9 Best Gravity Fed Charcoal Smokers (September 2026) – Tested

If you love the smoky flavor of charcoal but hate babysitting a fire for ten hours, the best gravity fed charcoal smokers solve that exact problem. They drop fresh charcoal into a firebox automatically while a digital fan locks in your target temperature, so you get authentic charcoal taste without the constant tending.

Our team spent six weeks comparing nine gravity fed charcoal smokers across brisket cooks, ribs, weekend burgers, and overnight pork butts. We tracked temperature swings, hopper run time, WiFi reliability, and how easy each unit was to clean. What follows is what we found.

Whether you are shopping for a backyard BBQ upgrade or your first set-it-and-forget-it smoker, this guide covers the models worth your money in 2026. We also break down how gravity smokers work, what to look for, and the charcoal types that actually perform well in these units.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Gravity Fed Charcoal Smokers at a Glance

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050

★★★★★★★★★★3.8
  • 1050 sq in cooking space
  • Digital PID temperature control
  • Up to 8 hour hopper run time
MOST VERSATILE
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600

★★★★★★★★★★3.5
  • 600 sq in cooking area
  • 18 hour briquette hopper
  • DigitalFan 225 to 700F
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Best Gravity Fed Charcoal Smokers in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050
  • 1050 sq in capacity
  • Digital PID controller
  • Up to 8 hour hopper
  • WiFi app control
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Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800
  • 800 sq in with griddle
  • WiFi and Bluetooth
  • Reaches 700F in 14 min
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Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600
  • 600 sq in cooking area
  • 18 hour briquette hopper
  • DigitalFan 225 to 700F
Check Latest Price
Big Joe Konnected JoeBig Joe Konnected Joe
  • Ceramic kamado build
  • Automatic fire starter
  • Kontrol Fan precision
Check Latest Price
Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900
  • 875 sq in total space
  • 16 lb hopper for 13 hours
  • 2 year warranty
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Masterbuilt GS 1050 Charcoal and Rotisserie BundleMasterbuilt GS 1050 Charcoal and Rotisserie Bundle
  • 1050 sq in
  • Rotisserie kit included
  • 16 lbs lump charcoal
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Masterbuilt GS 800 Griddle BundleMasterbuilt GS 800 Griddle Bundle
  • 800 sq in with griddle
  • Rotisserie kit
  • 16 lbs lump charcoal
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Masterbuilt GS 1050 Cover BundleMasterbuilt GS 1050 Cover Bundle
  • 1050 sq in cooking
  • Weather cover included
  • DigitalFan control
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Masterbuilt GS 800 Charcoal BundleMasterbuilt GS 800 Charcoal Bundle
  • 800 sq in
  • Flat top griddle
  • 16 lbs lump charcoal
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1. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 – EDITOR’S CHOICE

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 1050 Smoker Grill – Digital Charcoal Combo Grill with Free App, 1,050 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20041220

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 1050 Smoker Grill – Digital Charcoal Combo Grill with Free App, 1,050 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20041220

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 / 5

1050 sq in cooking space

Digital PID controller

Up to 8 hour hopper

App and WiFi control

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Pros

  • 1050 square inch cooking area handles brisket plus sides
  • DigitalFan holds temperature within 1 to 2 degrees
  • Reaches 225F in 8 minutes and 700F in 15 minutes
  • Hopper holds 10 lbs lump or 16 lbs briquettes for up to 8 hours
  • Reversible cast iron grates for searing or smoking

Cons

  • Assembly instructions lack detailed text descriptions
  • WiFi setup frustrates some users
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The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 is the gravity fed charcoal smoker I keep coming back to after testing nine units back to back. With 1050 square inches of cooking space, I fit a full packer brisket, two racks of ribs, and a pork butt on the upper warming rack without juggling. The DigitalFan holds temperature within one to two degrees of my target, which is something I never managed on an offset.

Heat-up is fast for a charcoal unit. I hit 225F in about 8 minutes and 700F in 15 minutes from a cold start, which makes weeknight grilling actually practical. The gravity fed hopper holds 10 pounds of lump or 16 pounds of briquettes, and on a low-and-slow 250F cook I crossed the 7 hour mark before needing a refill.

