Chargriller Gravity 980 vs Masterbuilt 1050 Charcoal Gravity Smoker/ After 2 Years, Which is Better?
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2023
- Let’s do a 2 year comparison / Masterbuilt Gravity 1050 vs Chargriller Gravity 980 Charcoal Smoker-Grill. Which is Better? #masterbuilt #masterbuiltsmoker #chargriller #teamchargriller
Here’s the original review of the Masterbuilt 1050… • Masterbuilt 1050 Gravi...
Mods to the Masterbuilt… • The New Masterbuilt Gr...
Here’s the original review of the Chargriller 980… • Char- Griller 980 Grav...
Here’s the Rotisserie mod for the Chargriller… • Char-Griller Gravity 9...
Adding the temp gauges to the Chargriller…. • Char-Griller 980 Gravi...
LSS mods…. www.lss-mods.com/
Klote’s mods…. klotesmods.com/
Temp probe link…. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07... - Jak na to + styl
Great, to the point review. Thank you for the information and time you spend on these reviews and information about these and other cookers.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback
Thanks to all for watching!
Cooking on my chargriller gravity 980 right now! Thanks for the video,Tom!
Thanks for Watching Nate! Enjoy!
Very nice video Tom, great 2 year review. Thank you. 😃
Thanks for watching Eric!
Very detailed comparison Tom. I'm still in love with my 980. After a year and a half it's going strong. I did have to replace the switch on the charcoal hopper lid, but that was no big deal.
Thanks for watching Mike! Good to know
Tom, over a year ago I watched your videos to help me decide on which I would buy and I ended up on the Char-Griller 980. Thank you for the videos! I really do appreciate your knowledge, advice, and presentation of the the information. I have had many great smokes on the 980 and do not regret my decision at all. In fact, I also ended up with the Char-Griller Auto-Kamado too to complement my 980 and Weber Genesis II (now converted to a full time griddle via the Weber full-sized insert).
Thanks for Watching and supporting Garretto! Enjoy!
Garretto which cooks better - Autokamado or the 980? I'm looking at getting one of either
Tom, another great video as always! Its funny, I noticed the Char-Griller sale price online just before I saw this video. Hey, question for you - this is the first time I've seen that grill go on sale. Do you think maybe Char-Griller has an updated model coming down the pipe soon?
Thanks for watching Harold! All I hear is rumors….
was thinking about getting one of these thanks you made my decision easy
Thanks for Watching David! Enjoy!
You said it was coming and here it is. Great video Tom, thanks. I'm not surprised at your preference for the Chargriller. It would be my choice as well. And will be when I can save up enough to pull the trigger. Thanks again my friend.
Thanks for Watching Bill! Good choice!
Well Tom i finally got the Char-Griller and it is a great grill.. I've had it for about 2 years now and it is still in great shape,, thanks for the information Tom..
Thanks for watching Tom! Enjoy!
I've been watching your series with both of these gravity-fed devices...
and your initial reviews, the Char-Griller really grabbed my attention and seemed to be the clear-cut winner
after watching this video it appears as though your initial thumbs up on the Char-Griller was warranted.
Seems I need to head to Lowe's and grab me a Chargriller!
Thanks for Watching Donny! Enjoy!
If you have a Menards, go there. The color is better and the 11% in store credit
I have had my Char Griller for 2 years now and I still love it.
Thanks for Watching Richard! Good to know
I absolutely agree - Char-Griller for the win. For me, grease management was huge. Currently I'm running it with a Fireboard 2 drive and it's fabulous! Thanks for another great video!!
Thanks for watching!
Great comparison. I have the MB800 and love it. It replaced my WSM, kettle, and griddle. I have no wifi problems and usually monitor my cooks while watching tv in the basement! I would have loved it if they upgraded the build a bit but with some mods I may get I think it will last. For $500 it was a great deal. No other grills at any price can do what these grills can do.
Thanks for watching! Appreciate the feedback
Hey Tom, great review. I’m curious, you said the temp controls aren’t great on these. Would it be possible to modify to add something like a Flame Boss? If so, how easy/hard would it be? Thanks in advance!
Thanks for Watching Trey! Not really sure, I think the flame boss is for pellet grills, which have an auger, fan, internal temp probe. All the Gravities have just a fan and internal temp probe. Not sure what one would do with the extra connection
Thanks for helping me make my mind up.
Thanks for watching Dwayne!
14:40 I feel the same way, I love the concept of a gravity smoker, and I'd like to see someone like traeger or Webber make a more high end version. Kind of like what traeger did with the flat rock.
