Best Gravity-Fed Smokers: Top Picks for 2025

If you’ve been around the BBQ world for a while, you’ve probably heard about gravity-fed smokers. They’re the hot topic among pitmasters who want long cooking times, consistent temperatures, and less babysitting during a cook.

In simple terms, a gravity-fed smoker uses a vertical charcoal hopper to feed fuel into the firebox using well gravity. This design allows for hours of steady heat without constantly adding fuel. It’s a dream setup for those 10+ hour brisket cooks or overnight smoking sessions.

Over the last few years, brands like Masterbuilt, Myron Mixon, and Stumps have brought gravity-fed smoking into the mainstream, offering models for everyone from backyard BBQ enthusiasts to competition pitmasters.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a gravity-fed smoker special, what to look for before buying, and the best models you can get in 2025.

What is a Gravity-Fed Smoker?

A gravity-fed smoker is a type of charcoal smoker where the fuel (charcoal) sits in a tall vertical hopper. As the charcoal burns at the bottom, fresh fuel above it drops down naturally thanks to gravity into the firebox.

Key Components

• Charcoal Hopper – A tall chamber that holds several pounds of charcoal.
• Firebox – Where the charcoal burns and heat is transferred to the cooking chamber.
• Cooking Chamber – Where your meat cooks low and slow.
• Vents & Dampers – Regulate airflow for precise temperature control.

How It Works

1. You fill the hopper with charcoal and light it from the bottom.
2. Gravity pulls unburned charcoal down as the lower fuel burns.
3. The firebox sends heat and smoke into the cooking chamber.
4. You enjoy hours of steady, low-maintenance cooking.

Pros

• Long Burn Times – Easily 8–12 hours without refueling.
• Consistent Heat – Gravity feeding keeps the temperature steady.
• Fuel Efficiency – Uses less charcoal compared to some offsets.
• Low Maintenance Cooking – Fewer temperature spikes.

Cons

• Price – More expensive than basic smokers.
• Weight – Heavier and less portable.
• Learning Curve – Slightly different setup than traditional smokers.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before you drop cash on a gravity-fed smoker, consider the following:

Cooking Capacity

Think about how much you cook at once. A 500–800 sq. in. smoker works for small families, while 1,000+ sq. in. is great for large gatherings or competitions.

Temperature Range & Control

Most gravity-fed smokers operate between 150–700°F. Look for models with digital controllers for precise heat control.

Build Quality

Heavy-gauge steel and good insulation help retain heat, especially in cold weather.

Hopper Size & Burn Time

Larger hoppers can hold 10–20 lbs of charcoal, giving you up to 12+ hours of burn time.

Ease of Cleaning

Ash pans and grease management systems make post-BBQ cleanup less painful.

Mobility

Some models have wheels, but most are heavy and not ideal for frequent moving.

Price & Warranty

Expect to pay anywhere from $500 for an entry-level unit to $5,000+ for a professional-grade smoker.

Best Gravity-Fed Smokers – Top Picks for 2025

1. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 is one of the most popular gravity-fed smokers on the market. With a massive 1,050 sq. in. of cooking space, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Key Features:

• Digital control panel & app connectivity.
• Temperature range: 150–700°F.
• Holds up to 10 lbs of lump charcoal or 16 lbs of briquettes.
• Reaches 225°F in 10 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes.

Pros:

• Large cooking space.
• Rapid heating.
• App-controlled convenience.

Cons:

• Heavy at 200+ lbs.
• Requires power for the fan and controller.

Best For: Backyard BBQ lovers hosting big gatherings.

2. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker

The 800 takes all the features of the 1050 but adds a built-in griddle, making it incredibly versatile.

Key Features:

• 800 sq. in. of cooking space.
• Digital controls & Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
• Convertible cooking surfaces for smoking, grilling, or griddling.

Pros:

• Multi-function cooking.
• Compact compared to the 1050.
• Easy temperature control.

Cons:

• Smaller cooking area than 1050.
• Slightly more expensive than the 560.

Best For: Cooks who want one device for smoking, grilling, and griddling.

3. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker

The entry-level option in the series, the 560 still offers serious performance.

Key Features:

• 560 sq. in. of cooking space.
• Reaches 225°F in 7 minutes and 700°F in 13 minutes.
• Hopper holds 10 lbs of lump charcoal.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Fast heat-up times.
• Compact for small patios.

Cons:

• Smaller cooking space.
• Not as heavily insulated as larger models.

Best For: Beginners and small families.

