Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This masterbuilt masterbuilt gravity series 1050 review focuses on a digital charcoal grill that bridges the gap between smoking and searing. It offers 1,050 square inches of cooking space and reaches 700°F for high-heat grilling. The unit uses a GravityFed hopper to feed charcoal automatically, maintaining precise temperatures via a DigitalFan. You get reversible cast iron grates and app connectivity for remote monitoring. It is a large appliance designed for consistent results without constant manual tending.
What stands out
- 1,050 square inches of total cooking area
- Reaches 700°F for searing or 225°F for smoking
- DigitalFan maintains set temperatures automatically
- Holds 10 lbs of lump charcoal or 16 lbs of briquettes
- Masterbuilt app allows remote temperature and time control
Who it fits
Good fit for
This grill suits you if you want charcoal flavor without the hassle of manual airflow adjustments. The large 1,050 sq. in. capacity handles big gatherings easily. The app connectivity lets you monitor probes and adjust settings from your phone. If you value precise temperature control and long cook times up to eight hours, this digital charcoal combo fits your outdoor kitchen setup.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you prefer gas convenience or pellet simplicity. This unit requires you to load charcoal manually into the hopper. Its large footprint, measuring 61 inches wide and 52.2 inches high, demands significant outdoor space. If you want a compact tabletop unit or do not want to manage charcoal fuel, this large smoker grill is not the right choice for your cooking style.
Verdict: The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 delivers versatile charcoal cooking with digital precision. It is ideal for those who want smoker flexibility and griller power in one large, app-connected unit.
Key specs for this grill
Fuel Type: Charcoal
This unit uses charcoal rather than gas or pellets. You manage the fuel source manually by loading the hopper. Charcoal offers a distinct smoky flavor that many outdoor cooks prefer for grilling and smoking. You need to ensure you have a steady supply of lump charcoal or briquettes nearby. This differs from propane models that offer instant ignition without fuel handling.
Cooking Area: 1,050 sq. in.
The grill provides 1,050 square inches of total cooking space. This large capacity allows you to cook multiple items simultaneously, such as large cuts of meat or numerous vegetables. It suits families or those hosting gatherings. You can fit several racks or large grates inside. Compare this space to smaller tabletop units if you plan to feed more than four people regularly.
Control Type: DigitalFan
The DigitalFan automatically regulates airflow to maintain your set temperature. You do not need to manually adjust vents or add charcoal frequently. The fan adjusts speed based on the target heat. This automation simplifies the smoking process and reduces the need for constant monitoring. It ensures consistent heat for low-and-slow cooking or steady searing without manual intervention.
Maximum Temperature: 700°F
The grill can reach temperatures up to 700°F. This high heat allows for effective searing of steaks and burgers, creating a crust similar to a traditional charcoal grill. You can achieve restaurant-quality results on meats. This capability distinguishes it from many dedicated smokers that cannot get hot enough for searing. It offers versatility for both high-heat grilling and lower-temperature smoking.
Design and build specs
The listing describes the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 as a large unit finished in black. You should expect significant footprint and height. The dimensions are 61 inches wide, 33.1 inches long, and 52.2 inches tall. This size requires a sturdy, level surface for stable operation. The heavy construction supports the internal components and the fuel hopper without wobbling during use. You need adequate clearance around the unit for safe venting and access.
The cooking layout features 1,050 square inches of space. It includes reversible cast iron grates that allow you to switch between high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking. This versatility means you do not need separate equipment for different cooking styles. The front and side shelves are made of stainless steel. These surfaces provide durable prep space that resists rust and corrosion. You can place tools or raw meat on these shelves while the main chamber operates.
Control is handled by a digital panel and the GravityFan system. According to the listing, the app connectivity lets you monitor probes and adjust settings remotely. The digital interface removes guesswork from temperature management. You set the desired heat, and the system manages the charcoal feed. The finish is simple and functional, designed to withstand outdoor conditions. The black coating helps hide soot and ash buildup during regular grilling sessions.
Setup and everyday use guide
You place this large unit on a sturdy, level surface. The dimensions are 61 inches wide, 33.1 inches long, and 52.2 inches tall. This footprint requires adequate outdoor space. You load the GravityFed vertical charcoal hopper with up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes. The digital control panel allows you to set your desired cooking temperature directly. You can also use the Masterbuilt app to set and adjust the temperature and time. The app lets you monitor meat probes and shut down the grill from your mobile device. The DigitalFan precisely maintains your chosen temperature. This system enables the unit to reach 225°F in eight minutes for smoking or 700°F in fifteen minutes for high-heat grilling. You use the reversible cast iron grates for either high-heat searing or low and slow smoking methods. The stainless steel front and side shelf provides additional food preparation space. Daily use involves managing the charcoal hopper and monitoring the digital readout. The app connectivity offers remote control convenience. You rely on the automatic charcoal feeding for consistent heat. The large 1,050 square inch cooking area supports substantial meals. You clean the grates and shelves after each use. The black finish requires standard outdoor care. This setup process ensures you are ready to cook. The digital controls simplify the transition between grilling and smoking modes. You do not need to manage a fire manually. The system handles the airflow and fuel delivery.
