Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓ Achieves true searing temperatures up to 700°F
- ✓ Long unattended cook times thanks to gravity-fed charcoal system
- ✓ Precise digital temperature control rivals pellet smokers
- ✓ Large cooking capacity suitable for big gatherings or competitions
- ✓ App connectivity allows monitoring from another room
- ✓ Versatile enough to grill, smoke, sear, and griddle
Cons
- ✕ Bulky footprint requires significant patio or yard space
- ✕ Initial setup and seasoning process is time-consuming
- ✕ WiFi/app connection can be finicky or drop periodically
- ✕ Charcoal hopper needs frequent monitoring on extended cooks
- ✕ Higher price point compared to traditional charcoal grills
- ✕ Ash and grease cleanup can be messy after heavy use
Specifications
| Cooking Surface | 830 sq in |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 225°F - 700°F |
| Charcoal Capacity | 10 hour burn time |
| Connectivity | WiFi via Masterbuilt App |
| Hopper Type | Gravity-fed charcoal system |
Our full review
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is a charcoal grill, smoker, and griddle combination engineered around Masterbuilt's signature Gravity-Fed technology, which uses the natural downward pull of gravity to feed lump charcoal or briquettes from a hopper into the firebox. This system, paired with a DigitalFan and Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity through the Masterbuilt app, allows the unit to maintain incredibly precise temperatures ranging from 225 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, all controlled from a smartphone. Rather than fussing with vents and airflow the way traditional charcoal smokers demand, users simply set their desired temperature and the grill's internal fan automatically regulates oxygen flow to the charcoal, holding steady heat for up to 15 hours on a single load of fuel without the need for constant monitoring or refueling. Built for versatility, the Gravity Series 800 features a spacious 800 square inches of total cooking space divided across a griddle side and a charcoal grill and smoker side, giving home cooks the ability to sear steaks, smoke brisket low and slow, and grill burgers or vegetables all in one session without switching equipment. The griddle plate is ideal for breakfast foods, stir-fry, or smash burgers, while the opposite side accommodates traditional grilling grates for direct-heat searing as well as smoking racks positioned further from the firebox for indirect, low-temperature cooking. Heavy-duty steel construction, porcelain-coated grates, and a rugged cart design with wheels make the unit durable and mobile enough for backyard entertaining, while the ash management system simplifies cleanup after long cooking sessions. For grilling and barbecue enthusiasts who want the smoky depth of charcoal without sacrificing the convenience of digital temperature control, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 bridges that gap effectively. Its ability to sustain low smoking temperatures for pulled pork or ribs, then quickly ramp up to searing heat for steaks or chicken, makes it a genuinely multipurpose outdoor cooking station rather than a single-function smoker or grill. Combined with app-based monitoring that alerts users when meat probes reach target internal temperatures, the 800 model reduces the guesswork traditionally associated with charcoal cooking, appealing to both weekend hobbyists and more serious pitmasters who want consistent, repeatable results without abandoning the authentic flavor that only real charcoal and wood smoke can provide.
Switched from a traditional offset smoker and this blows it away. The digital fan keeps temps rock steady for hours. Smoked a brisket overnight without waking up once to check on it.
Cooking results are outstanding - from low and slow ribs to searing steaks at 700 degrees. The WiFi app disconnects occasionally but the grill itself performs flawlessly regardless.
Took up more space than I expected on my patio, but the cooking capacity is perfect for feeding my extended family. Charcoal efficiency is impressive compared to my old kettle grill.
I've used this as a smoker, grill, and with the griddle attachment for breakfast. The temperature range is incredible - from 225 for pulled pork to 700 for perfect sear marks on steaks.
Took a few cooks to understand the gravity feed system and get temperature control dialed in. Once you figure it out, it's fantastic, but be prepared for a bit of a learning curve initially.