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4.4. Myron Mixon G33 Gravity Feed Smoker

From one of BBQ’s most famous names, the G33 is a competition-grade beast.

Key Features:

• Over 2,100 sq. in. of cooking space.
• Commercial-grade steel build.
• Up to 12+ hours burn time.

Pros:

• Built to last a lifetime.
• Huge cooking space.
• Superior insulation.

Cons:

• Very expensive.
• Heavy—requires a trailer for transport.

Best For: Serious pitmasters and competition teams.

5. Stumps Smokers Classic

Stumps Smokers are legendary in the BBQ community for their durability and efficiency.

Key Features:

• 1,800+ sq. in. of cooking space.
• High-quality craftsmanship.
• Hopper holds 20 lbs of charcoal.

Pros:

• Extremely fuel efficient.
• Trusted brand for decades.
• Excellent heat retention.

Cons:

• High price point.
• Not beginner-friendly due to size and complexity.

Best For: Professional use and high-volume cooking.

Comparison Table

Model	Cooking Area (sq. in.)	Hopper Capacity	Burn Time	Temp Range	Price Range	Best For
Masterbuilt 1050	1050	10 lbs lump / 16 lbs briquettes	8-10 hrs	150–700°F	$$$	Large gatherings
Masterbuilt 800	800	10 lbs lump / 16 lbs briquettes	8-10 hrs	150–700°F	$$$	Multi-cooking
Masterbuilt 560	560	10 lbs lump	8-10 hrs	150–700°F	$$	Beginners
Myron Mixon G33	2100+	20 lbs charcoal	12+ hrs	175–350°F	$$$$	Competition BBQ
Stumps Classic	1800+	20 lbs charcoal	12+ hrs	175–400°F	$$$$	Professionals

How to Use a Gravity-Fed Smoker for Best Results

Using a gravity-fed smoker is fairly straightforward, but small tweaks in setup and technique can make the difference between good BBQ and unforgettable BBQ.

1. Fill the Hopper Correctly

• Use quality lump charcoal or briquettes for cleaner, longer burns.
• For extra flavor, layer wood chunks between charcoal as you fill the hopper. This ensures steady smoke throughout the cook.

2. Light from the Bottom

• Open the firebox door and light the bottom of the hopper using a starter cube, propane torch, or electric starter.
• Let the fire catch for 5–10 minutes before closing the firebox door.

3. Dial in Your Temperature

• Use the built-in digital controller or adjust manual dampers to your desired cooking temperature.
• Allow the smoker to stabilize for at least 10–15 minutes before adding food.

4. Maintain Consistent Airflow

• Keep vents open enough for clean-burning charcoal. Restricted airflow can cause bitter-tasting smoke.
• Avoid constantly opening the cooking chamber lid—this causes temperature drops.

5. Manage Moisture

• Place a water pan in the cooking chamber to keep meat juicy and help stabilize temperatures.
• Refill the water pan during long cooks if needed.

6. Monitor Meat Internally

• Use a reliable digital meat thermometer or probe connected to your smoker’s controller.
• Gravity-fed smokers maintain chamber heat well, but internal meat temperature is the true guide to doneness.

7. Let It Finish Strong

• For crispy skin on poultry, raise the heat for the final 10–15 minutes.
• For bark on brisket or pork, avoid wrapping too early let smoke and heat do their job.

8. Clean After Every Cook

• Remove ash from the ash pan to keep airflow unobstructed.
• Wipe down grease trays and grates to prevent buildup and flare-ups.

Gravity-Fed Smoker vs Other Smokers

Vs Offset: Gravity-fed requires less babysitting, but offset offers more smoke flavor control.
Vs Pellet: Pellet smokers are cleaner but lack the same charcoal flavor.
Vs Electric: Electric is more “set-and-forget” but doesn’t give authentic charcoal taste.

Final Verdict

IThe best gravity-fed smoker is the one that matches your cooking style, space, and budget. For newcomers, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 offers a friendly learning curve with reliable heat control and compact design. If you love hosting backyard feasts, the Masterbuilt 1050 delivers a generous cooking surface and long burn times, making it perfect for briskets, ribs, and more. For all-around versatility, the Masterbuilt 800 stands out, serving as a smoker, grill, and griddle in one.

Professional pitmasters and competition cooks will find the Myron Mixon G33 and Stumps Classic to be unrivaled in durability, insulation, and consistent performance. These heavy-duty models excel in demanding cooking environments where precision is key.

No matter which you choose, a gravity-fed smoker offers long, steady cooking with authentic charcoal flavor and minimal babysitting—allowing you to focus less on the fire and more on the food.