Choosing between the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 and the Masterbuilt 1050 is essentially a question of whether you want a Swiss Army knife or a heavy-duty broadsword for your backyard. I’ve spent the last several months managing the fire on both of these machines, pushing them through overnight brisket smokes and high-heat backyard burger sears. While they share the same DNA – the revolutionary gravity-fed charcoal system that promises the flavor of wood with the convenience of a pellet grill – they cater to two very different types of outdoor cooks.
The Gravity Series has effectively bridged the gap for those of us who demand the smoke profile of real lump charcoal but don’t want to spend fourteen hours babying an offset smoker. Both the 800 and the 1050 utilize a DigitalFan to maintain temperatures with surgical precision, but once you get past the electronics, the physical builds and the “extras” included with each model create a distinct fork in the road. Here is my hands-on breakdown of how these two charcoal titans fared in the heat of battle.
The Key Difference: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 vs. 1050 Smoker
The primary divide between the Masterbuilt 800 and the 1050 isn’t just about size – it’s about cooking functionality and raw capacity.
- The Masterbuilt 800 (The All-Rounder): This model is unique because it includes a Flat Top Griddle Insert in the box. It offers 800 square inches of cooking space and is designed for the person who wants to jump from smoking ribs on Saturday to making smash burgers and breakfast hash on Sunday morning.
- The Masterbuilt 1050 (The King of Capacity): This is the “big brother” of the lineup, boasting a massive 1,050 square inches of cooking area. It trades the griddle versatility for pure real estate and premium materials, featuring more stainless steel and a significantly larger hopper capacity for longer, uninterrupted cooks.
In short: If you want a 3-in-1 machine that includes a griddle, go with the 800. If you are cooking for large crowds and need to fit multiple briskets or several racks of ribs at once, the 1050 is your powerhouse.
Comparison Table: Masterbuilt 800 vs. 1050 Smoker
| Feature | Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 | Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 |
| Cooking Space | 800 Sq. Inches | 1,050 Sq. Inches |
| Griddle Included? | Yes (Full Flat Top Insert) | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 10 lbs. Lump / 16 lbs. Briquettes | 10 lbs. Lump / 16 lbs. Briquettes |
| Max Temperature | 700°F | 700°F |
| Preheat Time | 225°F in 8 mins / 700°F in 14 mins | 225°F in 8 mins / 700°F in 15 mins |
| Shelving | Folding Front Shelf | Fixed Stainless Steel Front/Side |
| Materials | Iron / Steel | Stainless Steel / Steel |
| Weight | 204.2 lbs. | 240+ lbs. |
| Connectivity | WiFi & Bluetooth App | WiFi & Bluetooth App |
| Warming Racks | 2 Porcelain-coated | 2 Porcelain-coated (Larger) |
| View Current Price On Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience on the Grates
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Design: The Footprint of a Beast
When the 1050 arrived, I realized I needed a bigger patio. This thing is a tank. It’s significantly wider and deeper than the 800, and the extra stainless steel on the front and side shelves gives it a much more “pro” look. The shelves on the 1050 are fixed and sturdy, providing ample room for prep trays and tools.
The 800, by contrast, feels much more manageable. One design win for the 800 is the folding front shelf. When I’m not cooking, I can tuck it down to save space in the garage. The 800 also feels a bit more “modular” because of that griddle insert. Swapping from the cast iron grates to the flat top is a five-minute job that completely changes the identity of the grill. While the 1050 looks more impressive, the 800’s design is more pragmatic for the average suburban deck.
- Reaches 225 F in 8 minutes, 450 F in 10 minutes, or 700 degrees Fahrenheit in 14 minutes
- Digital charcoal grill and smoker with 1050 square inches of cooking space
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Ease of Use: The Gravity-Fed Dream
Both of these grills solve the biggest headache in charcoal grilling: the startup. I can confirm that Masterbuilt’s claims about reaching 700°F in about 14-15 minutes are 100% accurate. You light a fire starter at the bottom of the hopper, set the dial, and the fan does the rest.
- The 800 Experience: Using the 800 for breakfast was a joy. I pulled the grates out, dropped in the griddle, and had a full pound of bacon and six eggs going in minutes. The heat distribution across the griddle surface was impressively even.
- The 1050 Experience: Where the 1050 shines is in “set it and forget it” smoking. I loaded the hopper with lump charcoal and hickory chunks for a 12-hour pork shoulder. The larger internal volume of the 1050 seems to help with air circulation; I noticed a very consistent smoke ring across all the meat, even when I had the racks fully loaded.
