
Masterbuilt MES-130B 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker

WARNINGS AND IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
- Smoker is for OUTDOOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
- Never use inside enclosed areas such as patios, garages, buildings, or tents.
- Never use inside recreational vehicles or on boats.
- Never operate a smoker under overhead construction, such as roof coverings, carports, awnings, or overhangs.
- Never use a smoker as a heater (READ CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD).
- Maintain a minimum distance of 10ft (3m) from overhead construction, walls, rails, or other structures.
- Keep a minimum 10ft (3m) clearance of all combustible materials such as wood, dry plants, grass, brush, paper, or canvas.
- Keep the appliance clear and free from combustible materials such as gasoline and other flammable vapours and liquids.
- Use the smoker on a level, non-combustible, stable surface such as dirt, concrete, brick, or rock.
- Smoker MUST be on the ground. Do not place a smoker on tables or counters. Do NOT move the smoker across uneven surfaces.
- Do not use a smoker on wooden or flammable surfaces.
- Do not leave a smoker unattended.
- Never use a smoker for anything other than its intended use. This smoker is NOT for commercial use.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible at all times while operating the smoker.
- Before each use, check all nuts, screws, and bolts to make sure they are tight and secure.
- Use of alcohol, prescription, or non-prescription drugs may impair the user’s ability to properly assemble or safely operate the smoker.
- Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
- Always attach the plug to the appliance first, then plug the cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn the control to OFF, then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
- Do not use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.
- Fuel, such as charcoal briquettes, is not to be used with the appliance.
- Use only on a properly grounded outlet.
- A short power-supply cord (or detachable power-supply cord) should be used to reduce the risk resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
- The connection to an extension cord should be kept dry and off the ground.
- WARNING: Charcoal or similar combustible fuels must not be used with this appliance.
- The appliance should be supplied through a residual current device (RCD) having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA.
- The appliance is to be connected to a socket-outlet having an earthing contact (for class I appliances).
- The supply cord should be regularly examined for signs of damage, and the appliance should not be used if the cord is damaged.
- Keep children and pets away from smokers at all times. Do NOT allow children to use a smoker. Close supervision is necessary when children or pets are in the area where a smoker is being used.
- Do NOT allow anyone to conduct activities around the smoker during or following its use until it has cooled.
- Avoid bumping or impacting the smoker.
- Never move the smoker when in use. Allow the smoker to cool completely (below 115°F (45°C)) before moving or storing.
- The smoker is HOT while in use and will remain HOT for a period of time afterwards and during the cooling process. Use CAUTION. Wear protective gloves/mitts.
- Do not touch HOT surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- Do not use wood pellets.
- Never use glass, plastic or ceramic cookware in a smoker. Never place empty cookware in the smoker while in use.
- Accessory attachments not supplied by Masterbuilt Manufacturing, LLC are NOT recommended and may cause injury.
- The wood chip tray is HOT when the smoker is in use. Use caution when adding wood chips.
- Be careful when removing food from the smoker. All surfaces are HOT and may cause burns. Use protective gloves or long, sturdy cooking tools.
Structural Proximity and Safe Usage Recommendations
REMINDER: Maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from the rear, sides and top of the smoker to overhead construction, walls, rails or other combustible construction. This clearance provides adequate space for proper combustion, air circulation and venting.
WARNING
An electric power cord is a trip hazard.
Smoker should only be rolled on a smooth surface. A smoker shou
ld never be rolled up or down stairs or on uneven surfaces. Potential damage to the smoker or harm to the user may result from failure to follow warnings.
Parts List
- Smoker Body x1
- Digital Control Panel x1
- Water Bowl x1
- Wood Chip Tray x1
- Drip Pan x1
- Rack x2/3/4
- Wood Chip Loader x1
- Grease Tray x1
- Adjustable Screw Leg x2
- Leg Boot x2
- Air Damper (pre-assembled) x1
- Door (pre-assembled) x1
- Rear Handle (If featured) x1
- Wheels (If featured) x2
- Remote Control (If featured) x1
- Wood Chip Housing x1
- Element x1
- Chrome Coated Mesh Rack (If featured) x2
- Chrome Coated Mesh Accessory Rack (If featured) x2
Parts that are preassembled at the time of purchase should be ordered separately if replacement is needed.
Hardware List
DO NOT RETURN TO RETAILER for assembly assistance, missing or damaged parts. Please contact MASTERBUILT customer service at 1-800-489-1581 or support.masterbuilt.com. Please have the model number and serial number available. These numbers are located on the silver rating label on the smoker.
BEFORE ASSEMBLY READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
- Assemble on a clean flat surface.
- Tools needed: Adjustable wrench, Phillips head screwdriver
- Approximate assembly time: 25 minutes
- Actual product may differ from the picture shown.
- It is possible that some assembly steps have been completed in the factory.
