Masterbuilt 560 vs 800 – Gravity Smoker Faceoff
Hey, if you’re thinking about getting a new gravity smoker, you’re probably checking out Masterbuilt, right? They’ve got a couple of cool models, the 560 and the 800. So, which one’s better for you? We’ll dive into both of them in this article to help you figure out which one matches your BBQ style best.
Key Takeaways:
- Masterbuilt offers two high-quality gravity smokers: the 560 and 800 models
- Both models have unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different cooking scenarios
- Choosing the right Masterbuilt gravity smoker is a matter of understanding your cooking goals and needs
- The Masterbuilt 560 and 800 both deliver exceptional results with the right technique and care
Overview of Masterbuilt 560
The Masterbuilt 560 gravity smoker is a game-changer in the world of smoking and grilling. It offers a unique design that combines the convenience of a pellet smoker with the authenticity of a charcoal grill. The Masterbuilt 560 is made to give you the best barbecuing experience with its innovative features and high-quality construction.
Firstly, the Masterbuilt 560 is easy to use and is designed to help you achieve perfect results, whether it’s your first time smoking or you’re a pro. The digital control panel allows you to set the temperature and cooking time precisely for consistent smoking or grilling results. Additionally, the Masterbuilt 560 has an ash management system and a removable charcoal tray, making cleaning up after a cooking session an easy task.
The Masterbuilt 560 has a unique reversible cooking grates setup, giving you the flexibility to cook directly over the heat or indirectly. The cooking space is generous, allowing you to cook up to four whole chickens or four racks of ribs at once. Also, it has a built-in temperature gauge to keep you informed of the cooking temperature of your food at all times.
In terms of construction, the Masterbuilt 560 is designed to last. It is made of durable 14-gauge steel and has chrome-plated wire cooking grates. The side shelf and bottom shelf offer ample storage space for cooking tools, charcoal, and wood chips. The Masterbuilt 560 also has sturdy caster wheels, making it easy to move around the backyard or patio.
Masterbuilt 560 Key Features Summary:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital control panel | Precisely set the temperature and cooking time |
| Ash management system | Easy cleaning with removable charcoal tray |
| Reversible cooking grates | Direct or indirect cooking options with ample cooking space |
| Built-in temperature gauge | Always know the temperature of your food for perfect results |
| Durable construction | 14-gauge steel and chrome-plated wire cooking grates |
Performance of Masterbuilt 560
When it comes to cooking performance, the Masterbuilt 560 gravity smoker doesn’t disappoint. This unit offers a convenient digital control system that allows you to adjust the temperature and cooking duration with ease. Unlike traditional smokers that require constant monitoring, the Masterbuilt 560 makes it easy to set your desired temperature and let it work its magic.
One of the standout features of the Masterbuilt 560 is its ability to maintain heat. The smoker’s insulation and sturdy construction help to keep the temperature consistent throughout the cooking process, delivering perfectly cooked meat every time. With a cooking area of up to 560 square inches, there’s no lack of space to cook plenty of food for your family and friends.
Another aspect that makes the Masterbuilt 560 an excellent choice is its ash management system. Unlike other smokers, this unit comes with an ash removal tray that makes clean-up a breeze. All you have to do is remove the tray and dump the ashes, making it easy to get ready for your next BBQ.
“The Masterbuilt 560 is perfect for those who want an all-in-one smoker that delivers exceptional performance and ease-of-use. It’s a reliable and durable unit that is sure to impress BBQ enthusiasts of all levels.”
Features of Masterbuilt 560
The Masterbuilt 560 is a feature-packed gravity smoker that offers a range of benefits for BBQ enthusiasts. Let’s take a look at some of its exceptional features:
Digital Controls
The Masterbuilt 560 comes with a state-of-the-art digital control panel that allows you to easily set the temperature and cooking time. This feature ensures that your food is cooked to perfection every time, eliminating the need for constant monitoring and adjustments.
Ash Management System
The 560 also boasts an efficient ash management system that makes cleaning up a breeze. The ash pan is easily accessible and can be removed with ease, preventing any hassle or mess.
Cooking Capacity
The Masterbuilt 560 offers a generous cooking capacity, with four chrome-coated smoking racks that provide ample space for your food. You can cook up to six chickens, four racks of ribs, or 16 burgers all at once, making it perfect for large gatherings.
Overall, the Masterbuilt 560 gravity smoker is an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality smoker with a range of advanced features.
Overview of Masterbuilt 800
The Masterbuilt 800 is a premium gravity smoker that offers exceptional cooking performance along with advanced features. This smoker is designed to provide a convenient, effortless, yet efficient smoking experience for barbecue enthusiasts.
