Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050: The Future of Charcoal Grilling

The Gravity Feed System: Pure Innovation

Understanding the Gravity Series requires understanding its revolutionary fuel delivery system. Traditional charcoal grills and smokers require constant fire management—adjusting vents, adding coals, battling temperature swings. The Gravity 1050 eliminates these headaches entirely.

How Gravity Feed Actually Works

The hopper holds up to 16 pounds of lump charcoal or 10 pounds of briquettes, oriented vertically at the grill's side. Gravity feeds charcoal downward into a burn chamber where a digitally controlled fan regulates airflow with precision.

Need 225°F for smoking brisket? The fan provides just enough oxygen to maintain that exact temperature. Want 700°F for searing steaks? The fan ramps up, intensifying the burn until you hit target temp. The system self-regulates, adjusting fan speed based on temperature feedback from the grill's probe.

The Practical Benefits

This automation transforms charcoal cooking from an active endeavor requiring constant attention into a passive process where you set temperature and walk away. Overnight brisket cooks? No problem—load the hopper, set 225°F, go to bed. Twelve hours later, the temperature hasn't varied more than ±5°F from your target.

The fan also enables rapid temperature changes impossible with traditional charcoal. Going from 250°F smoking temperature to 500°F for finishing takes just minutes. This versatility means you can smoke chicken thighs low and slow, then crank the heat to crisp the skin—all without changing cooking methods or equipment.

Real Charcoal Flavor: Not a Compromise

Pellet grills offer convenience but use compressed sawdust pellets that burn relatively cleanly. The smoke flavor is there but subtle. The Gravity 1050 burns real lump charcoal or briquettes—the same fuel used in traditional smokers and grills.

The Taste Difference

Charcoal burning at high temperature creates complex flavors and aromatic compounds that pellets simply don't produce. Steaks develop that distinctive charcoal-grilled crust and flavor. Brisket gains genuine smoke ring and bark that looks and tastes like traditional offset smoker BBQ.

Add wood chunks to the charcoal, and you layer additional smoke flavor—hickory for pork, oak for beef, cherry for chicken. The combination of charcoal heat and hardwood smoke produces flavor profiles indistinguishable from dedicated stick-burner offset smokers costing thousands more.

Cooking Capacity and Versatility

The "1050" designation refers to 1,050 square inches of cooking space across four chrome-plated racks. This generous capacity handles serious cooking loads.

What Actually Fits

The main grill grate accommodates eight whole chickens, six racks of ribs standing upright, or 15-20 burger patties simultaneously. The upper warming racks add additional capacity for vegetables, buns, or secondary items.

For smoking, you can fit multiple packer briskets, several pork shoulders, or enough chicken for a neighborhood gathering. The vertical rack design means you're not limited by horizontal grill surface—think more like an offset smoker than a standard kettle grill.

Temperature Range: Low and Slow to Blazing Hot

The Gravity 1050 operates across an impressive temperature range: 150°F for cold smoking fish or cheese, up to 700°F for restaurant-quality steak searing. This versatility eliminates the need for multiple cookers.

At low temperatures (225-275°F), it functions as a set-it-and-forget-it smoker. At medium temperatures (350-450°F), it works like a traditional charcoal grill. At high temperatures (600-700°F), it rivals kamado-style cookers for searing capability.

Digital Control: The Brain of the Operation

The Gravity 1050's digital controller is surprisingly sophisticated for a charcoal grill. The full-color display shows current temperature, target temperature, and a timer. But the real magic happens in the temperature management algorithm.

Precision Temperature Holding

Set your target temperature, and the controller maintains it within ±5-10°F—tighter than most pellet grills and vastly better than traditional charcoal. For low-and-slow smoking where temperature stability directly impacts results, this precision matters enormously.

The controller learns and adapts. As weather conditions change, as charcoal burns down, as you open the lid to check food—the system compensates automatically, ramping fan speed or throttling back to maintain your set point.

WiFi Connectivity and App Control

The included WiFi module connects the grill to your smartphone via Masterbuilt's app. Monitor temperature remotely, adjust settings from your couch, receive alerts when food reaches target temperature.

The app also includes recipes and cooking guides with recommended temperatures and times. While experienced pitmasters may not need this guidance, it's invaluable for newcomers attempting their first brisket or pork butt.

Build Quality and Materials

At $700, the Gravity 1050 sits in the value-oriented category rather than premium-priced territory. The construction reflects this positioning—solid and functional rather than luxury-grade.

