The smell of charcoal smoke drifting through the backyard, the sound of a sizzling steak, and the satisfaction of perfectly smoked ribs—few things capture the joy of outdoor cooking like a solid smoker-grill combo. Over the years, I’ve used a fair share of charcoal smokers, but the Masterbuilt Gravity Series really raised the bar. Two models in particular—the Gravity 800 and the Gravity 1050—often get compared, and for good reason. Both promise power, precision, and versatility, but they shine in slightly different ways.
If you’re torn between the 800 and 1050, let me walk you through my hands-on take, breaking down where each one excels so you can pick the one that fits your style.
Key Difference at a Glance Masterbuilt Gravity Smoker 800 vs 1050 Grill & Smoker
While both grills share Masterbuilt’s DigitalFan precision, WiFi connectivity, and GravityFed charcoal hopper, the main difference lies in cooking area and versatility.
- The Gravity 800 is all about flexibility—it’s not just a smoker and grill, it also doubles as a flat-top griddle, giving you more variety in how you cook.
- The Gravity 1050, on the other hand, is a beast when it comes to capacity. With over 1,000 square inches of cooking space, it’s designed for those who regularly cook for a crowd.
- 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
Quick Comparison Table: Masterbuilt Gravity Smoker 800 vs 1050 Grill & Smoker
| Feature | Masterbuilt Gravity 800 | Masterbuilt Gravity 1050 |
| Cooking Area | 800 sq. in. | 1050 sq. in. |
| Functions | Grill, Smoker, Griddle | Grill, Smoker |
| Temperature Range | 225°F in 8 min / 700°F in 14 min | 225°F in 8 min / 700°F in 15 min |
| Hopper Capacity | 10 lbs lump / 16 lbs briquettes (8 hrs) | 10 lbs lump / 16 lbs briquettes (8 hrs) |
| Weight | 204 lbs | 203 lbs |
| App Connectivity | Yes (WiFi + Bluetooth) | Yes (WiFi + Bluetooth) |
| Notable Feature | Includes flat-top griddle insert | Extra-large cooking space |
| Best For | Versatility & everyday meals | Feeding large groups & long smokes |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
The first thing I noticed is that both units have the same rugged, powder-coated steel design that Masterbuilt is known for. They’re built like tanks, but surprisingly easy to maneuver around the patio despite their size.
The Gravity 800 feels slightly more compact and comes with a folding front shelf—handy for prepping food or holding trays. But what really caught my eye was the griddle insert. Being able to swap between grill grates and a flat-top opens the door to breakfasts, stir-frys, and smash burgers that you simply can’t do on the 1050.
The Gravity 1050, on the other hand, just looks massive. The lid is taller, and the extra space inside is noticeable. If you’re someone who often smokes multiple racks of ribs or briskets at once, that added room feels like a game-changer.
- 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
Ease of Use
Masterbuilt nailed the ease-of-use factor with both models. The DigitalFan system is a blessing—it maintains a rock-steady temperature so you don’t have to babysit the fire. Pair that with the app (works on WiFi or Bluetooth), and I could literally monitor my brisket from the living room.
The 800 heats up slightly faster, hitting 700°F in about 14 minutes compared to 15 minutes for the 1050. Not a big difference, but noticeable when you’re craving a quick sear.
I also found cleanup manageable with both units. The 800’s removable grease tray is easier to handle than the 1050’s larger pan, though neither is particularly difficult once you get the hang of it.
- Reaches 225 F in 8 minutes, 450 F in 10 minutes, or 700 degrees Fahrenheit in 14 minutes
Cooking Performance
This is where the fun begins.
On the Gravity 800, I loved experimenting with the griddle. Pancakes in the morning, fajitas at lunch, and then switching to smoked ribs for dinner—it’s versatility at its finest. For a small-to-medium family, the 800’s 800 sq. in. cooking space is more than enough.
The Gravity 1050 felt like a party machine. I managed three full racks of ribs, a whole chicken, and sausages in one go, with room to spare. The airflow was even, and the DigitalFan made sure my temps never dipped too low. For large gatherings or hosting game day cookouts, this thing is a workhorse.
Both hit those high searing temps beautifully, and the reversible cast-iron grates made switching from low-and-slow to high-heat quick and smooth.
Masterbuilt Gravity 800 Grill, Griddle Smoker
- Reaches 225 F in 8 minutes, 450 F in 10 minutes, or 700 degrees Fahrenheit in 14 minutes
Pros:
- Triple function: Grill, smoker, and griddle
- Compact enough for most patios
- Faster heating time
- Folding shelf adds prep space
- Smart controls with app integration
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area (might feel tight for big gatherings)
- Griddle insert adds weight and storage considerations
Masterbuilt Gravity 1050 Grill, Griddle Smoker
- Digital charcoal grill and smoker with 1050 square inches of cooking space
Pros:
- Huge 1050 sq. in. cooking area
- Ideal for big families or hosting
- Reversible grates for smoking and searing
- Same smart connectivity and fan control as 800
- Built tough for long-term use
Cons:
- No griddle insert (less versatile)
- Takes up more space on the patio
- Slightly slower heat-up time
Which One Should You Choose?
After cooking on both, I see them as tools for different lifestyles.
If you want versatility and plan to cook a wide range of meals—griddle breakfasts, quick weeknight dinners, and weekend smokes—the Masterbuilt Gravity 800 is the clear winner. It does a little bit of everything without overwhelming your patio space.
But if your focus is on capacity—hosting big backyard barbecues, smoking multiple meats at once, or simply having more space to spread out—the Gravity 1050 earns its spot. It’s basically the big brother of the 800, built for serious pitmasters and entertainers.
Personally, I lean toward the Gravity 800 for my everyday cooking, but when I have a large gathering, I can see why the 1050 is the go-to beast. Either way, both models prove why Masterbuilt’s Gravity Series is changing the way people think about charcoal cooking.
