you feed (for example if u make ribs, or brisket, pulled pork)? Also how many hours do you typically get out of the propane tank?

[@jamest9297]

Hi Scibbo, Thanks for visiting my channel. I personally am happy with the 30, but I also have a larger electric Masterbuilt smoker to use when I am cooking for large crowds. I filled up my small tank and smoked 2 12 lb turkeys for Thanksgiving (they filled it up). On the same tank of fuel I smoked a 12lb turkey and a large ham for christmas (this video). The tank still had some fuel in it. If I your going to be limited to one smoker I would recommend the 40. It will hold large briskets and large turkeys better. The 30 holds pork butts, ribs and medium size turkeys nicely. I hope this helps.

[@dougm6251]

Do you soak your wood chips for this unit?

[@jamest9297]

Hi, Sometimes I do on larger items and sometimes I don't on smaller ones. I hope this helps.

[@timstark8149]

I love my smoker. I have had it 10 months and have used it about 2 to 3 times a month. I went to use it last nite and and I could not get it to stay lit. I held the temp control pushed in and held it for 20 to 30 seconds and it would blow out. Tried about 15 times before taking a long bungee cord to keep pressure on the knob to keep it lit. Anyone else have the problem or know a fix other than the bungee cord method?

[@jamest9297]

Tim I have not had that problem. I did have one other person say they had the same problem. It could be a thermocouple issue. Good luck.

[@09069lalo]

I have the same issue

[@ryankelly9585]

@@09069lalo I have the same issue.

[@shadesofgold24]

For anyone with this issue, make sure the propane burner area is clean, and then do the following. 1) with the propane tank off, push in and open the valve on the smoker to clear the line. 2) close the valve 3) go to the propane tank, and SLOWLY open the valve until you see the propane level indicator come up then stop. Don’t open the valve more than just enough to get a reading on that valve. 4) open the smoker temp control, push in, and light the smoker. Keep holdin for about 10 seconds and then let go. 5) it should stay lit now, give it a couple minutes, then open your propane tank valve to fully open. Should stay lit now

[@joesmith7427]

Make sure the meat is cured before you smoke the meat and always pre-heat the smoker!

[@scott-o3345]

Why would you smoke a ham that's already smoked?

[@jamcam9]

Because double smoked pork is greaaattttt

[@18deadmonkeys]

24 pounds of meat isn't enough? Our diets are similar lol