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Started By
Message
Masterbuilt gravity 800 1st cook
Posted on 7/11/21 at 9:46 am
Posted on 7/11/21 at 9:46 am
I ordered the gravity series 800 and it came in Friday. The SO and I put it together that evening. I am glad I had help- putting it together was not fun. Started it up to burn off oil and adhesive as well as to start learning the system. Everything went smoothly, and it smoked like hell.
I knew my first cook would have minimal supervision and Kroger briskets just happened to be on sale, so that's what I did. Stated at 7 a.m. at 240* according to the electronic gauge as the cover circular gauge barely read anything. I will try to find a replacement soon.
I loaded the hopper to the top with briquettes and 3 layers of hardwood chips. It got to 240 in under 5 minutes. I then had to leave for the entire day.
My text communication with the significant other got confused, and the brisket never got wrapped. When I got home around 6:30, the internal temp was reading 186. I got my digital out, and it read anywhere from 198 to 205. The brisket had shrunk more than I am used to and looked like a giant piece of lump charcoal.
I obviously removed it then and wrapped for rest. After about 30 to 45 minutes, I tried to slice. The flat was impossible- the point was difficult. The outside could not be cut by a very sharp slicer. I didn't try electric. Despite this, the inside was fantastic, and did not change color after slicing.
Pros:
Ease of use
Clean up-coals turn to ash and are in a small, light bin.
Fast heat
Quiet operation even with fan
Size/footprint
Charcoal capacity/length of cook
Temp stability
Cons:
Temp reading may not be accurate. I will be testing with other thermometers.
Assembly sucked.
I hope to follow up with comparable readings from other thermometers, both cover and on grates.
I knew my first cook would have minimal supervision and Kroger briskets just happened to be on sale, so that's what I did. Stated at 7 a.m. at 240* according to the electronic gauge as the cover circular gauge barely read anything. I will try to find a replacement soon.
I loaded the hopper to the top with briquettes and 3 layers of hardwood chips. It got to 240 in under 5 minutes. I then had to leave for the entire day.
My text communication with the significant other got confused, and the brisket never got wrapped. When I got home around 6:30, the internal temp was reading 186. I got my digital out, and it read anywhere from 198 to 205. The brisket had shrunk more than I am used to and looked like a giant piece of lump charcoal.
I obviously removed it then and wrapped for rest. After about 30 to 45 minutes, I tried to slice. The flat was impossible- the point was difficult. The outside could not be cut by a very sharp slicer. I didn't try electric. Despite this, the inside was fantastic, and did not change color after slicing.
Pros:
Ease of use
Clean up-coals turn to ash and are in a small, light bin.
Fast heat
Quiet operation even with fan
Size/footprint
Charcoal capacity/length of cook
Temp stability
Cons:
Temp reading may not be accurate. I will be testing with other thermometers.
Assembly sucked.
I hope to follow up with comparable readings from other thermometers, both cover and on grates.
8
Posted on 7/11/21 at 10:43 am to AlxTgr
not sure why you thought throwing a brisket in there and dipping all day would be a good idea for a first cook
Posted on 7/11/21 at 11:18 am to AlxTgr
Bought the 560 last weekend but haven't used it yet. Probably will do so today though.
Posted on 7/11/21 at 11:34 am to AlxTgr
I have had a 560 for almost a year. My biggest complaint is the lack of cooking surface area.
Thankfully, one of my neighbors recently moved to Hawaii and he gave me his behemoth dual propane and offset smoker.
Now I use the 560 and Chargriller at the same time.
Best of both worlds.
ETA: The 1050 and 800 models were not available when I bought mine or I would have gone for one of those.
Thankfully, one of my neighbors recently moved to Hawaii and he gave me his behemoth dual propane and offset smoker.
Now I use the 560 and Chargriller at the same time.
Best of both worlds.
ETA: The 1050 and 800 models were not available when I bought mine or I would have gone for one of those.
This post was edited on 7/11/21 at 12:11 pm
Posted on 7/11/21 at 2:12 pm to AlxTgr
I’m not sure why but I have found briskets to cook fast on my 800. I did a 21lb brisket (probably trimmed down to 17) in under 11 hrs on the pit. I let it rest for 3 hrs and it was absolutely perfect.
I’ve noticed the right side is warmer than the left so I usually have my point on the right, flat on the left. You’ll notice when you use the griddle it is the same way and you’ll do most of your cooking on the right. I’ll actually use the left to cook biscuits covered and keep things warm when doing breakfast so it works out.
I’ve noticed the right side is warmer than the left so I usually have my point on the right, flat on the left. You’ll notice when you use the griddle it is the same way and you’ll do most of your cooking on the right. I’ll actually use the left to cook biscuits covered and keep things warm when doing breakfast so it works out.
Posted on 7/11/21 at 2:14 pm to BallsEleven
quote:I did that too.
I’ve noticed the right side is warmer than the left so I usually have my point on the right, flat on the left.
Posted on 7/11/21 at 3:19 pm to AlxTgr
The built in temperature control on my 1050 is 15-20 degrees cooler than the displayed temperature. I just adjust it and check it with a ThermPro to make sure I'm within the range I want. 
Posted on 7/11/21 at 3:42 pm to BigDropper
quote:I was guessing that was the issue. Thanks.
The built in temperature control on my 1050 is 15-20 degrees cooler than the displayed temperature.
