Common questions about Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1150 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Does it need power?
Yes. The fan and the controller run on mains power, so this is a backyard or powered-site machine, not a bush camping one. Without power there is no temperature control at all. Plan your run and an outdoor-rated lead before the first cook rather than after.
Will I still get real charcoal flavour with all the automation?
You will, because it burns actual charcoal rather than pellets. The fan only controls airflow. If you want more smoke, add wood chunks into the hopper with the charcoal. The trade-off is that a fan-driven fire runs cleaner than a smouldering one, so the smoke is subtler.
How long before I can start cooking?
Quick, by charcoal standards. Reaching 225°F in 8 minutes changes how you use it: a weeknight steak becomes realistic rather than a weekend project. The hopper holds 5.5 kg of lump, so a long cook runs through the night without you getting up to feed it.