Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker review

Description

Testing the Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 1050: My Honest Take

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Model MB20041220) is a product I was genuinely curious about. As someone who enjoys outdoor cooking, I had high hopes for this grill. It promises a combination of traditional charcoal flavor with the convenience of digital controls, and I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things I noticed about this charcoal grill and smoker was its robust construction. Weighing in at 203 pounds, it feels solid and durable. The combination of stainless steel and high-quality steel components makes it both sturdy and visually appealing. Its sleek black finish gives it a modern edge, fitting seamlessly into most backyard setups.

The 1050 square inches of cooking space is massive. This is more than enough for larger gatherings, which I tested during a family barbecue. The reversible cast iron grates stood out—they’re designed for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking. The addition of a stainless steel front and side shelf is a thoughtful touch, offering plenty of prep space. However, the sheer size of this grill might make it less ideal for those with smaller patios or balconies.

Performance: Grilling and Smoking Like a Pro

Performance-wise, this grill is a beast. It heats up remarkably fast, reaching 225°F in just 8 minutes and a scorching 700°F in 15 minutes. I used this feature to sear steaks to perfection, and it worked beautifully. The GravityFed™ vertical charcoal hopper is a game-changer. It holds up to 10lbs of lump charcoal or 16lbs of briquettes, providing up to 8 hours of continuous cooking without the need for constant refueling.

The DigitalFan technology ensures precise temperature control, which I found to be incredibly handy when smoking meats. I tested it with brisket, and the temperature consistency was impressive—it maintained my desired setting for hours without fluctuation. The built-in temperature gauge and meat probe thermometer make it easy to monitor your cooking without lifting the lid, which helps retain heat.

Key Benefits

• Massive cooking area suitable for large gatherings.
• Quick heat-up times for both grilling and smoking.
• Digital control panel and app connectivity for seamless adjustments.
• Gravity-fed charcoal hopper reduces fuel management stress.
• Versatile cast iron grates for varied cooking styles.

Usability and Convenience

What really sets this grill apart is its digital connectivity. The Masterbuilt app allows you to control the temperature, set timers, and even monitor the meat probes directly from your phone. I found this particularly useful when multitasking during a party. Being able to adjust settings remotely is a luxury I didn’t know I needed.

However, the app could use some fine-tuning. It occasionally lagged when I tried to adjust the temperature, which was slightly frustrating. On the bright side, the digital control panel on the grill itself worked flawlessly, so the app issues didn’t ruin the experience.

Downsides

• App connectivity issues can be an annoyance.
• The grill’s large size might not suit smaller spaces.
• Requires a bit of a learning curve, especially for beginners.

Competing Products

Comparing the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 to other grills in its category, it holds its own quite well. For example, against the Traeger Pro Series (a popular pellet grill), the charcoal flavor of the Masterbuilt stands out. Traeger grills often rely on wood pellets, which are convenient but lack the depth of flavor that charcoal provides.

On the other hand, pellet grills like Traeger are known for their ease of use, especially for beginners. While the Masterbuilt offers digital controls, managing charcoal still requires more hands-on effort. The Weber Summit Charcoal Grill is another competitor, boasting excellent build quality and versatility. However, it lacks the digital connectivity and quick heating capabilities that make the Masterbuilt unique.

Cost Efficiency

When it comes to value for money, this grill is a solid contender. While it’s undoubtedly an investment, the combination of large cooking space, advanced features, and the ability to grill and smoke makes it worth considering. Compared to higher-end competitors, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck without compromising on quality. For those who crave the authenticity of charcoal with modern conveniences, the cost is justified.

Adverse Aspects

• The app lag can hinder the user experience.
• Learning curve for those unfamiliar with smoking or charcoal grilling.
• Its size and weight make it less portable than smaller grills.

Final Thoughts

Using this grill was a rewarding experience overall. Whether I was grilling burgers for a casual cookout or experimenting with smoked ribs, the charcoal flavor and precise temperature control made all the difference. While not without its flaws, the features and performance outweigh the minor inconveniences. If you’re passionate about outdoor cooking and want a blend of traditional and modern grilling techniques, this grill is definitely worth considering.

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