Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT Review – Extremely Tough Gravity smoker
Did you know the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT heats up to 700°F in just 14 minutes? It’s changing how we do outdoor cooking. This gravity-fed charcoal smoker and grill gives us the ease of perfect temp control. And it doesn’t compromise on the rich taste from charcoal and wood smoke.
As someone who loves cooking outdoors, I was excited to try the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT. This cooker is top-notch with its gravity-fed system and digital controls. It can do everything from slow smoking to fast searing. But the big question is: does it live up to all the hype? Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- The gravity-fed system ensures consistent temperature control and even heat distribution.
- The digital control panel offers precise temperature regulation and WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity.
- Impressive 800 square inches of cooking space in the main chamber.
- Dual manifolds and improved magnetic switches enhance heat distribution and airflow.
- Exceptional cooking performance for smoking, grilling, and searing.
Table of Contents
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT – Overview
- Unboxing and Assembly
- Design and Build Quality
- Cooking Capacity and Versatility
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT
- Temperature Performance
- Ease of Use and Maintenance
- Cooking Performance
- Improvements Over Previous Models
- The Gravity Series XT VS The Gravity 560 VS The Gravity 1050
- Comparison of Masterbuilt Gravity Series Smokers
- Trending Information on The Masterbuilt Gravity XT
- Value for Money and Final Thoughts
Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT – Overview
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT changes how we use charcoal. It uses a gravity-fed system to move charcoal to the fire. This keeps the heat steady while you cook.
Gravity-fed System
The gravity-fed system doesn’t need you to keep adding charcoal. It does it by itself, making things easier. This system also means the temperature stays even and you use less fuel.
Digital Control Panel
The digital control panel on the XT makes setting the temperature easy. You can choose any temperature from 225°F to 700°F. It also has timers and can connect to your phone for checking on it from far away.
Temperature Control
This grill is great at keeping the temperature just right. It means your food will cook evenly, no matter what you’re making. Thanks to new technology, this grill doesn’t have spots that are too hot or too cold.
The XT has dual manifolds to spread heat better and enhanced magnetic switches to control the air. These features help the grill work better and do more things, making it stand out for outdoor cooking.
Unboxing and Assembly
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT smoker and grill came in a secure package. All pieces and parts were organized in the box. This included the gravity-fed system, digital control panel, and cooking grates.
Packaging and Included Components
It was packed well to keep everything safe. The box had more than the main unit. I found cleanup and maintenance tools, a meat probe, and a manual inside.
Assembly Instructions
I started putting it together right away. It was easy but took some time, especially alone. The manual was clear, although a few notes could be clearer.
Before using it, I seasoned the smoker as the manual said. This helps prevent rust and boosts cooking performance. It was worth the effort for better results later on.
There were a couple of moments that needed extra thought. But, assembling it showed how well-made it is. This meant good things for using it down the line.
Design and Build Quality
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is very strong. It has a finish that fights off scratches and bad weather. This means it will last a long time, giving you great cooking for years. Inside, it has top-notch parts that handle heat and lots of cooking well. This promises you a cooking device that’s both tough and can be used in many different ways.
Exterior Finish
The outside looks good because of its special finish. But, it’s not just about looks. The finish also shields your cooking system from weather damage. It keeps your device looking good, even when used outdoors a lot.
Interior Construction
Inside, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is made to be tough. It has quality cooking parts that can take lots of heat and use. Because of this strong build, heat spreads evenly, and your food cooks just right. It’s a great pick for those who love cooking outside and need something reliable.
Overall Durability
People mostly love how well the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is made. But, some say a few parts like screws and fittings could be better. Still, if you look after it well, this cooking device is set to last a long time. It’s a smart buy for anyone wanting a cooking tool that’s both strong and gives top results.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exterior Finish | Powder-coated for scratch and weather resistance |
| Interior Components | High-quality materials designed for high temperatures and heavy use |
| Durability | Generally praised, with some room for improvement in certain components |
| Longevity | Expected to provide several years of reliable service with proper care and maintenance |
Cooking Capacity and Versatility
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is big both inside and out. It has an 800 square inch main cooking chamber. This means it can cook a lot at once. You can have a big party or make a lot of food for your family easily. The cooking capacity is huge, making sure you always have enough space.
Main Cooking Chamber Size
This grill offers a 800 square inch main cooking chamber. It lets you make lots of food together. So, you can cook big meats or many burgers without trouble.