The App Connectivity on both is a bit of a “love-hate” relationship. When the WiFi signal is strong, it’s amazing to be able to check my meat probe from the couch. However, both models can be finicky about staying connected if your router isn’t close to the grill.
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Functions: Searing vs. Griddling
Both machines are advertised as “Smoker Grills,” and they both excel at searing. The reversible cast iron grates have a “smoke” side (wide and flat) and a “sear” side (pointed for those perfect grill marks).
However, the 800 wins on functionality simply because of that griddle. If you’ve ever wanted a Blackstone but didn’t want to give up your charcoal grill, the 800 is the answer. Making stir-fry or fajitas on a charcoal-powered griddle adds a subtle depth of flavor you just don’t get from propane.
The 1050 is focused purely on volume. If you’re the person who hosts the neighborhood Fourth of July party, you can fit 7-8 chickens or 4-5 briskets on this thing simultaneously. The extra vertical space between the racks is also more generous on the 1050, which is helpful if you’re doing something tall like a beer-can chicken.
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Maintenance: The Grease and Ash Reality
Charcoal is messy, but Masterbuilt has made the cleanup about as easy as it can be. Both models have a slide-out ash bin at the bottom of the hopper and a grease tray that pulls out from the back.
I found the 800 a bit more intensive to clean if you use the griddle frequently. Seasoning and scraping a griddle is a different kind of labor than just brushing off grill grates. On the 1050, the main concern is the sheer size. When you have 1,050 square inches of space, there is a lot of interior surface area to scrape down to prevent grease fires. One tip for both: I highly recommend getting the custom-fit covers. Because these involve fans and digital controllers, you absolutely do not want them sitting out in the rain unprotected.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Smoker
- Reaches 225 F in 8 minutes, 450 F in 10 minutes, or 700 degrees Fahrenheit in 14 minutes
Pros:
- Versatility: The included griddle is a massive value add.
- Size: Perfect “Goldilocks” size for a family of four to six.
- Folding Shelf: Great for saving space in tight areas.
- Speed: Reaches searing temps slightly faster due to the smaller cook chamber.
Cons:
- Capacity: Might feel small if you’re trying to smoke for a wedding or huge event.
- Materials: Slightly less stainless steel than the 1050.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Smoker
- Digital charcoal grill and smoker with 1050 square inches of cooking space
Pros:
- Massive Space: 1,050 sq. inches is enough to feed a small army.
- Build Quality: More stainless steel components and a sturdier overall feel.
- Preparation Space: The fixed side and front shelves are large and incredibly useful.
- Hopper Size: Holds enough fuel for extremely long, overnight cooks without a refill.
Cons:
- No Griddle: You’ll have to buy a separate accessory if you want flat-top cooking.
- Heavy: At over 240 pounds, it is not easy to move once assembled.
The Verdict: Which Gravity Series Should You Buy?
After months of “research” (and eating way too much barbecue), my recommendation is based on your specific lifestyle.
I recommend the Masterbuilt 800 if: You want the most versatile outdoor cooking station available. The ability to switch from a high-heat charcoal grill to a breakfast griddle to a low-and-slow smoker in one footprint is unbeatable for the price. For 90% of home cooks, the 800 is the smarter, more practical purchase.
I recommend the Masterbuilt 1050 if: You are a “big batch” griller or an aspiring pitmaster who needs maximum real estate. If you regularly cook for 10 or more people, or if you want to be able to smoke several briskets at once, the 1050 is the only way to go. It feels more like a professional piece of equipment and less like a consumer grill.
My Personal Choice: I’m sticking with the Masterbuilt 800. The griddle is just too much fun to use, and honestly, 800 square inches is plenty for my weekly cooks and weekend parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the 1050 burn through charcoal faster?
Yes. Because the cooking chamber is larger, the fan has to work a bit harder to maintain those high temperatures (700°F). However, for low-and-slow smoking (225°F), the difference in fuel consumption is negligible.
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Can I use wood chunks in these?
Absolutely. The best way to do it is to layer wood chunks with your charcoal in the hopper. As the charcoal burns down, it ignites the wood, providing a consistent stream of clean blue smoke.
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How long does the hopper last?
In both models, a full hopper of briquettes will last about 8-10 hours at 225°F. If you’re grilling at 700°F, you might burn through a hopper in about 2-3 hours.
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Is the App required to use the grill?
No. You can control everything from the digital panel on the side of the grill. The app is just for remote monitoring and convenience.
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Can I leave the griddle in the 800 all the time?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re smoking. The griddle blocks a lot of the airflow designed for the grates. It’s best to swap them out based on what you’re cooking.
