Masterbuilt Gravity 560 vs. 800: Choosing Between Precision and Versatility

The era of choosing between the soul of a charcoal fire and the ease of a digital interface is officially over. For years, I struggled with the inconsistency of pellet grills—they were convenient, but they lacked that deep, authentic wood-smoke profile. Then came the Masterbuilt Gravity Series. It changed my backyard game by using a high-powered fan to control a vertical charcoal hopper, effectively giving me a charcoal-fueled convection oven.

Now, the question for most enthusiasts has shifted: do you go for the nimble Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 or the upgraded Gravity Series 800? I’ve spent months rotating between these two units, testing everything from high-heat searing to 14-hour low-and-slow sessions. While they look like brothers, they serve different masters. One is a focused smoking specialist, while the other is a multi-functional culinary hub. Here is my breakdown of how they actually perform when the lid is closed and the smoke starts rolling.

The Key Difference: Footprint vs. Functional Hybridity

The primary key difference between the Masterbuilt Gravity 560 and the 800 is the cooking capacity and the hardware versatility. The Masterbuilt 560 provides 560 square inches of total cooking space and is built for maximum efficiency in a compact frame. It is purely a grill and smoker, featuring a unique 50-lb capacity folding front shelf as part of its standard bundle.

The Masterbuilt 800 steps up to 800 square inches of space, but the real differentiator is the integrated flat-top griddle. The 800 is a hybrid machine that allows you to remove the traditional grates and drop in a full griddle plate, effectively replacing a standalone flat-top grill. While the 560 is a master of the “smoke and sear,” the 800 is a master of the “smoke, sear, and sauté.”

Comparison Table: Masterbuilt 560 vs. Masterbuilt 800

Feature	Masterbuilt Gravity 560	Masterbuilt Gravity 800
Total Square Inches	560 sq. in.	800 sq. in.
Griddle Capability	No (Grates Only)	Included (Full Griddle Insert)
Front Shelf	Steel Folding (50lb capacity)	Fixed Stainless Steel
Warming Racks	Porcelain-Coated (240 sq. in.)	Porcelain-Coated (Standard)
Preheat Time (700°F)	13 Minutes	14 Minutes
Burn Time	Up to 12 Hours	Up to 10 Hours
Best For	Daily Family Meals	Large Parties & Variety Cooking
Buy NOW	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience

Living with these grills is a lesson in how small design choices impact your weekend flow. Lighting both is a breeze—load the hopper, light the starter, and set the dial. But once the temperature hits 225F or 700F, the personality of each machine starts to shine through.

Design: The Space-Saver vs. The Station

The Masterbuilt 560 is surprisingly agile. It has a vertical, narrow profile that fits perfectly into the corner of my patio without feeling like a behemoth. The standout for me is the powder-coated folding front shelf. Being able to fold it down when I’m done makes the unit much easier to cover and store.

The Masterbuilt 800 feels like a permanent installation. It’s wider and more “substantial.” The front shelf is fixed stainless steel—which looks great and feels incredibly premium—but it adds to the overall depth of the machine. If you have a sprawling deck, the 800 looks like a professional command center. If you have a small balcony, it might be a tight squeeze.

The Griddle Experience: A Sunday Morning Win

The 800’s griddle insert is not just a marketing gimmick; it’s a legitimate game-changer. I swapped the cast iron grates for the griddle and made a full hibachi-style steak and rice dinner for six people. Because it’s powered by the charcoal fan, you can get the griddle screaming hot in minutes.

The 560 is strictly a grate-based system. While it smokes a brisket just as well as the 800, you lose out on the ability to do smash burgers or fried eggs directly on the unit. For me, the 800 effectively eliminated my need for a separate flat-top appliance.

Ease of Use and App Connectivity

Both units utilize the same DigitalFan technology and the Masterbuilt app. I found the connectivity to be quite stable on both, allowing me to monitor the internal meat probe from my phone.

• On the 560, the smaller chamber means it maintains its temperature with very little fuel consumption.
• On the 800, the larger volume requires the fan to kick in a bit more often, but the temperature stability remains rock-solid.

Both reached searing temps 700 Degrees in under 15 minutes, which is faster than my traditional charcoal chimney could ever dream of.

Cleanup and Longevity

Since both burn real charcoal, ash management is part of the deal. Both have a convenient pull-out ash bin. I didn’t notice a significant difference in cleaning time between the two, though the 800 obviously has more grate surface to scrub. The porcelain-coated warming racks on the 560 are a nice touch for easy cleanup, but the cast iron grates on both models require a bit of oiling to keep them in top shape.

Masterbuilt Gravity 560 Grill Griddle & Smoker

Pros:

• Storage Friendly: Folding front shelf and compact design.
• Fuel Efficiency: Smaller chamber stays hot with less charcoal.
• Price Point: The most affordable way to get into gravity-fed smoking.
• Quick Response: Reaches temperature slightly faster than the larger models.

Cons:

• Limited Space: Can feel crowded if you’re cooking for more than 4-6 people.
• Single Function: No griddle option out of the box.

Masterbuilt Gravity 800 Grill Griddle & Smoker

Pros:

• Maximum Versatility: The griddle insert opens up a whole new world of recipes.
• Huge Capacity: 800 sq. inches handles multiple pork butts or briskets easily.
• Stainless Accents: The fixed front shelf is incredibly durable and easy to clean.
• Party Ready: Built to handle the volume of a neighborhood cookout.

Cons:

• Heavier Footprint: Requires more dedicated space on the patio.
• Higher Fuel Use: Larger cooking area naturally consumes more charcoal.

The Final Recommendation: Which Model Wins?

I recommend the Masterbuilt Gravity 560 if you are a “regular” family cook. If your typical weekend involves a single rack of ribs or a few burgers, the 560 is more than enough. Its efficiency and folding shelf make it a more practical choice for daily use and smaller outdoor spaces.

I recommend the Masterbuilt Gravity 800 if you want one machine that can do everything. If you host parties or love the idea of making breakfast outside on a charcoal-fired griddle, the 800 is the clear winner. The extra capacity and the hybrid griddle functionality make it a much better value in the long run.

Personally, I lean toward the Masterbuilt 800. Having the option to switch to a griddle without buying a second grill is a convenience that pays for itself after just a few weekend brunches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use the griddle on the 560?

A: No. The 560 is not designed to accept the full-size griddle insert that comes with the 800. You would have to use a small cast-iron pan on top of the grates.

Q: Is the fan loud?

A: It’s noticeable when it’s ramping up to 700 Degrees, but at smoking temperatures 225 Degrees, it’s a very quiet hum that you’ll barely notice over the sound of a conversation.

Q: Do these come with a cover?

A: The 560 often comes as a “bundle” that includes a cover and front shelf, while the 800 usually requires the cover to be purchased separately (though this varies by retailer).

Q: How much charcoal does the hopper hold?

A: Both hoppers hold approximately 16 lbs of briquettes or 10 lbs of lump charcoal, which is enough for a full night of smoking without a refill.