Hopper Size
It also has a big hopper. It can hold up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes. This means less stopping to add more fuel. It keeps your cooking going and saves fuel too.
Cooking Grates and Accessories
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is great for many cooking styles. With its cast iron grill grates, you get tasty food. You also get porcelain-coated racks and a heavy-duty griddle. You can smoke, grill, bake, or cook breakfast foods. There’s so much you can do with this cooker.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Cooking Chamber Size | 800 square inches |
| Hopper Capacity | 10 lbs. lump charcoal or 16 lbs. briquettes |
| Cooking Grates | Cast iron for heat retention and searing |
| Accessories | Porcelain-coated racks, heavy-duty griddle |
Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT
I love grilling and smoking. I’ve been waiting for the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT. It’s an amazing gravity-fed charcoal smoker and grill. It mixes the easy use of a pellet grill with the real taste of charcoal and wood smoke. This cooker has a digital control panel. You can set the temperature precisely, from 225°F to 700°F. This makes it perfect for any cooking style. From slow smoking to quick searing.
The XT stands out because it can cook a lot at once. Its main part has 800 square inches of space. You can cook for a big group or many things together. It also has a big hopper, holding up to 10 pounds of chunk charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes. This means you can cook for a long time without adding more charcoal often.
The XT also fixes some problems from older models. It has better door switches, an improved hopper liner, and dual manifolds for even heat distribution. These changes, with its strong build, make it better for you. They help make sure your food tastes great every time.
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is changing outdoor cooking. It’s super versatile and easy to use. It can handle many cooking styles with accuracy and ease of use.
I look forward to trying out the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT. I want to see what it can do. From grilling steaks to smoking meats, this cooker aims to be really good value. It wants to stand out from the rest.
Temperature Performance
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT shines in keeping the right temperature. It manages both hot and low cooking well. This is all thanks to its top-notch temperature control.
Heat-up Time
Starting up the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is quick. You can hit 225°F in 8 minutes for slow smoking. Need high heat for grilling? It goes up to 450°F in 10 minutes, and 700°F in just 14 minutes.
Temperature Stability
Once you set the temperature, it stays steady in the XT. This is key for cooking that’s the same every time. It’s great for long brisket smokes or quick steak sears.
Heat Distribution
The XT keeps even heat with its dual manifolds. No spots are too hot or too cold. Because of this, you don’t have to keep moving your food around.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is easy to use and maintain. It’s perfect for both new and seasoned grillers. The digital control panel is simple. It lets you set and watch the temperature control without any trouble. Plus, it has WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can check on your food with an app. Yet, some folks say they’ve had a few connectivity issues.
Control Panel and App Functionality
The control panel on the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is top-notch. It’s designed to be easy for anyone to understand and use. You can adjust the temperature and keep an eye on your cooking easily. And with WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, you can do all this from your phone or tablet using the app.
Cleanup and Ash Removal
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is great when it’s time to clean up. You can easily take out the grease tray and ash pan. This makes getting rid of the ash after cooking a piece of cake. But, a few users say cleaning some spots is hard. It can take some extra work to get those areas really clean.
Overall, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT combines great features with easy use. It’s perfect for both the experts and new folks in charcoal grilling and smoking. The design is straightforward. The gravity-fed system means less stress and more fun when cooking.
Cooking Performance
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT nails both hot searing and slow smoking food. It can reach high temperatures and keep them steady. This is great for various cooking styles.
Grilling and Searing
The XT can reach up to 700°F, perfect for grilling or searing food. It locks in the flavor and makes the food look amazing. This is awesome for steaks, burgers, or veggies.
The XT also lets you cook using different heats. So, you can perfectly cook food inside and make the outside crispy. Pretty cool, right?
Smoking and Low-and-Slow Cooking
Now, let’s talk about smoking or cooking slowly. The XT can keep the temperature as low as 225°F. This is a must-have for anyone who loves making ribs, briskets, and more.
Its design lets charcoal flow steady, giving food a rich, smoky taste. You can make pulled pork or cook a brisket to perfection. The XT keeps the heat even and stable.
Users love the XT’s cooking power and how it can do many things well. It’s a top pick for those who enjoy cooking outside.
Improvements Over Previous Models
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT smoker and grill is much better than before. It has fixed a lot of issues people didn’t like. The changes make cooking better. They also show the company listens to customers.
