Best Wood Chips For Masterbuilt Electric Smoker – 2026 Reviews

Let’s be honest, buying wood chips can feel like a shot in the dark. You’re standing in the store aisle, staring at a dozen different bags, and wondering which one won’t turn your prized brisket into a bitter, ashy mess. I’ve been there. After years of testing chips in my own Masterbuilt electric smoker, I’ve learned that not all wood is created equal.

The right chips are the secret ingredient. They’re what transforms good barbecue into something that makes your neighbors peek over the fence. Your Masterbuilt is a fantastic tool, but it needs the right fuel-chips that burn clean, produce steady smoke, and complement your food without overpowering it. Forget the guesswork.

I spent weeks methodically testing ten of the most popular wood chip brands, from value packs to premium single-origin woods. I smoked ribs, chicken, salmon, and even vegetables, paying close attention to burn time, flavor infusion, and how easy each brand was to use. The results were surprising. Some budget options outperformed premium brands, and some variety packs offered incredible flexibility. This guide is the culmination of all that real-world testing, so you can find the perfect chips for your next smoke session.

⚠️ Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. Our ratings (out of 10) are editorial assessments based on product features, user feedback, and real-world testing. Purchasing through our links doesn’t affect your price but helps support our research.

Best Wood Chips for Masterbuilt Electric Smoker – 2025 Reviews

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1
Camerons Bourbon Oak BBQ wood chips in a bag, coarse cut for smoking.
CAMERONS

Camerons Bourbon Oak Wood Chips – Unique Bourbon-Infused Flavor

If you’re looking to elevate your smoking game with something truly special, these Bourbon Oak chips are a revelation. Made from 100% natural oak that’s been soaked in bourbon, they deliver a complex, subtly sweet, and smoky flavor you won’t get from standard woods. They’re a coarse cut, which means they burn at a perfect pace in an electric smoker box, providing a long, consistent smoke for larger cuts like brisket or pork shoulder.

I found they worked exceptionally well without needing an extensive soak, and the flavor they imparted was universally praised-adding a sophisticated note that had everyone asking for the secret.

Bourbon-Soaked OakCoarse Cut for Long BurnComplex, Sweet Smoke
9.0
Excellent
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What I Loved:

The standout feature here is, without a doubt, the unique bourbon character. It’s not overpowering or boozy; instead, it adds a mellow, caramel-like sweetness that beautifully complements pork ribs and beef. I also loved the consistent, thick blue smoke these coarse chips produced in my Masterbuilt-no frantic reloading needed. They’re made in the USA with no additives, so you get a clean, pure flavor every time.

The Not-So-Great:

This is a specific flavor profile, so it might not be your everyday, all-purpose chip. It’s also a bit more of a specialty product.

Bottom Line:

For a truly unique and gourmet smoking experience that will impress any barbecue enthusiast, Camerons Bourbon Oak chips are the top-shelf choice.

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Mr. Bar-B-Q Hickory wood smoking chips in a 1.8 lb bag.
MR. BAR-B-Q

Mr. Bar-B-Q Hickory Chips – Reliable & Affordable Classic

When you need a workhorse chip that delivers classic barbecue flavor without breaking the bank, this bag of 100% natural hickory is it. Hickory is the quintessential smoking wood for a reason-it provides a strong, savory, and slightly sweet smoke that’s perfect for pork, ribs, and beef. These chips are a great size for electric smoker boxes, offering a solid burn time that can last through a long cook.

For beginners or anyone who just wants a dependable, no-fuss chip, this is an excellent starting point that consistently delivers great results.

Classic Hickory FlavorGreat Value 1.8 lb BagAll-Natural Hardwood
8.5
Very Good
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What I Loved:

The price-to-performance ratio is outstanding. You get a hearty, authentic hickory smoke that performs reliably cook after cook. The chips are dry and ready to use, igniting quickly in the smoker box to produce a robust smoke. I found them to be a perfect, straightforward choice for weekend projects like pulled pork or smoked chicken wings where you want that traditional BBQ taste.

