Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 vs 560, March(2023)

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Masterbuilt gravity series 1050 vs 560 Featured Image
Masterbuilt gravity series 1050 vs 560

There are a lot of confusions about Masterbuilt Gravity series 1050 vs 560.

I know because it is actually confusing for those who are just starting out on gravity…

I have decided to put together all the questions that I had earlier..

Including,

  • Cooking space
  • Cooking grates material
  • Ashes cleanup
  • Hopper capacity etc.

Everything that I needed to make that upgrade decision..

Also I have listed out some similarities that are sometimes confused..

Let’s dive in,

Choices
Bigger
Smaller
Product
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560
Image
Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, sq. in, Black
Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, Square inches, Black
Size
H 52.16’’ x W 61.02’’x L 33.07’’
H 51.97’’ x W 54.13’’x L 24.65’’
Weight
202.9 Pounds
146.98 Pounds
Cooking Space
1050 sq inches
560 sq inches
No of Grates
3
3
Delivery
Choices
Bigger
Product
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050
Image
Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, sq. in, Black
Size
H 52.16’’ x W 61.02’’x L 33.07’’
Weight
202.9 Pounds
Cooking Space
1050 sq inches
No of Grates
3
Delivery
Where to Buy
Choices
Smaller
Product
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560
Image
Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, Square inches, Black
Size
H 51.97’’ x W 54.13’’x L 24.65’’
Weight
146.98 Pounds
Cooking Space
560 sq inches
No of Grates
3
Delivery
Where to Buy

Recommended reading:
– Find about the best gravity smokers out there..
How to Clean Masterbuilt 560 / 1050.
Gravity Series explained in detail.

# Masterbuilt 560 vs 1050 differences in summary

CheckpointsMasterbuilt 560 Masterbuilt  1050
Cooking Space560 sq inches1050 sq inches
Cooking Grates MaterialPorcelain coated racksPorcelain coated racks
Cooking Grates Size54″ x 24″Top grate is 26.75″ x 4.25″ and the bottom grate is 28″ x 17.75″
DimensionH 51.97’’ x W 54.13’’x L 24.65’’H 52.16’’ x W 61.02’’x L 33.07’’
Front ShelvesNoYes
Bottom ShelvesYes , Expanded metalYes, Premium metal which is better than the 560 
AppYes Yes , same as 560
ControllerYes with bluetooth and wifiSame as 560
Wheels Yes Yes 
Hopper Yes Yes same as 560
ThermometerYes Yes , Same as 560
Check PriceMasterbuilt 560Masterbuilt 1050

To put it briefly, Masterbuilt 1050 is 6 inches wider, 3 inches deeper, 2 and half inches taller, 58 % more grilling space, 88 % more overall cooking capacity. 

Upgraded with front shelves and improved premium bottom shelves.  

On the 560 it is aluminium wall and single wall at some places where as in 1050 it is 100% double walled interior grill and they are porcelain coated.

Cleaning is easy on both as the back drip tray comes out easily from the back.

But the drip tray in 560 comes out from the front and in the 1050 it comes out from the side.

Also check our full guide on the best gravity smokers where we have mentioned about the Masterbuilt gravity series 1050.

They look all the same…

But there are few difference which I am going to discuss further..

# Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 vs 560 in detail.

Let’s talk about each one by one :

# Major Difference

Cooking Space 

As the name suggests, 560 masterbuilt has 560 sq inches of cooking space and 1050 masterbuilt has 1050 sq inches of cooking space.

Cooking Grates

560 Masterbuilt has 4 racks of ribs.

It can hold upto 8 chickens,  37 sausages and 21 burgers whereas 1050 has 7 racks of ribs.

For eg: It can hold around 17 chickens, 67 sausages and 45 burgers .
The quality of the cooking is excellent.

They are easily folded and locked while in use

Dimensions 

Masterbuilt 560 has 51.97:54.13:24.65 inches and  Masterbuilt 1050 has 52.16: 61.02: 33.07 inches.

Weight 

1050 is heavier than 560.

Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, sq. in, Black
  • Reaches 225°F in 10 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes
  • Control temperature and cook time with the digital control panel or with smart device control using WiFi or Bluetooth
  • DigitalFan for precise temperature control
  • GravityFed hopper holds 10 lbs. of lump charcoal or 16 lbs. of briquettes for up to 8 hours of use
  • Convenient fold out cord storage in back of side shelf to prevent loss or damage to the power supply
Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, Square inches, Black
  • Reaches 225°F in 7 minutes or 700°F in 13 minutes
  • Control temperature and cook time with the digital control panel or with smart device control using WIFI or Bluetooth
  • DigitalFan for precise temperature control
  • Built-in temperature gauge and meat probe thermometer for perfect results every time
  • GravityFed hopper holds 10 lbs. of lump charcoal or 16 lbs. of briquettes for 12-15 hours of use

# Other Difference

Hopper

The hopper for both Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 and Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 is of the same size.

