Masterbuilt Gravity XT vs. Camp Chef Woodwind Pro

[normans54]

Hi all,

I am a long time pellethead that is in the market for a new grill. This time around, I am looking for something that can both smoke and sear. I had my heart set on the Woodwind Pro until I discovered the Masterbuilt. From what I have heard, most people seem to think that the Masterbuilt produces higher quality smoked food. However, I have also heard it doesn’t hold heat very well when open and that there were numerous build issues with the original Masterbuilt Gravity (e.g., bad switches, faulty fans, warping metal, etc.). It is also my understanding that the sear box attachment on the Woodwind gets significantly hotter than the Masterbuilt (900°F vs. 700°F), making it better for searing. Additionally, the main reason why I switched from charcoal to pellets in the first place was the ease of maintaining temperature and I don’t know if the Masterbuilt is as easy to use as the Woodwind or other pellet cookers. Any input you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Chasdev]

I don't have any info on the Woodwind but I did own a Masterbuilt for several years.
When it worked properly (which was more than 90% of the time) it was fantastic.
Temp control was pellet spitter accurate and smoke profile in the meat was almost stick burner quality.
The door switches were often glitchy towards the end of it's life but I snipped them out of the circut and it ran flawlessly without them.
I got hundreds of cooks out of it but I just had to get another stick burner, so the Masterbuilt had to go.
In a few years my cheap backyard stickburner will be shunted aside and I'll go back to Masterbuilt or to whoever makes a better mousetrap so to speak.
I like the meat from a stick burner but oh the hours I spend driving it!

 

[912smoker]

Same as Chas i have no experience with CC but was in the top 3 on my list when I was in the market. Then I discovered the MBGF 1050 and was sold on the charcoal/wood burner. It has had some minor issues but sounds like they have been eliminated on the XT model.
Can definitely get stick burner flavors with the model.
Plenty of YT vids to help on your decision and the XT will definitely be next when. I decide to retire the 1050!

Keith

 

[Tambs]

I too have been considering a Masterbuilt gravity charcoal smoker, but the extensive reviews I see of bad boards, poor temp control, warping, thin gauge sheetmetal, and the like have given me a moment of pause.

I have a Yoder YS640S that does an amazing sear job due to its removable two-piece heat/drip shield. This gives the fire pot direct access to the grate, allowing for a flame sear if you want it. I love this feature, and use it for more than just searing. I remove it when cold smoking cheeses and other items using smoker tubes and trays in the bottom of the pit. The Yoder isn’t cheap, but it is built like a tank and will last a long time. It also has a lot of accessories available, and has a stellar reputation. Made in the USA is a bonus.

One downside to the Yoder is the same affliction all pellet poopers share. You don’t get the same wood flavor out of it like you would a stick burner or charcoal/wood chunk pit. I sometimes use a pellet tube or Amaz-n-tray cold smoker to supplement the smoke the Yoder puts out. This helps a bit, but it still isn’t up to par with the stick or charcoal pits.

 

[fxsales1959]

Hi all,

I am a long time pellethead that is in the market for a new grill. This time around, I am looking for something that can both smoke and sear. I had my heart set on the Woodwind Pro until I discovered the Masterbuilt. From what I have heard, most people seem to think that the Masterbuilt produces higher quality smoked food. However, I have also heard it doesn’t hold heat very well when open and that there were numerous build issues with the original Masterbuilt Gravity (e.g., bad switches, faulty fans, warping metal, etc.). It is also my understanding that the sear box attachment on the Woodwind gets significantly hotter than the Masterbuilt (900°F vs. 700°F), making it better for searing. Additionally, the main reason why I switched from charcoal to pellets in the first place was the ease of maintaining temperature and I don’t know if the Masterbuilt is as easy to use as the Woodwind or other pellet cookers. Any input you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I still have the original 560 gravity. It served me well. did have switch issues which were remedied as above. I went to a WSM and love it. also recently bought my first pooper which I am till wrangling with. The only thing I didn't like about the MB is it did seem like a charcoal hog.
They say the XT is a better build. My 560 is sitting there because I'm a hoarder..