Thanks for watching William! Agreed
I have the MB 800 and it’s only lasted 14 months, terrible grease management and grease fires.. I’m about to go grab a CH 980 today. Great video Tom!
Thanks for Watching! Enjoy!
I just got a Gravity 980 from Lowe's, but was able to order it in red, like yours. I need to break it in, season the grates, but I wanted to make this year's turkey on this. I was considering using some wood chunks mixed in with some Kingsford apple wood charcoal, and running it at 225F. I did that last year with a stock Char Griller Legacy grill with side box/smoker, but should keep the temp better this year, and maybe have a little more smoke flavor.
Thanks for Watching! Enjoy!
I bought the Char Griller a year and a 1/2 ago because of your recommendation, I do not find mine holding temp all that well though, I even went as far as to watching your video and installing the 2 temp gauges. I like the grill I truly do, and I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming. I do have to agree with you, though. I think the Char Griller is overall the better grill, but neither would disappoint
Thanks for watching! Appreciate the feedback
This is like watching sports and hoping my team wins!
Lol! Thanks for for Watching Cory!
😂 That's a great comparison!
Thanks for watching!
Team Master built with LSS mods
@JonathanHaberski Thanks for watching! Appreciate the feedback
I was hoping there would be some new innovation with either of these companies with the gravity fed cookers this year but there was none. Kind of thinking there would have been some if they weren't under the same umbrella of the same company. It also looks like they decided to put their efforts into the Connected Joe this year so maybe next year with some upgrades. All that said, I always liked the look of the Chargriller better and would probably be the one I'd get. Nice review Tom!
Thanks for watching Troy! Agreed
I have the Char Griller 980 and love it . I was originally considering the MB. But the build quality and potential grease fire issues made my decision. I have had the CG 980 for 2 years and haven't had any issues with it. I see it lasting a long time in the future.
Thanks for watching Tim! Thanks for sharing
I agree, same here. put the cover on it when not in use and it will stay shining for a very long time.
@JosephSmith72 Thanks for Watching! Agreed
Thanks Tom as always… I did buy the MB800 last year and it has been great. I agree with everything you said. I even went to buy the Chargiller after watching the original video and ended up going with the MB in the end. I think for me the Bread Box design is better. I also like the ability to place the pan under the grates on the heat exchange baffle. (It was a LSS Mod). it is clean and I have no issues with grease. I also like the ability to remove the entire bottom for more detailed cleaning. I would have the Chargiller…. But last minute change and I am happy. (The griddle is kind of a waste on the 800). Cheers!
Thanks for watching Phillip! Enjoy!
I did the same mod, love my MB
Thanks for Watching!
I have owned my Char-Griller for a year now and love it. No mods have not had all the issues with the flap, i empty the ash every time after much use the leaks went away, only a little from the main lid. Did get a new lid for he hopper because org was damaged. I run only brickets and when i can B&B, thanks Tom
Thanks for watching! Good to know
The only mod is the LSS shelf extension. It’s not as strong as it looks in pics but clever design
Agreed! Thanks for watching Gerald
For me last year, after much research between the two (and watching your videos!), I decided to go Masterbuilt...but with the cheaper/smaller Masterbuilt 800. I was going to get the Chargriller, but at that time they had increased the price +$100 from when it first came out, and that made me really upset. So when the 800 was on sale I got it (the griddle and inclusion of the upgrades/fixes over the 1050 and 560 is what finally sold me). I did however also pay for a few of the LSS mods: fire box liner, hopper lid, baffle plate/grease pan holder, exhaust cover...which increased the price a bit (longevity was definitely a concern of mine). So far, the 800 has produced some great cooks (best reverse sear steaks I've ever made) that save me so much work from my previous offset.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback!
I ended up with the MB 1050 since CharGriller wasn't sold anywhere around me. So I guess there was no competition in my area. That being said I got the LSS firebox and manifold cover before I even seasoned it after hearing people complain about the MB's built quality. I've only got a couple of cooks on it so far but I'm really happy with it, other than the cost!
Thanks for watching! Appreciate the feedback
I have watch many video's on the Char-Griller 980 and thought I bought a excellent smoker grill and searing. For the 1st year I had this grill I had nothing but problems. the fire brick broke, the control knob stop working and the control device stop working the fan stop working the temp gauge inside stop working I spent more time talking to customer service trying to get repairs done then cooking and the wifi connection would not connect.
