Masterbuilt Charcoal Grilling, From Portable to Gravity Series

Best for
Campers and tailgaters wanting quick propane

The Masterbuilt Portable Propane Gas Grill, model MB20030819, is the only product here built to travel. It runs on disposable one-pound propane cylinders, not included, which Masterbuilt notes are available nationwide, and it has folding legs, a locking lid and a large front carry handle. Be clear that this is gas, not charcoal. You give up smoky flavor for fast, clean startup.

The cooking side offers 288 square inches of total surface, a 10,000 BTU stainless steel U-shaped burner for heat distribution, stainless steel construction and grates, and a chrome-coated warming rack. It is a single-burner design with no side burners and measures about 27.4 inches wide and 12.2 inches tall, so it fits a picnic table or truck tailgate.

This suits campers, tailgaters and anyone who wants a quick grill for burgers and hot dogs away from home. If charcoal is the whole point, see our portable charcoal grill guide for travel-size charcoal options.

• 288 sq in total cooking surface
• 10,000 BTU U-shaped burner
• Folding legs, locking lid, carry handle

The Masterbuilt Electric Portable Charcoal Grill and smoker cover, model MB20080522, is a cover only. It does not include a grill. The listing title mentions an electric portable charcoal grill and smoker, while the features and description say it is compatible with the Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill. That wording is inconsistent, so check your grill model against the product page before ordering.

The cover uses water-resistant polyvinyl chloride material with a UV-resistant coating to prevent fading, double-stitched seams to prevent leaking and an added interior PVC liner that resists tearing when you put it on or take it off. Adjustable straps and buckles hold it in place in wind. It weighs 14.72 ounces and carries a 1 year warranty.

Choose it if you already own a Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and store it outside. For anyone without that grill, it has no use.

The Masterbuilt Pure-Parrafin All-Natural Odorless Wax Fire starters, model MB20091521, come as a 48-count pack of wax cubes. They are made for Gravity Series grills but, per the title, compatible with all charcoal grills and fireplaces. That makes them useful whether you own one of the digital grills below or a basic kettle.

Masterbuilt describes the cubes as odorless and smokeless, burning up to 1300°F, and says they light even when wet. The goal is to replace lighter fluid, which can leave a chemical taste, and reduce time to temperature. The AutoIgnite 545 relies on a fire starter for its push-button ignition, so these pair naturally with it.

This suits any charcoal griller who wants cleaner, faster starts. Our classic charcoal grill guide covers kettles where these cubes work well too.

• 48 wax fire starter cubes
• Odorless and smokeless
• Light when wet

Best for
Patio cooks wanting push-button charcoal

The Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Digital Charcoal Grill, model MB20041124, is the compact digital option. The description also calls it the Gravity Series Compact 545. Its headline feature is QuickStart automatic ignition: you insert a fire starter, press a button and it lights, so no lighter fluid is needed.

After lighting, you set a temperature on the digital control panel or in the Masterbuilt app and the DigitalFan holds it. The range runs from 250°F for low-and-slow smoking up to 650°F for searing, across 545 square inches of cooking space. The internal MiniHopper holds 5 pounds of lump charcoal or 7 pounds of briquettes for up to 8 hours. The title also mentions a sear plate.

This is not a portable grill; it is a patio cooker. It suits a household that wants charcoal flavor without babysitting vents. For larger crowds or longer smokes, the Gravity Series 1050 has nearly double the space and a bigger hopper.

Best for
Hosts smoking and grilling for crowds

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Smoker Grill, model MB20041220, is the flagship of this group. It offers 1,050 square inches of cooking space and a GravityFed vertical hopper that feeds fuel down as it burns, holding 10 pounds of lump charcoal or 16 pounds of briquettes for up to 8 hours.

Masterbuilt says it reaches 225°F in 8 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes, so it covers both smoking and hot grilling. The DigitalFan maintains temperature, and the Masterbuilt app lets you set temperature and time, monitor meat probes or shut the grill down from your phone. Reversible cast iron grates serve both searing and smoking, and stainless steel front and side shelves add prep space. Unlike the 545, the listing describes lighting a fire starter yourself rather than push-button ignition.

This suits hosts who smoke briskets and grill for big groups. It is the opposite of portable. For compact travel options from other makers, see our portable grill roundup.

• 1,050 sq in cooking space
• GravityFed hopper, up to 8 hours
• App control with meat probe monitoring