Smoking or grilling your favorite beef brisket in your backyard garden, especially in the middle of a celebration with friends, has its flavor. Although it’s not impossible, I wonder if that was as easy as it seemed.
After attending a gathering at my friend’s house, I was more motivated to decide. Later I realized that it would also depend upon the availability of the best gravity fed charcoal smoker.
Table of Contents
Best Gravity Fed Charcoal Smoker
After making up our minds to buy a gravity-fed charcoal smoker for our backyard kitchen, our next task was to find out the best gravity fed charcoal smoker which could fulfill our dream of deliciously smoked beef brisket.
Selecting the best gravity fed charcoal smoker was not an easy task as there are already lesser options available for these smokers.
What Is a Gravity Smoker?
A gravity smoker is like a digital charcoal grill that functions much like a pellet grill. For collecting the charcoal, instead of a charcoal hopper, there is a charcoal chute that can be filled with either lump charcoal or briquettes. At the bottom of the charcoal, the chute is a firebox where the fire is started and regulated by a digital fan. As the charcoal burns, the ash falls through to the ash bin, and due to gravity, the charcoal lumps are pulled down, providing constant fuel to the fire.
Why Only Gravity Feed Smokers?
The reason for selecting the gravity feed charcoal smoker over an ordinary offset smoker was to save time and energy. Although some people may think these smokers can’t produce the same results as that offset smokers, they are beginner friendly, do not require manual operation, and work easily with charcoal lumps and briquettes.
How Does a Gravity Feed Smoker Work?
Now you must be wondering how a gravity feed smoker work, so the answer to this query is it simply works by sealing the environment, thereby not allowing the heat to pass through the walls of the smoker. It controls the amount of fire by passing air through the valve to the firebox chamber.
Due to the less oxygen inside, it takes longer to burn the whole fuel and for the fire to travel in the chamber. From the valve, the air travels to the chute to burn the entire fuel. Then this heat and smoke are passed to the cooking chamber through the tube.
To ensure the even distribution of heat and smoke in the compartments, the divider plate plays a vital role.
What To Look for In Your Best Gravity Fed Smoker
Apart from having so many benefits, these gravity feed smokers offer one difficult task: the selection process for the best gravity fed smoker so you can enjoy all the features of your smoker when hosting your barbecue parties.
1-Capacity of Basket
Before checking the capacity of your smoker’s basket, ask yourself these questions. Are you a person who enjoys frequent barbecue parties, or do you use it very rarely? Do you host large gatherings of family and friends, or do you do it with very limited guests? Answering these questions will aid you in selecting the most suitable gravity fed charcoal smoker for you.
Although even the smallest smokers provide more than enough cooking space for large pieces of meat, if you opt for even more cooking space so you can select a smoker with a bigger cooking space.
2-Burning Time
The burning time may vary from smoker to smoker, depending on the fact that some smokers are more efficient as compared to others. Some smokers can have a longer burning time of up to 16 hours, while others can have as less as only 8 hours, depending on what is being cooked.
Besides the burning time, fuel efficiency is also an important factor to consider in different smoker models, and it requires thorough checking of the design of hoppers.
3-Cooking Capabilities
Nowadays, most smokers are versatile and can perform as the best chef by doing barbecue, baking, roasting, and grilling. This feature can be exciting for culinary enthusiasts who want to try new variations so willing to pay higher prices for this feature of gravity feed smokers.
Best Gravity Fed Charcoal Smoker
Here is the list of top Gravity Fed Charcoal Smokers.
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Kamado Joe Classic II |
Divide-and-conquer cooking system provide splitable racks Air hing mechanism |
Check On Amazon |
 |
Master Built MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo
|
Bluetooth and Wi-fi connectivity
Super-Fast Heating Mechanism |
Check On Amazon |
 |
Master Built MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 |
Let you smoke your food with charcoal for over 12 hours in a single go. Provides Easy Connectivity. Budget Friendly. |
Check On Amazon |
 |
Dyna Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill |
Due to the steel wheels at the base, it is highly portable for easy movement. The availability of cool touch springs for easy lid lifting. |
Check On Amazon |
 |
Dyna-Glow DG01176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker |
It is highly durable and built with stainless steel. It comes with height six adjustable cooking trays. |
Check On Amazon |
 |
Weber Original Kettle Premium with Slow and Sear |
Built-In Thermometer Highly portable |
Check On Amazon |
 |
Char-Broil the Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster and Grill |
Highly Portable Basket of 1200 square inches to ensure every kind of meat.
|
Check On Amazon |
|
Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill |
Cooking space of 700 square inches. Using 20 pounds of wood pellets for up to 20 hours saves fuel. |
Check On Amazon |
1-Kamado Joe Classic II (Overall best gravity charcoal smoker)
In the world of pit mastery Kamado, Joe Classic is a tried and tested name. It offers the best possible quality a smoker can give. Along with providing versatility in cooking, its unique and eye-catching design will grab your attention.
