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Electric smokers split into two camps: budget Masterbuilt-style chip burners and premium Bradley-style bisquette feeders. The Masterbuilt 30" Digital is the best-selling electric smoker in America. The Bradley Smart Smoker is the cult favorite of cold-smoke and jerky obsessives. Here's the honest call between them.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Masterbuilt 30" Digital ($299) for general-purpose smoking — ribs, pork shoulder, brisket — at the lowest possible price. Buy the Bradley Smart Smoker ($699) if you cold smoke fish, cheese, or jerky regularly and want the most consistent smoke production on the market.
The Contenders
Masterbuilt 30" Digital Electric
$299
Beginners who want a cheap, simple way to smoke ribs and pork shoulder without learning fire management
Check PriceBradley Smart Smoker
$699
Cold-smoke enthusiasts and jerky/sausage makers who need precise smoke control and even temperatures
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Smoke Production
Winner: BradleyBradley wins decisively. The bisquette feeder pushes a fresh puck onto the burner every 20 minutes — perfectly consistent smoke for the entire cook with zero attention. Masterbuilt uses wood chips that burn out in 30-45 minutes, requiring constant refills or a cold smoke generator add-on. For long cooks, Bradley's automation is the difference.
Cold Smoking
Winner: BradleyBradley wins. The separate smoke generator can be detached and used in cold-smoke mode (below 100°F) for cheese, salmon, and bacon. Masterbuilt requires an aftermarket cold-smoke attachment ($60) that's mediocre. If cold smoking is a priority, Bradley is the only real choice between these two.
Temperature Control
Winner: TieBoth hold temps within 10-15°F. Bradley's PID is slightly more refined but neither is as tight as a quality pellet grill. For most low-and-slow cooking the difference is invisible.
Cooking Capacity
Winner: MasterbuiltMasterbuilt wins. 730 sq in on 4 racks vs Bradley's 572 sq in on 4 racks. Both fit two full pork shoulders. Masterbuilt's rack spacing is more usable for larger cuts.
Value
Winner: MasterbuiltMasterbuilt wins on dollars — $299 vs $699 is more than 2x. Plus Bradley's bisquettes run about $0.40 each ($1.20/hour) vs $0.20/hour for Masterbuilt chips. Over years of cooking, Bradley costs meaningfully more in consumables. For purely budget cooks, Masterbuilt is the smarter spend.
Final Verdict
Masterbuilt wins for general-purpose hot smoking at the lowest possible cost. Bradley wins for cold smoking, jerky, and anyone who values smoke automation over raw price. Both are good at their job.
Buying Advice
Most buyers should start with the [Masterbuilt 30" Digital](/review/masterbuilt-30-electric) and graduate to a pellet grill once they outgrow it. The Bradley is a niche pick for people who specifically need cold-smoke capability and automated smoke production. If you're not cold smoking cheese or fish, you don't need the Bradley premium.
