Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980
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First Published
Gravity-fed charcoal grills are the fastest-growing niche in outdoor cooking, and the Char-Griller 980 is the value play that Masterbuilt should be worried about. At $499, it undercuts the Masterbuilt 560 while offering nearly double the cooking space.
What We Love
- +980 sq in of cooking space at $499
- +Real charcoal flavor with digital temp control
- +WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- +Gravity-fed hopper lasts 12+ hours
- +Sear at 700°F or smoke at 225°F
- +Fan-controlled temperature precision
Watch Out For
- −Build quality is budget-tier
- −Ash management could be better
- −WiFi app is basic
- −Paint quality is inconsistent
- −1-year warranty is short
Specifications
Cooking Area
980 sq in
Temp Range
200°F - 700°F
Fuel
Charcoal (lump or briquette)
Hopper
Gravity-fed vertical
Power
120V AC (fan)
Weight
196 lbs
Connectivity
WiFi + Bluetooth
Warranty
1 year
The Full Review
The Char-Griller 980 does everything the Masterbuilt Gravity 560 does — at a lower price with more cooking space. That's a compelling argument.
The gravity-fed system is identical in concept. Charcoal stacks in a vertical hopper and gravity feeds it into the firebox. A digitally controlled fan regulates airflow to hit your target temperature. Set 225°F for smoking, 700°F for searing, or anywhere in between.
The flavor advantage over pellet grills is significant. This is real charcoal burning — the same deep, complex flavor you get from a traditional charcoal grill, but with set-and-forget digital control. I did a side-by-side brisket test against my Traeger, and the Char-Griller produced noticeably better bark and deeper smoke flavor.
980 sq in of cooking space is massive for this price. Multiple briskets, full racks of ribs across three levels — the capacity rivals pellet grills at twice the cost.
The build quality trade-off is real. Thinner steel, less refined paint, and some fit-and-finish issues you wouldn't see on premium brands. But the cooking performance punches well above the price point.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest gravity-fed charcoal rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980 (this) | 4.6 | $499 | Digital fan-controlled charcoal at half the Masterbuilt price. |
| Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 | 4.5 | $497 | Digital fan-controlled charcoal with WiFi — real charcoal flavor with pellet-grill convenience. |
| Magma Marine Cabo Gas Grill | 4.5 | $469 | The definitive boat grill — 316 marine-grade stainless, rail-mountable, built to handle saltwater environments. |
Who Is It For?
Budget-conscious buyers who want charcoal flavor with digital convenience. Pellet grill owners frustrated with weak smoke flavor. Anyone who wants to try the gravity-fed concept without spending $700+. Large-capacity smokers who need space for big cooks.
Final Verdict
The Char-Griller 980 is the best value in the gravity-fed category. At $499 with 980 sq in and WiFi control, it delivers a cooking experience that embarrasses pellet grills costing twice as much. The future of charcoal is digital.
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