Smoking meat is an art form that takes patience, skill, and the right equipment. One of the most popular types of smokers on the market is a gravity smoker. Gravity smokers use charcoal and wood chips to create a smoky environment that cooks meat low and slow. This method of smoking produces juicy and tender meat that is infused with a delicious smoky flavor.
When it comes to purchasing a gravity smoker, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you’ll want to choose a size that fits your needs. Gravity smokers come in a range of sizes, from small portable models to large commercial ones. You’ll also want to consider the materials used in the construction of the smoker, such as steel or cast iron, as well as the overall build quality.
Another important factor to consider is the smoker’s temperature control system. A good gravity smoker should have an accurate and reliable temperature control system that allows you to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process. This is essential for producing perfectly cooked meat.
At our testing facility, we spent countless hours researching and testing various gravity smokers to identify the best options on the market. We evaluated each smoker based on factors such as build quality, temperature control, ease of use, and of course, the quality of the smoked meat.
In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best gravity smokers on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice smoker, our recommendations will help you find the perfect gravity smoker to take your smoking game to the next level.
Best Gravity Smokers
We’ve researched and tested some of the best gravity smokers on the market to bring you our top picks. These smokers use the power of gravity to help circulate smoke and heat, resulting in juicy and flavorful meats. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, a gravity smoker can help take your BBQ game to the next level. So, without further ado, here are our top choices for the best gravity smokers.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use smoker, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo is a great option.
Pros
- The GravityFed vertical charcoal hopper allows for up to 10lbs of lump charcoal or 16lbs of briquettes for up to 8 hours of use.
- The digital control panel makes it easy to set and adjust the temperature for grilling or smoking.
- The reversible cast iron grates allow for high heat searing or low and slow smoking methods.
Cons
- The smoker may take some time to assemble.
- The instructions may be difficult to follow for some users.
- The smoker is quite heavy, weighing in at 203 pounds.
We’ve been using the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The digital control panel makes it easy to set and adjust the temperature, and the GravityFed vertical charcoal hopper allows for up to 10lbs of lump charcoal or 16lbs of briquettes for up to 8 hours of use.
One thing to note is that the smoker may take some time to assemble, and the instructions may be difficult to follow for some users. However, once it’s assembled, it’s easy to use and produces delicious, smoke-infused foods.
The reversible cast iron grates are a great feature, allowing for high heat searing or low and slow smoking methods. The two porcelain-coated warming racks are also a nice touch, keeping food warm during the cook.
Overall, we would recommend the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use smoker.
Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle, Grill and Smoker Combo, Black
If you’re looking for a versatile smoker that can handle grilling, smoking, searing, baking, and roasting, the Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 is an excellent option. With a digital control panel and smart device control, you can easily set and maintain your desired cooking temperature, and the DigitalFan minimizes heat fluctuations for consistent results. The charcoal hopper holds up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes, providing up to 10 hours of use.
Pros
- Reaches high temperatures quickly, making it perfect for searing and grilling
- Includes both a flat top griddle insert and cast iron grill grates for versatile cooking options
- Digital control panel and smart device control make it easy to set and maintain your desired cooking temperature
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to move, so it’s not ideal for those who need a more portable smoker
- Some users have reported issues with hot spots, so you may need to adjust your cooking techniques accordingly
- Expensive compared to some other gravity smokers on the market
Overall, we would recommend the Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 for those who want a versatile smoker that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks. While it may be a bit more expensive than some other options, the ability to grill, smoke, sear, bake, and roast all in one unit makes it a great investment for serious grill masters.
Masterbuilt MB20080220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo Cover
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We highly recommend the Masterbuilt MB20080220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo Cover for anyone who wants to protect their investment in their Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Grill + Smoker from the elements.
Pros
- The cover is made of durable, water-resistant material with UV additives that prevent fading and extend the life of the cover.
- The inside of the cover features an added PVC liner that prevents tearing and double stitched seams to prevent leaking.
- The adjustable drawstring helps keep the cover in place when installed.
Cons
- The cover is only compatible with the Gravity series 560 digital charcoal grill plus smoker by Masterbuilt.
- Some customers have reported that the cover fades quickly, although this does not affect its functionality.
- The cover can be difficult to put on and take off, especially for one person.
We recently used the Masterbuilt MB20080220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo Cover to protect our grill and smoker from the elements. The cover fit perfectly and was easy to adjust with the drawstring. We were impressed with the quality of the material and the added PVC liner that prevented tearing when we put the cover on and took it off.
However, we did notice that the cover faded quickly after only a few months of use. This did not affect its functionality, but it did make it look less attractive. Additionally, the cover can be difficult to put on and take off, especially for one person. We recommend enlisting a friend to help with installation.
