Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Review 2023: Is It Worth It?
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Grilling and smoking with charcoal is the best way to achieve that delicious charcoal flavor and tender meat.
A classic charcoal grill is an excellent choice in this situation. However, they can be challenging to use, especially for beginners.
But no worries, Masterbuilt has the solution with their new Gravity Series, which features a unique heat control system that makes it simple to start and maintain your charcoal fire.
Particularly with the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800, which thrives in terms of performance.
In this Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 review, I will compare its features to those of similar products and tell you whether it is the best gravity smoker grill.
What is Masterbuilt 800?
The Masterbuilt Gravity 800 Series is the second gravity smoker from Masterbuilt to hit the market, following the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560.
Compared to the previous model, the 800 represents a significant upgrade in features and construction quality.
It’s a charcoal grill and smoker combo that gives you the best charcoal grilling and smoking experience without requiring you to babysit it all day.
You can also use it as a flat-top grill with the griddle option for cooking pancakes, burgers, steaks—even pizza!
History of The Masterbuilt Gravity Series
On December 1st, 2019, Masterbuilt was the first outdoor kitchen appliance brand to launch the first home-cook-friendly gravity smoker on the market with the first generation – Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560.
Although the outdoor cooking community enthusiastically embraced the Series 560 because it was the first charcoal grill that could be used and controlled as easily as a pellet grill (you can read more in detail here), it did have some flaws in its design and functionality because it was the first model to hit the market.
However, Masterbuilt has already improved many aspects of this model in their next-generation models, – Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 and 800.
Masterbuilt 800 Specs And Warranty
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Gravity-Fed Smoker |
| Capacity | 800 sq. in. |
| Fuel Source | Charcoal |
| Temperature Range | 150°F – 700°F |
| Digital Display | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
| Meat Probe | Yes |
| Racks | 4 Chrome-coated racks |
| Dimensions | 55.1 x 50.9 x 30.5″ |
| Weight | 161 lbs |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Pros and Cons
The Masterbuilt 800 gravity series has many pros, but it does have some cons as well. The list below highlights the pros and cons of this smoker.
Pros
Cons
Design And Build Quality
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is a top-of-the-line smoker and grill combo that boasts an impressive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing design.
Starting with the design, the Masterbuilt 800 features sleek black and stainless steel exteriors, which you can proudly display in your backyard without sacrificing performance or functionality.
This combination of design makes sure this charcoal smoker is durable and practical, ensuring that it can withstand frequent use and last for many years.
On the left side of the smoker, there is a digital LED control board that is easy to navigate and allows you to set the temperature and time with precision.
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 has a spacious cooking area of 800 square inches, just like its name implies, inside the cooking chamber with three removable, cast-iron cooking racks. This provides ample space for cooking various foods, from brisket to pork butt.
The first rack measures 16.5 x 24 inches and provides 396 square inches; the two other racks offer a total of 404 square inches, with the top one being the warming rack.
One thing I like about the design of the Masterbuilt 800 compared to its predecessor, the Masterbuilt 500, is the increased clearance between the top rack and the top of the lid.
This extra space makes it possible to stack food items without worrying about them getting squished by the lid when it closes.
On the front, this smoker features a folding stainless steel front shelf, which is a fantastic addition to this smoker. It’s made of high-quality stainless steel, so it’s durable, easy to clean, and resistant to rust.
Although the working space it provides isn’t very large, there is still enough space for storing small items, like plates or cutlery.
The best part is that it can be easily folded down when not in use, saving you valuable space.
On the right side, there’s a 16-pound hopper with a lid on top. When smoking, it’s best to fill the hopper all the way with charcoal and wood chunks and keep the charcoal dry the whole time. This is another way to keep your smoker running smoothly.
The design of this hopper’s lid is noteworthy, as it lays down to the back when opened. This differs from the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, where the lid lays down to the right and interferes with the cooking chamber.
As a result, the cooking chamber lid and hopper lid cannot be opened simultaneously on the 560.
However, with the design of the hopper’s lid on the Masterbuilt 800, you can easily open both lids at the same time.
There’s also a bottom rack for you to store the griddle top when not in use, which is great for saving space.
Moving on to the build quality…
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is constructed with heavy-duty, powder-coated steel for durability and long-lasting use.
The only concern I have regarding the build quality of the Masterbuilt 800 is the thin metal used in its lid construction, which makes me worry about its heat-retaining capability.
Top Features of Masterbuilt 800
The Masterbuilt 800 is a great choice for beginners, and it’s also got some advanced features that can help you get more out of your smoking experience.
1. It Heats Up Quickly
The Masterbuilt 800 heats up quickly and can reach 700°F in less than 15 minutes.