Assembly
MODELS WITHOUT WHEELS
MODELS WITH WHEELS

If your smoker and controller feature 2 wires, connect both wires.
MODELS WITHOUT REAR HANDLE
MODELS WITH REAR HANDLE

The number of racks may vary depending on the model.
Right-to-left installation for models with wheels.
Left-to-right installation for models without wheels.
Operating Instructions
Note: Direct sunlight may interfere with the ability to read the LED display. Block light if necessary.
CONTROL PANEL
To set temperature:
- Press the ON/OFF button.
- Press the SET TEMP button once-LED display will blink.
- Use up or down arrows to set the temperature. Maximum temperature setting is 275°F (135°C).
- Press the SET TEMP button again to lock in the temperature.
Note: Heating will not begin until the timer is set.
To set the timer:
- Press the SET TIME button once-LED display for hours will blink.
- Use up or down arrows to set hours.
- Press the SET TIME button again to lock in hours. The minutes LED will start blinking.
- Use up or down arrows to set minutes.
- Press SET TIME to lock in minutes and start the cook cycle. The heat will turn off when time has expired.
NOTE: When the outside temperature is cooler than 65°F (18°C) and/or the altitude is above 3,500 feet (1067m), additional cooking time may be required. To ensure that meat is completely cooked, use a meat thermometer to test internal temperature or use a meat probe, if featured.
To use a meat probe (If featured):
- Insert the meat probe into the centre of the meat to get the most accurate reading.
- Press and hold the MEAT PROBE button- the LED display will show the internal temperature of the meat.
- Once the MEAT PROBE button is released-LED display will return to the set temperature or set time.
To use light (If featured):
- Press the LIGHT button to turn the light on.
- Press the LIGHT button to turn the light off.
To RESET the control panel:
If the control panel displays an error message, turn the smoker off and unplug the smoker from the outlet. Wait ten seconds, plug the smoker back into the outlet, then turn the smoker on.
REMOTE CONTROL (If featured)
To replace batteries:
- Slide the belt clip to the left to remove. Press the tab down on the battery cover and pull it out.
- Install 2 AAA alkaline batteries. Check positive (+) and negative (-) symbols on the case and battery to ensure proper installation. Replace the battery cover.
- Remove batteries before storing the remote control.
To test frequency range:
- Turn the smoker on. Use the remote to turn the light on and off as you move away from the smoker.
- The remote control is out of the frequency range, and the light will no longer turn on and off. The remote control has a frequency range of up to 100ft (30m). Test frequency range before and during use.
IMPORTANT: Do not leave the remote control exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
Troubleshooting:
If the remote is not working properly or not interfacing correctly with the controller, it may be due to weak batteries, incorrect battery installation or the remote is not correctly linked to the controller.
Possible solutions:
- Replace batteries and install according to the image in the battery housing.
- Link the controller and the remote:
- Turn the controller and remote ON.
- Press and hold SET TEMP on the controller for 3 seconds.
- On the remote, press MEAT PROBE, LIGHT, MEAT PROBE, LIGHT (all buttons must be pressed within 5 seconds of each other). A short beep will occur after each button is pressed.
CAUTION
- Keep batteries away from small children. If the battery is swallowed, consult a physician immediately.
- Be sure to insert batteries correctly. Improper installation may result in leaks and/or possible explosion.
- Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (Ni-Cad, Ni-MH, etc) batteries.
- Do not mix old and new batteries.
- Do not dispose of batteries in a fire.
PRE-SEASONING
PRE-SEASON SMOKER PRIOR TO FIRST USE. Some smoke may appear during this time; this is normal.
- Make sure the water bowl is in place WITHOUT WATER.
- Set the temperature to 275°F (135°C) and run the smoker for 3 hours.
- Add 1/2 cup of wood chips to the wood chip loader during the last 45 minutes to complete pre-seasoning.
- Shut down and allow to cool.
LOADING FOOD INTO SMOKER
- Pre-heat smoker for 30 to 45 minutes at desired cooking temperature before loading food.
- DO NOT cover racks with aluminium foil, as this will not allow heat to circulate properly.
- Do not overload the smoker with food. Extra-large amounts of food may trap heat, extend cooking time and cause uneven cooking. Leave space between food on racks and smoker sides to ensure proper heat circulation. If utilising cooking pans, place pans in the centre of the rack to ensure even cooking.
- Do not open the smoker door unless necessary. Opening the smoker door causes heat to escape, may extend cooking time, and may cause wood chips to flare up. Closing the door will re-stabilise the temperature and stop flare-ups.
- There will be a lot of smoke produced when using wood chips. Smoke will escape through seams and turn the inside of the smoker black. This is normal. To minimise smoke loss around the door, the door latch can be adjusted to further tighten the door seal against the body.
- To adjust the door latch, loosen the hex nut on the door latch. Turn the hook clockwise to tighten. Secure the hex nut firmly against the door latch.
- Check the grease tray often during cooking. Empty the grease tray before it gets full. The grease tray may need to be emptied periodically during cooking.
