You’ll get true charcoal flavor with digital ease: the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 gives you 800 sq in of cooking space, a gravity-fed hopper for long unattended burns, and a DigitalFan with Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth for steady temps and remote control. It sears, smokes, roasts, and even works as a griddle, heating fast and using fuel predictably. It’s heavy and pricier, but ideal if you want tech-driven charcoal performance—keep going to learn setup, tips, and trade-offs.
Some Key Takeaways
- Combines gravity-fed charcoal hopper and DigitalFan for stable, set-and-forget temperature control across grilling, smoking, searing, and griddle modes.
- 800 sq in cooking area with dual racks, cast-iron grates, and griddle insert suits large or mixed cooks and tailgating.
- Fast heat-up performance: about 225°F in 8 minutes, 450°F in ~10 minutes, and 700°F in ~14 minutes.
- Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, built-in temp gauge, and included meat probe enable reliable remote monitoring and timed pulls.
- Downsides: heavy, relatively expensive, and electronics can require extra maintenance compared with simpler charcoal smokers.
Best Use Case and Search Intent: Who Should Buy the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 and Why
If you’re serious about versatile outdoor cooking and want charcoal flavor without babysitting the fire, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is a strong choice: it gives you 800 sq in of cooking space, rapid heat-up (225°F in 8 minutes, 700°F in 14), and digital gravity-fed charcoal control so you can smoke low-and-slow or crank up searing heat with Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth monitoring. You’ll appreciate its size for backyard tailgating and for feeding a crowd, and its digital stability helps beginner pitmasters learn consistent temperature management. It’s ideal if you want one unit that grills, smokes, sears, and simplifies charcoal use. The Gravity Series 800 is part of a lineup focused on outdoor grilling and gas grill accessories for enthusiasts, making it a go-to for those building ultimate gear collections.
What the Gravity Series 800 Actually Includes and How It Works
Now that you know who benefits most from the Gravity Series 800, let’s look at what you actually get and how it operates. You’ll receive an 800 sq in cooker with two porcelain-coated racks, cast-iron grates, a flat-top griddle insert, built-in temp gauge and meat probe. Fuel feeds from a gravity-fed charcoal hopper with roughly 10 lb lump or 16 lb briquette capacity, giving long unattended runs. Digital controls and a DigitalFan manage airflow and maintain set temps; Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth let you monitor and adjust remotely. Assembly is straightforward—load charcoal, light in the firebox, set temp, and the fan does the rest. Many portable propane grill enthusiasts also keep a selection of essential gear on hand to make outdoor cooking easier and more versatile.
Real-World Performance: Heat-Up, Temperature Control, Fuel Use, and Cooking Modes
When you fire up the Gravity Series 800 it reaches target temps noticeably fast and then holds them with minimal intervention—225°F in about 8 minutes, 450°F in roughly 10, and climbing to sear-ready 700°F in around 14 minutes in our tests. You’ll appreciate charcoal efficiency: the gravity-fed hopper keeps burn steady and lets you run long smokes without constant refills. DigitalFan and solid temperature stability mean you won’t babysit vents. Grill versatility shines with griddle, sear, roast and smoke modes all reachable via the controls. Probe accuracy is reliable for timed pulls, and fuel use remains predictably economical. It also pairs well with outdoor cooking accessories geared toward sous vide enthusiasts who enjoy finishing or searing outdoors.
Setup, Daily Use, and Maintenance Tips to Get Consistent Results
Although the Gravity Series 800 is engineered for ease, a few purposeful setup steps will save time and guarantee consistent cooks: position the smoker on level, noncombustible ground, lock the caster wheels, attach the hopper and grates per the manual, and run a short burn to season the firebox and burn off manufacturing oils. For daily use, preheat to target with the DigitalFan and probe, monitor fuel feed, and keep vents clear. Empty ash after cool-down, using proper ash disposal to prevent corrosion. For seasonal storage, clean grates, close hopper, protect electronics, and cover the unit to prevent moisture. Consider using a high-quality grill cover to protect the unit from the elements during storage and extend its service life.
Pros, Cons, and Final Buying Recommendation Based on Alternatives
If you’re weighing the Gravity Series 800 against other charcoal smokers, you’ll find it excels where consistency, versatility, and convenience matter most: the gravity-fed hopper and DigitalFan deliver steady temps from low-and-slow to searing heat, the 800 sq. in. cooking area (with grates and a griddle) handles large or mixed cooks, and Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth plus a built-in probe make remote monitoring simple. Pros cons: you get rapid heat-up, long burn times, and multi-mode cooking, but it’s heavy, pricey, and electronics add potential maintenance. Final recommendation: choose the 800 if you want tech-driven charcoal performance; otherwise consider simpler offset or pellet rivals. Pellet grills also offer automated temperature control and app features that appeal to many backyard chefs seeking convenience and consistency, including multi-mode cooking.
Some Questions Answered
Does the Smoker Require Any Special Charcoal or Can I Use Any Brand?
You can use any brand, but pick lump charcoal or briquette brands wisely for best results. The Gravity Series accepts lump charcoal and briquettes; lump lights hotter and cleaner, briquettes burn more consistently and longer. Avoid very small pieces that might bridge the hopper; use quality lump or reputable briquette brands to maintain steady feed and temperature. You’ll get peak performance using well-sized, consistent charcoal suited to the gravity hopper.
Can I Leave the Hopper Full of Charcoal Between Uses?
You shouldn’t leave the hopper full of charcoal between uses. Stored charcoal can absorb charcoal moisture, reducing performance and causing clumping; long-term storage in the hopper also increases rodent attraction and pest nesting risk. Empty the hopper after it cools, store charcoal in a dry, sealed container, and only refill shortly before cooking. Regularly inspect and clean the hopper to prevent moisture buildup and deter critters.
Is Assembly Possible Solo or Is a Second Person Recommended?
You can do solo assembly, but lift assistance is recommended for heavy or awkward steps. Parts mostly bolt together and the manual’s clear, so a competent DIYer can handle most stages alone. Still, you’ll appreciate a second person when you’re aligning the hopper, lifting the body onto the cart, or securing large panels—those moves reduce strain and risk. Plan for 60–90 minutes and have a helper ready for those lifts.
Are Replacement Parts and Accessories Readily Available?
Yes — replacement parts and accessories are generally easy to find. You’ll get OEM parts through Masterbuilt and a growing number of aftermarket vendors offering hopper components, grates, griddles, and probes. Accessory compatibility is strong thanks to common dimensions and popular add-ons, but you’ll want to verify fit for specific items like motor assemblies or hopper lids. Keep model MB20040221 handy when sourcing parts to guarantee proper matches.
Can the Unit Be Used Indoors in a Garage With Ventilation?
No — you shouldn’t use it indoors, even in a ventilated garage. The charcoal produces carbon monoxide and poses a serious fire hazard; garages concentrate fumes and flammable materials. You’d need professional-grade ventilation, continuous CO monitoring, and strict clearance from combustibles to reduce risk, which still isn’t recommended. Use the Gravity Series 800 outdoors on a stable, noncombustible surface with clear airflow and distance from structures for safe operation.