The Masterbuilt 800 boasts durable construction and an elegant, sleek design. It features a stainless steel exterior and a large viewing window that allows you to monitor your food without opening the door, reducing heat loss. The cooking chamber is spacious, capable of smoking up to 12 chickens, 2 turkeys, 8 racks of ribs, or 16 pork butts at once.
Masterbuilt 800 Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital Controls | The digital control panel allows for precise temperature and time management, simplifying operation. |
| Gravity Fed Hopper | The hopper provides up to 10 hours of continuous smoke, eliminating the need for constant refill and freeing up cooking time. |
| Meat Probe | The built-in meat probe automatically shuts off the smoker once the desired internal temperature is reached, making it virtually impossible to overcook your food. |
| Ash Management System | The removable ash pan simplifies cleanup and maintenance, allowing for quick and easy disposal of ash and debris. |
Overall, the Masterbuilt 800 is a reliable, technologically advanced gravity smoker that promises to deliver delicious, smoky goodness with minimal effort.
Performance of Masterbuilt 800
The Masterbuilt 800 boasts exceptional performance, delivering restaurant-quality foods every time. Its innovative GravityFed technology reduces flare-ups and ensures that the meat’s natural flavors are retained. With the 800, you can enjoy perfectly cooked meat every time, with consistent temperatures and unparalleled smoke flavor.
The Masterbuilt 800 comes equipped with a state-of-the-art control panel, allowing you to adjust your settings and monitor the temperature with ease. This feature ensures that you can maintain consistent heat, which is key to producing delicious smoked meats.
Additionally, the Masterbuilt 800 has a large cooking chamber, which allows you to cook a wide range of foods at the same time. This feature is perfect for large gatherings and events, where you want to cook multiple dishes together.
Overall, the Masterbuilt 800 is a top-of-the-line gravity smoker, perfect for those who are serious about their BBQ. Its superior performance, ease of use, and large cooking chamber make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for superior smoked meats.
Features of Masterbuilt 800
The Masterbuilt 800 boasts some exceptional features that make it stand out from other smokers in its class. Let’s take a closer look at what this model has to offer.
Advanced Technology
The Masterbuilt 800 comes with a range of advanced technology features that ensure consistent, high-quality results every time you cook. This smoker features wifi connectivity, which allows you to control and monitor your cooking from your smartphone or tablet. You can set the temperature and cooking time, turn the smoker on and off, and even receive notifications when your food is ready to serve.
Cooking Space
With a total cooking space of 800 square inches, the Masterbuilt 800 provides ample space to cook your favorite meats, veggies, and more. This smoker comes with four chrome-coated smoking racks that can be adjusted to accommodate larger items, such as briskets, turkeys, and roasts.
Ease of Use
The Masterbuilt 800 is designed for ease of use, with features that make the smoking process simple and straightforward. The smoker’s digital controls allow you to adjust the temperature with ease, and the built-in meat probe ensures accurate cooking times and temperatures. Plus, the removable drip tray and ash pan make cleaning up a breeze.
All in all, the Masterbuilt 800 offers some impressive features that make it a top choice for BBQ enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to smoking, this model provides the tools you need to achieve mouth-watering results every time.
Masterbuilt 560 vs 800 – A Detailed Comparison
For those considering a new smoker and cannot choose between the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 models, this section is for you. In this section, we provide a detailed comparison of the two models, covering their performance, features, and overall value for money. By the end of this section, you will know which model is the perfect fit for your smoking needs.
| Masterbuilt 560 | Masterbuilt 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Quality | The Masterbuilt 560 has a heavy-duty steel construction, ensuring durability and longevity. The ceramic-coated grates are rust-resistant, and the smoker is well-insulated for excellent heat retention. | The Masterbuilt 800 boasts a robust stainless steel construction, making it highly resistant to corrosion and rust. The smoker is also well-insulated, maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process. |
| Cooking Capacity | The Masterbuilt 560 has a cooking capacity of 560 square inches, allowing you to prepare food for a small-sized group of people. Perfect for family gatherings or a small BBQ party. | The Masterbuilt 800 has a larger cooking capacity compared to the 560 model, with a total of 800 square inches of cooking space. This is perfect for large families and big BBQ parties. |
| Digital Controls and Temperature Range | The Masterbuilt 560 has digital controls that make temperature adjustments a breeze. You can set the temperature anywhere between 180°F to 700°F, making it ideal for low-and-slow smoking or high-temperature searing. | The Masterbuilt 800 features a digital control panel that displays temperature and allows you to set the smoker to anywhere between 225°F to 750°F. This makes it perfect for smoking at low temperatures or cooking at high heat. |
| Ash Management | The Masterbuilt 560 has an ash management system that makes cleanup easy and effortless. The ash can be disposed of quickly, reducing mess and hassle. | The Masterbuilt 800 has an ash pan that collects the ash, making it easy to dispose of. This makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze. |
| Price | The Masterbuilt 560 is considerably cheaper than the 800 model, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget. | The Masterbuilt 800 is a bit pricier than the 560 model, but its large cooking capacity, stainless steel construction, and advanced features make it worth the extra investment. |
Overall, both the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 are excellent smokers. Depending on your needs, either model can be a great choice. The 560 model is ideal for those needing a smaller cooking capacity or are on a tighter budget.