The Good

The body is heavy-gauge steel with durable powder-coat finish. The cooking grates are chrome-plated steel that resists rust and cleans easily. The hopper holds substantial fuel loads. The door hinges are sturdy, and the door gasket seals well for efficient smoking.

The digital components—controller, fan assembly, temperature probes—all use quality parts designed for the harsh environment of charcoal grilling. These components have proven reliable across thousands of units in the wild.

The Not-So-Good

This isn't a welded-steel offset smoker or a ceramic kamado. The steel is relatively thin compared to premium cookers. The wheels are functional but not particularly robust. Some users report minor warping of the ash pan after extended use.

However, these compromises keep the price accessible. For most users, the build quality exceeds expectations at this price point, even if it doesn't rival cookers costing $2,000+.

Real-World Cooking Performance

Low-and-Slow Smoking

This is where the Gravity 1050 truly excels. Load the hopper with lump charcoal and a few hardwood chunks, set 225°F, and smoke brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs with zero intervention. The temperature stays rock-solid for 12+ hours.

The results are indistinguishable from traditional offset smoker BBQ. Brisket develops proper bark, deep smoke ring, and that coveted tender texture where it jiggles when you pick it up. Pork shoulder pulls apart effortlessly with genuine smoke flavor throughout. Ribs achieve competition-worthy appearance and taste.

Hot and Fast Grilling

Crank the temperature to 500-600°F, and the Gravity 1050 transforms into a serious grilling machine. Burgers develop deep char and caramelization. Chicken pieces get crispy skin while staying juicy inside. Vegetables char beautifully.

For steaks, hitting 650-700°F produces restaurant-quality searing. The charcoal heat creates the Maillard reaction browning that defines great steakhouse flavor. Reverse-sear technique works perfectly: smoke at 225°F until internal temp hits 115°F, then crank to 700°F and sear to final temperature.

Pizza and Bread Baking

At 500-550°F with the grates removed and a pizza stone installed, the Gravity 1050 becomes a capable pizza oven. The charcoal heat and smoke add complexity to pizza crust that home ovens can't replicate. Artisan bread develops exceptional crust in this environment.

Fuel Efficiency

The gravity-feed system is remarkably fuel-efficient. A full hopper can run 12-15 hours at smoking temperatures or 4-5 hours at high grilling heat. Compare this to traditional charcoal grills requiring frequent coal additions, and the efficiency advantage is clear.

The digital fan control means you're burning only what's needed to maintain temperature. Traditional charcoal setups waste fuel burning hotter than necessary because damper control is imprecise. The Gravity's efficiency saves money long-term—the fuel savings versus a standard charcoal grill adds up over months of use.

Cleanup and Maintenance

Ash Management

The ash pan slides out from the bottom, making cleanup straightforward. After a long smoking session, expect a pan full of ash, but removal and disposal takes just minutes. The pan is large enough that you typically don't need to empty it mid-cook, even during marathon sessions.

Grate Cleaning

Chrome-plated grates clean easily compared to cast iron. A good grill brush while the grates are still warm removes most residue. For deeper cleaning, the grates are dishwasher-safe (though hand-washing is gentler).

Long-Term Maintenance

The fan assembly should be checked periodically and cleared of any ash buildup. The temperature probe requires occasional cleaning to maintain accuracy. The door gasket may need replacement after a year or two of heavy use—this is normal for any smoker.

The powder-coat finish holds up well but isn't impervious. Covering the grill when not in use extends its life considerably, particularly in harsh weather climates.

Comparison to Alternatives

Versus Pellet Grills

Pellet grills offer similar convenience but burn wood pellets instead of charcoal. Pellet grills produce milder smoke flavor and typically max out around 500°F, limiting searing capability. The Gravity 1050 provides stronger smoke flavor and much higher temperatures, though pellet grills edge ahead slightly in temperature precision at low ranges.

Versus Traditional Offset Smokers

Traditional stick-burner offset smokers produce exceptional flavor but require constant attention—managing fire, adjusting airflow, adding fuel every hour. The Gravity 1050 matches the flavor (many blind taste tests confirm this) while eliminating the babysitting requirement.

