If you’re into barbecue and looking for an easier way to go low and slow without giving up real charcoal flavor, gravity smokers might be worth a serious look.

I recently had the chance to cook on a Masterbuilt Gravity Series smoker while visiting Joe Silva of Q Bellies BBQ in Southern California. After seeing one in action—and tasting the results—I was pretty impressed. So let’s break down what gravity smokers are all about and whether one could be right for you.

What Is a Gravity Smoker?

A gravity smoker is kind of like the lovechild of a pellet grill and a traditional charcoal smoker. You get the “set it and forget it” convenience thanks to electronic temperature controls, but you’re still cooking with real charcoal—and optionally wood chunks—for that classic BBQ flavor.

Here’s how it works:

• A fan regulates airflow and temperature, just like in a pellet smoker.

• You load lump or briquette charcoal into a vertical hopper.

• Gravity feeds the charcoal down into a firebox as it burns.

Why Pitmasters Are Taking a Closer Look

Here are some of the biggest benefits I saw firsthand while cooking on Joe’s Masterbuilt 1150:

1. Precise Temperature Control

Set your temp digitally and let the smoker do the work. It maintains a steady heat for hours—perfect for long brisket or pork shoulder cooks.

2. Charcoal Flavor (Without the Babysitting)

Unlike pellet grills, which are great but sometimes lacking in smoke punch, gravity smokers give you real charcoal flavor. Add in wood chunks and you’re getting some seriously rich, traditional smoke.

3. Long Burn Times

Joe ran his smoker for over 10 hours using just a bag and a half of lump charcoal, plus a few wood chunks. That’s great fuel efficiency for a long cook with minimal babysitting.

4. Wide Temperature Range

Gravity smokers can go from as low as 225°F for slow smoking all the way up to 700°F for searing. That means you can smoke brisket, grill burgers, or even reverse-sear a steak all on the same cooker.

5. Versatility and Add-ons

Some models even support accessories like griddles for more cooking options. Whether you’re doing delicate fish or searing a tomahawk ribeye, a gravity smoker can handle it.

Things to Keep in Mind

💵 Cost

They’re more expensive than your standard kettle or bullet smoker. Masterbuilt’s models start around $700 and go up to $1,500. That’s still far below some of the high-end pellet or offset smokers, though.

🔌 Tech-Heavy

While the tech makes things easier, you are relying on electronic components. If you’re a tech-averse BBQ purist, that might be something to consider.

🔧 Learning Curve

Even though it’s mostly automated, it’s worth learning how charcoal reacts to different airflow and how lump vs. briquettes perform.

Brands to Check Out

✅ Masterbuilt

Arguably the most popular brand in the gravity game. Their Gravity Series 1150 offers 1150 square inches of cooking space and hits temps up to 700°F. Joe Silva swears by his.

✅ Char-Griller

Another budget-friendly option, though some users feel Masterbuilt has the edge in build quality. (Interesting note: both brands are under the same parent company.)

💸 Myron Mixon Smokers

These are high-end, competition-grade gravity smokers—starting around $5,000 and going up from there. Overkill for most backyard cooks, but great for catering or serious BBQ business setups.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Switching?

If you’re someone who:

• Loves the flavor of real charcoal
• Wants the ease of a pellet smoker
• Prefers not to babysit your cook for hours
• Likes the idea of searing and smoking on one unit

…then a gravity smoker might be just what your backyard needs.

It’s not replacing your offset or kettle, but it could definitely earn a regular spot in your BBQ rotation.