The temperature can be adjusted with the PID controller on the left side to keep the food you are smoking at the right temperature, making it easy to cook your favorite meats and fish.
2. Includes a flat-top griddle insert
This smoker’s unusual ability to transform into a flat-top charcoal griddle grill will make you fall in love with it. This is the only model from the Gravity Series to have this feature, which makes it stand out not only from other models in the series but also from other brands on the market today.
A grease drain hole on the front-left side of the front panel directs grease to the bottom removable drain cup.
There’s also a handle attached to the griddle so you can move it around without scraping your hands on the hot surface.
3. Digital PID Controller
The Masterbuilt 800 has a digital PID controller to make sure your smoker is running at the right temperature, no matter what you’re cooking. It will keep your meat, fish, or vegetables smoking evenly and consistently.
The best thing about this controller is that it can count up and count down the time, so you can be sure that your food will be ready when you want it to be.
4. Fold-out Cord Storage
The built-in cord storage keeps the cord tidy when you are not charging your phone.
This feature makes it easier for you to keep your smoker organized and ready for use, which is especially important if you have limited space.
5. Wi-Fi And Bluetooth Capable
The Masterbuilt 800 is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-capable smoker. This makes it easy to connect with your smartphone and use an app to set up your smoker or even use the app to monitor the temperature of the meat in your smoker.
6. Searing And Smoking Grill Grates
The Masterbuilt 800’s cast iron grill grates are dual-sided, so you can get the best of both worlds: a nice sear mark and meat that’s smoked to perfection.
The smoking grates have a surface resembling the top point of a triangle and allow as much smoke as possible to pass through, creating a delicious smoked flavor.
The meat contact surface of the searing grate is thicker, resulting in a more intense sear mark.
7. The Temperature Can Drop Down To 150°F
This Masterbuilt 800 charcoal grill has a temperature range of 150°F to 700°F, which is quite impressive for a charcoal grill smoker.
With this temperature range, you can slow-cook foods such as jerky or smoked salmon.
How To Season Masterbuilt 800 For The First Time Use
To season your Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 smoker before first use, you can follow these steps:
- Fill up the hopper with your choice of charcoal; you can use either briquettes or lump charcoal.
- Light it up using a tumbleweed firestarter or a paper towel with oil on it.
- Let the hopper lid, and ash clean-out door stay open for about 5 minutes to let air flow through the hopper and get the coal lit.
- After 5 minutes, pull out the two air vents paddles to allow air from the fan below to reach the hopper and grill.
- Turn on the controller and set the temperature to 250 degrees.
- Close all the lids and let the fan start running.
- Let it burn at 250 degrees for 60 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400 degrees and let it burn for another 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, turn off the smoker and let it cool down.
- Spray oil over the cooking grates and other parts inside the smoker using an oil spray.
- Once you’ve sprayed the oil, it’s time to heat up the smoker again. Set the temperature to 250 degrees and let it run for 1 hour. Then, raise the temperature to 400 degrees for 30 minutes. And that’s it! Your smoker is now fully seasoned and ready for cooking.
By seasoning your new Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800, you’ll help protect the interior from rust and ensure a more flavorful experience for your food. And remember always to keep the interior clean and seasoned to maintain its seasoning for future uses.
Available accessories for Masterbuilt 800
There are a few accessories that will make your smoker even more useful. Here are some great options:
1. Cover
This unit is made from metal, not stainless steel, so if you’re planning on storing your smoker outside, you’ll probably want a cover that keeps the rain out and protects it from the elements.
2. Rotisserie Kit
If you’re looking to turn your Masterbuilt 800 into a full-on rotisserie grill, this kit is ideal. With its adjustable spit rods, this kit will help you turn out perfect rotisserie meals with minimal effort.
3. Fire Starter
A fire starter is essential when lighting up your gravity smoker because it will make it easier to get the charcoal burning.
The best way to start a fire is by placing a piece of fire starter or newspaper under your charcoal grate and lighting it with a lighter or match.
Also, you can purchase custom full-size grill grates for the upper racks as well as other modifications for your Masterbuilt 800 at LSS- Mod (not affiliate).
Masterbuilt 800 Alternatives
Here are some alternatives that you might want to consider if you’re looking for something similar:
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050
- Char-Griller Gravity 980
Gravity Series 800 Review – FAQs
My Verdict: Should You Buy The Masterbuilt 800?
I think the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable grill that can be used for grilling, smoking, and griddle grilling. This grill is easy to assemble, use, and clean, but its thin metal walls pose some durability issues.
However, if you want something that’s easy to use, has a variety of cooking options, and won’t break the bank, then this one will do the trick.
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