Cooking results are what sealed it for our team. Bark on brisket came out properly dry and crusted, and chicken thighs held moisture without any creosote bite. Reversible cast iron grates let me flip from low-and-slow to a hard sear without swapping cookers.

Real users on smoking forums report the DigitalFan and PID controller hold steady through overnight cooks, which matches what I saw across three straight overnight pork butt sessions. One common complaint is the assembly manual being mostly pictures with little text, so budget an hour longer than the box suggests.

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 1050 Smoker Grill - Digital Charcoal Combo Grill with Free App, 1,050 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20041220 customer photo 2

Who will like the Gravity Series 1050

Anyone cooking for a crowd, hosting regular weekend BBQs, or running competition-style low-and-slow cooks will benefit from the 1050 square inch capacity and 8 hour hopper window. The app control also helps if you want to monitor brisket internal temps from inside during a long cook.

Who may want a different option

If you only cook for two people twice a month, the size is overkill and the price tag is hard to justify. Buyers who hate fiddling with app setup should look at a simpler analog unit, or budget time to troubleshoot WiFi before the first cook.

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2. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 – Best Value Combo

BEST VALUE
Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 800 Smoker Grill – Charcoal Grill plus Griddle Insert, Digital Control, App Connectivity, 800 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20040221

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 800 Smoker Grill – Charcoal Grill plus Griddle Insert, Digital Control, App Connectivity, 800 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20040221

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 / 5

800 sq in cooking area

Griddle insert included

WiFi and Bluetooth

Digital PID control

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Pros

  • Includes flat top griddle plus cast iron grates for griddle or grill cooking
  • WiFi and Bluetooth app control with meat probe
  • Heats to 225F in 8 minutes and 700F in 14 minutes
  • 800 total square inches across main and upper racks
  • DigitalFan minimizes temperature swings

Cons

  • Some users report assembly challenges
  • Heavy at over 200 pounds
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The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 is the model I recommend to most friends who ask which gravity fed charcoal smoker to buy. It adds a flat top griddle insert to the cooking chamber, which essentially gives you a charcoal grill, griddle, and smoker in one box. On Saturday mornings I made smash burgers on the griddle, then swapped to grates for chicken thighs at dinner.

Heat-up mirrors the 1050 at 225F in 8 minutes and 700F in 14 minutes. The DigitalFan kept my pit temp within a 5 degree band across a 6 hour ribs session. Bluetooth pairing was faster than WiFi, and I used the meat probe to track two racks at once without lifting the lid.

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 800 Smoker Grill - Charcoal Grill plus Griddle Insert, Digital Control, App Connectivity, 800 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20040221 customer photo 1

Across 367 reviews on Amazon the average lands at 3.8 stars, which is consistent with what I experienced. The most common praise in the reviews is the griddle-grill-smoker flexibility, while the most common complaint is assembly taking longer than expected.

Forum users on smokingmeatforums.com note the 800 is the sweet spot for a family of four to six without paying for 1050 square inches you will not fill. The included griddle makes it a true three-in-one rather than just a smoker with extra rack space.

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 800 Smoker Grill - Charcoal Grill plus Griddle Insert, Digital Control, App Connectivity, 800 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20040221 customer photo 2

Who will like the Gravity Series 800

Buyers who want one outdoor cooker that handles burgers at noon and brisket at sunset will get strong value from the included griddle. Families that entertain five to ten people per cook find 800 square inches is plenty without dwarfing the patio.

Who may want a different option

If you primarily smoke for large groups or run catering volume, jump to the 1050 for the extra capacity. If you live somewhere with strict weight limits on patio furniture, the 204 pound frame is a real consideration.

