Key takeaways
- Footprint: Gravity smokers are tall and heavy. Measure patio space, door widths and any steps before buying.
- Power: The fan and controller need an outdoor-rated power source. Keep the cord and plug away from heat and wet areas, and use only a cord rated for outdoor use.
- Placement: Use outdoors only, on a non-flammable surface, away from walls, fences, overhangs and combustible materials, per the manual. Never operate in a garage or enclosed space.
- Ash and grease: Empty ash only when completely cool and dispose of it in a metal container. Clean grease regularly to reduce flare-up risk.
- Charcoal: Use the fuel the maker specifies. Lump and briquette behave differently in a gravity hopper.
- Cover: Use a fitted cover to protect the controller and finish from weather.
- Temperature accuracy: Use a separate thermometer to cross-check the controller’s reading, especially on any brand where reviewers report drift.
- Carbon monoxide: Charcoal produces carbon monoxide. Never bring a hot or smoldering unit indoors.
For most home cooks, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is the gravity-fed smoker reviewers most often point to, thanks to its balance of cooking area, controller features and a griddle option, while the Gravity Series 1050 suits people who cook for crowds and want extra capacity and app control. If you want a lower-cost entry or an alternative brand, a Char-Griller gravity model is the usual comparison, though reviewers report mixed temperature accuracy. Treat any gravity smoker as a charcoal cooker with a fan and controller, and follow the manual for outdoor use and fire safety.
Our top picks
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How a gravity-fed smoker works
A gravity-fed smoker uses a vertical hopper of charcoal that feeds fuel down to a burn area as it burns. A digital controller and fan hold the set temperature, so you get a hands-off cook with charcoal flavor. Makers describe hopper run times of up to about eight hours on one load for some models. The trade-off compared with a pellet grill is the use of lump or briquette charcoal, usually with wood chunks for smoke, and some ash management.
At a glance: current options
| Model | Best for | Key stated points | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 | Most home cooks | Digital controller, griddle option, balance of capacity and features per reviewers | Smaller cooking area than the 1050 |
| Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 | Large cooks, multiple briskets or racks | About 1050 sq in cooking area, digital PID controller, Wi-Fi app, hopper up to roughly 8 hours per roundups | One review criticizes the app; some owners report controller issues over time |
| Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 / 600 | Smaller yards, entry gravity cooks | Part of the maker’s lineup, smaller footprint | Less capacity |
| Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT | Heavy-volume cooks | Listed at 1260 sq in with a long burn in one roundup | Large and heavy |
| Char-Griller Gravity 980 | Buyers comparing brands | Gravity-fed alternative to the Masterbuilt 800 | One older comparison found it ran cooler than its controller displayed |
| Char-Griller Competition Pro | Offset-style competition cooks | Described as 1010 sq in with an offset firebox in one roundup | Different style; more attention needed |
800 versus 1050
This is the most common decision. Several reviewers say the 800 suits around nine in ten home cooks, citing its capacity, a flat-top griddle option and lower cost. One review of the 1050 scored it 8.6 out of 10, but criticized the Masterbuilt app, especially on Android. Choose the 1050 if you regularly cook several briskets, many racks of ribs or for competition-style volume. Choose the 800 if you cook for a family and want a cooker that doubles for grilling and searing.
Budget tiers
Budget
Smaller Masterbuilt Gravity models like the 560 or 600 give the gravity-fed approach in a smaller package. Expect less cooking space and fewer smart features.
Mid-range
The Gravity Series 800 sits here and is the typical recommendation. You get a digital controller, a sizable cooking area and grill versatility.
Premium
The 1050 and XT offer more space, more controller features and app control. Some owners report controller lifespans of only a few years, so check the warranty and parts support.
Fit, size and care notes
- Footprint: Gravity smokers are tall and heavy. Measure patio space, door widths and any steps before buying.
- Power: The fan and controller need an outdoor-rated power source. Keep the cord and plug away from heat and wet areas, and use only a cord rated for outdoor use.
- Placement: Use outdoors only, on a non-flammable surface, away from walls, fences, overhangs and combustible materials, per the manual. Never operate in a garage or enclosed space.
- Ash and grease: Empty ash only when completely cool and dispose of it in a metal container. Clean grease regularly to reduce flare-up risk.
- Charcoal: Use the fuel the maker specifies. Lump and briquette behave differently in a gravity hopper.
- Cover: Use a fitted cover to protect the controller and finish from weather.
- Temperature accuracy: Use a separate thermometer to cross-check the controller’s reading, especially on any brand where reviewers report drift.
