When it comes to charcoal grilling and smoking, Masterbuilt has earned a strong reputation for innovation and reliability. I have personally cooked on both the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 and the Gravity Series 800, and after dozens of weekend cooks, long brisket smokes, and quick weekday dinners, I can confidently say these two grills serve very different types of backyard cooks. In this detailed comparison, I’ll break down exactly what sets them apart, where each model shines, and which one makes the most sense for your needs.
The main difference between Masterbuilt 560 and 800
The main difference between the Masterbuilt 560 and the Masterbuilt 800 is versatility. The 560 is a traditional gravity-fed charcoal grill and smoker, while the 800 adds a full flat-top griddle system right out of the box. That single feature completely changes how you can use the grill day-to-day.
The Masterbuilt 560 offers 560 square inches of cooking space and focuses on smoking and grilling performance. The Masterbuilt 800 expands the cooking area to 800 square inches and includes both cast iron grill grates and a dedicated griddle manifold with a steel griddle plate. This means you can cook burgers and steaks one day, then switch to breakfast, stir-fry, or smash burgers the next.
Both models use gravity-fed charcoal, digital temperature control, and app connectivity. However, the 800 is designed for people who want a true all-in-one outdoor cooking station, while the 560 is perfect for those who primarily smoke and grill.
Masterbuilt 560 vs 800 Comparison Table
| Feature | Masterbuilt 560 | Masterbuilt 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Area | 560 sq. in. | 800 sq. in. |
| Main Cooking Surface | Cast iron grates | Cast iron grates + flat-top griddle |
| Griddle Included | No | Yes (manifold + plate) |
| Max Temperature | 700°F | 700°F |
| Time to 700°F | About 13 minutes | About 14 minutes |
| Charcoal Hopper Capacity | 10 lb lump / 16 lb briquettes | 10 lb lump / 16 lb briquettes |
| Estimated Burn Time | 12–15 hours | 8–10 hours |
| WiFi & Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Front Shelf | No | Yes (fold-down) |
| Weight | Approx. 147 lbs | Approx. 205 lbs |
| Best For | Smokers, small patios, value buyers | Grilling + griddle cooking, large families |
- Reaches 225 F in 8 minutes, 450 F in 10 minutes, or 700 degrees Fahrenheit in 14 minutes
- Includes a flat top griddle insert and cast iron grill grates with 800 total square inches of...
- DigitalFan minimizes heat fluctuations – maintains temperature
- 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...
- DigitalFan for precise temperature control
Masterbuilt 560 Overview
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 is one of the most impressive charcoal grills I’ve ever used at this price point. It combines traditional charcoal flavor with modern digital control, which means you get real wood-fired taste without constantly babysitting the fire.
The gravity-fed hopper holds up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes. Once loaded, you simply light the starter, set your target temperature on the digital controller or phone app, and the fan automatically feeds air to maintain that heat. I’ve done overnight brisket cooks lasting more than 12 hours without touching the hopper once.
Temperature control is shockingly accurate. Once set, it holds steady within a few degrees. This makes low-and-slow smoking almost effortless, especially for ribs, pork shoulder, and turkey. On the flip side, if you want to sear steaks, the 560 easily climbs to 700°F and produces beautiful grill marks.
The cooking space includes reversible cast iron grates and two porcelain-coated warming racks. While 560 square inches isn’t massive, it’s more than enough for most families. I regularly fit two pork butts or three racks of ribs without crowding.
WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity allow you to monitor temps remotely. The app isn’t perfect, but once connected it’s very convenient. I often check meat probe temps from inside the house while prepping sides.
Real-world cooking experience
One thing I appreciate about the 560 is how efficient it is. Because the cooking chamber is smaller, it uses less fuel than larger models. That’s why you get longer burn times compared to the 800. For weekend smoking sessions, this saves money and reduces refills.
The fan system is powerful, and recovery time after opening the lid is quick. You don’t get huge temp drops like you would on traditional charcoal grills. This alone makes it worth upgrading.
Pros
- Excellent temperature control
- Long burn time per load
- Compact footprint
- WiFi and Bluetooth monitoring
- Great smoke flavor
Cons
- No front shelf
- No griddle option included
- Smaller cooking space for large parties
- Reaches 225 F in 8 minutes, 450 F in 10 minutes, or 700 degrees Fahrenheit in 14 minutes
- Includes a flat top griddle insert and cast iron grill grates with 800 total square inches of...
- DigitalFan minimizes heat fluctuations – maintains temperature
Masterbuilt 800 Overview
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 takes everything good about the 560 and adds serious versatility. The biggest upgrade is the included flat-top griddle system. This isn’t a cheap add-on — it’s a full manifold with a heavy steel griddle plate that heats evenly across the surface.
This turns the grill into a true outdoor kitchen. I regularly make smash burgers, fried rice, breakfast eggs, pancakes, and even fajitas. Switching from grill mode to griddle mode takes only a few minutes.
The cooking space jumps to 800 square inches, giving you room to cook for large gatherings. I’ve comfortably cooked burgers for 12 people at once without juggling batches.
The hopper capacity is the same as the 560, but burn time is slightly shorter. That’s expected because the chamber is larger and requires more heat. Still, 8–10 hours per load is more than enough for most cooks.
The 800 also adds a folding front shelf. This sounds minor, but it makes a huge difference in daily use. Having a place to set trays, seasoning, or tools right in front of you feels luxurious once you’re used to it.
The griddle advantage
This is the number one reason to buy the 800. If you enjoy breakfast cooking, smash burgers, or stir-fry, this grill replaces the need for a separate flat-top griddle. The heat distribution is even, and grease management is solid.
I’ve compared it to standalone griddles, and it performs surprisingly well. The ability to switch between low-and-slow smoking and high-heat griddle cooking in the same unit is unmatched.
Pros
- Includes full griddle system
- Large cooking area
- Front folding shelf
- Excellent temperature control
- Very versatile cooking styles
Cons
- Takes up more patio space
- Heavier and harder to move
- Uses charcoal faster than 560
- 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...
- DigitalFan for precise temperature control
Side-by-side cooking comparison
After months of using both grills, here’s what I noticed in real-world cooking:
- Smoking: Both perform equally well. Brisket, ribs, and chicken taste identical.
- Grilling: Searing power is strong on both, but the 800 gives more room.
- Weeknight cooking: The 800 wins because of the griddle.
- Fuel efficiency: The 560 lasts longer per load.
- Convenience: Front shelf on 800 is extremely useful.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Masterbuilt 560 if:
- You mainly smoke and grill
- You have limited patio space
- You want longer burn times
- You want the best value
Choose the Masterbuilt 800 if:
- You want griddle cooking
- You cook for large groups
- You like versatility
- You want an all-in-one outdoor station
Final verdict
Both grills are outstanding, but they serve different cooks. The Masterbuilt 560 is perfect for smokers and traditional grillers who want digital control without extra bulk. The Masterbuilt 800 is for those who want to expand their outdoor cooking game with a built-in griddle and more space.
If value and efficiency matter most, the 560 is hard to beat. If versatility and hosting large gatherings are your priority, the 800 is worth the extra investment.
No matter which one you choose, you’ll get authentic charcoal flavor with modern convenience — something very few grills can truly deliver.
