Masterbuilt Gravity 560 Digital Charcoal Grill

Description

Design 

We’d say the material used is of average strength for a grill at this price point. The majority is thin sheet metal, which is standard for many grill manufacturers. The grill appears to be reasonably robust, but not noticeably so compared to other grills. 

The temperature gauge, which lacks actual temperature markings, does not inspire confidence either. It’s more aesthetically pleasing, as the digital screen shows the temperature readout. 

The side tray appears to be riveted in place. That is a little worrying – as it may break off if you pull very hard. 

Additionally, those rivets will rust over time, and the side tray may also disintegrate. The bottom storage compartment is reasonably robust. The strength appears to be adequate for the grill’s size and price. 

Masterbuilt Gravity 560 Digital Charcoal Grill resembles a gas grill for the most part. It features a reasonably standard cooking box and lid. Of course, the 560 is not a gas-powered vehicle. Rather than that, the right side features a tall gravity-fed charcoal hopper. 

It functions similarly to an offset smoker, which is used in many barbecue establishments. Since the fuel and heat source are located on the side of the cooking area, heat and smoke are directed into the main chamber. 

In the case of Masterbuilt Gravity 560 Digital Charcoal Grill, you pour charcoal into the chamber’s top, while a side door on the bottom allows you to clean out ash and light the charcoal from the bottom. 

The wheels that have been used are unremarkable. They are made of plastic and have a more durable plastic tread on the outside. Although they are not highly heavy-duty, they appear stable and allow the grill to be easily moved around. 

Performance 

This Masterbuilt Gravity 560 Digital Charcoal Grill features Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to control the grill’s temperature and cooking time directly from your phone (or the grill’s digital control panel). It also features an internal fan that regulates the grill’s temperature, allowing it to reach 700 degrees in as little as 13 minutes. 

This high-tech model has a cooking area of 560 square inches and reversible cast-iron grates that can be used for smoking or searing. Additionally, the unit features a gravity-fed charcoal hopper that holds up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes, allowing you to cook all day without adding additional fuel. 

Cleaning 

Masterbuilt Gravity 560 Digital Charcoal Grill made several design decisions that made cleanup a lot easier. A pellet stove requires frequent vacuuming to remove dust and ash to prevent food contamination. Keeping the grill in good working order and out of harm’s way is a given. Using Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560, virtually no ash or dust falls to the bottom of the tank. 

You’ll only need to clean the grease collection pan. It’s a smaller bin with an easy-to-remove lid that sits in a larger angled tray that slides out for cleaning. Both are conveniently located at the rear of the 560. When it comes to charcoal, it all falls into a metal bin at the bottom of the hopper. 

And that container can be quickly removed, dumped, and replaced from the side door – even during a cook. 

Should you buy the Masterbuilt Gravity 560? 

Masterbuilt’s Gravity Series is an intriguing proposition that should appeal to many people. Everything we cooked was delicious, and none of the issues I discovered were deal breakers. 

This grill is not for everyone. It’s often the cost of conventional charcoal cookers, which can produce equally delicious food with a bit of practice.  

However, the Gravity Series is a compelling and more affordable option for those looking for an automated smoker that performs similarly to a Traeger. Avoid getting it wet.