- Carbon monoxide: Charcoal produces carbon monoxide. Never bring a hot or smoldering unit indoors.
Pick X if you…
| If you… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cook for a family and want versatility | Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 | Balanced capacity, griddle option |
| Cook for crowds or competitions | Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 or XT | More cooking area, long burn times |
| Have limited space | Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 or 600 | Smaller footprint |
| Prefer an offset-style design | Char-Griller Competition Pro | Offset firebox, steel grates per roundup |
| Want to compare brands on a budget | Char-Griller Gravity 980 | Alternative to Masterbuilt, but check temperature accuracy reports |
Alternatives
- Pellet smoker: Easier fuel handling and often stronger app ecosystems, but uses pellets and may give less sear.
- Kamado or ceramic cooker: Excellent heat retention, but needs manual airflow control.
- Offset stick burner: Traditional and rewarding, but requires constant tending and skill.
Source caveat
Most 2026 gravity-smoker lists are affiliate-style and their testing claims vary. One cited Char-Griller comparison is several years old, so check the current model’s maker page and recent owner reports. Warranty terms and controller reliability are worth reading directly from the maker.
Practical buying checklist
Before you order
- Estimate your typical cook: A couple of racks of ribs and a chicken need far less area than two briskets plus sides. Match capacity to your habit, not your biggest occasional cook.
- Check the fuel plan: Gravity smokers burn charcoal in a hopper. Ask whether you will use lump or briquettes and what the maker recommends for the hopper design.
- Look at the controller: Digital controllers hold the target temperature. Ask about app quality, probe count and what happens if Wi-Fi drops.
- Review the parts and warranty: Because controllers and fans are the usual failure points reported by owners, read the warranty and spare-parts availability.
- Plan for delivery and assembly: These smokers arrive heavy and take time to assemble. Have a helper and a clear space ready.
Common mistakes owners report
- Trusting the controller displayed temperature without a second thermometer.
- Overloading the hopper with the wrong size of charcoal, leading to uneven burn.
- Neglecting ash cleanout, which can choke airflow.
- Leaving the smoker uncovered in rain so electronics get damp.
- Placing the unit too close to a wall or fence.
Getting good results
Light the fuel as the manual describes and let the smoker settle at temperature before adding meat. Use wood chunks for smoke flavor, placed as the maker advises. Insert a meat probe and cook to internal temperature rather than time, using the food-safety temperatures published by your national food-safety agency. Keep a log of hopper level and burn time for your first few cooks, since real-world runs vary with weather. After each cook, let the unit cool fully, remove ash safely, and wipe grease from the grates and drip areas. Over time these habits reduce flare-ups and extend the life of the fan and controller. If something looks wrong with the wiring, such as a frayed cord, stop using the smoker and contact the maker.
Who should skip a gravity-fed smoker
If you want minimal cleanup and the simplest fuel handling, a pellet smoker may fit better, because gravity models involve ash, charcoal storage and a heavy cabinet. Apartment and balcony users should check building rules, since charcoal appliances are often banned on balconies and near structures. Cooks who enjoy tending a fire may prefer an offset, which gives more direct control. Buyers on a very tight budget may be better served by a basic charcoal kettle or a smaller smoker than by an entry gravity unit with a controller that may need replacement. Finally, anyone without an outdoor-rated power source near the cooking spot will need a safe way to run the fan before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gravity-fed smoker better than a pellet smoker?
It depends on what you value. Gravity smokers use charcoal, which many cooks prefer for flavor and higher searing heat, while pellet smokers are usually simpler to operate. Reviewers generally describe the two as different trade-offs rather than one being better.
How long does one hopper of charcoal last?
Makers list run times of up to about eight hours for some models, though the real number depends on temperature, outdoor conditions and charcoal type. Higher temperatures burn fuel faster. Plan to refill for very long cooks.
Which Masterbuilt gravity model should I buy?
Many reviewers prefer the 800 for typical home use and the 1050 for high-volume cooks. The 560 and 600 suit smaller spaces. Match cooking area to the amount of food you cook at once.
Do gravity smokers need electricity?
Yes, the fan and digital controller need power. Use an outdoor-rated source and follow the manual for cord placement. Without power, the temperature control will not work.
Are the controllers reliable?
Reports vary. Some owners cite controller failures within a few years, while others have no issues. Check the warranty, parts availability and recent owner feedback before buying.
Can I use a gravity smoker for grilling?
Some models, particularly the Masterbuilt 800 with its griddle option, are described as handling smoking, grilling and griddling. Searing performance varies by model, so check the maker’s description. Always follow the manual for safe operation.
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