?Are you trying to figure out if the Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo paired with the MB20181722 Gravity Series Grill Outdoor Pizza Oven is the right setup for your backyard cooking needs?
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Quick verdict
You get a high-capacity, feature-rich charcoal grilling and smoking system plus a dedicated pizza oven that together expand your cooking options considerably. If you want the flexibility to smoke low-and-slow, grill hot sears, and bake restaurant-style pizzas, this combo delivers a lot of functionality for the price.
Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, 1050 sq. in & MB20181722 Gravity Series Grill Outdoor Pizza Oven, Black
What this product package includes
You receive two separate units: the MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker, and the MB20181722 Gravity Series Grill Outdoor Pizza Oven in black. Each unit arrives with its own set of components and features designed for different cooking approaches—one optimized for grilling and smoking, the other optimized for high-temperature pizza baking and versatile oven-style cooking.
Key specifications at a glance
Below is a clear breakdown of the main specifications so you can compare core features quickly. This table highlights cooking area, temperature capabilities, fuel capacity, and special features for both items.
| Feature | MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 (Grill & Smoker) | MB20181722 Gravity Series Pizza Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking area | 1050 sq. in. | Fits up to a 14-inch pizza (interior oven space) |
| Primary function | Digital charcoal grill and smoker | High-heat pizza oven and multifunctional oven |
| Heat-up times | 225°F in ~8 minutes, 700°F in ~15 minutes | 500–550°F in under a few minutes for pizza |
| Temperature control | DigitalFan with precise temp maintenance | 360° airflow for even baking, high temps |
| Fuel type | Lump charcoal or briquettes | Can use same fuel source when paired or run separately |
| Fuel capacity | Up to 10 lb lump charcoal or 16 lb briquettes | Designed to reach pizza temps quickly (uses charcoal fuel) |
| Run time | Up to ~8 hours depending on fuel and settings | Short cook times for pizza; oven baking capability |
| Interior material | Heavy-duty cooking grates and construction | Premium stainless-steel interior |
| Exterior finish | Durable powder-coated finish | Porcelain-coated exterior |
| Cooking versatility | Smoke, sear, bake, roast | Bake pizza, cookies, bread, lasagna, general oven use |
First impressions
When you unbox both units, you’ll notice they are built to feel sturdy and purposeful, not flimsy. The aesthetic is modern and functional, with a matte black exterior that looks good in most outdoor settings.
Setup and assembly
Assembly is manageable if you follow the instructions carefully and set aside a few hours for the 1050 grill and a bit less for the pizza oven. You’ll need some basic tools and possibly a second person for heavier parts, especially when mounting the hopper or positioning the pizza oven top.
Step-by-step assembly tips
Take inventory of all parts before you begin and organize bolts and brackets into labeled piles to save time. Keep the manual handy and tighten fasteners progressively rather than fully tightened right away to ensure proper alignment.
Design and build quality
Masterbuilt designed both units to balance durability with usability, using solid materials where it matters—like the stainless-steel interior in the pizza oven and robust hopper in the 1050. The exterior finishes resist the elements and make the units suitable for frequent backyard use.
Materials and finishes
You’ll appreciate the porcelain-coated exterior on the pizza oven for stain resistance and easy cleaning, while the stainless-steel interior resists rust and stores heat well. The 1050’s heavy-duty cooking grates and gravity-fed hopper feel substantial and engineered for long-term use.
Gravity-fed hopper and fuel system
The GravityFed vertical hopper system is a signature feature: it uses gravity to feed charcoal down into the burn zone slowly, giving you a steadier and longer burn period without frequent refueling. You can load up to 10 lb of lump charcoal or 16 lb of briquettes, so you’re set for extended sessions.
How the gravity system benefits you
Because charcoal feeds naturally into the fire, you get consistent fuel delivery and fewer temperature swings during low-and-slow cook sessions. The hopper also reduces the need to open the firebox frequently, which helps retain heat and smoke flavor.
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DigitalFan and temperature control
The DigitalFan system is the temperature brain that actively adjusts airflow to maintain the set temperature, similar to a PID controller in more expensive smokers. You set your desired temp on the digital control, and the fan changes speed to either raise or lower airflow—this keeps temps stable during grilling and smoking.
Practical effects during cooking
You’ll notice fewer frustrating temperature spikes and dips compared with a fully manual charcoal setup, especially during long smokes. The control is precise enough to hold steady temps for delicate foods like fish or low-and-slow brisket.
Heat-up times and temperature range
You can reach 225°F in about 8 minutes and a searing 700°F in around 15 minutes on the 1050 grill, giving you both rapid heat-up and extremely high searing capability. The pizza oven can reach 500–550°F quickly so you can cook a 14-inch pizza in under 5 minutes, and it also supports gentler baking at lower temps.
