Smoker Pan Size Guide

The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is a popular choice for those looking to smoke large quantities of meat. With 970 square inches of cooking space across four racks, this smoker can accommodate full-size cuts like whole turkeys and racks of ribs without needing to be cut. While some users have reported issues with the smoker's quality and sturdiness, others praise its ease of assembly, temperature control, and value for the price.

One common question among owners of this smoker is what size pan to use. The smoker comes with a water pan and a drip pan, but some have found the drip pan too small to catch all the drippings when cooking large quantities of meat. Solutions include using a foil pan on the lower rack to catch drippings or opting to use the water pan as a drip pan by covering the sloped drip tray with foil.

Drip pans for MES 40 smokers

Drip pans are essential for collecting the grease and juices that accumulate when smoking meats. The Masterbuilt 40-inch smoker, also known as the MES 40, comes with a drip pan, but some users have expressed concerns about its size.

The MES 40 is a popular electric smoker known for its spacious interior, digital control panel, and side wood chip loader. It offers 970 square inches of cooking space across four chrome-coated racks. While the MES 40's drip pan is designed to fit snugly within the smoker, some users have found it to be inadequate for catching all the drippings during extended smoking sessions.

One common solution is to utilise heavy-duty aluminium foil. Lining the drip pan and the bottom of the smoker with foil not only facilitates easy cleanup but also provides additional protection against leaks. Another option is to use a disposable foil pan placed on the lower rack to catch any excess drippings. However, it is important to ensure that the foil pan is not too large, as it could obstruct the heat flow within the smoker.

For those seeking a more permanent solution, replacement drip pans made of stainless steel are available from various manufacturers. These pans are designed to fit specific smoker models, so it is essential to verify compatibility before purchase. Additionally, some users have reported success in finding suitable drip pans at local stores, such as Dollar General or Walmart.

When selecting a drip pan for the MES 40 smoker, it is crucial to prioritise materials that can withstand high temperatures and grease without warping or disintegrating. Always exercise caution when handling drip pans to avoid burns, and refer to the smoker's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Water pans for MES 40 smokers

The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is a popular choice for those looking to create delicious smoked meats in their backyard. With its vertical body design, this smoker ensures that smoke and heat are evenly distributed, resulting in perfectly smoked food.

Water Pan Options

When it comes to water pans for the MES 40 smoker, there are a few options to consider:

• Masterbuilt Water Pan: This is the original water pan that comes with the MES 40 smoker. However, some users have reported that the water pan starts to develop holes after a year or so of use. While some opt to patch the holes with epoxy, others choose to wrap the pan in foil for easier cleanup. Eventually, you may need to purchase a replacement water pan.
• Galapagoz Replacement Water Pan: This stainless steel replacement water pan is designed for offset smokers and measures approximately 8 x 5 x 3 inches. It is important to note that this pan is not for use in or near charcoal or wood fires and should only be used in cook chambers where water cannot come into contact with flames, heat, or fuel.
• Foil as a Liner: Instead of using a water pan, some MES 40 owners choose to line the sloped drip tray with foil and use the water bowl as a drip pan. This helps with cleanup, and the foil can be reused after washing.
• Sand or Bricks: Some users opt to leave the water pan empty and use sand or bricks instead. This setup serves as a heat sink, helping to maintain a steady temperature.

Tips for Using a Water Pan

When using a water pan in your MES 40 smoker, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Size: Ensure that the water pan is the correct size for your smoker. The MES 40 smoker is spacious, so a larger water pan may be necessary to catch all the drippings.
• Cleanup: To make cleanup easier, consider spraying the water pan with PAM or lining it with foil before use. This will prevent food from sticking and make it easier to dispose of the grease afterward.
• Water Level: Keep an eye on the water level in the pan during smoking. Depending on the temperature and humidity, the water may evaporate more quickly, so you may need to refill it periodically.
• Avoid High-Acid Liquids: Some users have reported that using high-acid liquids (e.g., citrus juice) in the water pan can cause pinhole development. Stick to water or other mild liquids to prolong the life of your water pan.

Masterbuilt 40-inch digital electric smokers

The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker is a popular choice for those looking to master the art of outdoor smoking. With its vertical body design, this smoker allows for even heat and smoke distribution, ensuring your foods are smoked to perfection. The digital control panel lets you easily set your cooking time and temperature, making it simple and reliable to use.