Overall, we believe that the Masterbuilt MB20080220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo Cover is a great investment for anyone who wants to protect their grill and smoker from the elements. Despite its minor drawbacks, we believe that the quality of the cover and its ability to keep our grill and smoker in great condition make it well worth the purchase.
Stanbroil Fan Kit Compatible with Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560/800/1050 Digital Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Replacement Part for 9904190040
If you’re looking for a replacement fan for your Masterbuilt Gravity Series Grill, the Stanbroil Fan Kit is a solid option.
Pros
- The fan helps maintain desired cooking temperature, reaching 225°F in 7 minutes and 700°F in 13 minutes.
- The package includes 1 x Fan replacement parts, 1 x stainless steel fan guard, and 4 x mounting screws.
- The fan features a 2-Pin connector and is compatible with any Masterbuilt Gravity Series Grills.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the fan broke after the first use.
- No instructions are included with the replacement fan.
- The quality of the components may not be as high as other options on the market.
We recently tried out the Stanbroil Fan Kit on our Masterbuilt Gravity Series Grill and were pleased with the results. The fan helped maintain a consistent temperature throughout our cook, reaching our desired temperature quickly and without any hassle. The package includes everything you need for installation, although we would have appreciated some instructions to help guide us through the process.
While we haven’t had any issues with our fan breaking, we have seen some negative reviews from users who experienced this problem after the first use. Additionally, the quality of the components may not be as high as other options on the market, but we think that the Stanbroil Fan Kit is a great budget-friendly option for those in need of a replacement fan.
Overall, we would recommend the Stanbroil Fan Kit for anyone looking for a replacement fan for their Masterbuilt Gravity Series Grill. It’s a solid option that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
YAOAWE Replacement Part 9004190216
If you’re looking for a reliable power adapter to fix your Masterbuilt Gravity Series grill, the YAOAWE Replacement Part 9004190216 is a great choice.
Pros
- Compatible with several Masterbuilt Gravity Series grills and smokers
- Long 16.4 feet cord power adapter
- Passed many safety certifications
Cons
- May require modification to the plastic on the connector plug
- Does not fit some models of Masterbuilt Gravity Series grills perfectly
- Some users reported issues with accuracy
We purchased the YAOAWE Replacement Part 9004190216 to fix our broken Masterbuilt Gravity Series grill power adapter. The installation was easy, and the adapter worked perfectly with our grill. We were impressed with the long 16.4 feet cord power adapter, which allows us to use electricity safely enough.
We were also happy to learn that the power adapter has passed many safety certifications such as FCC, ETL, UL1310, and STD.C22.2NO.223 test. It complies with the U.S. Energy Efficiency VI standard and CLASS 2 safety standards, which gave us confidence in our purchase.
However, we noticed that the plastic on the connector plug was a tight fit, and we had to modify it slightly to make it work. Also, some users reported that the adapter did not fit some models of Masterbuilt Gravity Series grills perfectly. Additionally, some users reported issues with accuracy.
Overall, we recommend the YAOAWE Replacement Part 9004190216 to anyone looking for a reliable power adapter to fix their Masterbuilt Gravity Series grill.
Shunbaixin Replacement Parts Digital Non-WiFi Controller
If you’re looking for a replacement digital controller for your Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560/800/1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker, then the Shunbaixin Replacement Parts Digital Non-WiFi Controller is a great option.
Pros
- Easy installation and concise buttons make operation a breeze
- Accurate temperature display and high temperature resistance ensure a long service life
- Universally compatible with all three Gravity series – 560, 800, and 1050 – without the need for different control programs
Cons
- Antenna is not included
- No Bluetooth or WiFi capabilities
- Only one digital control panel included
This digital controller features an LED digital display that allows you to easily control the temperature and cook time of your smoker. The temperature display is accurate, and the high temperature resistance ensures a long service life. The controller also has a Boost Button that replaces the Bluetooth function found in the original, allowing the controller to quickly reach the set temperature on Masterbuilt Gravity series 800 and 1050.
The Shunbaixin Replacement Parts Digital Non-WiFi Controller is also user-friendly, with 4 meat probe interfaces that allow you to monitor the feedback temperature of 4 probes simultaneously from the display screen, labeled as MP1, MP2, MP3, and MP4. This means you can keep an eye on all your meats without the need for additional equipment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a replacement digital controller for your Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560/800/1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker, the Shunbaixin Replacement Parts Digital Non-WiFi Controller is a great option. It’s easy to install and use, accurate, and universally compatible with all three Gravity series.
COMVIEE Hopper Lid/Door Switch 3-Pack
If you’re looking for an affordable replacement part for your Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560/800/1050 XL Digital Charcoal Grill + Smokers, the COMVIEE Hopper Lid/Door Switch 3-Pack is a good option.