1-High-Quality Design
It is built with high-quality ceramic walls covered with a porcelain glazed shell that is well insulated and is cool to the touch even when the smoker is at its highest temperatures.
2-Divide and Conquer Cooking Technology
Due to this divide-and-conquer cooking system, you can easily split the racks. It offers different cooking surfaces like cast iron grates and griddles, allowing you to flavor different cooking styles simultaneously, from baking a simple pizza to smoking briskets or grilling a steak.
3-Powerful AMP Firebox
The AMP firebox can withstand high temperatures and heat conditions without cracking, ensuring its longevity and not having to worry about changing our firebox frequently.
4-Fiberglass Gasket
The gasket, made up of wire mesh fiberglass, ensures the tight sealing of the grill for a longer period compared to other smoker grills.
5-Air Lift Hinge Mechanism
The air lift hinge mechanism is present for the convenient opening and closing of the lid, which could be a hassle otherwise due to the heavy weight of the lid. This patented airlift hinge mechanism reduces the dome’s weight by up to 96%.
6-Life Time Warranty
Kamado joe classic has a long warranty, ensuring it is made for longer periods. Although they are provided with a lifetime warranty, the ceramic grills are undoubtedly a beneficial offer for professional pitmasters.
7-Additional Accessories with Kamado Joe Classic II
□ A gripper tool is available with the smoker to lift the cooking grate easily, so you don’t have to run to collect additional items during smoking.
□ A cleaning tool is provided to clean the ash out of the body.
□ Heat deflector plates: A set of 2 ceramic heat deflector plates is provided, which offers excellent insulation, allows you to create different heat zones and provides an indirect open flame.
2-Master Built MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo (Best gravity charcoal smoker in new technology)
When we talk about the best gravity feed charcoal smoker, there are a lot of different smokers according to our preferences. Still, masterbuilt gravity series 1050 holds a special place in the smoking industry. It is the biggest competitor of all the high-quality gravity fed charcoal smokers.
1-Big Size
This smoker is one of the biggest smokers of all gravity feed smokers. Due to its huge size and super heavy nature, it allows you to cook multiple items simultaneously. It is approximately—200pounds in weight.
2-Super-Fast Heating Mechanism
The heat-up time that this smoker provides is 225F in 10 minutes and 700F in 15 minutes. It also offers versatility due to its quick cooking time and can act as both a gravity fed charcoal smoker and a grill.
3-Safety Switch
One of the best features of this charcoal smoker, which I liked, is its safety switch outside the burning box. When working with fans blowing the heat and smoke, it is vital to check for safe grilling/smoking. Keeping this concern in mind, a masterbuilt smoker has developed an easy-to-operate safety switch.
4-Hopper Capacity
In masterbuilt 1050 smoker, the hopper can hold up to 10 lbs. of lump charcoal or 16 lbs. of briquettes for a good 8 hours, and there is no need to remove them after each use.
5-Fixed Gaskets
The doors of the smoker are equipped with gaskets to prevent heat and smoke leakage.
6-Software and Connectivity
This smoker has Bluetooth and Wi-fi connectivity that allows you to access it easily with your smartphone, so there is no need to constantly check your smoker by leaving your guests behind.
7-Added Product Accessories
Following are the added accessories with the Master Built Gravity Smoker
□ Lump Charcoal
100% premium hardwood blend for all temperature ranges and food types
□ Fire Starters
The easiest way to light your charcoal grill and reduce time to temperature
□ 1050 Grill Cover
Protect your investment with a Master Built Grill cover
□ Rotisseries Kit
Fits the Gravity Series 560, 800, and 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker
3-Master Built MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 (Best Gravity Fed Charcoal Smoker for the Money)
It will not be incorrect if we say that the master-built series maximizes the technology used for giving the best-tasted food. This gravity fed smoker having great aesthetics and strong hardware, undoubtedly competes with the best gravity feed smokers.
1-Quick and Powerful Heating
With its quick and powerful heating mechanism, you can enjoy deliciously smoked edibles quickly. It reaches a temperature of about 700F in just 13 minutes and up to 225F in 7 minutes.
2-Budget Friendly
It will not be a daunting task to select the best gravity feed charcoal smoker on a friendly budget as this masterbuilt MB20040220 gravity series 560 offers you the best quality hardware having an extra efficient cooking mechanism on a pocket-friendly budget.