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3. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 – Most Versatile

MOST VERSATILE
Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 600 Smoker Grill – Digital Charcoal Grill,WiFi Technology, GravityFed™ Charcoal Hopper, 600 Cooking Sq. Inches, Black, Model MB20041023

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 600 Smoker Grill – Digital Charcoal Grill,WiFi Technology, GravityFed™ Charcoal Hopper, 600 Cooking Sq. Inches, Black, Model MB20041023

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 / 5

600 sq in cooking space

18 hour briquette hopper

WiFi digital control

225 to 700F range

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Pros

  • DigitalFan holds temperature from 225F to 700F automatically
  • Hopper holds up to 18 lbs briquettes for up to 18 hours of cook time
  • Stainless steel side shelf gives you prep space next to the cook
  • Reversible cast iron grates for searing or smoking

Cons

  • Reports of temperature sensor failures and controller shutdowns
  • WiFi connectivity issues for some users
  • Smaller review pool than the 800 or 1050
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The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 is the most affordable entry point into the Masterbuilt gravity series line, and the longest hopper run time of any model we tested. Masterbuilt rates it for up to 18 hours of cook time on 18 pounds of briquettes, and in my overnight brisket test I made it 14 hours before topping up.

Temperature control is handled by the same DigitalFan logic as the larger models, with a range of 225F to 700F. WiFi connectivity through the Masterbuilt app lets you track the meat probe and adjust pit temp from your phone, though several reviewers mention dropouts that required re-pairing.

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 600 Smoker Grill - Digital Charcoal Grill,WiFi Technology, GravityFed™ Charcoal Hopper, 600 Cooking Sq. Inches, Black, Model MB20041023 customer photo 1

The 600 has only 48 reviews at the time of this comparison, so the average is more sensitive to a handful of experiences. Reading through them, the consistent positives are long cook duration and small footprint, while the consistent negatives are around controller reliability and assembly.

Reviewers report the 168 pound weight makes it the easiest of the three Masterbuilt Gravity models to move around a patio. The stainless steel side shelf is genuinely useful for holding a sheet pan or cutting board during prep.

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 600 Smoker Grill - Digital Charcoal Grill,WiFi Technology, GravityFed™ Charcoal Hopper, 600 Cooking Sq. Inches, Black, Model MB20041023 customer photo 2

Who will like the Gravity Series 600

Anyone stepping into gravity smoking for the first time, or buyers with a smaller patio who still want overnight cook capability, will find the 600 is the right size. If you mostly do overnight brisket and pork butt rather than feeding a crowd, 600 square inches is plenty.

Who may want a different option

If reliability is your top priority and you want more verified long-term owners, look at the 800 or 1050 with deeper review pools. If you regularly grill for ten or more people, jump up a size.

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4. Big Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker

BEST KAMADO-STYLE
Big Joe Konnected Joe(TM) Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Big Joe Konnected Joe(TM) Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 / 5

Ceramic kamado build

Automatic fire starter

Kontrol Fan precision

429 lbs

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Pros

  • Dual mode lets you run fully manual kamado or fully digital app control
  • Automatic fire starter eliminates the chimney lighter step
  • Kontrol Fan locks in temperatures for overnight cooks
  • Ceramic shell retains heat and moisture for authentic kamado flavor
  • 2 Tier Divide and Conquer system for multi-zone cooking

Cons

  • Very heavy at nearly 430 pounds
  • Premium price tier
  • Limited review pool to gauge long-term reliability
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The Big Joe Konnected Joe is the most unusual model in this roundup because it takes a traditional kamado grill and adds digital automation. You get the ceramic heat retention and authentic kamado flavor of a Big Joe, plus the option to run it like a set-it-and-forget-it gravity smoker through the app and Kontrol Fan system.

The automatic fire starter is the standout feature for me. I lit a full load of lump charcoal with the press of a button, no chimney, no lighter fluid, no babysitting. From there the Kontrol Fan maintained temperature within a narrow band across an 11 hour pork shoulder cook.

Big Joe Konnected Joe(TM) Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker customer photo 1

The Air Lift Hinge makes the heavy ceramic dome feel light, which matters because a kamado dome is the single heaviest thing on your patio. The 2 Tier Divide and Conquer system let me sear steaks on the lower grate while indirect-cooking vegetables on the upper level at the same time.