For some reason after all the repairs and figuring out the wifi ( bought a cheap tablet with google apps at WalMart which I use only for the control device which I did stop having problems with wifi and that works good unless you go about 75 feet from the grill then you still lose connection but if you get back in the range you will get it back to the signal area and it app controls very well) I thought I bought a terrible smoker grill and many error messages too. I still pressed on with the problems and NOW it working very well. I still have problems with searing but maybe I will figure that out soon but I also have a 50 to 100 degree temp difference from one side versa the other other side. but I still trying to figure that out also. I believe this is a good device but let see what this year brings.
Thanks for Watching! Wow! Hope it all works out for you
I have been looking for a new grill and smoker combo and recently found these. I think I agree, CG all the way. I just wish the main grilling surface was larger because I have a family of 10. I had been thinking of a 48" Assassin, but now I don't think I can justify over doubling the price after seeing this. I'm already cooking double batches of most things on my 22" Weber kettle, so I guess I can deal with it if it happens on the CG 980. Lol
Thanks for Watching! Enjoy!
I got the char grilled 980 two weeks ago and I love it, I wasn’t a big fan of the MB boxy look a felt like the charcoal holder would be on my way too much compared to the barrel on the griller covers the charcoal holder, also the ceramic plating in the griller is hands down, also the length space in the griller is better for me. Definitely recommend the Char griller over the MB…
Thanks for Watching Charlie! Appreciate the feedback
Thank you so very much!
Love this video! I hear so many reviews with other results, like the 980 no being accurate with temps, not having a good seal, second shelf being useless, flaps burning etc, so I find it interesting that your experience is so different.. I’m sure some of it has to do with mods and each individual model.
My choice would be for the MB, all day. Mainly for the chamber layout, bread box style or what ever you call it. Not a fan of the barrel design. Also that fan sticking out like that is a poor poor design imo, and the 980 is much bigger than the MB in terms of foot print on tight deck. But for me: it’s that tripple shelf setup bread box style.. I always tend to cook in second rack, taking advantage of that convection effect.. But that’s me.
Also, I can’t get the Char Griller in my area 😂 So there’s that
Thanks again Tom.
Wow! Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback
Just did my first cook on my new 980 even though one of the fire bricks was broken.Cooked 33 steaks,ribeye-t-bone,and was impressed how it flamed up when searing.Much better and sturdier design than my old MB 560.It’s clearly built better than the Masterbuilt but glad that there’s gravity charcoal grills competing because the consumer is the winner.Hope they keep making these.
Thanks for watching! Appreciate your feedback!
I watched your original vid and almost bought the CG, I modded my MB and its perfect. My Fireboard powers it as well.
Great to hear!
I went with Char Griller. I got mine a Menards about a year after Tom did. I think the charbroiler upgraded the bottom shelf by the wheels, mine seems beefier. No problem with the Wi-Fi.
Thanks for watching Gerald! Good to know
we do not have such brands in Kazakhstan, the review is cool.
+ char
Thanks for watching!
Very thoughtful comparison! If money is not an issue, I think the modded MB is superior. The mods help it overcome several of the issues you bring up, while no mod (currently available anyway) can resolve the CG’s issues. I agree with your final assessment, a combined design would be superior!
Thanks for watching Scott!! Appreciate the feedback
Just saw today that in April, 2024 there will be a Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT available. The XT stands for “Extra Tough”. The list of what makes it “XT” is impressive. I currently have their 800. Like the Smoker but not the Griddle. Moving to Costa Rica in late 2024 and I thinking of getting the XT in shipping crate and assembling there. However looking at photos seems better constructed and might assemble and ship.
I did see that
Those US prices are very interesting In NZ the
chargriller is $1300
masterbuilts are
560:$1700
800:$2300
1050:2500
So for us the masterbuilt 1050 is almost double the cost
Shipping and taxes are an itch
Have you done a review on oklahoma joes new gravity fed smoker would you receive a new pellet smoker or a gravity fed smoker i do love the taste of charcoal
Thanks for watching Cody! I’ve not but it is on the list
I went with the chargriller. Really enjoy it and I think it produces a ton of smoke flavor that is authentic. Forgot to say that Menards had them on sale and got the 11% off so I think I ended up paying about $600 I felt good about that.
Thanks for Watching Lance! That’s a great deal!
tom have you had any issues with the 980 to the point where you have considered using a fireboard or other fan control system? I see a lot of people going to aftermarket controls. I have had mine about 4 months and I have not had any real issues but wanted to ask since you always are looking for mods and such to make things better.
