If you’re into barbecue and looking for an easier way to go low and slow without giving up real charcoal flavor, gravity smokers might be worth a serious look.

I recently had the chance to cook on a Masterbuilt Gravity Series smoker while visiting Joe Silva of Q Bellies BBQ in Southern California. After seeing one in action—and tasting the results—I was pretty impressed. So let’s break down what gravity smokers are all about and whether one could be right for you.

A gravity smoker is kind of like the lovechild of a pellet grill and a traditional charcoal smoker. You get the “set it and forget it” convenience thanks to electronic temperature controls, but you’re still cooking with real charcoal—and optionally wood chunks—for that classic BBQ flavor.

Here’s how it works:

• A fan regulates airflow and temperature, just like in a pellet smoker.

• You load lump or briquette charcoal into a vertical hopper.

• Gravity feeds the charcoal down into a firebox as it burns.

Here are some of the biggest benefits I saw firsthand while cooking on Joe’s Masterbuilt 1150:

1. Precise Temperature Control

Set your temp digitally and let the smoker do the work. It maintains a steady heat for hours—perfect for long brisket or pork shoulder cooks.

2. Charcoal Flavor (Without the Babysitting)

Unlike pellet grills, which are great but sometimes lacking in smoke punch, gravity smokers give you real charcoal flavor. Add in wood chunks and you’re getting some seriously rich, traditional smoke.

Joe ran his smoker for over 10 hours using just a bag and a half of lump charcoal, plus a few wood chunks. That’s great fuel efficiency for a long cook with minimal babysitting.

4. Wide Temperature Range

Gravity smokers can go from as low as 225°F for slow smoking all the way up to 700°F for searing. That means you can smoke brisket, grill burgers, or even reverse-sear a steak all on the same cooker.

Some models even support accessories like griddles for more cooking options. Whether you’re doing delicate fish or searing a tomahawk ribeye, a gravity smoker can handle it.

Things to Keep in Mind