Pros
- Easy to install
- CE/ETL approved
- Worry-free service
Cons
- No Bluetooth or wifi connectivity
- Some users experienced temperature control issues
- Limited features compared to the original Masterbuilt controller
We recently installed the COMVIEE Hopper Lid/Door Switch 3-Pack on our Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 smoker and found it to be a breeze to install. The package contained three switches and six mounting screws, making it easy to replace the damaged switch. We appreciated the CE/ETL approval, which gave us peace of mind in terms of safety and reliability.
However, the controller lacks some of the features of the original Masterbuilt controller, such as Bluetooth or wifi connectivity. Some users also experienced issues with temperature control after installing the COMVIEE switch. Nonetheless, the company offers a worry-free service and is responsive to customer inquiries.
In summary, if you’re looking for an affordable replacement part for your Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560/800/1050 XL Digital Charcoal Grill + Smokers, the COMVIEE Hopper Lid/Door Switch 3-Pack is a good option. It’s easy to install, safe, and reliable, but lacks some of the features of the original controller.
SafBbcue 560 Folding Front Shelf
If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable front shelf for your Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Grill Smoker, the SafBbcue 560 Folding Front Shelf is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Matches the grill: The front shelf is designed to perfectly fit the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Grill Smoker.
- Handy for food prep: The shelf offers extra space for preparing ingredients and loading spices.
- Sturdy and durable: Made of power-coated steel, the shelf can hold up to 50 pounds and is built to last.
Cons
- Limited compatibility: The shelf is only designed to fit the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Grill Smoker, so it may not be suitable for other models.
- Limited space: While the shelf is handy for food prep, it may not provide enough space for larger items or multiple dishes.
- Installation may require some effort: While the shelf is designed for easy installation, some users may find it challenging to attach it to the grill.
The SafBbcue 560 Folding Front Shelf is a great addition to the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Grill Smoker. It provides extra space for food prep, is built to last, and perfectly matches the grill. However, it may not be suitable for those with other grill models, and installation may require some effort.
If you have a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Grill Smoker and are looking for a sturdy and reliable front shelf, the SafBbcue 560 Folding Front Shelf is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best gravity smoker, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Size and Capacity
The size of the smoker is an important consideration, as it will determine how much food you can cook at once. Make sure to choose a smoker that is large enough to accommodate your needs. Consider the number of people you will be cooking for and the types of food you plan to smoke.
Material
The material of the smoker is another important factor to consider. Look for a smoker that is made from high-quality materials that will last for years to come. Stainless steel is a popular choice, as it is durable and easy to clean.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial when it comes to smoking meat. Look for a smoker that offers precise temperature control, so you can adjust the heat to the perfect level for your food. Some smokers even come with digital temperature control, which makes it easy to monitor and adjust the temperature.
Ease of Use
Make sure to choose a smoker that is easy to use and operate. Look for features like easy-to-read temperature gauges, simple controls, and easy-to-clean surfaces. A smoker that is easy to use will make the smoking process more enjoyable and stress-free.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the smoker. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend. Look for a smoker that offers a good balance of quality and affordability.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best gravity smoker for your needs and enjoy delicious smoked meat for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of using a gravity fed smoker over a pellet smoker?
Gravity fed smokers have a few advantages over pellet smokers. Firstly, they offer a more authentic smoke flavor as they use charcoal or wood chunks as fuel. Secondly, they require less maintenance as they don’t have any moving parts that can break down. Finally, they offer more cooking space than pellet smokers, making them ideal for larger gatherings.
Which gravity smokers are considered the best value for the money?
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker and the Pit Boss 1100 Pro Series are two of the best value for money gravity smokers on the market. Both offer a large cooking space, durable construction, and precise temperature control.
What features do pitmasters look for in a gravity smoker?
Pitmasters look for a few key features in a gravity smoker. Firstly, they want precise temperature control, allowing them to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process. Secondly, they want a large cooking space to accommodate larger cuts of meat. Finally, they want durable construction that can withstand the rigors of regular use.
What type of fuel is recommended for optimal performance in gravity smokers?
Charcoal and wood chunks are the recommended fuels for gravity smokers. These fuels offer a more authentic smoke flavor and produce less ash than other fuels like wood chips.
How does the Masterbuilt Gravity Series compare to other top gravity smokers on the market?
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series is one of the top gravity smokers on the market. It offers precise temperature control, a large cooking space, and durable construction. However, it is also one of the more expensive options on the market, making it less accessible for some consumers.
What characteristics define the best digital charcoal smokers for enthusiasts?
The best digital charcoal smokers for enthusiasts offer precise temperature control, multiple cooking racks, and a large cooking space. They also have durable construction and are easy to clean and maintain. Some popular options include the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, the Pit Boss 1100 Pro Series, and the Masterbuilt Gravity Series.