3-Provides Easy Connectivity
One of the best features of the master-built gravity smoker series 560 is its easy connectivity with your smartphones, allowing you to enjoy your parties to the fullest without having to attend the smoker for temperature setting. You can connect with your smartphone using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.
4-Fuel Efficient
This smoker will solve all your problems as it is a great fuel-efficient device and will let you smoke your food with charcoal for over 12 hours in a single go. Now you don’t have to worry about changing the char every few hours.
Product Accessories
□ Lump Charcoal
Perfect hardwood blend for all temperature ranges and food types.
□ Fire Starters
Masterbuilt Fire Starters are the easiest way to light your charcoal grill and reduce the time to cooking temperature.
□ Grill Cover
Durable, double-stitched seams prevent leaking, keeping your grill looking new and protected from the elements.
□ Rotisserie Kit
The rotisserie kit holds up to 20 lbs. of your favorite food
□ Warming Racks
Adds 240 square inches of cooking space
Master Built Gravity Fed Smokers VS Kamado Joe Classic II
| Master Built Gravity Fed Smokers | Kamado Joe Classic II |
| The Master Built Gravity Series is the evolution in cooking, grilling, and smoking by giving you the finest quick cooking mechanism. | Kamado Joe Classic II works based on a convection oven and recirculates hot air for even grilling and smoking. |
| Budget-friendly: If you have a limited budget but don’t want to compromise on the best quality, then Masterbuilt Series 560 is the best choice you can make | Buying Kamado Joe Classic is more of an investment if you are fond of pit mastery and want frequent experimenting with your food. |
| Connectivity to smartphones: Master Built is the newer technology in the smoking industry; they offer easy connectivity with your smartphones through Wi fi and Bluetooth. | Connectivity is not an option in Kamado Joe Classic II with your smartphones. |
| Accessories with smoker
The following accessories come in handy with the Master Built gravity charcoal smokers. They are: □ Lump Charcoal□ Rotisserie Kit □ Fire Starters | Accessories with smoker
A list of these accessories comes in with the package, which could otherwise be sold separately. They include: · Gripper tool · Tool for removing ash · Heat deflector plates |
What Did We Observe?
After comparing both the gravity-fed smokers (Master Built Series and Kamado Joe Classic), they are highly competitive with each other and are trusted names in the marketplace. Both of them offer versatility in their features and specifications when it comes to innovative grilling and smoking.
You can select the smoker of your choice by keeping your priorities in mind, as deciding the best gravity-fed smoker is all about your preferences.
4-Dyna Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill
1-Variation in Cooking
As the name suggests, this heavy-duty Dyna Glo signature series charcoal smoker is a powerful smoker allowing you to experiment with variations in your cooking style; whether you want to smoke, grill, bake, or roast, this incredible device won’t let you hesitate in try the newest versions of your favorite food.
2-Top Class Look
The stainless-steel body allows even heat distribution while maintaining the quality of your smoker, while the outer matte finish will give your smoker an elegant, classy look.
3-Capacity
With the Dyna Glo signature series smoker now, you won’t worry about the biggest sized turkey to fit in your smoker as it has five layers of chrome-plated grates having a cooking space of 1382 square inches which is more than enough for your biggest friends and family events.
4-Portability
This smoker is highly portable as it has steel wheels that allow frictionless movement of your smoker for your ease.
5-Special Features
The cool touch spring lid
the cool touch spring lid grip is the unique feature of this smoker, which you want anywhere as it allows you to lift the lid easily.
6-Smoke zone technology
The smoke zone technology will help you tell the exact temperature at which to infuse the smoky flavor.
5-Dyna-Glow DG01176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
The new, improved vertical design and some added tweaks are the reason which makes Dyna Glow Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker stands out among other smokers.
1-Sturdy Rectangular Design
The sturdy rectangular design and sharp corners make it stand out among other round-edged grills and smokers. This boxy design helps increase this smoker’s efficiency when the temperature rises, thereby maximizing the burning efficiency.
2-Innovative Smoke Zone Technology
The innovative smoke zone technology in Dyna-Glow Vertical Offset Smoker will make your meat crispier from the outside while juicy and soft inside.
3-Specially Designed Charcoal Chamber
The charcoal chamber is specially designed for easy stacking of briquettes closely to provide enough heat output and prevent the meat from cooking directly for the best crispy smoked meat.
4-Smoke Zone Indicator
With the help of this smoke zone indicator, this smoker allows you to control the exactly perfect smokiness in your food at your desired perfect temperature without burning it.
6-Weber Original Kettle Premium with Slow and Sear
If you want a perfect combination of smoke and grill in your foods or are looking for a combo of smoke and grill, then this weber original kettle premium 22 inch built like a tank, a versatile product with slow n sear, will be the best charcoal smoker for you.
