The Masterbuilt Gravity Series grill has generated considerable buzz, but does it live up to the hype? This comprehensive review dives deep into the pros and cons of this innovative charcoal grill, exploring its design, assembly, performance, and overall user experience. We'll examine its gravity-fed charcoal system, app-controlled temperature regulation, and its ability to achieve both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking. We'll also address the challenges encountered during assembly and explore whether its unique features justify the investment.This review provides a balanced perspective, weighing the benefits of the Masterbuilt Gravity Series' versatility and impressive performance against the potential drawbacks of its complex assembly and the learning curve involved in mastering its features. We'll assess whether this grill is the perfect choice for every user, or if alternative grilling methods might offer a more streamlined experience. Ultimately, we aim to help you decide if the Masterbuilt Gravity Series is the right addition to your backyard cooking arsenal.
Pros And Cons
- Cast iron cooking grates (indicates high heat capability)
- Retractable front shelf
- Hanging hooks and storage cubby
- Meat probe included
- Grease trap for easy cleanup
- App controlled (temperature control)
- Heat exchanger for even cooking
- Achieves high temperatures for searing
- Efficient fuel usage
- Difficult assembly (described as 'painstakingly annoying')
- Glue residue on the inside of the hood
- Extra grates partially cover main cooking area
- Manual ignition required (no igniter)
- Many steps involved to start cooking
- Safety sensor shuts off the fan when the hopper lid is opened (making refueling during high-temperature cooking inconvenient)
- Lack of clear guidelines on charcoal usage and refill timing
Read more: 10 Best Commercial Charcoal Grills: A Buyer's Guide
Assembly: A Labor of Love (or Frustration)
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series grill assembly proved to be surprisingly challenging. Unlike other grills I've assembled, this one took several hours and required significant patience. The instructions could have been clearer, leading to some frustration. It's definitely a two-person job, and maybe even better with a few cold drinks on hand.
Grill Design and Features
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series boasts a substantial size and a double-lined hood for excellent heat retention. The hopper is conveniently located for easy charcoal refilling. The cooking system features cast-iron grates suggesting good searing capabilities. There is also a useful retractable front shelf and hanging hooks.
Gravity-Fed System and Temperature Control
The gravity-fed system is innovative. Charcoal is loaded into a hopper, and gravity feeds it down into the firebox. A fan assists in controlling airflow for temperature regulation. This system aims to provide the ease of a pellet smoker but with the flavor of charcoal. The app control adds another layer of convenience, although the reviewer encountered some minor issues.
Cooking Performance and Results
The grill reached high temperatures quickly, effectively searing the filet mignon steaks. The reviewer noted a slight smoke ring, indicating some smoke flavor despite the high heat. The final product was tender and juicy, with a satisfyingly crisp crust from searing. However, the overall smoke flavor was less pronounced than expected with high heat cooking.
Final Verdict: Worth the Investment?
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series grill is a versatile machine capable of both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking. Its innovative gravity-fed system and digital temperature control are impressive, but the assembly process and the number of manual steps required were somewhat cumbersome. Whether or not it's the *best* grill depends on your priorities. If you prioritize ease of use and consistent temperature control, a pellet smoker might be a better fit. If you value versatility and the potential for both high-heat and low-and-slow cooking, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series is a strong contender, but be prepared for a steeper learning curve.