The Masterbuilt Gravity Series combines a charcoal fire with digital airflow control. For shoppers choosing between the XT and 1150, the central question is whether the XT’s body, sealing and ownership features justify the upgrade. This guide compares those two models in detail, places the 600, 800 and 1050 in context, and explains smoke flavor, temperature claims, maintenance and realistic longevity expectations.
In this guide: How it works · Model comparison · XT vs. 1150 · Temperature · Longevity · FAQs
Performance Highlights
A vertical hopper feeds the fire as charcoal burns below.
600, 800, 1050, 1150 and XT serve different budgets and cooking routines.
Body and sealing upgrades plus a longer limited warranty distinguish the flagship.
A Charcoal Cooker That Fits a Full Backyard Menu
A Gravity Series grill can be the place you smoke a weekend main dish and grill a quick dinner later in the week. The attraction is keeping charcoal as your cooking fuel while handing much of the airflow adjustment to the controller.
The Gravity Series XT is our premium choice for frequent use. The Gravity Series 1150 is the alternative for buyers who want room to entertain at a lower upfront price. Choosing between them should start with how you cook, then move to the specifications.
Fuel Details: How the Gravity Series Works
Charcoal sits in a vertical hopper and burns at the bottom. As fuel is consumed, gravity moves more charcoal down. The controller operates a fan to manage airflow and maintain the selected cooking temperature. It is a charcoal system, not a pellet auger and not an electric heating element.
You load the proper fuel, light a fire starter and set the temperature using the controls or compatible app. Follow the specific model’s startup procedure, including its shutdown-slide positions. The app adds convenience for monitoring; it does not replace safe supervision or the operating instructions.
That makes the series a useful fit for someone who enjoys charcoal flavor but wants fewer manual airflow adjustments during a long cook. You still have a real fire, a fuel supply to check and ash to dispose of after it is cold.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series Model Comparison
| Model | Price checked | Total cooking area | Fuel capacity: lump / briquettes | Why consider it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT | $1,799.99 | 1,260 sq. in. | 12 lb / 18 lb | Premium body and sealing design |
| 1150 | $1,099.99 | 1,150 sq. in. | 12 lb / 18 lb | Large capacity with closed-cart storage |
| 1050 | $999.99 | 1,050 sq. in. | 10 lb / 16 lb | Large cooking area below the 1150 price |
| 800 | $899.99 | 800 sq. in. | 10 lb / 16 lb | Included flat-top griddle insert |
| 600 | $799.99 | 600 sq. in. | 12 lb / 18 lb | Lower entry price in this lineup |
Prices checked September 29, 2026; product pages and checkout show current prices and availability. Total cooking area includes multiple cooking levels and is not the size of a single grate.
These are the active models in the Smokeforges catalog when checked. Availability can change. The model number describes the series or advertised total cooking area; it is not a direct rating of build quality, hopper size or lifespan.
XT vs. 1150: What Are You Paying More For?
At $1,799.99, the XT costs $700 more than the $1,099.99 1150. Its extra 110 square inches represent about 9.6% more total area. Treat the upgrade primarily as a construction and ownership decision.
The XT’s single-piece FuelSaver body, fiberglass-mesh gasket and dual-wall design are the headline differences. Masterbuilt also gives the XT a three-year limited warranty, compared with one year on the 1150. Those are meaningful reasons for a frequent cook to consider the XT; they do not eliminate cleaning or weather protection.
If you would rarely notice those differences in your cooking routine, buy the 1150 with confidence in that choice. A well-chosen cooker with a practical setup is more useful than an upgrade purchased only for the badge.