However the cooking chamber is greater for 1050. 

What it means is that  if Masterbuilt 560 consumes the fuel in 10 hours, the 1050 model may consume in 9 hours or less. 

One key difference between the hoppers is in the way the hopper lids open up for both.

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Hopper Lid Image
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Hopper Lid Image.

In the 560 Model the lid opens up and lies down above the cooking chamber.

There is nothing wrong with this design.

Just that it might get some marks on the cooking chamber lid with usage.

However in the 1050 Model the Hopper lids opens towards the side thereby avoiding blocks to the cooking chamber.

It is supported by a small metal piece .

You need to be a little careful during the windy season. 

Like in 560, the 1050 Gravity smoker Hopper can have the issues of paint peeling.

Also cleaning the hopper is all the same in both the models.

Front Shelves 

The Masterbuilt 560 doesn’t have a front shelf whereas 1050 has its front shelf available.

I love the design of the Masterbuilt 1050 Front Shelf.

However the quality of the shelf is pretty good.

And it folds down as required.

This is definitely an upgrade.

For shelf modification visit here.

Bottom Shelves

The bottom shelf of 560 is made of expanded metal which will rust over a period of time.

The shelf consists of a wire rack 

Whereas  that of 1050 is excellent solid metal.

It is really tough and sturdy. 

The legs holding the shelf are wrapped and are really strong.

Just got tougher in the making.

Wall 

560 has an aluminised steel wall.

Whereas 1050 has 100 % double walled porcelain.

This is great I think for the heat distribution, great design.

I really like this feature.

# Similarities

Controller and the App 

The controller looks the same for both.

The side of the controller has hooks for hanging stuff. 

Bluetooth and wifi operations are the same.

Slides

Back slides tray are the same for both.

Temp Gauge

Temp gauge remains the same for 1050 like in 560.

Meat Probe

Meat probes also remain the same  in Masterbuilt 1050. 

Wheels 

No difference in the wheels..

Fuel Capacity 

Since hopper capacity is the same, the fuel it can hold up is the same.

But the cooking chamber size is bigger in 1050, it means that the fuel gets consumed faster in 1050.

Thermometer 

The thermometers of 1050 are similar to the 560 model.

# Common Issues

Painting

The painting can peel out over time in both the smokers.

Especially the hopper lids internal walls.

FAQs

# What I don’t like in Masterbuilt gravity series 1050 ? 

Two things I don’t prefer in 1050 are the back vent and the slider. 

The issue with the back vent is during the rains.

If it rains it can easily get wet inside the smoker. 

Masterbuilt Gravity series Back Vent Image
Masterbuilt Gravity series Back Vent.

Also the slider tray behind can get moisture if not protected.

However this can be easily modified to keep it safe. 

Also you don’t need to worry about this if you get a cover for the smoker.

# Is there a size/price difference?

Yes Masterbuilt 1050 is greater in size and price than Masterbuilt 560 gravity smoker. 

# How wide is the cooking surface of Masterbuilt 1050?

The cooking surface of Masterbuilt gravity series 1050 is around 1050 sq inches

.It’s top grate is 26.75″ x 4.25″ and the bottom grate is 28″ x 17.75″.

# What is the primary cooking area difference between the two?

Masterbuilt 560 is 560sq inches and the Masterbuilt 1050 is 1050sq inches.

The 560 model is 54″ x 24″ and the 1050’s top grate is 26.75″ x 4.25″ and the bottom grate is 28″ x 17.75″.

# Can we use the Masterbuilt 1050 on the deck?

It works fine for me. You can keep it on the deck .

However this is not actually recommended by Masterbuilt.

It is just that it works fine for me.

# How many racks of St. Louis-style ribs can be cooked at one time on these Masterbuilt 1050 and 560?

You may cook a maximum of 4 St. Louis-style ribs in the Masterbuilt 560 and up to 6 in the 1050.

# Is the 1050 bigger than the 560? 

Yes Masterbuilt 1050 gravity smoker is definitely bigger than 560.

# How is the grease management and cleaning difficulty?

It is pretty easy as both models have a back slide tray to hold the grease.

And there is not any difference between the two.

You can also go to this page to learn more about cleaning..

# Is the Masterbuilt 560 big enough?

The Masterbuilt 560 Series includes two cast iron cooking grates and two porcelain-coated warming racks, providing a total cooking area of ​​560 square inches.

I have already explained here that it can hold four racks of ribs or eight chickens and more.

So it is enough for a small party and family..

# What is the size of a Masterbuilt 1050 grate?

A Masterbuilt 1050 grate’s top grate measures 26.75″ x 4.25″ and the bottom grate measures 28″ x 17.75″..