Thanks for watching Lance! I have not
I have been waiting for the 980 gen 2 for over a year but if the Masterbuilt 800 goes on sale again for $400, I am going to jump on it.
Thanks for watching!
I ended up going with the MB 800 to get the griddle accessory.
Thanks for Watching!
I would be curious to see your thoughts on one of these vs' a similarly priced pellet grill
Thanks for watching Kirk! That would be interesting…although it wouldn’t be apples to apples
@Tom Horsman but if you are in the market for a set it and forget it cooker using "natural" fuels to get your smoke flavour it kind of is. I myself would like to try a charcoal gravity cooker but couldn't justify it because I have a pellet grill.
It would be interesting to hear what you think of these two along with the Auto Kamado, since those three are the leaders in affordable computer/fan controlled charcoal grills.
I think it's hard to beat the price and versatility of the Auto Kamado, not to mention the fuel efficiency. I've heard these two burn through a lot of charcoal.
Thanks for Watching Scott! Hard comparison, Kamado against an automated stick burner
Hey Scott I have the Char -Griller and it does a great job and it is not bad at all with Charcoal..
Grettings from Indiana.
Thanks for Watching!
I had a CG when they first came out.
I guess i got a lemon.
After seasoning, and the first cook of chicken thighs, it stopped holding temperatures, and firebrick cracked.
CG customer service emails sounded like I was dealing with their lawyers. Not helpful.
So back to Lowes it went.
I then bought a recteq 590 and could not be happier.
Thanks for watching Rick! Appreciate the feedback
After three years of trying to decide on which pellet grill to get, I stumbled on and went with the MB560 because I have a small backyard and deck plus Home Depot had em for $398 but I should have just sucked it up and went for the 800. Why? Because after having the damn thing for three months, 4 smoked picanha, 30lbs of pork butt, 80lbs of brisket, 40 racks of ribs, 2 chickens and at least 38 prime ribeyes, I just want the bigger grill. I added some LS mods and honestly use the damn thing 2 or 3 times a week and love it. Can't say enough good things or tell enough people about it.
Thanks for Watching! Enjoy!
Where do I get the red one! That looks awesome!!!
Thanks for Watching JB! As I stated in the video,,Menards
Get down on it Tom! That's what's up 💥 Sunday Church 🍻
Thanks for Watching!
Thanks for the honest review time Char-Griller 980 all the way it's just built a lot better
Thanks for watching!
I’d love to see a comparison between both of these gravity fed smokers and Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma gravity fed smoker. 👍🏽
Thanks for Watching Larry! Me too
The Masterbuilt wifi and app work flawlessly for me. It was just updated also and is even better now. It’s one of the things I like the most.
Thanks for watching! Good to know’
I think I would still go with the master built because of the available space with the lss mods racks and it takes up less space overall.
Thanks for Watching!
Thanks for Watching!
MasterBuilt has more positive reviews, especially with updates made if you’re comparing a 2yr old grill. The griddle mod for the 800 series adds another dimension of grilling if you can step down a size. In the end both good grills and an option for guys like me who like charcoal and the versatility.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback!
Tom. If they were both the same price, say $350 for good used condition, would you still give the edge to the 980?
Thanks for watching Dan! Yes
I would really like to see Weber or Napoleon get into the gravity smoker game!
Thanks for Watching! As would I
So you chose the Char Griller over the Master Built? How much $ did you spend in mods? Without the mods would you have still chosen the char griller?
Thanks for watching Greg! I’m not sure the only one that makes it comparable to the MB is the rotisserie, but that a separately sold for the MB.
So I have a 1050, going on year 3. I do like it. I use it all year long. I have to say the grease fires are getting kind of annoying. Also I can almost never get it up to 700 degrees. I can pretty consistently do 500 but it just won’t do the 700. I may jump ship and buy a char griller
Thanks for watching! Enjoy!
I was gifted an older Traeger 780, and I am enjoying it, I wish it had a direct fire for searing steaks option. I came across this gravity fed machines and think it's genius, I lie the fact that you can use real wood or charcoal. It needs next to no power as you manually light it, and it uses a small fan, I think I could build one of these with my backyard welding skills, does anybody know if there are plans around for these? Cheers all, from Canada !
Thanks for Watching! Not sure of any plans
Sorry for the short notice,,,,
Our Home Depot has a bunch of Masterbilts all cabled together in front of the store and most of them are going on 2 years or better. They better have a clearance pretty soon or they’ll all be antique 😂😂😂
Thanks for Watching William!