Versus Kamado Grills

Ceramic kamados excel at heat retention and fuel efficiency. They reach higher temperatures (800°F+) and hold temperature even more steadily than the Gravity. However, kamados lack cooking capacity, cost significantly more (quality kamados run $1,000-2,000), and don't offer digital control or WiFi connectivity.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Revolutionary gravity-feed system combines charcoal flavor with digital convenience
• Temperature range from 150°F to 700°F handles all cooking styles
• Set-it-and-forget-it operation for overnight smoking
• 1,050 sq inches of cooking space for large gatherings
• WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring
• Genuine charcoal and wood smoke flavor
• Fuel-efficient compared to traditional charcoal
• Quick temperature changes impossible with traditional charcoal
• Relatively affordable at ~$700
• Easy ash cleanup with slide-out pan
• Can smoke, grill, sear, and bake

Cons:

• Build quality good but not premium for the price
• Requires electricity for fan and controller
• Some users report minor warping issues
• Wheels could be more robust
• Ash pan occasionally needs mid-cook emptying on very long smokes
• Learning curve to optimize charcoal and wood chunk ratios
• WiFi connectivity occasionally temperamental
• Not as portable as smaller grills

Who Should Buy the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050?

Perfect For:

• Busy BBQ Enthusiasts: Want authentic flavor without constant fire management
• Competition Cooks on a Budget: Need serious smoking capability without offset smoker prices
• Backyard Entertainers: Large capacity handles neighborhood gatherings
• Pellet Grill Owners Seeking More Flavor: Want stronger smoke character and higher temperatures
• Beginners Intimidated by Traditional Smokers: Digital control removes guesswork
• Multi-Purpose Cooker Seekers: One unit for smoking, grilling, and searing
• Tech-Savvy Cooks: Appreciate WiFi monitoring and app control

Consider Alternatives If:

• You're a charcoal purist who enjoys traditional fire management (stick with offset smokers)
• Budget is very limited (traditional kettle grills cost less)
• You need the absolute highest build quality (invest in premium kamados or custom fabricated smokers)
• Portability is essential (this isn't a tailgating grill)
• You have no access to electricity outdoors (though battery packs can work)
• You prefer gas grilling convenience (different category entirely)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular charcoal briquettes or do I need lump charcoal?

Both work. Lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner with less ash but costs more. Briquettes burn longer and more steadily but produce more ash. Many users prefer lump for high-heat grilling and briquettes for extended smoking sessions.

How long does a hopper of charcoal last?

At 225°F smoking temperature, a full hopper lasts 12-15 hours. At 400-500°F grilling temperatures, expect 4-5 hours. At maximum 700°F, the hopper depletes in 2-3 hours.

Does it work in cold weather?

Yes, though very cold temperatures (below 20°F) may require extra charcoal to maintain temperature. The insulated design and powerful fan help it maintain temperature better than many alternatives in cold weather.

How much assembly is required?

Moderate assembly—expect 1-2 hours. The instructions are clear, and no special tools are needed beyond basic wrenches (usually included). Most users report straightforward assembly.

Is the WiFi necessary or just a gimmick?

Not necessary but genuinely useful. Being able to monitor temperature from inside your house during winter smoking sessions or while relaxing after setting up a cook is convenient. The app's alerts for temperature deviations provide peace of mind.

Final Verdict

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 represents a genuine breakthrough in outdoor cooking technology. By successfully marrying authentic charcoal flavor with digital precision control, it delivers what BBQ enthusiasts have dreamed about for decades: the best of both worlds without meaningful compromise.

Yes, traditional offset smoker purists will argue that managing fire is part of the craft. They're not wrong—there's satisfaction in mastering those skills. But for the vast majority of people who want fantastic BBQ without dedicating their entire Saturday to fire management, the Gravity 1050 is revelatory.

The versatility is equally impressive. One unit handles everything from 12-hour brisket smokes to quick weeknight grilling to weekend pizza parties. For families or individuals with limited outdoor space, having one cooker that genuinely does it all instead of a collection of single-purpose units is valuable.

At $700, the Gravity 1050 isn't cheap, but it's reasonably priced considering capability. Compare it to a quality pellet grill ($800-1,200) plus a traditional charcoal grill ($300-500) to handle the full range of cooking styles, and the value proposition becomes clear.

The Gravity 1050 won't satisfy everyone. Those seeking the absolute highest build quality should invest more. Charcoal purists who enjoy traditional fire management won't appreciate the automation. But for the broad middle—people who want exceptional BBQ and grilling results with modern convenience—the Gravity Series 1050 hits the sweet spot perfectly.

If you're serious about outdoor cooking and value both authentic flavor and practical convenience, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 deserves a spot on your patio. It's not just an evolution of existing designs—it's a genuine revolution in how charcoal cooking works.