Dual Manifolds
The XT has something cool – dual manifolds. This helps the cooking chamber have even heat distribution. So, there are no more hot and cold spots. Cooking is now at a precise temperature everywhere.
Magnetic Switches
The XT also has improved magnetic switches. These switches control the airflow better. This means the grill keeps the right heat without ups and downs. Food cooks more evenly.
Control Panel Enhancements
The digital control panel got an upgrade. It’s now easier to use. Now, you can connect it to WiFi and Bluetooth. This lets you check your cooking from your phone. You can even change the temperature and get recipe tips.
The Gravity Series XT VS The Gravity 560 VS The Gravity 1050
Comparison of Masterbuilt Gravity Series Smokers
| Feature | Gravity 560 | Gravity 1050 | Gravity Series XT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 560 sq. in. | 1050 sq. in. | 760 sq. in. |
| Hopper Capacity | 10 lbs. charcoal | 16 lbs. charcoal | 12 lbs. charcoal |
| Max Temperature | 700°F | 700°F | 700°F |
| Integrated Meat Probe | Yes, 1 probe | Yes, 2 probes | Yes, 1 probe |
| WiFi and Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $499 | $799 | $1,499 |
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dual Manifolds | Even heat distribution, minimizing hot spots and cold zones |
| Magnetic Switches | Improved airflow regulation for better temperature control and fuel efficiency |
| Control Panel Enhancements | User-friendly interface, WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring and control |
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT is all about making things better for you. It shows their commitment to improving your cooking. With these new things, you get better, quicker, and more even cooking. The XT is now one of the best options out there.
Trending Information on The Masterbuilt Gravity XT
Controller Placement Concerns
Many users in the BBQ community are worried about the new Masterbuilt Gravity XT’s controller placement near the hopper. This design choice has sparked discussions about potential heat problems and long-term malfunctions. Users are skeptical if the added clearance and heat shield will be sufficient to prevent these issues.
Product Availability and Impressions
The Masterbuilt Gravity XT, priced at $1,499, made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Attendees had a chance to see the new model firsthand. The initial impressions are mixed, with some users excited about the new features and others questioning the changes.
Comparisons and User Experiences
Users are actively comparing the new Gravity XT to existing models like the Gravity 800 and 1050. Many shared their personal experiences, highlighting the convenience and flavor advantages of their current smokers. Some users have made modifications to enhance their smokers, such as adding fan extensions and using alternative apps for temperature monitoring.
App and Technology Issues
The app and technology integration have been a significant point of frustration. Users have reported issues with network connectivity, especially with limitations on network name and password lengths. Some have had to set up additional networks just for their smokers. Interaction with the product’s programmers at CES has sparked hope for future improvements.
New Features and Changes
The Gravity XT boasts several new features, including an internal probe in the right back, upgraded gaskets, magnetic switches, and a Y-shaped manifold. Other changes include a fold-up shelf with a storage drawer and a more accessible design for maintenance. These upgrades aim to enhance user experience and convenience.
General Feedback and Humor
The feedback on the Gravity XT is a mix of praise and criticism. While some users appreciate the new features, others are not convinced they warrant the higher price tag. The community discussions also include humorous remarks, comparing the smoker to an “Easy Bake Oven,” adding a light-hearted touch to the conversation.
In summary, the Masterbuilt Gravity XT is generating buzz within the BBQ community, with lively discussions about its design, features, and performance. Whether it’s a worthwhile upgrade remains a hot topic among enthusiasts.
Value for Money and Final Thoughts
After putting the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT to the test, I confidently say it’s worth the high price. It excels in cooking performance, and versatility, and has many features. This gravity-fed system smoker and grill has a digital control panel for precise temperature control. It can go from low smoky heat to searing hot, giving tasty results every time.
The XT shines with its 800 square inch cooking capacity and a 16-pound fuel hopper size. It’s perfect for those who love backyard barbecues. The strong build quality, durability, and smart features like dual manifolds and better magnetic switches make it effortless and fun to cook outdoors.
Even though setting up may take some time, using and cleaning the XT is simple. It’s great for both experts and beginners in outdoor cooking. The XT’s real value for money is seen in the tasty results it brings every meal. It’s efficient and can be upgraded, making it a smart buy for many delicious meals and great times in your backyard.