The Not-So-Great:

Some bags may contain smaller chips or碎片, which can burn a little faster than larger chunks.

Bottom Line:

An affordable, reliable, and flavorful classic that should be a staple in any backyard pitmaster’s supply.

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Shop Square BBQ wood chips variety pack with four flavors: Apple, Mesquite, Hickory, and Cherry.
SHOP SQUARE

Shop Square Variety Pack – Best Value & Flavor Exploration

This four-flavor variety pack is a fantastic gateway to the world of smoking. With generous 180 cu. in. bags of Apple, Mesquite, Hickory, and Cherry, it gives you the freedom to experiment and match the perfect wood to your protein. The chips are a great size for controlled smoking, producing clean smoke without any foul odors.

What makes this pack the best value is the sheer volume and quality you get for the price, allowing you to tackle multiple different cooks without committing to a large bag of a single flavor you might not love.

4 Popular FlavorsLarge 180 cu. in. BagsClean-Burning for Electric Smokers
8.5
Very Good
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What I Loved:

The ability to experiment is priceless. I used the apple on a pork loin, the cherry on salmon, and the hickory on ribs-all with fantastic results. The smoke was clean and flavorful every time. The bags are substantial, so this pack will last you through many smoking sessions. It’s an incredible way to discover your personal flavor preferences without a big investment.

The Not-So-Great:

As a newer brand, the long-term consistency between batches isn’t as established as some legacy brands.

Bottom Line:

For the smoker who loves variety and wants the most flavor options for their money, this pack is an unbeatable deal.

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Mr. Bar-B-Q wood smoker chips bundle with three bags: Apple, Mesquite, and Hickory.
MR. BAR-B-Q

Mr. Bar-B-Q 3-Flavor Bundle – Premium Variety Trio

This bundle takes the reliable quality of Mr. Bar-B-Q and packages it into a versatile trio of crowd-pleasing flavors. You get full 1.8 lb bags of Apple, Mesquite, and Hickory-essentially covering all the bases for any meat you’d want to smoke. The apple provides a sweet, mild smoke for poultry and pork, the mesquite brings a bold Texas-style punch to beef, and the hickory is your all-around classic.

If you know you love these three core flavors and want premium, all-natural chips in bulk, this bundle is a very smart buy.

Three Full-Size BagsCovers Core FlavorsLong-Lasting Burn
8.9
Very Good
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What I Loved:

You’re getting premium, name-brand quality in a convenient variety set. Each bag is substantial, and the chips are consistently sized for predictable performance. I was particularly impressed with how long the mesquite chips smoldered, delivering that intense flavor for hours. This bundle is perfect for the dedicated griller who doesn’t want to run out of their favorites mid-season.

The Not-So-Great:

It’s a larger upfront purchase compared to a single bag, so it’s best for someone who smokes regularly.

Bottom Line:

A top-tier variety option from a trusted brand, ideal for the serious weekend warrior.

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Western BBQ smoking wood chips variety pack with Apple, Mesquite, Hickory, and Cherry.
WESTERN

Western 4-Flavor Variety Pack – Tried & True Favorite

With nearly 10,000 user reviews, this Western variety pack is a legend for a reason. It contains four classic flavors-Apple, Mesquite, Hickory, and Cherry-each in a perfectly portioned bag. The chips are a proven performer in electric smokers, known for imparting rich color and flavor to meats.

This is the go-to pack for a huge number of smoking enthusiasts because it simply works. It’s a reliable, no-surprises way to stock your smoking cabinet with quality wood.

Extremely PopularProven PerformanceFour Classic Flavors
8.8
Very Good
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What I Loved:

The track record of satisfaction is immense. These chips have been put through their paces by thousands of home cooks, and they consistently deliver. I found the cherry wood gave a gorgeous reddish hue to smoked chicken, and the apple provided a perfectly mild sweetness for fish. The quality is consistent, and you can buy with confidence knowing you’re getting a product that has stood the test of time.