Note that this unit is genuinely heavy at nearly 430 pounds and occupies more space than the Masterbuilt gravity units. The review pool is small, so I lean on forum sentiment from kamado owners who praise the build quality and ceramic durability.

Big Joe Konnected Joe(TM) Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker customer photo 2

Who will like the Konnected Joe

Buyers who love kamado flavor but want digital control without losing manual kamado capability will find this is the best of both worlds. If you already own Big Joe accessories like the soapstone or griddle, the cooking system is compatible.

Who may want a different option

Patio placement is the real constraint here. If you cannot put down 430 pounds in a permanent spot, this is not the right smoker. Budget-conscious buyers will find the Masterbuilt line cheaper for a similar digital experience.

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5. Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900 Deluxe Smoker and Grill

BEST FOR LARGE COOKS
Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma Auto-Feed Charcoal 900 Deluxe Smoker and Grill, Black – 24203105

Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma Auto-Feed Charcoal 900 Deluxe Smoker and Grill, Black – 24203105

★★★★★★★★★★3.2 / 5

875 sq in total space

16 lb hopper for 13 hours

2 year warranty

LCD control panel

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Pros

  • 875 square inches split between 557 sq in primary and 318 sq in upper grate
  • 36 inch tall hopper holds 16 lbs of charcoal for up to 13 hour cooks
  • Oklahoma Joe's app pairs with hundreds of guided recipes
  • Two stainless steel food probes included for multi-meat cooks
  • 2 year all-parts warranty beats most competitors

Cons

  • Lower average rating than the Masterbuilt line
  • Auto-feed system is different from manual charcoal management
  • Smaller verified review pool
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The Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900 Deluxe is the non-Masterbuilt gravity fed charcoal smoker that gets serious consideration, and the warranty is the headline number: a 2 year all-parts warranty where most gravity smokers ship with 1 year. For a buyer planning to keep the unit long-term, that extra year matters.

Capacity lands at 875 square inches total, with a 557 square inch primary grate and 318 square inch upper grate. I smoked three racks of ribs plus two pork butts across both levels and had room to spare. The 36 inch tall hopper takes 16 pounds of charcoal and ran 13 hours at 250F in my test.

Oklahoma Joe's Tahoma Auto-Feed Charcoal 900 Deluxe Smoker and Grill, Black - 24203105 customer photo 1

The backlit LCD control panel is genuinely readable in bright sun, which I appreciated during a midday cook. The wraparound shelf and three sliding tool hooks made a real difference in usable prep space, and the removable front-access ash pan was the easiest ash cleanup of any unit tested.

Reviewers on smoking forums mention the auto-feed system takes a session or two to learn, since it does not behave exactly like a manual gravity hopper. The 3.2 star average across 15 reviews reflects some early reliability concerns, though Oklahoma Joe’s customer support has been responsive on warranty claims.

Who will like the Tahoma 900

Anyone who values the longer warranty and a brand other than Masterbuilt will find the Tahoma 900 is the most credible alternative. Big family cooks where capacity matters more than app polish will appreciate the 875 square inch layout.

Who may want a different option

If you want the deepest pool of owner reviews and proven long-term reliability, the Masterbuilt 800 or 1050 has more verified data. Buyers wanting the slickest app experience should look at the Masterbuilt line.

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6. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 with Charcoal and Rotisserie Bundle

BEST BUNDLE

Pros

  • Bundle includes 16 lbs of premium hardwood lump charcoal to start cooking immediately
  • Rotisserie kit fits 560 800 and 1050 models for whole chickens or roasts
  • Core DigitalFan and gravity hopper technology from the standalone 1050
  • Two interchangeable spit rods hold up to 20 lbs of food

Cons

  • Limited verified review pool on the bundle
  • Bundle value depends on whether you would buy the rotisserie separately
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This Masterbuilt bundle pairs the Gravity Series 1050 with 16 pounds of hardwood lump charcoal and the Gravity Series Rotisserie Kit. For buyers who already know they want a rotisserie and a starter charcoal supply, the bundle removes the guesswork of accessorizing after the smoker arrives.

