Best HybridDigital Charcoal Grill

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560

Last Updated

First Published

Recently reviewedThis review was last reviewed on May 2, 2026.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 digital charcoal grill product photo

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 is the most interesting grill concept in years — a digitally controlled charcoal grill that gives you real charcoal flavor with pellet-grill convenience.

What We Love

  • +Real charcoal flavor with digital temperature control
  • +Gravity-fed charcoal hopper lasts 12+ hours
  • +WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • +Sears at 700°F on the open grate
  • +Versatile — smoke, grill, sear, bake
  • +Fan-controlled precision within 5°F

Watch Out For

  • Fan and electronics can fail
  • Ash management needs improvement
  • Charcoal hopper can jam
  • Build quality is mid-tier
  • Requires electricity

Specifications

Cooking Area

560 sq in

Temp Range

225°F - 700°F

Fuel

Lump charcoal or briquettes

Hopper

Gravity-fed

Power

120V AC (fan)

Weight

137 lbs

Connectivity

WiFi + Bluetooth

Warranty

1 year

The Full Review

The Gravity Series solves the biggest problem in outdoor cooking: getting real charcoal flavor without babysitting a fire.

The concept is brilliant. A vertical hopper holds charcoal that gravity-feeds into the firebox. A digitally controlled fan regulates airflow to maintain your target temperature. Set it to 225°F and walk away — the fan does the work.

But here's the magic: it's actual charcoal burning, not pellets. The smoke flavor is noticeably better than any pellet grill I've used. You get that deep, complex char taste that only real charcoal provides, with the convenience of set-and-forget operation.

The temperature range is incredible. Smoke at 225°F for brisket, then crank to 700°F for searing steaks. No other single cooker spans this range this effectively.

Reliability is my main concern. The fan and electronic controls are potential failure points that a traditional charcoal grill doesn't have. The 1-year warranty is also shorter than I'd like.

How Does It Compare?

At a glance against its closest digital charcoal grill rivals.

GrillRatingPriceBest For
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 (this) 4.5$497Digital fan-controlled charcoal with WiFi — real charcoal flavor with pellet-grill convenience.
Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980 4.6$499Digital fan-controlled charcoal at half the Masterbuilt price.
Magma Marine Cabo Gas Grill 4.5$469The definitive boat grill — 316 marine-grade stainless, rail-mountable, built to handle saltwater environments.

Who Is It For?

Charcoal lovers who want digital convenience. Pellet grill users who miss real charcoal flavor. Tech-forward cooks who want the best of both worlds.

Final Verdict

The Gravity Series 560 is the most innovative grill on this site. At $497, it offers a cooking experience no other single unit can match. The hybrid charcoal-digital concept is the future.

Check Price on Amazon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 worth the price?
The Gravity Series 560 is the most innovative grill on this site. At $497, it offers a cooking experience no other single unit can match. The hybrid charcoal-digital concept is the future. At $497, it earns its sticker — the build quality and feature set justify the cost for the right buyer.
Who is the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 best for?
Charcoal lovers who want digital convenience. Pellet grill users who miss real charcoal flavor. Tech-forward cooks who want the best of both worlds.
What are the biggest strengths of the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560?
The standout strengths: Real charcoal flavor with digital temperature control; Gravity-fed charcoal hopper lasts 12+ hours; WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Also worth noting: Sears at 700°F on the open grate.
What are the downsides of the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560?
The honest trade-offs: Fan and electronics can fail; Ash management needs improvement; Charcoal hopper can jam. None are dealbreakers for most buyers, but worth knowing before you commit.
What's the warranty on the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560?
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 ships with a 1 year warranty. Coverage details vary by component — check the manufacturer's terms for what's covered (cookbox, burners, grates) and for how long.
Where is the best place to buy the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560?
Amazon typically has the most competitive price and fastest shipping for the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560. Check the manufacturer's site for occasional direct sales, and big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's) if you want to inspect one in person before buying.

From around the web

More about digital charcoal grills

Is charcoal grilling really better than gas?
For flavor — yes, demonstrably. Charcoal burns hotter (700°F+) and produces aromatic compounds that gas can't replicate. The trade-off is time: 20-30 minutes to light coals vs. 8 minutes to preheat gas. Most charcoal lovers keep a gas grill for weeknights and break out the charcoal on weekends.
How long does charcoal stay hot in a grill?
A full chimney of lump charcoal burns hot (500-700°F) for about 45-60 minutes, then settles into a 300-400°F window for another hour. With vents managed properly and the lid down, a Weber Kettle can hold 225°F for 8+ hours using the snake method.
Lump charcoal vs. briquettes — what's the difference?
Lump is pure charred wood: burns hotter, faster, and cleaner with more wood flavor. Briquettes are compressed charcoal dust + binders: burn longer and more evenly but produce more ash and a slightly chemical taste. Briquettes win for low-and-slow; lump wins for searing.
Do you close the lid when grilling with charcoal?
Yes, almost always. The lid traps heat and turns your grill into a convection oven, cooking food evenly from all sides instead of just the bottom. Only leave it open for very thin items (under 1 inch) where you want pure direct radiant heat.