This review covers a year of using the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 grill, detailing its performance, durability, and modifications. After twelve months of consistent use, we assess its strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers considering this popular charcoal grill. Expect insights into its construction quality, maintenance requirements, fuel efficiency, and cooking versatility, along with the author's personal modifications and their impact.This in-depth review explores the Gravity Series 800's ability to handle various cooking styles, from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. We delve into the cost of fuel and the convenience of using charcoal and wood, comparing it to pellet grills. Read on to learn about the author's experience with customizing the grill to enhance its functionality and discover whether the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is the right fit for your outdoor cooking needs.
Pros And Cons
- Overall good quality after one year of use, with no significant rust or issues.
- Main control board worked for five months before replacement (due to user upgrade, not failure).
- Versatile cooking capabilities: can smoke, sear, bake, etc.
- Impresses with superior flavor compared to pellet grills.
- Large modding community and many available modifications.
- Switches may require cleaning or bypassing to prevent issues.
- Grease management system requires regular cleaning to prevent fires.
- Takes longer to heat up with modifications (Fireboard).
- Requires external power source (12V USB) for the Fireboard fan.
- Initial setup and lighting charcoal requires more effort than pellet grills.
- Improved app connectivity.
- High-temp probes.
- Multiple temperature port options.
- Slower heating algorithm compared to the original control board.
- Requires USB power.
Read more: Weber Master Touch Review After Several Months of Use
Overall Build Quality
After a year of consistent use, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 shows remarkable durability. The grill cover remains vibrant, exhibiting no signs of fading despite prolonged sun exposure. Importantly, there's no rust or significant wear and tear, a testament to the robust construction.
Regular ash bin cleaning and occasional creosote buildup removal are standard maintenance. Minor creosote accumulation is normal and shouldn't be a concern. Even the baffle shows only minimal rust, exceeding expectations for a grill subjected to frequent high-heat cooking.
Modifications and Upgrades
I've implemented several modifications to enhance the grill's functionality. The most significant upgrade is the installation of a FireBoard, providing superior app connectivity, high-temp probes, and additional temperature port options. While this upgrade improves performance, it does increase setup time and requires a separate USB power source.
Other modifications include a clothes vent mod for better fire control (though not essential for most users), and additional aesthetic additions like pull tags. I've also added a stainless steel grate to improve ash management, preventing smoldering. These enhancements demonstrate the grill’s adaptability to individual needs and preferences.
Cooking Performance and Costs
Fuel costs for charcoal are comparable to pellet grills, with a 17-pound bag lasting a week of regular use or about 1.5 bags for a large overnight cook. The addition of wood chunks adds to the overall cost but significantly enhances flavor. Startup time is longer than pellet grills, but the convenience of using charcoal and wood outweighs that for many users.
This grill offers incredible versatility, excelling at low-and-slow smoking, as well as high-heat searing and baking. I’ve successfully cooked everything from briskets to pizzas, showcasing its adaptability. The superior smoky flavor, imparted by real charcoal and wood, is a significant advantage over pellet grills.
Final Verdict
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is a high-quality grill with excellent build materials and impressive cooking capabilities. While minor maintenance is required, the superior flavor profile achieved with real charcoal and wood compensates for this. The switch issues can be addressed through cleaning or modification, and overall, the versatility of this grill makes it worth considering.
The modifications I've made enhance its functionality significantly, making it more suitable to my needs. However, the stock unit is also perfectly capable, making it a highly recommended option for those seeking a truly versatile outdoor cooking experience.