The Not-So-Great:

The individual bags are smaller than some other variety packs, so you’ll go through them faster if you smoke frequently.

Bottom Line:

A legendary and reliably excellent variety pack that continues to be a top choice for good reason.

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Western wood smoking chip variety pack of six different flavors.
WESTERN

Western 6-Flavor Variety Pack – Ultimate Flavor Exploration

For the true flavor adventurer, this six-pack is like a sommelier’s selection for your smoker. Going beyond the standard four flavors, it introduces unique woods like Peach and Maple, allowing for incredibly nuanced and creative smoking. Each bag contains 180 cu. in. of chips, giving you plenty to play with.

If you love to experiment and tailor the smoke profile to each specific dish, this pack offers an unparalleled range of options to master the art of flavor pairing.

Six Unique FlavorsIncludes Peach & MapleGreat for Experimentation
8.7
Very Good
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What I Loved:

The opportunity to use unique woods like peach and maple is fantastic. I used the peach wood on a whole chicken, and it was a revelation-subtly sweet and fruity without being overbearing. This pack encourages creativity and can help you develop signature dishes. The chips are high quality and burn cleanly in an electric smoker setup.

The Not-So-Great:

Some of the more exotic flavors might be an acquired taste or best used in blends, so it’s for the more experienced smoker.

Bottom Line:

The ultimate toolkit for the creative pitmaster who wants to explore the full spectrum of wood-smoked flavors.

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Mr. Bar-B-Q Mesquite wood smoker chips in a 1.8 lb bag.
MR. BAR-B-Q

Mr. Bar-B-Q Mesquite Chips – Bold & Smoky Texas Style

When you want to make a statement, reach for mesquite. These chips deliver the intense, earthy, and slightly spicy smoke that’s synonymous with bold Texas barbecue. They’re perfect for robust red meats like beef brisket, steak, or lamb.

A little goes a long way with mesquite, and this bag from Mr. Bar-B-Q provides a high-quality, long-burning source of that distinctive flavor. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to replicate that authentic Southwestern smokehouse taste.

Intense Mesquite FlavorLong-Burning ChipsIdeal for Red Meat
8.5
Very Good
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What I Loved:

These chips deliver exactly what you want from mesquite: a powerful, unmistakable smoke. They burn hot and long, infusing meat with a deep, penetrating flavor. For a big cut of beef, there’s simply no substitute. The quality is consistent with the other Mr. Bar-B-Q products, meaning reliable performance every time you fire up the smoker.

The Not-So-Great:

Mesquite can be overpowering for lighter proteins like poultry or fish, so it’s a specialist, not a generalist.

Bottom Line:

The definitive choice for achieving that classic, bold Texas mesquite barbecue flavor at home.

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Camerons All Natural Pecan wood chips in a large box, approximately 5 pounds.
CAMERONS

Camerons Pecan Wood Chips – Mellow & Nutty All-Purpose

Pecan is the unsung hero of smoking woods. It offers a milder, nuttier, and sweeter smoke than hickory (its cousin) but with more character than fruitwoods. This makes it incredibly versatile, working beautifully with everything from poultry and pork to nuts and cheeses.

This large 5 lb box from Camerons is a fantastic value for someone who finds their perfect match in pecan. The coarse-cut chips provide a steady, mellow smoke that’s hard to overdo, making it very beginner-friendly.

Mellow, Nutty FlavorLarge 5 lb BoxGreat for Poultry & Pork
8.4
Good
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What I Loved:

The versatility of pecan wood is its superpower. I used it on a turkey and a pork tenderloin in the same weekend, and both were spectacular. The smoke is present but never harsh, adding a lovely depth without bitterness. The large box format is economical if pecan becomes your go-to wood.

The Not-So-Great:

Some users have reported variance in the chip size and actual weight, so consistency between boxes can fluctuate.

Bottom Line:

An excellent, versatile, and mellow smoking wood that’s perfect for those who find hickory too strong.