Why heat-up speed matters to you
Quick heat-up times let you move from cold start to cooking faster, which is perfect for spontaneous grilling sessions. Rapid searing temps let you achieve Maillard crusts on steaks and pizzas without long preheats or fussy setups.
Cooking capacity and layout
With 1050 square inches of cooking area, you can handle a full rack of ribs, multiple whole chickens, several brisket shoulders simultaneously, or a backyard party’s worth of burgers. The pizza oven’s interior space is focused on a 14-inch pizza maximum, but its shape and airflow also let you bake breads, cookies, and casseroles.
How to plan meals with this capacity
You can run a multi-course cook easily—start a low-and-slow brisket in the 1050 and, near the end of the cook, crank the pizza oven to high to finish charred crusts in minutes. The large grate area also lets you do two-zone cooking, placing foods in different temperature zones for varied results.
Performance as a charcoal grill
When used as a traditional grill, the 1050 can generate high, even heat for perfect sears as well as indirect zones for slower cooking. The large grate and stable temp control let you flip between searing burgers and finishing thicker cuts using indirect radiant heat.
Searing and direct-heat results
You’ll get excellent sear marks and quick caramelization at higher temps thanks to the ability to reach 700°F. The consistent airflow and charcoal bed mean that hot zones remain stable even when you open the lid briefly.
Performance as a smoker
For low-and-slow smoking, the 1050 shines: it holds steady temps for hours and maintains consistent smoke levels with the DigitalFan. The gravity-fed charcoal system provides long runtimes, and you can add smoking wood chunks or chips for flavor layering.
Low-and-slow cooking specifics
Plan for extended sessions—up to about eight hours on a full hopper depending on fuel choice and target temp. The smoke profile is clean and efficient; you’ll get that classic charcoal-smoked flavor without excessive bitterness.
Pizza oven performance and versatility
The MB20181722 Pizza Oven focuses on speed and even heat. It delivers 360° airflow to keep temps consistent so you don’t have to rotate your pizza while cooking, and its high-temp capability gives crispy, blistered crusts that mimic brick-oven characteristics.
Beyond pizza: baking and roasting
You can also use the oven for cookies, bread, and even lasagna, giving you true versatility. The consistent airflow and stainless-steel interior encourage even baking, so casseroles and baked goods come out uniformly browned.
Fuel consumption and run time
Fuel usage depends on whether you use lump charcoal or briquettes; lump often burns hotter and faster, while briquettes burn more steadily over time. With a full load, the gravity system supports multi-hour cooks without constant refilling, letting you focus on food rather than fuel management.
Practical fuel tips
If you want long overnight smokes, choose quality briquettes and load the hopper to capacity; if you want fast, hot sears, use lump charcoal for quick heat-up and aggressive flames. Mixing charcoal types and adding hardwood chunks lets you control both heat profile and flavor.
Flavor and cooking results
The flavor you get combines the purity of charcoal with controlled smoke infusion thanks to the DigitalFan, so meats develop good crusts and deep smoke rings without heavy soot. For pizza, you’ll get crisp, slightly charred crusts and evenly cooked toppings when the oven is set to the recommended high temps.
Examples of typical outcomes
A brisket finished in the 1050 will have a deep bark and consistent internal temp, while a pizza in the MB20181722 will have a blistered edge and evenly cooked toppings in under 5 minutes. Breads and cookies in the pizza oven come out with steady browning because of the 360° airflow.
Cleaning and maintenance
Both units are designed to make cleaning manageable but not automatic; you’ll need to empty ash and wipe surfaces regularly to keep things performing well. The pizza oven’s stainless-steel interior and the grill’s accessible ash pan simplify cleanup, but expect periodic deep cleaning for optimal longevity.
Cleaning schedule recommendations
You should empty the ash and clean the grates after every major cook and perform a thorough internal scrub a few times per season. Check seals and vents periodically for buildup and clear the hopper area to maintain consistent fuel flow.
Included accessories and optional add-ons
Your package typically includes standard grates, the gravity-fed hopper, DigitalFan unit, and pizza oven components. Optional add-ons you may consider include rotisserie kits, additional grill grates, pizza peels, dedicated pizza stones (if not included), and covers for outdoor protection.
Which extras are worth it
A good pizza peel and a quality stone or steel will elevate pizza results quickly, and a heavy-duty cover will protect both units from weather exposure. Consider a wireless meat probe or additional racks if you plan long barbecues or multi-level cooking.
Safety and storage
Both units get extremely hot and should be used with clearance from flammable materials and on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Store the units under a protective cover or in a dry place if you won’t use them for extended periods to preserve finishes and electronics.
Safety precautions to follow
Always keep children and pets clear during use, use heat-resistant gloves when adjusting vents or adding fuel, and allow sufficient cool-down time before moving or covering the units. Follow the manual for recommended clearances and ventilation to avoid hazards.