The Masterbuilt 40-inch smoker features a patented side wood chip loader, so you can add more wood-fired flavour without sacrificing heat or smoke during the cooking process. It also comes with four chrome-coated smoking racks, offering 710 sq. inches of cooking space. The adjustable smoke damper lets you control your smoke levels, and there's an option to add a smoker leg kit with wheels for increased mobility and convenience.

When it comes to maintenance, some customers have reported issues with the water/drip pan. It is recommended to cover the drip tray with foil and use the water bowl as a secondary drip tray to make cleaning easier. You can also find replacement water pans online, though some customers have reported issues with discolouration and wear after a single use.

Overall, the Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker is a good choice for those looking for a simple, reliable, and spacious smoker. However, there are some mixed reviews regarding its insulation, performance, and quality.

MES 30 vs MES 40

The Masterbuilt Electric Smoker (MES) is available in two sizes: MES 30 and MES 40. The main difference between the two is the cooking capacity, with the MES 40 offering a larger cooking area. This makes it suitable for smoking larger quantities of food or for serving a larger number of people. For example, the MES 40 can accommodate a full rack of ribs without cutting them, while the MES 30 might be too small for smoking for more than two people.

In addition to the size difference, the MES 40 also offers some additional features such as a remote temperature control option, wheels, and a glass door. These features can enhance the convenience and functionality of the smoker. However, these added features also come at a higher price, with the MES 40 costing around $150 more than the MES 30.

When deciding between the MES 30 and MES 40, it's important to consider your specific needs and constraints. If you have limited space or a tighter budget, the MES 30 might be a more suitable option. On the other hand, if you plan on smoking larger quantities of food or desire the additional features, the MES 40 could be a better investment.

In terms of performance, both the MES 30 and MES 40 have been reported to have some temperature variations, with the actual temperature in the cabinet sometimes being lower than the set temperature. Additionally, users have noted that the water pan in the MES 40 might be too small for some applications and may require additional solutions, such as using a separate container to catch drippings or utilising the water pan as a drip pan.

Ultimately, the decision between the MES 30 and MES 40 depends on your individual requirements and preferences. Both options have their advantages and can produce high-quality smoked food. Considering factors such as cooking capacity, available features, and budget can help you determine which smoker is the best fit for your needs.

Aluminium pans for Masterbuilt 40 smokers

When it comes to choosing the right aluminium pan for your Masterbuilt 40 smoker, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to distinguish between the water pan and the drip pan. The water pan is used to add moisture and flavour to the smoking process, while the drip pan catches any grease or fat that drips from the food. Both are essential for a successful smoking experience.

The Masterbuilt 40 smoker is a popular choice for those who want to master the art of smoking. It offers a large cooking space with four chrome-coated racks and a vertical design that maximises flavour infusion. With its digital control board, you can easily set your desired smoking temperature and time.

Now, let's talk about the pans. The water pan that comes with the Masterbuilt 40 smoker is made of metal and is prone to developing holes over time, especially if you use acidic liquids like citrus juice. Some users have reported that their water pans lasted only a few uses before developing holes. If this happens, you have a few options. You can patch the holes with epoxy, line the pan with heavy-duty aluminium foil, or find a replacement pan that fits.

Replacement water pans for the Masterbuilt 40 smoker are available, and some users have found success with this option. For example, the Galapagoz Replacement Water Pan for Horizontal or Vertical Round Smokers is a popular choice, with many reviewers stating that it fits their Masterbuilt smoker perfectly. This pan is made of stainless steel and measures approximately 8 x 5 x 3 inches.

As for the drip pan, some users have reported that the one that comes with the Masterbuilt 40 smoker is too small, especially when smoking larger cuts of meat like pork butts. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to use the water pan as your drip pan by covering the sloped drip tray with foil and lining the bowl with foil as well. This should give you more capacity to catch the drippings.

Additionally, you can use aluminium pans or foil trays inside your Masterbuilt 40 smoker without worrying about blocking the airflow, as long as you're not relying on smoke to flavour your food at that point. For example, if you're wrapping your meat in foil for the last few hours of smoking, an aluminium pan won't interfere with the smoking process. Just make sure the pan isn't too large, so it doesn't block the heat.

In conclusion, while the Masterbuilt 40 smoker is a great choice for home smokers, you may need to replace the water pan and/or drip pan at some point. Replacement water pans are available, and you can also get creative with aluminium foil to extend the life of your pans. As for drip pans, you can use the water pan as a drip pan or opt for aluminium pans or foil trays that fit comfortably inside your smoker without blocking airflow or heat.

Frequently asked questions