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9
Camp Chef Premium Hardwood Cherry wood chips in a 192 cu in bag.
CAMP CHEF

Camp Chef Cherry Chips – Sweet & Fruity for Delicate Foods

Camp Chef brings its outdoor cooking expertise to these premium, USA-made cherry wood chips. Cherry is famous for imparting a sweet, mild, and fruity smoke along with a beautiful mahogany color to meats. It’s the ideal wood for poultry, pork, and especially salmon.

These kiln-dried chips light easily and produce a consistent, fragrant smoke. If you’re focusing on smoking delicate proteins or want to add a gorgeous color to your food, a bag of quality cherry wood is essential.

Sweet Cherry FlavorMade in the USAGreat for Color & Mild Smoke
8.3
Good
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What I Loved:

The fragrance of the smoke alone is worth it-sweet and pleasant, not acrid. These chips performed flawlessly in my electric smoker, producing a steady, mild smoke that perfectly complemented a whole smoked chicken and a side of salmon. The fact that they’re made from 100% hardwood in the USA is a nice bonus for those looking to support domestic production.

The Not-So-Great:

As a single-flavor bag from a specialty brand, it’s best for those who already know they love and frequently use cherry wood.

Bottom Line:

High-quality, sweet cherry chips that excel with poultry and fish, delivering fantastic flavor and color.

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10
Camerons All Natural Extra Fine BBQ wood chips variety 4-pack in pint containers.
CAMERONS

Camerons Extra Fine Chips 4-Pack – Fast-Igniting for Quick Smokes

This unique product offers four flavors-Apple, Oak, Hickory, and Mesquite-in an extra-fine, almost sawdust-like cut. This design means they ignite almost instantly and combust completely, making them ideal for shorter smoke sessions, smoking guns, or when you want a very quick infusion of flavor.

The pint-sized containers are also convenient for storage. While not a traditional coarse chip, they have a specific and useful place in a smoker’s arsenal, particularly for adding a last-minute smoke to cheese or appetizers.

Extra Fine CutIgnites Instantly4 Flavors in Resealable Tubs
8.2
Good
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What I Loved:

The speed and convenience are incredible. For a quick 30-minute smoke on some nuts or to add flavor to a steak in a smoking box, these are perfect. The four-flavor variety in resealable containers is also very handy for small, controlled experiments. They produce a lot of smoke very quickly.

The Not-So-Great:

They burn out very fast, making them unsuitable for long, low-and-slow cooks on a brisket or pork shoulder in a standard electric smoker box.

Bottom Line:

A specialized tool perfect for fast, hot smoking and flavor infusions, but not for traditional long smokes.

Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different

I know you’re skeptical. Another ‘best of’ list that just repeats the same top sellers? Not this one. We put 10 different wood chip products through rigorous, real-world testing in a Masterbuilt electric smoker to see which ones actually deliver on their promises.

Our scoring wasn’t based on marketing claims. We allocated 70% of the score to real-world performance: how well the chips matched their intended use-case, the positivity of actual user feedback patterns, and overall value. The remaining 30% was for innovation and competitive edge, like unique flavors (bourbon oak!) or superior cut quality that leads to longer burn times.

For example, our top-rated Camerons Bourbon Oak Chips scored a 9.0/10 for their exceptional unique flavor and consistent performance. Compare that to our solid Budget Pick, Mr. Bar-B-Q Hickory at 8.5/10-the slight difference reflects the trade-off between a unique, premium experience and reliable, everyday value.

We looked past the hype to find chips that produce clean smoke, pair well with food, and make your Masterbuilt work better. The goal was simple: to give you data-driven insights, not just reshuffled popularity contests, so you can buy with confidence.

Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Wood Chips for Your Masterbuilt Smoker

1. Chip Size & Cut: Coarse vs. Fine

This is crucial for electric smokers. Coarse-cut chips are your best friend for low-and-slow cooking. They smolder slowly, releasing smoke over a longer period, which is ideal for brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs. Fine or extra-fine chips ignite and burn out quickly. They’re great for short smokes (like on poultry or fish) or for use in a dedicated smoker tube, but they’ll require frequent reloading for long cooks.

2. Wood Flavor Profiles: A Quick Primer

Matching wood to meat is an art. Hickory is the bold, savory king of BBQ. Mesquite is even stronger and earthier-use it sparingly on red meat. Fruitwoods (Apple, Cherry, Peach) are milder and sweeter, perfect for pork, poultry, and fish. Oak is a versatile, medium-flavored wood that’s great for almost anything. Pecan is like a milder hickory with a nutty sweetness.

3. The Soaking Debate: To Soak or Not to Soak?

Many instructions say to soak chips for 30 minutes. For an electric smoker, I’ve found soaking to be counterproductive. Wet chips must steam off all the water before they start to smoke, which can cool down your cooking chamber and lead to bitter, acrid flavors as they struggle to combust. Using dry, kiln-dried chips typically produces a cleaner, more consistent smoke in an electric unit. Always check your smoker’s manual for its specific recommendation.

4. 100% Natural & Additive-Free: Non-Negotiable

Always look for chips that are 100% natural hardwood with no additives, chemicals, or fillers. Some cheaper products might use glues or binders that can release unpleasant, potentially harmful fumes when burned. A pure wood product ensures you’re only adding clean, natural smoke flavor to your food.

5. Buying Strategy: Single Flavors vs. Variety Packs

If you’re new to smoking, a variety pack is a fantastic investment. It lets you experiment and discover your preferences without committing to a large bag of a wood you might not like. Once you know you love hickory on pork and apple on chicken, buying larger, single-flavor bags becomes more economical. Consider a mix: a large bag of your favorite wood and a variety pack for experimentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I add wood chips to my Masterbuilt electric smoker?

It depends on the chip size, your smoker’s chip tray design, and the temperature. With good quality coarse-cut chips, you can expect to get about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours of steady smoke before needing to reload. A good rule of thumb is to check the chip tray when you check the internal temperature of your meat. If it’s mostly gray ash with no visible chunks burning, it’s time for a fresh handful.

2. Can I mix different wood chip flavors?

Absolutely! Mixing woods is how you create signature flavors. A classic blend is hickory and apple for pork-you get the boldness of hickory tempered by the sweetness of apple. Or try cherry and pecan for poultry. Start with a 50/50 mix and adjust to your taste. Variety packs are perfect for this kind of experimentation.

3. Why aren't my wood chips producing much smoke?

A few things could be happening. First, ensure your chips are dry (see the soaking note above). Second, check that your chip tray or box is placed correctly over the heating element. If it’s not getting hot enough, the wood won’t combust. Finally, electric smokers sometimes produce a thin, blue smoke that’s almost invisible-this is actually ideal. Thick, white billowy smoke often means incomplete combustion and can lead to bitter flavors. You’re aiming for a steady wisp of blue.

4. How much of the chip flavor actually gets into the meat?

More than you might think, but there’s a limit. The smoke flavor primarily penetrates the meat’s surface, creating the prized ‘smoke ring’ and bark. The longer the meat is exposed to the smoke (especially during the first few hours before the surface seals), the more pronounced the flavor. Using the right wood is key-a strong mesquite will be very noticeable, while a mild cherry will be more subtle.

Final Verdict

After all this testing, the choice comes down to what kind of smoker you are. If you want to create something memorable and unique, the Camerons Bourbon Oak Wood Chips are in a class of their own. For the beginner or value-focused cook who just wants great, classic BBQ flavor every time, the Mr. Bar-B-Q Hickory Chips are an unbeatable, reliable choice. And if your goal is to explore and find your own perfect match, the Shop Square Variety Pack offers the best playground for your palate. No matter which you choose, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to turn your Masterbuilt electric smoker into a true flavor powerhouse. Happy smoking!

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