Before you buy this grill
Owning this large charcoal unit means managing fuel and cleanup regularly. You must load the GravityFed hopper with lump charcoal or briquettes before each session. The digital controls handle temperature, but you still need to monitor the ash pan and clean the reversible cast iron grates after use. Since it connects to the Masterbuilt app, you need a compatible smartphone to access remote monitoring and time settings effectively. This grill sits alongside pizza ovens and griddles in your outdoor kitchen. It complements those tools by offering distinct low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing capabilities that gas or electric units cannot replicate. Ensure your outdoor space can support its 61-inch width and 52.2-inch height. Verify you have adequate ventilation for charcoal smoke. Check that your mobile device supports the required app features for full functionality. This setup suits cooks who want precise temperature control without constant manual adjustment.
Check before you buy
- Verify your outdoor space fits the 61-inch width and height
- Ensure you have a smartphone for app connectivity and monitoring
- Confirm you have room to store lump charcoal or briquettes
- Check that your area has adequate ventilation for charcoal smoke
The product at a glance
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Smoker
Best for: Large capacity automated charcoal grilling
- Cooking Area
- 1,050 sq. in.
- Fuel Type
- Charcoal
- Control Type
- DigitalFan
- Connectivity
- Masterbuilt app
- Maximum Temperature
- 700°F
- Compatible Appliance
- Smoker
View on Amazon: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Smoker Affiliate link
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 is a large digital charcoal grill offering 1,050 square inches of cooking space. It uses a GravityFed hopper to hold up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes for extended cooking sessions. The DigitalFan maintains temperatures precisely, reaching 700°F for searing or 225°F for smoking. You can control settings via the Masterbuilt app or the onboard panel. This unit suits those who want automated charcoal management with smart connectivity.
Pros
- 1,050 square inches of cooking area
- DigitalFan maintains precise temperatures
- GravityFed hopper holds 16 lbs of briquettes
- App connectivity for remote monitoring
- Reversible cast iron grates included
Cons
- Large footprint at 61 inches wide
- Requires charcoal fuel, not gas
- Heavy and bulky for small patios
Good fit if
- You need ample space for large cuts
- You want app-based temperature control
- You prefer automated charcoal feeding
Skip if
- You have limited patio space
- You prefer gas or pellet convenience
- You want a compact portable unit
Verdict: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill is ideal for cooks who value large capacity and automated charcoal management. It fits those who want app control and precise temperature regulation for both grilling and smoking.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Smoker |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 1,050 sq. in. |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
| Control Type | DigitalFan |
| Connectivity | Masterbuilt app |
| Maximum Temperature | 700°F |
| Compatible Appliance | Smoker |
| Size | Large |
| Dimensions | 33.1 × 61 × 52.2 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Model | MB20041220 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 a smoker or a grill?
It is a digital charcoal grill that functions as a smoker. The product data lists it as a compatible appliance for smoking. It also reaches 700°F, allowing for high-heat searing. This dual capability lets you manage both low-and-slow smoking and direct grilling with the same unit.
How large is the cooking area on this unit?
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 offers 1,050 square inches of cooking space. This large capacity fits the best_for category of large automated charcoal grilling. You can cook for big gatherings or multiple large cuts of meat simultaneously without needing to rotate batches frequently.
Does this grill connect to a smartphone app?
Yes, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 features app connectivity. The attributes list connectivity as App, allowing you to monitor and control the unit remotely. This digital control type helps you maintain precise temperature regulation without standing by the grill constantly.
What type of fuel does the Gravity Series 1050 use?
This unit uses charcoal as its fuel source. The specs confirm the fuel type is charcoal, which provides a distinct smoky flavor. You load the GravityFed hopper with lump charcoal or briquettes to feed the fire automatically, rather than using gas or pellets.
What are the physical dimensions of this charcoal smoker?
The unit measures 61 inches wide, 33.1 inches long, and 52.2 inches tall. These dimensions classify it as a large size. You need a sturdy, level outdoor surface with ample space to accommodate this significant footprint and height for safe operation.
Who is the best user for this specific model?
This grill is ideal for cooks who value large capacity and automated charcoal management. It fits those who want app control and precise temperature regulation. If you prefer digital convenience for both grilling and smoking large batches, this model aligns with your needs.