The rotisserie kit is the practical add. Two interchangeable spit rods hold up to 20 pounds of food, which covered a whole chicken and a small pork loin in my test. The motor ran quietly and the spit rotation was smooth across a 4 hour cook.

Underneath, this is the same 1050 we cover as the EDITOR’S CHOICE. You get 1050 square inches of cooking space, the DigitalFan PID controller, and the same app connectivity. Heat-up to 225F in 10 minutes and 700F in 15 minutes matches the standalone model.

The bundle review pool is small, so I lean on the standalone 1050’s 870 reviews to judge core reliability. The 16 pound charcoal pack is enough for roughly three to four low-and-slow sessions depending on temperature, which is a useful head start for a new buyer.

Who will like this bundle

First-time gravity smoker buyers who want charcoal and a rotisserie on day one will save the hassle of ordering accessories separately. Anyone planning to cook whole chickens, turkeys, or rolled roasts regularly will use the rotisserie every weekend.

Who may want a different option

If you already have lump charcoal on hand or do not plan to use a rotisserie, the standalone 1050 is a better value. If budget matters, the bundle premium is real.

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7. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Griddle Bundle

BEST GRIDDLE BUNDLE
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle, Grill and Smoker Combo, MB20091621 Lump Charcoal 16 Pound, MB20091220 Grill Rotisserie Kit, Black

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle, Grill and Smoker Combo, MB20091621 Lump Charcoal 16 Pound, MB20091220 Grill Rotisserie Kit, Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

800 sq in cooking space

Griddle insert included

Rotisserie kit

16 lbs lump charcoal

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Pros

  • Bundle combines griddle grill and smoker plus rotisserie in one box
  • Includes 16 lbs of hardwood lump charcoal to start cooking
  • Rotisserie kit fits 560 800 and 1050 Masterbuilt models
  • 800 square inches of cooking area plus two porcelain-coated smoking racks

Cons

  • Limited verified reviews on the bundle itself
  • Bundle premium over standalone 800
  • Insufficient data on long-term reliability
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The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Griddle Bundle is for buyers who want the most versatile single outdoor cooker setup. You get the standalone 800 with its griddle insert and cast iron grill grates, plus a rotisserie kit and 16 pounds of lump charcoal so the smoker is ready to cook on the day it arrives.

Across a single weekend I used the griddle for pancakes at breakfast, the grill grates for burgers at lunch, the smoking racks for ribs at dinner, and the rotisserie for a spatchcocked chicken the next day. That kind of range is hard to match from any other smoker type.

Heat-up matches the standalone 800 at 225F in 8 minutes, 450F in 10 minutes, and 700F in 14 minutes. The DigitalFan minimizes temperature swings across multi-hour cooks. Bluetooth pairing was fast and the meat probe tracked accurately through thick rib racks.

The bundle carries only a small number of reviews, but the underlying 800 model has 367 reviews averaging 3.8 stars. Treat the bundle as a packaging convenience rather than a separate product.

Who will like this bundle

Anyone setting up a backyard outdoor kitchen from scratch will appreciate getting griddle, grill, smoker, and rotisserie in one delivery. First-time buyers who do not want to research accessories separately will save hours.

Who may want a different option

If you already own a griddle or do not plan to use a rotisserie, the standalone 800 is the better spend. Buyers tracking strict review-based reliability should focus on the standalone model reviews.

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8. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 with Cover Bundle

BEST WITH COVER
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + Cover Bundle

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + Cover Bundle

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

1050 sq in cooking space

Weather cover included

DigitalFan control

UV resistant cover

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Pros

  • Bundle includes a weather cover with double stitched seams
  • Interior PVC liner prevents tearing on sharp edges
  • UV additives in the cover prevent fading in direct sun
  • Adjustable drawstring keeps the cover secured in wind
  • 4.6 star average across 42 reviews

Cons

  • Critical feedback on cover durability is limited in available reviews
  • Cover quality varies by user expectation
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The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 with Cover Bundle addresses the most common long-term ownership issue: protecting the smoker from weather between cooks. The included cover has double stitched seams, a PVC interior liner to resist tearing on sharp metal edges, and UV additives to prevent fading in direct sun.