Comparison with similar models
Compared with single-function charcoal grills or small pizza ovens, this combo gives you multi-functionality and large capacity in one package. The DigitalFan and gravity-fed system set it apart from basic charcoal grills by providing automated temp control and long burn times.
How it stacks up on value
For the features you get—digital control, large cooking area, and integrated pizza oven capability—the combo offers good value compared to buying multiple standalone appliances. If you’re seeking a premium, automated charcoal experience without stepping into ultra-high-end pellet or hybrid units, this is a compelling middle ground.
Pros and cons
You’ll find many advantages in versatility, automated temperature control, and capacity, but you should consider size, weight, and outdoor storage needs as potential downsides. The units require space and some assembly, and they’re bulkier than a simple kettle grill or compact pizza oven.
Quick pros
- Large 1050 sq. in. cooking area for big gatherings.
- Gravity-fed hopper for long burn times and ease of use.
- DigitalFan provides precise temperature control.
- Pizza oven reaches 500–550°F for quick, high-quality pizzas.
- Versatile cooking options: smoke, grill, bake, roast.
Quick cons
- Requires significant outdoor space and careful placement.
- Assembly takes time and can be physically demanding.
- Electronics and moving parts mean more maintenance than a simple charcoal grate.
- Price may be higher than basic grills or small pizza ovens sold separately.
Who should buy this setup
If you regularly host large groups, love experimenting with different cooking techniques, or want to minimize active fire management while still using real charcoal flavor, this package could be ideal for you. It’s also great if you want fast pizza performance alongside a full-size smoker/grill without investing in two completely separate brands.
Who might want to look elsewhere
If you only cook for one or two people occasionally, or if you want an ultra-portable option for camping, these units may be overkill. Similarly, if you prefer gas or electric convenience over charcoal flavor, other systems may better match your preferences.
Best practices and tips for best results
Preheat the units to target temps and let them stabilize before adding food to ensure consistent cooking. Use a combination of direct and indirect zones on the 1050 for versatile results and clean the ash pan regularly to maintain airflow and temp response.
Pizza-specific tips
Use a well-preheated stone or steel in the pizza oven and stretch dough a little thinner to allow quick baking without soggy middles. Rotate your pizza only if you see uneven browning, but often the 360° airflow will make rotation unnecessary.
Troubleshooting and common issues
If you notice temperature instability, check the hopper for blockages and ensure ash buildup isn’t restricting airflow. If the DigitalFan malfunctions, consult the troubleshooting guide and Masterbuilt support—many issues are resolved by checking connections or updating settings.
Quick fixes you can try
Clean vents and ash trays, top off or change fuel type, and check for loose wiring or connector issues around the DigitalFan control. Resetting the electronics by powering down and powering back up can sometimes clear glitches.
Longevity and warranty
With regular maintenance and reasonable use, these units should serve you well for several years; many owners report long-term reliability. Masterbuilt typically includes a warranty—check the warranty length and coverage at purchase to know what’s protected.
How to extend the life of your units
Keep both units covered when not in use, clean thoroughly after extended cook sessions, and inspect moving parts periodically. Replace worn gaskets, seals, or small parts early to prevent larger problems down the line.
Price and value considerations
Given the features—large cooking surface, automated temp control, and a dedicated pizza oven—the combo represents a strong value for home cooks who want a multi-functional outdoor cooking suite. Consider the total cost including accessories, covers, and any optional upgrades when comparing to other grills and ovens.
Is this the right investment for you?
If you prioritize charcoal flavor, versatile cooking modes, and capacity for parties, the investment makes sense. If your priority is absolute portability or minimal maintenance, a simpler and cheaper grill could be a better match.
Final verdict
Overall, the Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 paired with the MB20181722 Pizza Oven gives you a powerful and flexible outdoor cooking combo that suits ambitious weekend chefs and serious backyard entertainers. You’ll appreciate the automated charcoal management, quick high-heat capabilities, and the ability to switch between smoking, grilling, and rapid pizza baking with minimal fuss.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does the hopper keep charcoal burning?
A: With a full load, you can expect up to around eight hours depending on fuel type, cook temperature, and environmental conditions.
Q: Can you use wood chunks for smoke flavor?
A: Yes, you can add wood chunks or chips to the charcoal bed to impart additional smoke flavors during smoking sessions.
Q: Is a pizza stone included?
A: Check the product listing for specifics—sometimes the pizza oven includes a stone, but many packages require you to purchase a high-quality stone or steel separately for best pizza results.
Q: Can you run both units simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can operate each unit independently to handle different parts of a meal, but make sure you have adequate outdoor space and proper fuel for both.
If you want, I can give you a shopping checklist and a basic 3-meal plan to test both units on your first weekend with them. Would you like that?
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