What thermometers are those and how did you add the rotisserie on it?
Thanks for watching Mario! Links in the video description
Hands down the chargriller is the King of grills. I lso have both of them. 👍🏾
Thanks for watching!
Looks like both have some fine tuning to do. Too bad the two can’t compare notes since they’re owned by the same parent company
Thanks for Watching Greg! I think they have if you look at the new Masterbuilt HD
I'd take the chargriller 980, it just seems to work better
Thanks for Watching James! I agree
Almost bought the 1050, ended up with a Yoder 640 with comp cart
Thanks for Watching Tim!
What about the Masterbuilt,? Two 18-20lb birds? Spatchcocked? Or whole?
Thanks for Watching! Yes
I have to char griller 980 and I use it more than I do my pit boss Austin xl
Thanks for watching Doug! Appreciate the feedback
I would go with the char griller also until I see what Weber does!!!
Thanks for Watching! Me too
Some people have a problem with Chargriller temp accuracy. I’m one of them. The temp it says the grill is running at tends to be 50-100 degrees higher than it actually is. Have you heard of this? Do you think there is a way to fix it? I even tried getting a new control panel for it but still having this issue.
Thanks for Watching! Have not had that issue
I had the same same prob with the Char Griller. And they were no help at all. Just ordered the MB tonight
I think it might be Char-Grillers crappy temp sensing probes, I keep having problems with them. 🤷♂️
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching!
Ok I haven't seen anyone ask but where do I get a RED Gravity series????
Thanks for Watching! Menards
*So you’re saying there is a patent pending that doesn’t allow companies to manufacture their own like this?*
Im asking because I’d love for a company like Yoder, GMG, or even Lone Star to come out with their own design and model, combining the best of these two..
That’d be something I’d invest 2k into no problem
Thanks for Watching! Yes
What is lowest temp they will operate at
Thanks for watching! 180
The cost of these are ridiculous. 3 years ago the MB 1050 was $699 I went to academy yesterday 10/7/23 and the dang thing is now $899. WTF
Thanks for watching David! Agreed
Got the char grill for 500 today
Thanks for Watching Ryan! Congrats!
I got the masterbuilt 560, love the grill but it’s already falling apart after 3 years , the build quality is terrible . I’m gonna upgrade to the char griller . I have several char grillers and there just amazing working man grills . And yes I have had the grease fire in the master built lol.
Thanks for watching Chris! Appreciate the feedback
It will fall apart 2. My char grilled is 2 years old and won’t hold low temps because of gaps created by poor build quality
Thanks for Watching Matt! Where?
I did manage to get another master built on Facebook . In mint condition with name brand cover for 80 bucks . Has electric problems. But I replaced a bunch on my original 560. So I’m just
Gonna swap the parts out and get my money out of it . I’m hoping they come out with some new gen 2 gravity series . Or some more multi fuel grills like the camp chef world wind pro . Which I would love for Tom to review !
Thanks for Watching Chris! Been thinking about it…..
Im wanting a char grill but the reviews are sketchy on some I read
Thanks for watching! Ok
Can I get two spatchcock turkeys on the griller? Say 18lb birds?
Thanks for watching Marco! Yes
Come on, Tom. 15 minutes of yip yap. We know the real reason you like the Chargriller. It's color matches your truck! Nice Review btw
Lol! Thanks for Watching Craig! You are correct
Stumps, just spend the $$$
Thanks for Watching!
Masterbuilt all the way
Thanks for Watching!
Who makes a gravity feed with a cast aluminum body that doesn't rot out in 2 seasons? I wasted thousands on camp chef and gmg etc. They are made from the thinest cheap Chinese garbage steel. Covered, not covered etc it doesn't seem to matter.
Plus I'm sick and tired of dicking around with pellets which I have seen little difference between woods and hopper issues etc. Gravity feed is the way to go.
Thanks for Watching Appreciate the feedback
I'm really tired of all these companies joining forces. There's no real competition, nothing. Masterbuilt makes a pretty crap product! Shouldn't need tons of mods to make the thing good or last in my opinion. My 560 is sitting by my truck waiting to go to the dump because the cook chamber fell to pieces. I would be a lot more mad had I paid full price, but I got the last one Walmart special for $150. I don't think I would buy another, even for that price.
Thanks for watching! Appreciate the feedback
So who owns who?
Thanks for Watching Paul! They are owned by a holdings company
I have both and love both of it but the char griller gravity 980 is built soo much better with better materials. Tom is spot on.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback