Char-Griller
Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980
The Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980 is a WiFi-controlled gravity charcoal grill and smoker with a 16 lb hopper, fan-driven 200-700°F range, and 980 sq in of space. It's the budget rival to Masterbuilt's Gravity Series with a triple-insulated body.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓Real charcoal flavor with pellet-grill convenience - the fan and controller hold your set temp automatically while gravity feeds the fire
- ✓The 200-700°F range out-sears any pellet grill and reaches temp in about 20 minutes from lighting one fire starter
- ✓980 sq in total (680 primary) is enormous for the price - multiple briskets and rib racks fit at once
- ✓The triple-insulated lid and body hold temps steadier in wind and cold than the thin-walled Masterbuilt 800
- ✓A 16 lb hopper of briquettes runs 8+ hours unattended - genuine overnight-cook capability on charcoal
- ✓At ~$600 it undercuts the Masterbuilt 1050 while r/grilling threads frequently rate its body construction higher
- ✓WiFi/Bluetooth app control with included probes covers remote monitoring and temp changes from the couch
- ✓Porcelain-coated cast iron grates put real sear marks on steaks and clean up easily
Cons
- ✗Like all gravity smokers, the fan, controller, and temp sensors are electronic failure points, and the 1-year warranty is short
- ✗The Char-Griller app is the weakest link per owners - laggy connections and occasional dropped sessions mid-cook
- ✗The hopper and ash areas need diligent cleaning; grease and moisture buildup can jam the charcoal feed or corrode the switches
- ✗It needs a powered outlet for the fan, so it's not a true off-grid charcoal cooker
- ✗The powder-coated steel will rust at hinge points and the firebox without a cover and touch-up paint
- ✗At 200 lbs with a wide 65-inch footprint it's a beast to position and not remotely portable
- ✗Smoke flavor runs lighter than an offset unless you layer wood chunks into the hopper
- ✗QC is hit-or-miss - misaligned doors and leaky gaskets show up in owner threads, usually fixed with lava lock tape
Compare the Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980
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