Masterbuilt Gravity Series Charcoal Grills: The Ultimate Review
Are you in search of the ultimate combination of genuine charcoal flavor with the accuracy of digital innovation? The Masterbuilt Gravity Grill Series may be the solution to your grilling prayers. This exhaustive review explores the entire Gravity Series lineup, comparing the 1150, XT, 600, 1050, and 800 models to assist you in deciding which one suits your grilling needs best.
What Is the Masterbuilt Gravity Series?
Masterbuilt Gravity Grill Series is a revolutionary method of charcoal grilling with the classic charcoal taste combined with digital temperature control traditionally found in pellet grills. Masterbuilt Gravity Series cookers feature a gravity-fed charcoal hopper that supplies fuel continuously as needed with accurate temperatures from 150°F to 700°F.
Key Features Common to All Masterbuilt Gravity Series Models
Before diving into the differences between models, let’s look at what features are consistent across the Gravity Series line:
- Digital Fan Control System: Precisely regulates temperature without manual vent adjustments
- WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Monitor and control your cook from anywhere using the Masterbuilt app
- Gravity-Fed Charcoal Hopper: Provides up to 8+ hours of cooking time depending on the model
- Versatility: Smoke, grill, sear, bake, roast, and more with a single unit
- Cast Iron Cooking Grates: Excellent heat retention and perfect sear marks
- Meat Probe Thermometers: Built-in temperature monitoring for precise cooking
- Quick Heat-Up: Reaches 700°F in as little as 15 minutes depending on the model
Model Comparison: Sizing Up the Gravity Series
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600
The Gravity Series 600 is the entry-level model, perfect for smaller families or those with limited space.
- Cooking Space: 600 square inches across main cooking area and warming/smoking rack
- Hopper Capacity: Holds up to 12-18 lbs of charcoal (depending on lump or briquette charcoal)
- Footprint: Most compact option in the lineup
- Unique Features: Digital control panel, meat probe thermometer, fold-out front shelf
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800
The 800 strikes an excellent balance between cooking capacity and space efficiency.
- Cooking Space: 800 square inches total
- Hopper Capacity: 10 lbs of lump charcoal or 16 lbs of briquette charcoal for up to 8 hours of cook time
- Unique Features: Flat-top griddle insert
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050
Stepping up to the 1050 provides significantly more cooking capacity for larger gatherings.
- Cooking Space: 1,050 square inches total across three cooking levels
- Hopper Capacity: 10 lbs of lump charcoal or 16 lbs of briquette charcoal
- Unique Features: Two raised racks, larger wheels for improved mobility
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1150
The 1150 is the flagship model, offering the most generous cooking capacity in the standard lineup.
- Cooking Space: 1,150 square inches total (main grill area plus upper racks)
- Hopper Capacity: 12-18 lbs of charcoal (lump or briquette) for up to 15 hours of continuous cooking
- Unique Features: Largest main cooking surface, removable middle rack for accommodating taller items,
Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT
The XT models represent upgrades to the base models with several enhanced features.
- Material Quality: Heavier gauge steel construction for better heat retention
- Control Panel: Updated digital interface with more preset cooking options
- Cooking Space: 1,260 square inches total
- Enhanced App Integration: More advanced features in the companion app
- Unique Features: Towel rack, utility hooks, and storage drawer
Performance Analysis
Temperature Control and Stability
One of the aspects that make the Gravity Series stand out is its temperature control system. Unlike charcoal grills that require constant monitoring of vents and dampers, the digital fan control system precisely adjusts airflow to provide your desired temperature, typically within ±10°F.
The larger models (1050 and 1150) tend to maintain slightly more stable temperatures due to their greater thermal mass, while the 600 and 800 models may experience somewhat more fluctuation in windy conditions or extreme temperatures.
Heat Range and Versatility
All Gravity Series models offer an impressive temperature range from 225°F for low-and-slow smoking to 700°F for high-heat searing. This versatility allows you to smoke brisket at 225°F for 12+ hours or quickly sear steaks at 700°F.
The XT model can reach the maximum temperature slightly faster than their standard counterparts due to improved insulation.
Fuel Efficiency
Charcoal consumption varies by model, with the compact 600 burning about 1-1.2 lbs of charcoal an hour at 250°F and the bigger 1150 possibly burning 1.3-1.5 lbs per hour at 250°F. The insulation upgrades of XT model might be more fuel-efficient compared to other models but not enough to offset the additional space required to be heated.
Build Quality and Durability
Build quality improves as you move up the lineup, with the 1050, 1150, and XT models featuring thicker gauge steel and improved gaskets. The 600 and 800 models, while well-built for their price points, use slightly thinner materials that may show wear sooner with frequent use.