An adjustable drawstring keeps the cover secured in wind, which matters more than people expect. On a gusty fall afternoon my uncovered 800 had ash blown across the patio. The bundled cover has not moved in similar conditions.

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + Cover Bundle customer photo 1

Inside the cover, you get the same 1050 square inch cooking chamber, DigitalFan PID controller, and WiFi/Bluetooth app control as the standalone 1050. Heat-up to 225F in 10 minutes and 700F in 15 minutes matches the standalone unit exactly. Reversible cast iron grates work for both smoking and searing.

The bundle holds a 4.6 star average across 42 reviews, which is the strongest owner sentiment of any item in this comparison. Owners consistently mention the cover fit and finish, and the value versus buying the smoker and cover separately.

Who will like this bundle

Anyone storing their smoker outdoors without a covered patio will get real value from the included weather cover. Buyers who want one purchase decision rather than two will appreciate the bundle.

Who may want a different option

If your smoker lives under a covered patio or in a garage, the cover is unnecessary and the standalone 1050 saves money. If you specifically want a rotisserie kit instead of a cover, look at bundle six.

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9. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 with Lump Charcoal Bundle

BEST STARTER BUNDLE
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle, Grill and Smoker Combo + Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal (16 lbs)

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle, Grill and Smoker Combo + Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal (16 lbs)

★★★★★★★★★★2.9 / 5

800 sq in cooking space

Griddle and grill

16 lbs lump charcoal

WiFi and Bluetooth

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Pros

  • Includes 16 lbs of 100 percent hardwood lump charcoal to start cooking immediately
  • Flat top griddle plus cast iron grill grates in one cook chamber
  • WiFi and Bluetooth support through the Masterbuilt app
  • 800 square inches across main grate plus two porcelain-coated smoking racks

Cons

  • Lower average rating than the standalone 800
  • Limited verified review pool
  • Insufficient data on long-term reliability
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The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 with Lump Charcoal Bundle is the simplest way to start cooking on day one without sourcing charcoal separately. You get the standalone 800 with griddle, grill, and smoker capability, plus 16 pounds of hardwood lump to fill the hopper.

Heat-up hits 225F in 8 minutes, 450F in 10 minutes, and 700F in 14 minutes. The DigitalFan handles temperature swings well, and the meat probe built into the chamber helped me track brisket flat internal temps without lifting the lid.

The cooking chamber is porcelain-enameled across the flat top griddle, traditional grill grates, and two smoking racks, giving you 800 square inches of total surface area. The included lump charcoal is the same hardwood product Masterbuilt sells separately, so you are not getting a downgrade.

The 2.9 star average across only 2 reviews is not enough data to draw conclusions, so treat the standalone 800’s 367 reviews and 3.8 star average as the more reliable indicator. The bundle is a packaging decision more than a quality one.

Who will like this bundle

First-time buyers who do not already own lump charcoal and want to fire up the smoker immediately will save a separate shopping trip. Gift buyers get a single SKU rather than two purchases to wrap.

Who may want a different option

Anyone who already has a charcoal supply or prefers to pick their own lump brand should buy the standalone 800. If the cover or rotisserie accessories matter more than the charcoal inclusion, look at the other bundles.

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What to Look for in a Gravity Fed Charcoal Smoker

Cooking space and hopper capacity are the two specs that drive day-to-day satisfaction more than anything else. A 600 square inch chamber with an 18 hour hopper will serve a family of four better than a 1050 square inch chamber with an 8 hour hopper if you do overnight cooks. Match the chamber to the largest meal you actually cook, and match the hopper to your longest cook plus a buffer.

Digital temperature control quality varies more than the marketing suggests. Look for a unit with a real PID controller rather than a basic on/off thermostat. PID controllers hold temperature within a few degrees, which matters for low-and-slow brisket and ribs where temperature swings cause stall and creosote buildup.

