Best Smokers with App: 3 Spec-Based Picks

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want app-connected charcoal griddling with large capacity Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Charcoal Smoker Grill Its app connectivity and 800 size suit versatile outdoor setups.
• You need large capacity charcoal smoking with app control Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Smoker It offers large capacity and digital app control for long sessions.
• You want compact app-controlled charcoal searing capability Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Charcoal Grill and Smoker Its compact 545 size and app control fit precision searing needs.

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Charcoal Smoker Grill

Best for: App-connected charcoal griddling

Connectivity

App (what this guide is about)

Cooking Area

800 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Control Type

DigitalFan

Maximum Temperature

700°F

Compatible Appliance

Griddle, Smoker

View on Amazon: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Charcoal Smoker Grill Affiliate link

The Masterbuilt Gravity 800 is a charcoal smoker with 800 square inches of cooking space. It connects via WiFi and Bluetooth for app control. The DigitalFan maintains steady temperatures. It heats to 700°F in 14 minutes. This unit includes a griddle insert. It suits you if you want digital precision and versatile cooking options.

Pros

• App control via WiFi and Bluetooth
• 800 sq. in. cooking area
• Reaches 700°F in 14 minutes
• Includes flat top griddle insert

Cons

• Heavy at 204 pounds
• Large footprint requires ample space
• No remote control listed

Good fit if

• You want app-based temperature monitoring
• You need space for griddling
• You prefer charcoal flavor

Skip if

• You need a portable unit
• You have limited storage space
• You prefer gas fuel

Verdict: Masterbuilt Gravity 800 WiFi Smoker fits you if you value app connectivity and versatile cooking capacity. Its large size and weight suit permanent outdoor setups.

2 Best premium

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Smoker

Best for: Large capacity charcoal smoking

Connectivity

App (what this guide is about)

Cooking Area

1,050 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Control Type

DigitalFan

Maximum Temperature

700°F

Compatible Appliance

Smoker

View on Amazon: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Smoker Affiliate link

This digital charcoal combo grill offers 1,050 square inches of cooking space. It connects via the Masterbuilt app for remote temperature and time control. The DigitalFan maintains heat precisely, reaching 700°F for searing or 225°F for smoking. A gravity-fed hopper holds 16 pounds of briquettes for up to 8 hours. It suits users who want large capacity with automated charcoal management.

Pros

• 1,050 sq. in. cooking area
• Masterbuilt app connectivity
• DigitalFan temperature control
• 16 lb charcoal capacity
• Reaches 700°F max temp

Cons

• Large footprint at 61 inches wide
• Heavy and bulky build
• No Bluetooth mentioned in specs

Good fit if

• You need space for large cuts
• You want app-based monitoring
• You prefer charcoal flavor

Skip if

• You have limited patio space
• You want portable equipment
• You prefer gas convenience

Verdict: Masterbuilt Gravity 1050 Charcoal Smoker fits cooks who need ample room and app control. It automates charcoal feeding for long sessions without manual tending.

3 Best budget

Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Best for: compact app-controlled charcoal searing

Connectivity

App (what this guide is about)

Cooking Area

545 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Control Type

Digital control panel, DigitalFan

Maximum Temperature

650°F

Use

Searing

View on Amazon: Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Charcoal Grill and Smoker Affiliate link

The Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 combines charcoal flavor with digital precision. It features a 545-square-inch cooking area and reaches up to 650°F for high-heat searing. The DigitalFan maintains your set temperature via the control panel or the Masterbuilt app. An internal hopper holds up to 7 pounds of charcoal for extended sessions. This unit offers app connectivity for remote monitoring and control.

Pros

• App connectivity for remote temperature monitoring
• Maximum temperature of 650°F for searing
• 545-square-inch cooking capacity
• Automatic ignition system
• Internal charcoal hopper holds 7 lbs

Cons

• Smaller 545 sq. in. capacity compared to 800 and 1050 models
• Requires manual charcoal loading despite digital fan
• No mention of remote temperature probes

Good fit if

• You want app-controlled charcoal smoking
• You need high-heat searing up to 650°F
• You prefer compact cooking space

Skip if

• You require large capacity for big gatherings
• You need fully automated charcoal feeding
• You prefer gas or pellet fuel

Verdict: Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Digital Charcoal suits those who want app-controlled precision and searing capability in a compact footprint. It fits users who value digital convenience without needing the larger capacity of the 800 or 1050 models.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right smoker

1. Check your outdoor space

   Measure your patio or deck before purchasing. The Masterbuilt Gravity 800 requires significant room, measuring 55.1 inches wide and 50.9 inches tall. It also weighs 204 pounds, so you need a stable surface that can support that mass. If your space is tighter, consider the AutoIgnite 545, which is narrower at 24 inches deep. Always leave clearance around the unit for ventilation and safe operation. Verify your measurements match the product dimensions to avoid fitting issues.

2. Consider cooking capacity needs

   Your meal size dictates the required cooking area. The Gravity 1050 is labeled as large capacity, making it suitable for feeding a crowd or smoking large cuts of meat. The Gravity 800 offers a versatile 800 cubic inch space for general use. The AutoIgnite 545 provides a compact footprint for smaller households. Match the internal volume to your typical serving size. Larger units require more fuel and time to heat, while smaller ones heat up faster but hold less food.

3. Verify app connectivity features

   All three models feature app connectivity for remote monitoring. This allows you to check temperatures and adjust settings from your phone. The Gravity 800 supports griddling alongside smoking, adding versatility. The Gravity 1050 automates charcoal feeding for long sessions. The AutoIgnite 545 focuses on precise searing. Ensure your smartphone is compatible with the manufacturer’s app. Reliable connectivity lets you tend to other tasks while the smoker maintains consistent heat without manual intervention.

4. Choose the right fuel type

   Each model burns charcoal, which imparts a distinct flavor profile. Charcoal smokers generally offer higher heat potential than gas units. The Gravity 800 and 1050 automate charcoal feeding, reducing manual labor. The AutoIgnite 545 includes auto-ignition for easier startup. You must purchase charcoal separately. Consider the cost and availability of your preferred charcoal type. Automated feeding systems manage the burn rate, but you still need to refill the hopper during extended cooking sessions.

5. Match the unit to your cooking style

   Select a model based on your primary cooking method. The Gravity 800 is best for versatile setups that include griddling. The Gravity 1050 excels at large capacity smoking for briskets or racks of ribs. The AutoIgnite 545 is ideal for searing and compact cooking. Think about whether you prioritize volume, versatility, or precision. The digital controls on all models help maintain consistent temperatures. Align the hardware capabilities with the dishes you plan to prepare most often.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best outdoor pizza ovens under 100
• best outdoor pizza ovens under 150
• best humidifiers with app control
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