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Apples and oranges, but increasingly common cross-shopping. The Masterbuilt Gravity 1050 burns lump charcoal with a digital fan-controlled hopper — set it and forget it like a pellet grill, but with charcoal flavor. The Pit Boss Pro Series 1100 is a traditional pellet grill with serious cooking area. Real flavor question.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Masterbuilt Gravity 1050 ($797) if you want true charcoal flavor with set-and-forget convenience. Buy the Pit Boss Pro Series 1100 ($899) if you want the most cooking area and the simplest pellet experience.
The Contenders
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050
$797
Cooks who want real charcoal flavor with digital temperature control
Check PricePit Boss Pro Series 1100
$899
Big-batch cooks who want maximum pellet grill cooking area at a sharp price
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Flavor
Winner: MasterbuiltMasterbuilt wins decisively. Real lump charcoal produces deeper, smokier flavor than any pellet grill. This is the whole reason to buy a Masterbuilt Gravity.
Cooking Area
Winner: Pit BossPit Boss wins. 1,100 sq in vs the Masterbuilt's 1,050 sq in — close, but the Pro 1100 layout is more usable for big batches.
Convenience
Winner: Pit BossPit Boss wins narrowly. Pellets auger automatically and you never touch the fire. Masterbuilt requires loading charcoal into the hopper which is messier.
Versatility
Winner: MasterbuiltMasterbuilt wins. Hits 700°F+ for searing and pizza. The Pit Boss tops out around 500°F.
Value
Winner: MasterbuiltMasterbuilt wins narrowly. $100 cheaper for a more versatile cooker with better flavor. Pit Boss is a strong value for pure pellet cooking but Masterbuilt is the better all-rounder.
Final Verdict
Buy the Masterbuilt Gravity 1050 if charcoal flavor matters and you want one cooker for low-and-slow plus high-heat searing and pizza. Buy the Pit Boss Pro Series 1100 if you cook for crowds and want pellet simplicity.
Buying Advice
If you've never owned a Masterbuilt Gravity, the charcoal flavor genuinely surprises pellet veterans. If you're a pellet loyalist who values convenience over flavor depth, stick with Pit Boss.
