Is waking up at 3:00 AM in a robe and slippers to nurse a dying stick-burner stack really a rite of passage, or just bad time management?
Legendary pitmaster Aaron Franklin once famously said that “Barbecue is slow, methodical, and simple.”
That is beautiful advice – until a sudden thunderstorm hits at hour ten of a pork shoulder smoke, and you are standing outside getting soaked while desperately tweaking a damper.
Traditionalists will swear up and down that unless you are smelling like hickory smoke for three calendar days, you aren’t doing real barbecue.
But let’s be honest: pure convenience has a flavor all its own, and it tastes suspiciously like sleeping through the night.
Enter the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker.
This vertical electric cabinet smoker promises to merge authentic wood-smoke flavor with complete app-based remote control. The goal? To let you monitor temperatures, adjust internal heat, and track your cook directly from your couch.
After putting this unit through extensive real-world testing – smoking everything from low-and-slow brisket to high-temp chicken wings – here is the definitive hands-on review of whether this cabinet smoker deserves a permanent spot on your patio.
At a Glance: Key Specs & Pricing
Before diving into the smoke, here is a quick look at the hardware specs of the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker:
- Total Cooking Area: 711 sq. inches (4 adjustable chrome-coated racks)
- Heating Element: 800-Watt electric heating element
- Temperature Range: 100°F to 275°F
- Connectivity: WiFi & Bluetooth (via Masterbuilt Smart App)
- Meat Probes: Includes 1 integrated meat probe (ports for additional expansion)
- Fuel Source: Standard 120V Electric + Wood Chips / Chunks
- Dimensions & Weight: ~20″ W x 20″ D x 34″ H | ~48 lbs
- MSRP: ~$350 – $400 USD
Unboxing, Assembly, and Build Quality
Unboxing a vertical smoker usually comes with a mix of excitement and dreaded assembly hours. Masterbuilt kept the headache to a minimum here.
Packaging & Setup
The smoker arrives tightly packed with thick styrofoam corner blocks protecting the digital controller housing. Assembly takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes with a standard Phillips screwdriver.
You are primarily attaching the four leg extensions, the door handle, the rear cord wrap, and inserting the interior rack supports.
Cabinet Construction
- Double-Walled Insulation: The main cabinet features a double-wall construction designed to retain heat without turning the exterior sheet metal into a red-hot hazard.
- Door Latch Mechanism: Masterbuilt upgraded the latching system on the 710 model. It utilizes a firm adjustable tension latch that clamps the door tight against a high-temp silicone gasket, preventing smoke leakages around the frame.
- Glass Front Door: The full-length front glass panel looks fantastic right out of the box, allowing you to peek at your bark without opening the door and dumping heat. Just remember: clean glass requires upkeep. If you don’t wipe down the interior door with vinegar and warm water after every second cook, that crystal-clear view turns into opaque amber resin fast.
Setup & Smart Tech Features
The real selling point of the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker is the “couch control” factor. Connecting digital hardware to backyard appliances can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle, so testing the software stability was step one.
App Pairing & Connection Stability
The smoker houses a dual WiFi/Bluetooth chipset onboard. Setup requires downloading the Masterbuilt Smart App on iOS or Android.
- The 2.4 GHz Requirement: Like most smart home gear, the unit strictly operates on a 2.4 GHz WiFi network frequency. If your home router meshes 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz together under a single SSID, you might need to temporarily separate them during initial pairing.
- App Interface: Once paired, the app display is clean and intuitive. It shows real-time cabinet temperature, set temperature, probe readings, and a visual timer graph.
- Remote Control: Changing the cabinet temp from 225°F to 250°F while watching a football game takes two taps. Notifications alert your phone when your meat probe hits its target internal temp.
Digital Control Panel & Probes
If your phone battery dies, the physical controller mounted at the base features a high-contrast LED screen and push-button controls. It is easily readable in direct midday sunlight. The included meat probe plugs straight into the front jack and matches calibrated handheld digital thermometers within a tight ±2°F tolerance.
Smoking Performance & Real-World Hands-On Test
A smart app means nothing if the cabinet can’t render render-worthy bark or maintain stable heat. We put the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker through two rigorous culinary tests.
Heat Retention & Temp Stability
Because the unit uses an electronically regulated 800-watt heating element paired with an internal thermistor, temperature swings are minimal.
In ambient testing (outdoor temp ~65°F), the smoker maintained a steady set point of 225°F with fluctuations staying well inside a narrow ±5°F window.
Electric smokers do not rely on airflow to burn charcoal or wood logs, meaning wind has significantly less impact on your cook temps compared to traditional kettle grills or offset barrels.
Wood Chip System & Smoke Generation
The 710 utilizes a side-loading wood chip system. This allows you to slide in fresh wood chips without opening the main cabinet door and losing accumulated heat.
- Chip Tray Capacity: The tray holds about 1 cup of wood chips at a time.
- Burn Rate: At 225°F, a full tray of dry hickory or applewood chips generates steady, clean blue smoke for roughly 45 to 60 minutes.
- Refill Frequency: For long cooks, you will need to reload chips every hour for the first 3 to 4 hours to build a strong smoke ring and flavor profile.
Test Cook 1: Low & Slow Pork Shoulder (12-Hour Cook)
To test true couch-bound reliability, we loaded a 7-lb bone-in pork shoulder coated in a sweet-and-spicy rub onto the third rack.
- The Process: Set the smoker to 225°F via the app at 7:00 AM, filled the chip tray with hickory, and plugged in the integrated meat probe.
- The Stall: Around hour six, the pork hit the dreaded 160°F stall. Instead of hovering over the smoker in the heat, we bumped the temperature up to 245°F directly from the smartphone app to push past the stall smoothly.
- The Result: After 11.5 hours, the probe registered a buttery 203°F internal temperature. The bone pulled out clean with zero resistance.
While the bark was slightly softer than what an offset smoker yields (a natural characteristic of enclosed electric steam environments), the moisture retention was exceptional.
The pork pulled apart effortlessly, carrying a noticeable mahogany color and rich smoke flavor throughout the muscle fibers.
Test Cook 2: High-Heat Smoked Chicken Wings
To evaluate the upper limits of the 800-watt heating element, we ran a second test: high-heat smoked chicken wings.
- The Process: Loaded two racks with 4 lbs of dry-rubbed wings. Maxed out the unit’s thermostat to its top limit of 275°F.
- The Result: The smoker reached 275°F from a cold start in approximately 18 minutes. The wings smoked for 1 hour and 15 minutes until hitting an internal temp of 175°F.
- Texture Check: Electric smokers cap out at lower top temps than gas or pellet units (which often hit 400°F–500°F). As a result, while the wings were infused with deep smoke, the skin required a quick 2-minute finish under an oven broiler or air fryer to achieve absolute snap-crispiness.
Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning vertical electric smokers can be tedious if the manufacturer neglects drip routing. Fortunately, Masterbuilt designed a smart containment system for the 710.
- Removable Racks: The four chrome-coated grates slide out completely and fit easily into a standard kitchen sink for soaking.
- Tilted Drip Tray: A removable angled steel tray sits below the water pan, channeling all fat run-off directly toward a rear drain hole that empties into an external drip cup.
- Ash Removal: The interior wood chip burner bowl unlatches easily, allowing you to dump spent wood ash into the trash without tipping the smoker body.
Pros and Cons
Every piece of patio equipment has trade-offs. Here is a realistic look at where the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker shines and where it falls short.
Pros
- Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience: Exceptional temperature accuracy allows for true overnight cooks without constant vent adjustments.
- App-Based Remote Control: Monitor internal meat temps, set timers, and adjust cabinet heat from anywhere within WiFi range.
- Generous Capacity: 711 square inches of rack space easily accommodates 4 pork butts, 6 racks of ribs, or two whole turkeys simultaneously.
- Fuel Efficiency: Running on standard household electricity costs cents per cook compared to full bags of charcoal or premium hardwood pellets.
- Side Wood Loader: Add smoke production on the fly without breaking the cabinet seal or dropping ambient heat.
Cons
- Frequent Reloading Required: Small wood chip tray means refilling every 45–60 minutes during early cooking hours.
- Max Temp Cap (275°F): Cannot reach high searing or roasting temperatures; chicken skin may require a separate crisping step.
- Mild Smoke Profile: Delivers a clean, smooth smoke profile, but lacks the aggressive, heavy smoke rings produced by traditional wood stick-burners.
How It Compares to Competitors
Understanding where this unit stands against rival designs helps clarify if an electric WiFi smoker matches your grilling style.
| Feature | Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Electric | Traeger Pellet Grill | Offset Wood Burner |
| Fuel Source | Electric + Chips | Hardwood Pellets | Split Logs |
| Max Temp | 275°F | 500°F | 500°F+ |
| Smoke Intensity | Mild / Medium | Medium | Heavy |
| Active Effort | Extremely Low | Very Low | High |
| Price Range | $349.00 – $349.99 | $800 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,200+ |
Masterbuilt 710 WiFi vs. Wood Pellet Grills (e.g., Traeger, Pit Boss)
Pellet grills burn compressed sawdust pellets using an auger and fan system. They offer higher top-end heat (often up to 500°F), allowing you to sear steaks.
However, pellet grills are significantly larger, heavier, and costlier – often starting at double the price of the Masterbuilt 710.
If you strictly want low-and-slow smoking without needing a hybrid grill, the Masterbuilt delivers similar smart features at a fraction of the cost.
Masterbuilt 710 WiFi vs. Traditional Non-WiFi Electric Smokers
Older digital electric smokers rely solely on physical buttons attached to the cabinet.
Upgrading to the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker eliminates the constant trips outside in poor weather just to verify if your brisket has hit its stall point.
The added peace of mind provided by live mobile alerts makes the WiFi premium well worth the investment.
Top 3 Alternatives
If you want deep wood-smoke flavor and higher heat capability, the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series is a powerful upgrade over standard electric units.
Powered by real wood pellets rather than electric elements, it produces a far more pronounced smoke ring and rich, authentic pitmaster flavor.
Key highlights include:
- High Heat Capability: Reaches temperatures up to 420°F, allowing you to easily crisp up poultry skin or build a deep bark on pork shoulders.
- Generous Capacity: Features over 1,100 square inches of cooking space across 5 porcelain-coated racks.
- Pellet Efficiency: Includes a large 50-lb hopper for extended, unattended low-and-slow cooks.
- Smart Monitoring: Dual WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity let you adjust temps and track cooks remotely via the Pit Boss Grills app.
2. GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker
For those who want barbecue convenience without being limited by outdoor weather or patio space, the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker is a game-changer. It allows you to smoke ribs, brisket, or wings right on your kitchen countertop using real wood pellets.
Key highlights include:
- Active Smoke Filtration: Safely converts real wood smoke into warm air inside the unit so it won’t set off home alarm systems.
- SmartHQ App Integration: Monitor internal meat probes, tweak smoke intensity levels (0 to 5), and track cooking cycles remotely from your phone.
- Precision Control: Dual independent heating elements separate pellet burning from cooking heat to maintain exact temperature stability.
- Easy Cleanup: Features a built-in pellet capture system that automatically extinguishes and collects spent pellets into a water waste bin.
3. EAST OAK 30″ Digital Electric Smoker
If you prefer a reliable, straightforward electric smoker without paying extra for smart app connectivity, the EAST OAK 30″ Digital Smoker is an outstanding budget-friendly option. It delivers consistent low-and-slow cooking results with simple push-button ease.
Key highlights include:
- Spacious Interior: Offers 725 square inches of cooking space across 4 removable chrome racks to easily feed large family gatherings.
- Side-Loading Wood Loader: Lets you slide in fresh wood chips on the fly without opening the main cabinet door and dumping heat.
- Convenient Features: Comes with an integrated meat probe, double-walled insulation for heat retention, and a clear front glass door to monitor your cook without opening the door.
Final Verdict & Buying Recommendation
The Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker successfully bridges the gap between traditional smoking craft and modern smart home convenience. It takes the anxiety out of long pit sessions, delivering tender, juicy, smoke-infused results with push-button simplicity.
Who Should Buy It?
- Busy Home Cooks & Families: Perfect for anyone who wants authentic smoked pulled pork or ribs on a Sunday without babysitting an open flame all day.
- Beginners to Smoking: Low barrier to entry with minimal thermal learning curve.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Pitmasters who love tracking temperature graphs, setting customized probe triggers, and controlling cooks from their smartphones.
Who Should Pass?
- Searing Purists: If you want a single unit that can smoke a brisket and then sear a ribeye steak at 600°F, look toward a hybrid pellet grill or ceramic Kamado instead.
- Heavy Smoke Addicts: Offset purists seeking intense smoke flavor and thick black bark will find electric heating elements produce a lighter flavor profile.
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
The Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker proves that you don’t need to suffer through sleep deprivation to make outstanding barbecue. If you are ready to trade fire management for couch relaxation, this smart cabinet smoker is a worthy addition to your outdoor kitchen setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I control the Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Smoker if I’m away from home?
Yes.
As long as your smoker is connected to your home’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network and your smartphone has an active internet connection (cellular data or another WiFi network), you can monitor temperatures, adjust heat settings, and receive internal probe alerts from anywhere using the Masterbuilt Smart App.
2. How often do I need to refill the wood chips during a cook?
The side-loading chip tray holds approximately 1 cup of wood chips, which generates clean smoke for 45 to 60 minutes.
For long low-and-slow cooks like brisket or pork shoulder, you will generally reload chips every hour for the first 3 to 4 hours, as meat absorbs most of its smoke flavor early in the cooking process.
3. Does this smoker get hot enough to crisp chicken skin or sear steaks?
No. The Masterbuilt 710 maxes out at a temperature of 275°F, which is ideal for low-and-slow smoking but not high-heat searing or roasting.
To get crisp skin on poultry, you will need to finish the meat under your oven’s broiler, in an air fryer, or on a hot grill for a couple of minutes.
4. Can I use wood chunks or pellets instead of wood chips?
Small wood chunks can be used if they fit comfortably inside the side loader, but standard wood chips are recommended for optimal ignition and consistent smoke generation.
Hardwood pellets can be used in small quantities, but they may burn through faster or fall through the grate if not placed carefully in the chip tray.
5. How hard is it to clean the glass door and drip system?
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the removable chrome racks and a tilted drip tray that channels fat into an external rear cup.
To keep the glass door clear, wipe it down with a damp cloth and warm water (or a vinegar-water solution) while the cabinet is still slightly warm after each cook to prevent smoke resin buildup.
Featured image credit: @bbqcornershop
