Overview
This product is presented as the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 digital charcoal grill and smoker. However, it combines grilling and smoking in one unit. It also uses a GravityFed vertical charcoal hopper and a DigitalFan.
You can use Gravity Series 1050 smoker grill controls on the panel or in the Masterbuilt app. Also, the app supports temperature, time, and meat probe monitoring.
Key takeaways
This product is marketed as a digital charcoal grill and smoker with 1050 square inches of cooking space. However, it reaches 225°F in 8 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes.
- DigitalFan precisely maintains your set temperature during grilling or smoking.
- GravityFed hopper uses gravity to continually burn through fuel.
- Load up to 10 lbs of lump charcoal or 16 lbs of briquettes.
- Run up to 8 hours of use with a loaded hopper.
- Use reversible cast iron grates for high heat searing or low and slow smoking methods.
What the product is designed to do
This item is characterized as a charcoal grill and smoker that supports smoking and searing. For example, it covers low-and-slow smoking at 225°F and high-heat searing up to 700°F.
The grill uses a digital control panel to set your desired cooking temperature. Also, you can control temperature and time with the Masterbuilt app.
The app supports monitoring meat probes and shutting down the grill from a mobile device. In addition, the app supports monitoring up to 4 meat probes.
The hopper supports lump charcoal or briquettes. Next, gravity feeds fuel so it can continually burn through fuel.
Materials, dimensions, and technical details
This item is presented as a charcoal-powered unit with a GravityFed vertical charcoal hopper. However, the outer material line lists stainless, stainless steel, and steel.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Masterbuilt |
| Model name | Gravity Series 1050 |
| Model | MB20041220 |
| Color | Black |
| Power source / fuel type | Charcoal |
| Cooking space | 1050 square inches |
| Heat-up claim | 225°F in 8 minutes; 700°F in 15 minutes |
| Hopper capacity | 10 lbs lump charcoal or 16 lbs briquettes |
| Run time claim | Up to 8 hours of use |
| Product dimensions | 33.1″D x 61″W x 52.2″H |
| Included cooking surface | Reversible cast iron grates |
You can use reversible cast iron grates for high heat searing. Also, you can use them for low and slow smoking methods.
Installation and placement notes
It is presented as a grill you can control on the digital panel or with the Masterbuilt app. However, the brand FAQ notes assembly depends on skill level.
The same FAQ recommends giving yourself 2–4 hours to assemble with the included user manual. Also, it points to instructional videos on Masterbuilt.com or YouTube.com.
For app connection, the FAQ directs you to Masterbuilt’s YouTube page for the latest videos. Next, the same support section includes controller troubleshooting steps.
If the display is unresponsive, the guidance says to hold the power button for 3–5 seconds. Also, it says to check the power cord, outlet, and extension cords.
The guidance says to remove extension cords and plug directly into an outlet. As a result, you can also try another outlet as part of the same steps.
Performance characteristics described
It is characterized as a charcoal grill that reaches 225°F in 8 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes. However, the unit also uses a DigitalFan to maintain the set temperature.
The manufacturer section uses phrases like “set it and forget it” and “let gravity do the work.” Also, it says the DigitalFan automatically maintains your desired cooking temperature.
Fuel handling centers on the GravityFed hopper design. For example, it says you can load up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes.
The same section describes “Fuel that lasts” for hours of cooking. In addition, it describes “Grill in minutes” after lighting a fire starter.
The product description describes a simple sequence. Next, it says to load charcoal, set temperature, and light your fire starter.
Temperature probe guidance notes normal differences in readings. However, it says the built-in temperature sensor measures overall ambient temperature inside the cooking chamber.
That guidance also notes the sensor does not measure a single exact spot. As a result, it says heat naturally varies across different areas.
Cleanup guidance describes an easy-to-remove ash bucket and grease management system. Also, it describes cleanup as quick and hassle-free after cooking.
Review patterns buyers commonly mention
It is labeled as a smoker grill that buyers often connect with temperature control. However, buyer feedback shows mixed patterns across build quality, reliability, and connectivity.
Many buyers talk about good quality and outstanding temperature control. Also, buyers often describe straightforward assembly.
Build quality receives mixed feedback in buyer comments. However, some buyers call it well-constructed while others report poor construction.
Reliability also receives mixed feedback in buyer comments. For example, some units work flawlessly while others stop working.
Wireless connectivity appears as a problem area for some buyers. In addition, buyers report constant connection issues.
Smoke output receives mixed feedback in buyer comments. However, some buyers say it does a good job smoking meats.
Other buyers connect smoke output with charcoal use. As a result, they say it uses a significant amount of charcoal.
Durability concerns appear in buyer feedback. Also, some buyers report units falling apart or arriving damaged.
Pros
It is specified as a digital charcoal grill and smoker with app control. However, buyers commonly mention temperature control and straightforward assembly.
- Reaches 225°F in 8 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes.
- DigitalFan maintains the set cooking temperature during grilling or smoking.
- GravityFed hopper supports 10 lbs lump charcoal or 16 lbs briquettes.
- Masterbuilt app supports temperature, time, and meat probe monitoring.
- Buyers commonly mention good quality and outstanding temperature control.
Cons
It is described for use on grilling or smoking sessions that rely on digital controls and connectivity. However, buyers report mixed feedback on reliability, build quality, and wireless connectivity.
- Build quality receives mixed feedback, including reports of poor construction.
- Reliability receives mixed feedback, including reports that some units stop working.
- Wireless connectivity is problematic for some buyers, including constant connection issues.
- Smoke output feedback is mixed, including reports of significant charcoal use.
- Durability concerns include reports of units falling apart or arriving damaged.
FAQ
It is intended for use on charcoal grilling and smoking setups that need temperature control. However, these answers use only the product details, guidance, and review patterns already described.
How much cooking space does it have?
This product is presented as having 1050 square inches of cooking space. Also, the item description calls it a digital charcoal grill and smoker.
How quickly can it reach common cooking temperatures?
This product is marketed as reaching 225°F in 8 minutes. However, it also claims 700°F in 15 minutes.
What charcoal capacity does the hopper support?
This item is characterized as using a GravityFed vertical charcoal hopper. For example, it allows 10 lbs of lump charcoal or 16 lbs of briquettes.
How do you set and control cooking temperature?
This item is presented as using a digital control panel for setting temperature. In addition, you can use the Masterbuilt app to set and adjust temperature and time.
Why might probe readings differ from other thermometers?
It is presented as normal for the temp probe to read differently than expected. However, the built-in sensor measures overall ambient temperature inside the cooking chamber.
Heat varies across different areas inside the chamber. As a result, separate thermometers placed elsewhere can show differences.
What cleanup features does it include?
It is characterized as having an easy-to-remove ash bucket and a grease management system. Also, the same guidance describes cleanup as quick and hassle-free after cooking.
You can return to this charcoal smoker grill for the full feature list. Next, you can also review the control and hopper details before your first cook.