Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560: Charcoal Grilling Reimagined
I’ve been through my fair share of grills over the years, and I’ll admit I was skeptical when I first heard about the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560. A digital charcoal grill and smoker? It sounded like another gimmicky hybrid that would do neither job particularly well. Boy, was I wrong. After spending several weeks putting this thing through its paces, I think the Masterbuilt team might have actually revolutionized backyard charcoal cooking.
The Gravity Series combines what we all love about charcoal (that unmistakable flavor) with the convenience of digital temperature control that’s usually reserved for pellet grills. Let me walk you through my experience with this fascinating cooking station.
- Digital charcoal grill and smoker with 1050 square inches of cooking space
- Reaches 225F in 8 minutes or 700F in 15 minutes to use as traditional charcoal grill or charcoal smoker
- DigitalFan precisely maintains desired cooking temperature during grilling or smoking
- GravityFed vertical charcoal hopper uses gravity to continually burn through fuel, allowing for 10lbs of lump charcoal or 16lbs of briquettes for up to 8 hours of use
- Digital control panel to easily set desired cooking temperature for grilling or smoking
Built Like a Tank
The first thing that struck me about the Gravity 560 was its substantial construction. This isn’t some flimsy backyard cooker – it’s a serious piece of equipment weighing in at around 147 pounds. The powder-coated steel construction feels durable, though I noticed the paint on the charcoal hopper might be susceptible to high-heat flaking over time.
The design is pretty clever, honestly. You’ve got the main cooking chamber on the right, with temperature probes and a digital control panel up top. On the left is perhaps the most innovative part – the gravity-fed charcoal hopper that can hold enough fuel for 12+ hours of cooking. There’s something satisfying about loading it up and watching the charcoal slowly feed into the fire as needed.
The cooking space is generous enough – 560 square inches total (hence the name), with 330 sq inches on the main cooking grate and 230 sq inches on the warming rack. Perfect for a family cookout, though perhaps a bit tight if you’re regularly cooking for large crowds.
Digital Control, Charcoal Flavor
Here’s where this grill really shines. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series delivers the authentic smoky flavor of charcoal with the push-button convenience I’d expect from a high-end gas grill. The digital control panel allows you to set temperatures anywhere from 150°F to a searing 700°F, and it maintains that temperature with surprising accuracy.
I tested it with several long smokes (did an overnight brisket that turned out spectacular) and some high-heat grilling sessions for steaks. The temperature control is honestly remarkable for a charcoal unit – typically staying within 5-10 degrees of the target. The included meat probes are a nice touch, letting you monitor your food temperatures right from the control panel.
What impressed me most was how quickly this thing comes to temperature. Need to sear at 700°F? You’ll be there in about 13 minutes from startup. That’s unheard of in the charcoal world. And when you’re done cooking, the shutdown process is equally painless – just close the ash door and let it extinguish.
The Technical Stuff
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooking Space | 560 sq in (330 main + 230 warming rack) |
| Temperature Range | 150°F – 700°F |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal (can add wood chunks for smoking) |
| Hopper Capacity | 10 lbs (approx. 12-15 hours cooking time) |
| Power Source | 110V outlet required |
| Dimensions | 54.1″ H x 24.7″ W x 50.7″ D |
| Weight | 147 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
| App Connectivity | Yes – Bluetooth and WiFi |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional temperature control for a charcoal grill
- Reaches high temperatures incredibly quickly
- True charcoal flavor with digital convenience
- Versatile – can smoke low and slow or sear at high heat
- Gravity-fed design means minimal tending during long cooks
- Built-in meat probes are surprisingly accurate
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity work well
Cons:
- Requires electricity to operate (not ideal for remote locations)
- Some users report issues with paint flaking in high-heat areas
- Fan can be noisy during temperature adjustments
- Warming rack is a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the unit
- App sometimes disconnects during longer cooking sessions
- 1-year warranty feels short for the price point
- Ash clean-out could be designed better
What Others Are Saying
Looking at the Amazon reviews, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 maintains an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, with over 1,500 ratings. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, though there are some consistent critiques worth noting.
One reviewer said, “This is the best of both worlds! The convenience of a pellet grill with the superior flavor of charcoal. I’ve done ribs, brisket, pork shoulder, and chicken. All came out amazing.” This seems to reflect most users’ experience – people love the combination of charcoal flavor with digital convenience.
On the critical side, a common theme emerges around durability issues: “Great cooker but the paint started flaking off the firebox after just a few uses.” Several users mentioned similar concerns about paint quality and long-term durability, which is something to consider.
Who Should Buy This?
For Beginners: If you’re new to charcoal cooking but intimidated by temperature management, this is an excellent entry point. The digital controls remove much of the learning curve while still delivering authentic flavor. However, the price point and some maintenance requirements might be a bit much for someone just testing the waters.
For Intermediate Users: This is where the Gravity Series really shines. If you understand the basics of smoking and grilling but want more consistency and convenience, you’ll appreciate what Masterbuilt has created. The technology enhances rather than replaces the experience of charcoal cooking.
For Advanced Users: Purists might initially scoff at the digital elements, but I’ve seen many experienced pitmasters convert after trying the Gravity Series. The time-saving aspects and temperature precision allow you to focus on other aspects of your cook. That said, if you enjoy the process of managing a traditional smoker as much as the results, this might remove some of that hands-on satisfaction.
You Might Also Like
If you’re considering the Masterbuilt Gravity Series but want to explore some alternatives, these electric smokers might be worth checking out too:
Ready to Transform Your Backyard Cooking?
I honestly believe the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 represents the future of backyard charcoal cooking – it’s that impressive. If you’ve been wanting the flavor of charcoal with the convenience of set-and-forget digital controls, I don’t think you’ll find a better option on the market today.
- Digital charcoal grill and smoker with 1050 square inches of cooking space
- Reaches 225F in 8 minutes or 700F in 15 minutes to use as traditional charcoal grill or charcoal smoker
- DigitalFan precisely maintains desired cooking temperature during grilling or smoking
- GravityFed vertical charcoal hopper uses gravity to continually burn through fuel, allowing for 10lbs of lump charcoal or 16lbs of briquettes for up to 8 hours of use
- Digital control panel to easily set desired cooking temperature for grilling or smoking