Posted on 7/12/21 at 7:05 am to AlxTgr
I always find my 560 hot on the bottom grates vs the set point. The middle rack is where I smoke and almost dead on with the set point.
I’ve also found putting the wood chunks in the hopper gets a little more of an acidic smoke taste. If I am going to be able to check it often, I will drop the chunks in the ash bin instead, but that’s not very often because I’m lazy and use the chute more.
I’ve also found putting the wood chunks in the hopper gets a little more of an acidic smoke taste. If I am going to be able to check it often, I will drop the chunks in the ash bin instead, but that’s not very often because I’m lazy and use the chute more.
This post was edited on 7/12/21 at 7:15 am
Posted on 7/12/21 at 7:29 am to Dam Guide
I have a tri-tip and country style ribs to cook during the week. I do want to try the upper grates.
Posted on 7/12/21 at 8:02 am to AlxTgr
quote:
. I then had to leave for the entire day.
Posted on 7/12/21 at 9:15 am to bbeck
What?
Posted on 7/12/21 at 9:28 am to AlxTgr
I love my 1050 after some time. I never look at the temp on the lid only the digital one. Keep in mind the probe for that digital one is all the way on the left and I too find the right side a little hotter.
I haven't touched my 2 Primos since I got the 1050...not that it "cooks better" but I love the extra room and the ease of lighting it and setting the temp. I have fans and all for my primo but its way more work than the 1050.
I just got my order for one of the new 40" vertical charcoal smokers (along with some 560, 800, and 1050s) for a buddy to play with as well. It runs a little different than the Gravity smokers so we will play with it some more and see how it settles in.
If masterbuilt and KJ get their act together I might be able to save a few bucks for people but they have been so slow to ship. The masterbuilt stuff might be getting better now that its not fresh out the gate like when I ordered. I also ordered some of their portable digital grills to play with but they are not out yet.
I haven't touched my 2 Primos since I got the 1050...not that it "cooks better" but I love the extra room and the ease of lighting it and setting the temp. I have fans and all for my primo but its way more work than the 1050.
I just got my order for one of the new 40" vertical charcoal smokers (along with some 560, 800, and 1050s) for a buddy to play with as well. It runs a little different than the Gravity smokers so we will play with it some more and see how it settles in.
If masterbuilt and KJ get their act together I might be able to save a few bucks for people but they have been so slow to ship. The masterbuilt stuff might be getting better now that its not fresh out the gate like when I ordered. I also ordered some of their portable digital grills to play with but they are not out yet.
This post was edited on 7/12/21 at 9:33 am
Posted on 7/12/21 at 9:34 am to NOLAGT
Do you find the meat probes to be accurate? I have not searched, but I assume I can buy extras that fit the the extra holes?
Posted on 7/12/21 at 9:48 am to AlxTgr
U leave the first cook in the hands of your wife.
That’s my point.
That’s my point.
Posted on 7/12/21 at 9:49 am to AlxTgr
I honestly haven't tested mine next to my thermapen...it seems to be close enough but I haven't used the probe a ton. Since I only have one I jab it in a spot to get an idea of what's going on and then I check the rest with my thermapen. One day ill do a water boil test. Yes you can get more probes but they have to be from masterbuilt I think. I tried a probe I have from my BBQ guru I use on the Primos and it did not work.
There is a Facebook group for the gravity smoker if you are on FB it might be good to join. They are not perfect but for the price, they crank out some good food. My only gripe (since I take into account the cost) is it's nowhere near as fuel-efficient as my Primos but it's good enough for me.
The last brisket I put a post oak split in the hopper and tucked some charcoal around it. The flavor was great...still playing with it all.
There is a Facebook group for the gravity smoker if you are on FB it might be good to join. They are not perfect but for the price, they crank out some good food. My only gripe (since I take into account the cost) is it's nowhere near as fuel-efficient as my Primos but it's good enough for me.
The last brisket I put a post oak split in the hopper and tucked some charcoal around it. The flavor was great...still playing with it all.
Posted on 7/12/21 at 10:03 am to bbeck
quote:Oh, well, it was the perfect test. I have a fantastic reverse offset with fan and temp controller that makes the best bbq I have ever had. The problem is, I have to be there for it. This new deal is for cooks when I need more than 4-6 hour away(Fishing/hunting/golf/etc.) Solves the run out of fuel problem. So, even with zero care, this thing produced great tasting brisket with only one problem, overdone bark. I can fine tune from here and have ordered extra probes. I'll do another test run with oven thermometers on the grates to test against the digital read out.
U leave the first cook in the hands of your wife.
That’s my point.
Posted on 7/12/21 at 10:10 am to AlxTgr
It is very easy to run IMO. Download the app as well and you can look at the info yourself. All you need to do is show her how to add fuel if need be. And you can always add wood to the ash tray.
Posted on 7/12/21 at 10:49 am to NOLAGT
quote:I did that and was very happy to learn it cooked all day with zero charcoal added.
All you need to do is show her how to add fuel if need be
Posted on 7/12/21 at 2:33 pm to AlxTgr
Test actually worked out pretty good if you look at it the way you did...lol. I've been wanting a 1080 since they came out but decided to wait a year or so for the new to wear off and check the product reviews after that much time. Looks like it's a good product.
The wife thinks 5 pits is enough but I don't. Gonna have to contact NOLAGT and see about ordering it.
The wife thinks 5 pits is enough but I don't. Gonna have to contact NOLAGT and see about ordering it.
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