XT and 1150 Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Gravity Series XT | Gravity Series 1150 |
|---|---|---|
| US model | MB20041223 | MB20041525 |
| Total cooking area | 1,260 sq. in. | 1,150 sq. in. |
| Current published US range | 225–700°F | 225–700°F |
| Hopper fuel capacity | 12 lb lump / 18 lb briquettes | 12 lb lump / 18 lb briquettes |
| Advertised maximum runtime | Up to 24 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Manufacturer heat-up claim | 225°F in 7 min; 700°F in 11 min | 225°F in 9 min; 700°F in 15 min |
| Published external dimensions, W × D × H | 61 × 33.1 × 52.2 in. | 54.3 × 26.4 × 52 in. |
| Grease access | Full-body grease tray | Front-access grease cup |
| Limited warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
Runtime and heat-up figures are manufacturer claims, not guaranteed results. Fuel type, weather, starting conditions and cooking temperature matter. Dimensions follow the current US specification tables; some older images show different rounded measurements. Confirm the exact unit’s footprint, access and required clearances before planning its location.
Usable Capacity: Think in Cooking Levels
The 1150 can support a multi-part meal rather than just a line of burgers. Use the cooking levels to plan the main dish and sides, allowing enough clearance for the food you actually buy. A whole chicken, a rib rack and a foil pan each use space differently.
Masterbuilt lists maximum rib capacities of 12 racks for the 1150 and 16 for the XT. Treat those as layout examples rather than a promise for every size of ribs. For a gathering, sketch your intended load and leave working room. Avoid purchasing by a maximum food count alone.
The practical question is whether you can access the food comfortably while keeping the lid open as little as possible. That is why the open-lid photos and usable rack measurements are as important as total square inches.
Lowest Smoking Temperature: Use the Current Model Specification
The current Masterbuilt US product tables list 225–700°F for the 600, 800, 1050, 1150 and XT. That supports a clear buyer expectation: conventional low-and-slow barbecue through high-temperature grilling. We do not advertise a verified 150°F minimum for these models based on older or conflicting copy.
If your intended process needs sustained temperatures below 225°F, confirm the exact model and controller with Smokeforges before buying. A controller’s selectable number, the measured cooking chamber temperature and steady smoke production are separate considerations. Wind, ambient temperature, food load and opening the lid can affect the result.
For a dedicated electric option, the 710 WiFi has a published 100–275°F range. That lower setting does not make it a searing grill or automatically turn it into a cold smoker. Read our smoker buying guide if you are still deciding between charcoal and electric.
Smoke Flavor: Charcoal Is the Starting Point
The Gravity Series is appealing when you want charcoal cooking with the option to shape the smoke profile using suitable wood. Follow the model’s instructions for wood placement and quantity. Do not treat the hopper as a place for any combustible fuel, and do not substitute pellets just because another smoker uses them.
For your first several cooks, keep the process consistent. Pick one wood, start modestly and note the results before changing the next batch. Clean airflow paths and sensible fuel use help you evaluate flavor more reliably than chasing a dense cloud of smoke.
Food placement also matters. Keep room for airflow and monitor the food itself with probes. The controller’s chamber reading is useful, but it does not tell you the internal temperature of every piece of meat across several racks.
How Long Will a Masterbuilt Gravity Series Last?
There is no responsible single-year lifespan promise for every owner. Exposure, cooking frequency, cleaning, storage and parts maintenance affect the outcome. A warranty term is a coverage period with conditions, not an expiration date for the cooker.
The XT’s upgraded body and sealing features give a buyer concrete construction differences to evaluate. They do not make the grill maintenance-free or rust-proof. On any Gravity Series model, consider both the cooking body and the working components: grates, seals, temperature sensing, fan, switches and controller.
If you are buying for regular use, plan to inspect and maintain those parts, keep your model and serial information and retain your proof of purchase. Think of care as part of the cooking routine rather than something reserved for the end of the season.
A Practical Care Routine
- After cooling: remove cold ash and accumulated food or grease as directed in the manual.
- Keep heat paths clean: inspect the manifold and grease-management parts rather than cleaning only the visible grates.
- Check the temperature sensor: follow the manufacturer’s cleaning method and dry it thoroughly.
- Protect the surface: maintain seasoning where specified and avoid leaving moisture trapped under a cover.
- Store thoughtfully: cover only after the fire is out and the cooker is cold; keep it in a protected, dry location.