Technology and Convenience Features
App Functionality
All models feature WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity via the Masterbuilt app are included on all models, allowing you to:
- Monitor internal temperature
- Adjust grill temperature
- Track meat probe readings
- Receive notifications
- Access guided recipes
The XT model offers additional app features including custom cook programming and more detailed temperature history graphs.
Ease of Use
The Gravity Series makes charcoal cooking more accessible than ever. The digital control panel is intuitive, and the gravity-feed system eliminates much of the babysitting required with traditional charcoal grills.
Starting up is straightforward across all models:
- Fill the hopper with charcoal
- Light the starter pad through the access door
- Close the door and set your desired temperature
- Allow 10-15 minutes to reach target temperature
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning requirements are similar across all models:
- The ash bin needs emptying after approximately 2-3 cooks
- Grease collection systems should be cleaned after each use
- Cooking grates require standard cleaning and occasional seasoning
- Fan and temperature sensor areas benefit from periodic cleaning to ensure accurate operation
The larger models (1050 and 1150) have slightly larger ash collection systems, requiring less frequent emptying during extended cooking sessions.
Pros and Cons of the Masterbuilt Gravity Series
Pros:
- Combines authentic charcoal flavor with digital temperature control
- Versatile cooking options from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing
- Quick heat-up time compared to traditional smokers
- WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring
- Relatively affordable entry point compared to comparable pellet systems
- Uses readily available charcoal rather than proprietary fuel
Cons:
- Initial charcoal lighting process takes 10-15 minutes (although it is advertised it can reach up to 700°F in under 15 minuets
- Charcoal ash requires more frequent cleaning than pellet grills
- Fan systems can occasionally experience electrical issues
- App connectivity can be spotty in some environments
- Some users report temperature swings under certain conditions
Common Problems and Solutions
Temperature Fluctuations
Some owners experience temperature fluctuations, particularly on the 600 and 800 units. These can usually be mitigated by:
- Using higher quality lump charcoal
- Making sure the temperature sensors are cleaned properly
- Protecting the unit from strong winds
- Updating the firmware through the app
Charcoal Bridging
Occasionally, charcoal can become stuck in the hopper. This is less common in the XT models due to improved hopper design, but all models benefit from:
- Using consistent-sized charcoal chunks
- Avoiding overfilling the hopper
- Periodically checking for proper charcoal flow during long cooks
WiFi Connectivity Issues
Any WiFi grill is prone to connectivity problems. For added reliability:
- Position the grill within good range of your home WiFi
- Keep the control panel clean and protected from moisture
- Regularly update the app and grill firmware
- Consider a WiFi extender for distant setups
Who Should Buy Each Masterbuilt Gravity Series Model?
Gravity Series 600
Best for: Singles, couples, small families, or those with limited space who still want digital charcoal cooking capabilities.
Gravity Series 800
Best for: Average families who grill weekly and occasionally entertain small groups. It offers a good balance of capacity and footprint.
Gravity Series 1050
Best for: Larger families, frequent entertainers, and those who often cook multiple types of food simultaneously.
Gravity Series 1150
Best for: Die-hard grill masters who have parties frequently with larger groups or those who prepare for large gatherings or cooking for family get-togethers when more capacity is needed.
Gravity Series XT Model
Best for: Top-of-the-line feature seekers, improved build quality, and better temperature stability that are willing to pay a little extra for optimum performance.
Value Assessment: Price vs. Performance
The Gravity Series provides excellent value across all price points, but the sweet spots in the lineup are:
- Best Value Entry Point: Gravity Series 800 provides sufficient cooking space for most families while remaining affordable
- Best Performance for Price: The 1050 model provides substantial capacity increases and improved features without the premium cost of the 1150
- Best Investment: The XT model offers more promising longevity and performance improvements that justify the higher price for serious cooks
Summary: Is the Masterbuilt Gravity Grill Series Right for You?
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series of grills has successfully bridged the gap between traditional charcoal grilling and modern digital convenience. These grills deliver authentic charcoal flavor without the constant monitoring and adjustment typically required by conventional charcoal setups.
If you value both charcoal flavor and convenience, any model in the Gravity Series lineup will likely satisfy your needs. The primary consideration should be cooking capacity and budget, with the 800 and 1050 models representing the best balance for most users.
For those who grill frequently or demand maximum performance, the XT variant offers meaningful upgrades that justify their premium pricing through improved durability, more stable temperature management, and enhanced features.
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series stands as an innovative solution for those unwilling to compromise between authentic charcoal flavor and modern convenience features previously only available in pellet grills or high-end gas systems.