WOOD CHIP LOADER
- Wood chip loader and wood chip tray MUST be in place when using the smoker. This minimises the chance of wood flare-ups.
- Wood chips must be used in order to produce smoke and create the smoke flavour.
- Before starting the smoker, place ½ cup of wood chips in the chip loader. Never use more than ½ cup of wood chips at a time. Never use wood chunks or wood pellets.
- Insert the wood chip loader into the smoker. Wood chips should be level with the top rim of the wood chip loader.
- Turn the handle clockwise in the direction of the arrow mark on the smoker to unload wood chips. Wood chips will drop into the wood chip tray. Turn the handle counterclockwise to the upright position and leave the wood chip loader in place.
- If wood chips do not smoke on the low setting, increase the temperature to 275°. After 8 to 10 minutes, or when wood chips begin to smoulder, reduce the temperature to the desired low setting.
- You may use dry or pre-soaked wood chips in your smoker. Dry chips will burn faster and produce more intense smoke. Chips pre-soaked in water (for approximately 30 minutes) will burn more slowly and produce a less intense smoke.
- Check the wood chip tray periodically to see if the wood has burned down. Add more chips as needed.
- Do not leave old ashes in the wood chip tray. Once the ashes are cold, empty the tray. The tray should be cleaned out prior to and after each use to prevent ash buildup.
ADDING MORE WOOD DURING THE SMOKING PROCESS:
NOTE: Never add more than ½ cup (1 filled chip loader) at a time. Additional chips should not be added until any previously added chips have ceased generating smoke.
- Pull the wood chip loader from the smoker.
- Place wood chips in the wood chip loader and insert them into the smoker.
- Turn the handle clockwise in the direction of the arrow mark on the smoker to unload wood chips. Wood chips will drop into the wood chip tray.
- Temperature may spike briefly after wood chips are added. It will stabilise after a short time. Do not adjust the temperature setting.
CAUTION
- Keep the smoker door closed when adding wood chips. A flare-up may occur when the door is opened. If wood chips flare up, immediately close door and vent, wait for wood chips to burn down, then open door again. Do not spray with water.
- The wood chip loader will be HOT even if the handle is not.
- Never use wood chunks or wood pellets.
WATER BOWL
- Wait until the smoker reaches the desired temperature.
- Fill the water bowl to the fill line with water or liquids like apple or pineapple juice.
- You may also add slices of fruit, onions or fresh dried herbs into the water to blend different subtle flavours into your smoked food.
Tip: For chicken or other foods high in moisture, little or no liquid is needed.
CLEANING AND STORAGE
ALWAYS MAKE SURE SMOKER IS COOL TO THE TOUCH BEFORE CLEANING AND STORING.
- Be sure to clean the smoker after each use. This will extend the life of your smoker and prevent mould and mildew.
- For rack supports, racks, water bowl and drip pan, use a mild dish detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- For the wood chip tray and wood chip loader, clean frequently to remove ash buildup, residue and dust.
- Dispose of cold ashes by placing them in aluminium foil, soaking with water and discarding them in a noncombustible container.
- For the interior, glass in the door (if featured), and the exterior of the smoker, simply wipe down with a damp cloth. Do not use a cleaning agent. Make sure to dry thoroughly.
- After cleaning, store the smoker in a covered and dry area.
- Check your smoker periodically to avoid possible rust and corrosion due to moisture buildup.
- Watch a video with step-by-step instructions on how to clean your smoker at www.youtube.com/Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse: Cleaning and Storage.
Troubleshooting

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Masterbuilt MES-130B 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker-FAQs
How do I set up my Masterbuilt MES-130B smoker for first use?
Unpack the smoker, remove all packaging materials, install the cooking racks, water pan, drip tray, and wood chip tray. Place the smoker on a flat surface, plug it in, and perform a pre-seasoning run before cooking food.
Do I need to season the smoker before using it?
Yes. Run the smoker empty at a high temperature for 2–3 hours with wood chips to burn off manufacturing residues and prepare the interior.
What temperature should I set my Masterbuilt electric smoker to?
Most smoking is done between 200°F and 275°F. The MES-130B allows digital temperature control up to 275°F.
Should I preheat the smoker with the door open or closed?
Always preheat the smoker with the door closed to allow proper heat and smoke circulation.
Do I need to put water in the smoker?
Yes. Adding water (or juice/beer) to the water pan helps regulate temperature and keeps meat moist during long smoking sessions.
Where should the water pan be placed?
The water pan should sit above the heating element and below the cooking racks.
What are common problems with Masterbuilt electric smokers?
Common issues include the smoker not heating properly, faulty control panels, worn heating elements, door seal leaks, and wood chip tray problems.
Why is my Masterbuilt smoker not heating properly?
This is often caused by a failing heating element, loose wiring, or an issue with the thermostat or control panel.









