Best Gravity Feed Smokers of 2025

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Gravity feed smokers are a popular type of smoker that use charcoal or wood pellets as fuel. These smokers work by using gravity to feed the fuel into the cooking chamber, allowing for a consistent temperature and smoke output throughout the cooking process. Gravity feed smokers are often favored by barbecue enthusiasts for their ease of use and ability to produce delicious, flavorful meats. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them a versatile option for both home cooks and professional pitmasters. Whether you're smoking brisket, ribs, or chicken, a gravity feed smoker is a reliable option for achieving mouthwatering results every time.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + Cover Bundle Cover #TOP 1
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + Cover Bundle
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Combo Cover #TOP 2
Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Combo
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo Cover #TOP 3
Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Gravity Feed Smokers

#TOP 1

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + Cover Bundle

Charcoal
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + Cover Bundle Cover
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + Cover Bundle

The Masterbuilt Charcoal Grill Combo is a versatile outdoor cooking equipment that allows you to smoke, grill, sear, bake, and roast your favorite food with ease. With its digital control panel, you can easily set the temperature and cook time, or use the smart device control via WiFi or Bluetooth for convenience. The DigitalFan ensures precise temperature control, while the grill can reach 225°F in 10 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes, making it one of the fastest grills on the market. The durable cover that comes with the bundle has double-stitched seams to prevent leaking and added interior PVC liner that prevents tearing. The adjustable drawstring keeps the cover in place, and the UV additives prevent fading. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pitmaster, the Masterbuilt Charcoal Grill Combo is a must-have for your outdoor cooking adventures.

What We Like
Fast heating
Smart device control
Precise temperature control
#TOP 2

Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Combo

MB20040221
Charcoal,Black
Large
Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Combo Cover
Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 800 Digital Charcoal Grill, Griddle and Smoker with Digital Control, App Connectivity and 800 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20040221

The Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 is a smoker, grill, and griddle combo with an impressive temperature range. With the ability to reach temperatures ranging from 225 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, it comes with a flat top griddle insert and cast iron grill grates, providing 800 total square inches of cooking area. The DigitalFan minimizes heat fluctuations, maintaining the temperature, and the digital control panel allows for easy temperature and cook time control. It also includes a built-in temperature gauge and meat probe thermometer for perfect results every time.

What We Like
Impressive temperature range
Flat top griddle insert and cast iron grill grates
DigitalFan minimizes heat fluctuations

Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo

MB20041220
Black
Large
Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo Cover
Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Digital Control, App Connectivity and 1,050 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20041220

The Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo heats up quickly, reaching temperatures of 225°F in 10 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes. Users can control temperature and cook time with the digital control panel, or with smart device control using WiFi or Bluetooth. The DigitalFan provides precise temperature control, while the GravityFed hopper holds up to 10 lbs. of lump charcoal or 16 lbs. of briquettes for up to 8 hours of use. The grill also features a convenient fold-out cord storage in the back of the side shelf to prevent loss or damage to the power supply, as well as a folding stainless steel shelf and stainless steel side shelf for extra preparation space.

What We Like
Quickly heats up to high temperatures
Precise temperature control with DigitalFan
Large hopper holds enough charcoal for up to 8 hours of use
Convenient cord storage and extra preparation space with folding shelves
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Gravity Feed Smokers

As a BBQ enthusiast, you know the importance of choosing the right smoker for your cooking needs. Gravity feed smokers, also known as vertical smokers, offer unique advantages over traditional offset smokers. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for you?

First and foremost, consider your cooking needs. Gravity feed smokers are perfect for cooking larger cuts of meat, such as brisket or pork shoulder, as the design allows for longer and slower cooking times. If you regularly cook for large groups or plan to compete in BBQ competitions, a larger gravity feed smoker may be the best choice for you.

Next, consider the fuel source. Gravity feed smokers typically use either charcoal or wood for fuel. If you prefer the authentic smoky flavor that comes from burning wood, a wood-fired gravity feed smoker may be the way to go. However, if you prefer the convenience and consistency of charcoal, a charcoal-fired gravity feed smoker may be a better fit for you.

Another important factor to consider is the build quality and durability of the smoker. Look for smokers with heavy-duty construction and durable materials, such as stainless steel. This will ensure that your smoker can withstand the high heat and long cooking times required for BBQ.

Additionally, consider the size and weight of the smoker. If you plan on moving your smoker around or taking it to competitions, a lighter weight model may be more practical. However, if your smoker will be stationary, size and weight may not be as much of a concern.

Finally, consider the features and accessories that come with the smoker. Some models may come with additional racks for cooking multiple items at once, or temperature gauges for more precise temperature control. These added features can greatly enhance your BBQ experience and make your cooking process even more enjoyable.

In the end, choosing the right gravity feed smoker is a personal decision. Consider your cooking needs, fuel source preference, build quality, size and weight, and additional features to make the best choice for you. Happy grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are gravity feed smokers good?

Yes, gravity feed smokers are highly recommended. They are fuel-efficient, allowing for up to 16 hours of burning with a full charcoal chute. These smokers also offer easy and consistent temperature control, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals. Additionally, they require less maintenance and are cost-effective.

2. What is the best fuel for a gravity smoker?

The recommended fuel for a gravity smoker is real wood charcoal. While some gravity smokers offer pellet and gas convenience, using real wood charcoal is essential for achieving the ultimate flavor and authentic BBQ experience.

3. What are the benefits of a gravity smoker?

Gravity smokers offer several benefits. They maintain temperature more easily with minimal fluctuation, thanks to the included fan control unit. They provide a "hands off" cooking experience with minimal maintenance throughout. These smokers also ensure consistent temperatures and even smoke distribution, making them a reliable choice for smoking enthusiasts.

4. How long does charcoal last in a gravity smoker?

The duration of charcoal in a gravity smoker depends on the model. In general, charcoal can last up to 15 hours in a Gravity Series® 560, up to 12 hours in a Gravity Series® 800, and up to 8 hours in a Gravity Series® 1050, depending on the desired temperature.

Editor's Notes

During our gravity feed smoker research, we found 25 gravity feed smoker products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 27,652 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gravity feed smokers list. We found that most customers choose gravity feed smokers with an average price of $311.45.

The gravity feed smokers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gravity feed smokers, including Masterbuilt and more.

Written by
Bryan Hicks Avatar

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.