On the other hand, the 800 model is perfect for those needing a larger cooking capacity and are willing to make a bit more of an investment. Be sure to consider your needs and budget when making your final decision.
| Feature | Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 | Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 (Lower prices during off-season) | $699 |
| Main Cooking Surface Area | 560 square inches | 800 square inches |
| Configuration of Shelves | Top shelf configuration can be limiting due to grill lid interference. | Includes a higher warming rack due to removal of top lid, providing better space utilization. |
| Material Quality | Good; double wall construction that holds heat well. | Better; includes more stainless steel components and sturdier build quality. |
| Front Shelf | No built-in front shelf; modifications needed for added space. | Includes a stainless steel foldable front shelf, enhancing convenience and usability. |
| Power Cord | Standard quality similar to household electronics; not robust for outdoor use. | Heavier duty, more suitable for outdoor use and handling. |
| Special Features | Limited to basic grill functions. | Includes a flat top griddle and the option for a rotisserie kit, expanding cooking options. |
| Hopper Lid Opening Direction | Opens towards the front. | Opens towards the back, reducing interference with the grill lid. |
| Power Cord Management | None. | Includes a management system for tidier setup. |
| Assembly Ease | Relatively easy; potential improvements in instruction clarity over time. | Easier and more user-friendly assembly process. |
| Overall Recommendation | Suitable for smaller gatherings or limited space. | Better for those seeking more versatility and higher build quality, worth the extra cost if budget allows. |
Conclusion
After an in-depth analysis of the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers, we can confidently recommend the Masterbuilt 800 as the better option for BBQ enthusiasts. While the Masterbuilt 560 had impressive features, the Masterbuilt 800 performed better in terms of temperature control and cooking results. Its advanced technology, larger cooking capacity, and ease of use make it a great value-for-money option.
However, if you are on a budget and do not require a large cooking space, the Masterbuilt 560 is still an excellent choice. It offers great features, performance, and exceptional flavor to your food at a lower price point.
Ultimately, the choice between the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers will come down to your specific needs and preferences. We hope that our detailed comparison has helped you make an informed decision and find the perfect gravity smoker for your next BBQ cookout.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers?
The main difference between the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers lies in their size and cooking capacity. The 560 has a smaller footprint and can accommodate up to four racks of food, while the 800 offers a larger cooking area and can hold up to six racks. Additionally, the 800 model comes with more advanced features and technology.
Can I control the temperature on the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers?
Yes, both the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers come with digital temperature controls, allowing you to easily set and monitor the cooking temperature. This ensures precision and consistency in your BBQ cooking.
How do the ash management systems differ between the Masterbuilt 560 and 800?
The ash management systems on the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers are similar in function. They both have a removable ash pan that collects the ashes during cooking for easy disposal. However, the 800 model may have a larger ash pan capacity due to its larger size.
Are the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers suitable for beginners?
Yes, both the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. They offer easy temperature control, intuitive digital interfaces, and straightforward assembly. Additionally, Masterbuilt provides detailed instructions and resources to help users get started with their gravity smokers.
Can I use wood chips or pellets with the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers?
Yes, both the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers can be used with either wood chips or pellets. They have a dedicated space for adding wood chips or a hopper for inserting wood pellets, allowing you to enhance the flavor of your BBQ dishes.
How long does it take to assemble the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers?
The assembly time for the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers can vary depending on your experience and familiarity with the product. On average, it takes around 1-2 hours to assemble the smokers, following the instructions provided in the user manual.
Can I use the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers for smoking other types of food besides meats?
Absolutely! The Masterbuilt 560 and 800 gravity smokers are versatile and can be used for smoking a variety of foods including vegetables, fish, poultry, and even desserts like smoked cakes. They provide a flavorful and unique touch to any dish.