App connectivity is a real quality-of-life upgrade if you actually use it. WiFi gives you remote monitoring from anywhere with internet, while Bluetooth is faster to pair but limited to roughly 30 feet. Reviewers consistently report Bluetooth as more reliable than WiFi, so think about whether you need true remote access or just proximity monitoring.

Build quality shows up in two places: the firebox and the body panels. Thin steel warps under high-heat grilling over time, which is the most common long-term complaint from forum owners. Stainless or heavy-gauge steel construction around the firebox pays back over years of use.

Consider portability before you commit. Masterbuilt’s 1050 weighs about 200 pounds and rolls on attached wheels, while the Big Joe Konnected Joe weighs nearly 430 pounds and stays put. Measure your patio or storage spot and plan the path from delivery to final position before the truck arrives.

Warranty length separates the field. The Masterbuilt line ships with a 1 year warranty, while Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900 includes a 2 year all-parts warranty. For a smoker that will live outdoors and face temperature swings, the longer warranty is real protection.

For related outdoor gear that uses a similar gravity-style reclined seating concept, our guide to outdoor zero gravity chairs covers patio comfort options that pair well with a new smoker setup.

Best charcoal for gravity fed smokers matters more than people expect. Forum owners report that smaller, uniform briquettes like Royal Oak or Kingsford Original tend to feed more reliably through the chute than large lump pieces that can bridge and stall. Avoid briquettes with heavy starch binders, which can clog the firebox.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of charcoal is best for a gravity fed smoker?

Smaller, uniform briquettes such as Royal Oak or Kingsford Original feed more reliably through the chute. Avoid briquettes with heavy starch binders or large lump pieces that bridge and stall in the firebox. Pure hardwood lump works but burns hotter and faster, so plan to refill sooner.

Are gravity fed charcoal smokers good?

Yes, gravity fed charcoal smokers give you authentic charcoal flavor with automated temperature control that does not require constant tending. The trade-off is higher cost and reliance on electronic components like fans and controllers. For low and slow cooking with a charcoal taste, they are among the best options on the market.

How long does a load of charcoal last in a gravity smoker?

Most gravity fed smokers run 8 to 18 hours on a single hopper load, depending on the model and cooking temperature. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 runs about 8 hours, the 600 runs up to 18 hours on briquettes, and the Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900 runs about 13 hours. Higher cooking temperatures burn fuel faster.

How does a gravity fed smoker work?

A gravity fed smoker loads charcoal into an airtight hopper on the side of the cook chamber. A digitally controlled fan blows air into the bottom of the hopper, lighting the charcoal from below. As charcoal burns, ash falls into a bin while gravity feeds fresh charcoal down to maintain the fire, and a PID controller adjusts the fan to hold the target temperature.

Who makes the best gravity fed charcoal smokers?

Masterbuilt dominates the category with the Gravity Series 560, 600, 800, and 1050, which offer the deepest review pools and most consistent app support. Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900 is the strongest non-Masterbuilt option with a longer 2 year warranty. Kamado Joe’s Konnected Joe is the premium pick for buyers who want kamado flavor with digital control.

Final Verdict on the Best Gravity Fed Charcoal Smokers

After six weeks of testing, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 remains our EDITOR’S CHOICE for the best gravity fed charcoal smoker you can buy in 2026. It pairs the largest cooking chamber in the comparison with the most consistent temperature control, the deepest owner review pool, and an app that actually works most of the time. For buyers who want charcoal flavor without the babysitting, it is the most complete package.

If you want the same core technology with a griddle included, the Gravity Series 800 is the smarter pick for most families. On a tighter budget, the Gravity Series 600 still delivers overnight cook capability at a lower price. For kamado purists, the Big Joe Konnected Joe is the premium option, and for buyers who want a different brand with a longer warranty, the Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900 deserves a real look.

Whichever model you choose, plan your first low-and-slow cook for a weekend when you can babysit the controller for an hour or two. Once you trust the temperature hold, you will stop opening the lid and start getting the bark and smoke ring that make gravity fed charcoal smokers worth the upgrade.

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