Before a long cook, inspect the fuel supply, power connection, hopper and ash-door closure. If temperature control becomes inconsistent, use the model’s troubleshooting instructions rather than defeating a safety switch or modifying the electrical system.
Warranty: What the Longer XT Coverage Means
Masterbuilt’s US warranty lists three years for the XT and one year for the other Gravity models discussed here, subject to proper assembly, normal use and recommended care. The published terms exclude rust and paint finish, and do not cover labor or all service-related costs. Registration and proof-of-purchase requirements apply.
The XT’s longer coverage is a useful part of its premium positioning. It should be weighed alongside construction, price and your willingness to care for the cooker. Review the terms for your model before purchase; do not interpret “three years” as an all-inclusive maintenance plan.
What Is Included? Check the Grill Package Before Adding Extras
The XT and 1150 packages include the cooker, hopper, digital controls, cooking grates and warming/smoking racks. The XT manual lists two meat probes. Covers, charcoal, smoking wood and optional cooking attachments are separate unless the specific product listing states otherwise.
The 800 stands out because its flat-top griddle insert is included. An accessory pictured alongside an XT or 1150 does not mean the same accessory is included there. Compare model compatibility and package contents before adding a griddle, rotisserie or pizza oven.
An Optional Way to Use Your Grill Beyond Barbecue
The Masterbuilt Pizza Oven attachment is listed by Masterbuilt as compatible with the XT. It is a separate purchase, so start with the grill you need and add it if pizza nights are part of your plans.
Check the attachment’s product details and fitting instructions for your exact grill. Accessories should expand a cooking routine you enjoy, not obscure what comes in the base grill package.
Which Gravity Series Should You Buy?
- Choose the XT when the premium body, seals and longer warranty fit frequent use and your budget.
- Choose the 1150 when you want a large cooking layout with closed-cart storage and a lower price.
- Choose the 1050 when its capacity and current price fit your needs better than the newer alternatives.
- Choose the 800 when the included griddle is something you will use regularly.
- Choose the 600 when your usual meals fit its smaller total cooking area and you want a lower initial investment.
For most readers deciding between the two featured models, our recommendation is straightforward: put the XT first for a premium setup, and keep the 1150 as the capacity-focused alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Masterbuilt Gravity Series a pellet smoker?
No. It uses lump charcoal or briquettes in a vertical hopper. A digitally controlled fan regulates airflow; the system does not use a pellet-feed auger.
What is the difference between the Masterbuilt XT and 1150?
The XT has 1,260 square inches of total cooking area, a FuelSaver body and fiberglass-mesh gasket, and a three-year limited warranty. The 1150 has 1,150 square inches, closed-cart storage and a one-year limited warranty at a lower price.
Does the 1150 include a griddle?
Do not assume a griddle is included with the base 1150. The Gravity Series 800 package discussed in this guide includes a griddle insert; verify the exact product package before ordering.
How long can a Gravity Series run on one hopper?
Masterbuilt advertises up to 24 hours for the XT and up to 15 hours for the 1150. These are maximum claims, not guarantees. Temperature, fuel and conditions affect actual runtime.
Can I use Gravity Series without the app?
The digital control panel lets you set the cooking temperature without using the phone app. The grill still requires electrical power for its controls and fan.
Is the Gravity Series XT rust-proof?
No rust-proof claim is made here. Masterbuilt’s warranty excludes rust. Cleaning, drying, seasoning where directed and protected storage remain important on the XT.
Is the XT worth more than the 1150?
It can be for a frequent cook who values its construction, sealing and longer limited warranty. If capacity and purchase price are your main priorities, the 1150 may be the better fit.
Documentation and Further Reading
Read the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT owner’s manual for assembly, operation, maintenance and warranty details. Still choosing a smoker type? Start with our smoker buying guide for charcoal and electric cooking.
Prepared by The Forge from Masterbuilt US model specifications, owner documentation and care guidance, checked September 29, 2026. Recommendations are editorial buying guidance, not a claim of hands-on testing. Manufacturer images are used without altering the products.
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