Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Review: Pros/Cons & My Backyard Tests

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Author: Michael Willey (Delmarva Backyard)

Date: Updated December 31, 2025 (Original: February 19, 2024)

Is the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 the ultimate digital charcoal grill for 2025, blending gravity-fed convenience with real charcoal smoke? In this honest review, I'll share stats from my Delmarva backyard tests (e.g., temp stability on long smokes), pros/cons based on dozens of cooks, and whether it's worth around $800-900. As a BBQ enthusiast pushing cutting-edge trends on YouTube and TikTok, I tested it fairly—highlighting wins like set-it-and-forget-it ease and flaws like fuel hunger. Let's fire it up.

Key Takeaways from My Tests

  • Convenient Smoke Flavor: Gravity-fed hopper delivers consistent charcoal taste—better than pellets, with up to 8-hour runs on a full load.

  • Versatile Performance: 1050 sq. in. space handled crowds, but temp variances (10-20°F side-to-side) required rotation.

  • Honest Verdict: Ideal for busy grillers wanting charcoal authenticity; I nailed smoky Old Bay chicken, but it guzzles fuel more than traditional setups.

What Makes the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Stand Out in 2025?

The 1050 is a gravity-fed digital charcoal grill/smoker with 1050 sq. in. cooking space, a 10-lb lump/16-lb briquette hopper, and app-connected controls. In 2025, gravity-fed tech is trending for "pellet-like" ease with superior charcoal flavor (per forums like BBQ Brethren and Reddit). Unlike pellets (e.g., Traeger), it keeps authentic smoke; vs. traditional kamados, it's more hands-off. I tested it on Delmarva favorites like ribs and seafood, fusing bold flavors without constant tending.

Assembly: Straightforward but Time-Intensive

Setup took me about 2 hours with a helper—32 steps, clear instructions, no special tools needed. Pro tip: Align the hopper carefully. Honest note: It's bulky (200+ lbs), so plan space in your backyard.

Durability: Built for Regular Use

Porcelain-coated grates and sturdy build held up in humid Delmarva weather. Warranty covers key parts. In my experience, ash cleanup was easy, but grease buildup required vigilance to avoid flare-ups.

User-Friendly Tech: Stats from My Cooks

DigitalFan and app controlled airflow precisely. Stats: Reached 225°F in 8-10 minutes; held low-and-slow with ±10-15°F variance (better with mods like gaskets). Up to 4 probes tracked accurately. Honest flaw: App connectivity occasional glitches; fan noise noticeable.

Hands-On Performance Tests: Data-Driven Results

I ran 15+ tests in my backyard. Here's a fair breakdown with stats:

Test Setup Key Stats & Results My Delmarva Experience
Low & Slow Ribs 225°F, 6-8 hours Held ±10-15°F; used ~12-15 lbs briquettes (full hopper for 8 hrs) Smoky Old Bay spare ribs—tender bark, rich flavor; rotated for evenness
High-Heat Sear (Steaks) 600-700°F, 15 min Reached in 15 min; good Maillard but short hold Reverse-seared local beef—crust hit, but moved to indirect to finish
Smoking Seafood 225°F, 4 hours Consistent smoke; minimal flare-ups Chesapeake shrimp infused perfectly—fusion with global spices shone
Pizza/Baking 500°F, 10-15 min Even dome heat with stone; no burning Grilled Delmarva crab pizza—crispy, versatile for parties

Heat Control: Mastering It with Data

DigitalFan auto-adjusts for stability—stats show 10-20% better consistency than manual charcoal (per user forums). Quick ramps: 225°F in ~8 min, 700°F in 15. Tip: Use quality lump (e.g., Fogo) for cleaner burns.

App Features: Real-Time Edge

WiFi/Bluetooth monitoring let me multitask. Graphing tracked cooks; alerts prevented overshoots. Honest con: Occasional disconnects in wind/rain—fallback to panel works fine.

GravityFed Hopper: Versatile Fuel Management

Holds 10 lbs lump/16 lbs briquettes for 8+ hours. Gravity feeds steadily. In tests, added wood chunks for extra smoke without disrupting flow.

Is It Worth $800-900? Fair Value Breakdown

Yes for convenience seekers; solid alternative to pellets with better flavor. Stats: Fuel efficiency ~8 hours full load, but hungrier than offsets (15-20% more charcoal). Alternatives: Char-Griller 980 (~$500, less tech); Traeger (~$900, easier but less smoke). Who it's for: Delmarva backyard warriors wanting set-and-forget charcoal for fusions and crowds.

Pros (Backed by My Tests):

  • Real Charcoal Flavor: Superior smoke vs. pellets—95% of cooks delivered authentic taste.

  • Ease of Use: Set-it-and-forget-it for 8+ hours; app boosted multitasking.

  • Large Capacity: 1050 sq. in. fed parties effortlessly.

Cons (Honest Drawbacks):

  • Fuel Consumption: Guzzles more charcoal than traditional (up to 15-20 lbs long cooks).

  • Temp Variances: 10-20°F side differences—needs rotation or mods.

  • Build Quirks: Early models had QC issues (e.g., switches); mine held strong with care.

Summary: Cutting-Edge Pick for 2025 BBQ

The Masterbuilt 1050 brings gravity-fed innovation to charcoal—perfect for trend-forward smokes like my Delmarva fusions. Fair rating: 4.4/5 (docked for fuel/app nits). Check my YouTube for more tests!

FAQs

  • Worth It? Yes for hands-off charcoal flavor—my stats show reliable 8-hour smokes.

  • Max Temp? 700°F—solid searing with practice.

  • How It Works? Gravity feeds + fan = consistent; easy startup with tumbleweeds.

  • Vs. Pellets? More authentic smoke; similar ease.

  • Assembly? 2 hours; follow manual closely.

Grab the Masterbuilt 1050 HERE

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https://www.masterbuilt.com/products/gravity-series-1050-digital-charcoal-grill-smoker