1-High-Quality Material and Excellent Construction
Its high-quality porcelain-enameled bowl and heavy-duty steel grates with perfect insulation allow you to smoke perfectly. At the same time, the nylon lid handle keeps it cool even with the highest heating temperatures.
2-Cooking Space
You can easily smoke a huge beef brisket as this smoker have 363 square inches of cooking area.
3-Portability
It is highly portable as two of the three legs have strong, robust wheels.
4-Hinged Grills
Due to the presence of hinged grill gates, adding or removing coals will be a super easy task.
5-Built-In Thermometer
A built-in thermometer provides easy access for checking the temperature in the lid.
6-A Perfect Combo for Grill and Smoke
If you want to experience the grill and smoker combo, then Slow N Sear is the right accessory to use. This charcoal divider will transform your smoker into a versatile griller/smoker.
7-Char-Broil the Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster and Grill
If you are a big fan of smoking, grilling, and roasting and are confused about where to invest, then you are in the right place as the char-broil Infrared Smoker Roaster and Grill will be perfect for you, and it will meet all your expectations.
This smoker provides masterful performance and lets you grill, smoke, and roast your favorite food items, eliminating the need to buy them separately and saving you money.
1-Huge Capacity
This smoker comes with a basket of 1200 square inches which is more than enough to accommodate the biggest meat piece for your social gatherings.
2-Easy to Clean
It offers TRU Infrared 180 square inches grilling surface, which is detachable, allowing convenient cleaning. This quality feels priceless especially after hosting a fun-filled barbecue party for enjoying effortless cleaning.
3-Easy Usage and Transport
The char-broil Infrared provides easy usage and transport. You have to connect it to the liquid propane tank and turn the knob to light the unit.
4-Portability
The Char-Broil Infrared Smoker is highly portable and has two mounted handles, which help move it without any hassle. This quality won’t interrupt your socializing to constantly check your smoker.
A drawback of Char-Broil Infrared Smoker
Along with these irresistible features of this smoker, the only drawback is that it cannot consistently maintain a temperature below 210F.
8-Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet and Smoker will take you to the next level of creativity by providing 8 in 1 wood pellet grill and smoker by Z grills making, roasting, braising, grilling, and barbecuing in one go.
1-Big Cooking Space
Having a cooking space of 700 square inches for cooking efficiently between 180F-450F provides, this smoker proves to be ideal to meet your requirements.
2-Fuel Efficiency
Convenient cooking is an added benefit. Using 20 pounds of wood pellets for up to 20 hours saves fuel and gives you longer cooking time.
3-Infused Smoky Flavor
The unique feature of pellet grills is their incredible smoky wood flavor given to your food. Along with giving you great taste, it also provides high grill efficiency.
4-User-Friendly LED Technology
It is equipped with a smart LED display for showing the temperature. It is user-friendly for beginners and professionals alike.
5-Auto Ignite Mechanism
The auto-ignite mechanism lights up the grill using electricity.
Easy Cleaning
After the fun element, cleaning is a daunting task, but due to the special material of grates, it prevents grease build-up. Furthermore, the grill contains a waste oil collector to drain excess oil.
Strong wheels are provided at the base for easy movement making it highly portable.
Best Gravity Fed Charcoal Smoker Reviews
After reviewing some best gravity fed charcoal smokers, our final recommendation would be the Kamado Joe Classic II, as it offers the best build quality, cooking capacity, and fuel efficiency.
Its innovative features, including control Tower Vent, airlift hinge mechanism, and the divide and conquer cooking system, provide spectacular results, giving it superiority over other charcoal smokers.
FAQs: Best Gravity Fed Charcoal Smoker
How Long Does Charcoal Last in Gravity Fed Smoker?
Apart from having a good fuel efficiency for gravity fed smokers, an important query is how long does charcoal last in gravity fed smokers. Well, there is no exact number of hours, but depending upon the size of the smoker and the desired temperature, charcoal can last up to 6-12 hours as they have a usual capacity of holding 10-20 pounds of charcoal.
How Can I Maintain My Charcoal Smoker?
Having a charcoal smoker requires you to check the charcoal gate periodically which can be corroded or may warp because of the high heating temperatures. If you find it deformed, ask for a replacement instead of fixing it, as fixing it may cause it to crack.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing some best gravity fed charcoal smokers, our final recommendation would be the Kamado Joe Classic II, as it offers the best build quality, cooking capacity, and fuel efficiency.
Its innovative features, including control Tower Vent, airlift hinge mechanism, and the divide and conquer cooking system, provide spectacular results, giving it superiority over other charcoal smokers.