This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission. Thanks.
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 combines the flavor of charcoal with the convenience of digital temperature control. Instead of adjusting vents throughout a long cook, you select a temperature and allow the built-in fan to manage airflow.
With a spacious cooking chamber, Wi-Fi connectivity, and temperatures suitable for both smoking and searing, it is designed to replace several outdoor cookers. This Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 review examines its cooking performance, construction, controls, maintenance needs, and overall value.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Overview
The Gravity Series 1050 is a combination charcoal grill and smoker. Its vertical hopper automatically feeds charcoal toward the firebox as fuel burns, while a digitally controlled fan regulates the cooking temperature.
- Digital charcoal grill and smoker with 1050 square inches of cooking space
- Reaches 225F in 8 minutes or 700F in 15 minutes to use as traditional charcoal grill or charcoal...
- DigitalFan precisely maintains desired cooking temperature during grilling or smoking
This design provides more convenience than a traditional charcoal grill without replacing charcoal with pellets or gas. You can smoke brisket at a low temperature, roast chicken, bake pizza with the appropriate accessory, or raise the heat for searing steaks.
Its main advantage is versatility. However, the large footprint and electronic components mean it requires more space and protection than a basic kettle grill.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooking area | 1,050 square inches |
| Temperature range | 225°F–700°F |
| Hopper capacity | 10 lb. lump or 16 lb. briquettes |
| Dimensions | 60.6 × 52.2 × 31.9 inches |
| Fuel | Lump charcoal or briquettes |
| Controls | Digital panel and mobile app |
| Model | MB20041220 |
Masterbuilt says the grill can reach 225°F in approximately eight minutes and 700°F in around 15 minutes. It also supports monitoring as many as four meat probes, although additional probes may be sold separately. Masterbuilt’s official specifications confirm these figures.
Design, Build Quality, and Assembly
The 1050 has a substantial cart-style design with a side shelf, folding front shelf, enclosed cooking chamber, and wheeled base. Reversible cast-iron grates provide separate surfaces for smoking and high-temperature searing. Two porcelain-coated warming racks increase its usable capacity.
Construction is generally solid enough for regular backyard cooking, but the grill contains more moving and electronic parts than a conventional charcoal smoker. The controller, fan, switches, and wiring should be protected from rain and moisture.
Assembly involves numerous components and can take considerable time. Having another person available makes handling the main body easier. Carefully following the instructions is important because incorrectly installed door switches or wiring can prevent the fan from operating.
Cooking and Smoking Performance
The Gravity Series 1050 performs especially well when you want charcoal flavor without continuously adjusting vents. At smoking temperatures, the fan controls airflow and helps maintain consistent heat for ribs, pork shoulder, brisket, and other slow-cooked foods.
Its large cooking area is useful for parties and batch cooking. Masterbuilt estimates that it can accommodate as many as 45 burgers or seven racks of ribs, although practical capacity depends on food size and spacing.
The ability to reach 700°F separates this model from many dedicated smokers. It gets hot enough for burgers, steaks, and other foods that benefit from strong direct heat. The reversible cast-iron grates can also produce attractive sear marks.
Heat may not be perfectly identical in every part of such a large chamber. Learning its warmer and cooler areas will help when cooking a full load.
Gravity-Fed Hopper and Digital Controls
The GravityFed hopper is the feature that makes this grill distinctive. Charcoal is loaded vertically, while gravity gradually moves it toward the firebox. The hopper accepts either lump charcoal or briquettes, allowing you to choose between faster-burning natural charcoal and the predictable shape of briquettes.
Masterbuilt rates the filled hopper for up to ten hours of cooking, depending on fuel and temperature. High-temperature grilling naturally consumes charcoal faster than low-temperature smoking.
The control panel lets you select the cooking temperature and view probe readings. Through the Masterbuilt app, you can adjust settings, monitor temperatures, set timers, and receive notifications. Wi-Fi control is convenient during long cooks, but the physical controller remains useful when an app or connection is unavailable.
Ease of Use, Cleaning, and Maintenance
Once the charcoal is lit, operation is relatively straightforward. Set the desired temperature and allow the DigitalFan to regulate the fire. This makes the 1050 approachable for someone who finds manual charcoal temperature control frustrating.
Ash collects in a removable bucket, while a separate tray handles grease. Both should be emptied regularly. Grease buildup is especially important to control when switching from low-temperature smoking to high-heat grilling.
Brush the grates after cooking and periodically clean the cooking chamber, manifold, and grease tray. Keep the grill covered when not in use and store it in a dry location when possible. Always operate charcoal grills outdoors and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Authentic charcoal cooking and smoking
- Large 1,050-square-inch capacity
- Digital temperature management
- Wi-Fi and meat-probe monitoring
- Wide 225°F–700°F range
- Lump charcoal and briquette compatibility
Cons
- Large footprint
- Lengthy assembly
- Requires electricity
- More maintenance than a gas grill
- Electronics need weather protection
- Can consume fuel quickly at high heat
Price, Value, and Alternatives
The Gravity Series 1050 is not a budget charcoal grill, but it offers more cooking space and automation than basic models. Its value comes from combining a smoker, charcoal grill, and high-temperature cooker in one machine.
The smaller Gravity Series models may be better for limited patios or smaller families. A pellet grill offers similar digital convenience but produces a different flavor and may not reach the same searing temperature. A traditional charcoal grill costs less, although it requires more manual fire management.
Because prices change, compare current retailer offers, warranty coverage, and included accessories before purchasing.
Who Should Buy It?
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 suits people who cook for large families, host backyard gatherings, or want to smoke and grill on one machine. It is particularly appealing if you prefer charcoal flavor but want easier temperature control.
Small households and occasional grillers may find a smaller model more economical and easier to store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it use lump charcoal?
Yes. The hopper accepts lump charcoal and standard charcoal briquettes.
How long does the hopper last?
Masterbuilt states that a full hopper can provide up to ten hours of cooking. Actual runtime varies with temperature, weather, and fuel type.
Can it sear steaks?
Yes. Its maximum temperature of 700°F is suitable for high-heat searing.
Does it work without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Cooking temperature and other basic settings can be managed through the built-in control panel.
Is it weather-resistant?
It is made for outdoor cooking, but the electronic components should not remain exposed to rain. A fitted cover is strongly recommended.
Final Verdict
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 delivers a convincing balance of charcoal flavor and digital convenience. Its large capacity, broad temperature range, and gravity-fed hopper make it suitable for everything from slow smoking to high-heat grilling.
Assembly, maintenance, and weather protection require attention, but its versatility outweighs those drawbacks for frequent outdoor cooks. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants one spacious cooker capable of handling both smoking and grilling.