5 Best Charcoal for Masterbuilt Gravity Series (November 2026)
The best charcoal for Masterbuilt Gravity Series smokers include the Masterbuilt® Pure-Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax Fire Starters for simple charcoal ignition, the WAITCOOK Power Adapter for Masterbuilt Gravity Series for a compatible replacement cord, and the WAITCOOK Temperature Gauge for Masterbuilt Gravity Series for a large-face temperature readout.
On this page (8 sections)
- How we chose charcoal-related picks for Masterbuilt Gravity Series
- Best charcoal accessories and equipment for Masterbuilt Gravity Series
- What charcoal should you put in the Masterbuilt Gravity Series hopper?
- Does lump charcoal or briquette charcoal work better for a gravity hopper?
- How should you prepare charcoal for the Masterbuilt hopper?
- Which charcoal details matter most for longer cooks?
- How do you choose between these picks?
- What is the best charcoal for Masterbuilt Gravity Series smokers?
The best charcoal for Masterbuilt Gravity Series smokers is dry, consistently sized lump charcoal or briquettes that fit the hopper and follow the grill's instructions. The products in this roundup include useful ignition and replacement accessories, but none of the supplied choices is a bag of charcoal.
Gravity-fed cooking depends on a steady supply of fuel moving from the hopper into the fire area. Before loading, remove pieces that are too large, check for dampness, and use the fuel type allowed by your model's manual.
For a broader look at fuel choices, start with our smoking wood and fuel guide. This page focuses on the charcoal side of cooking with a Masterbuilt Gravity Series hopper.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for simple charcoal ignitionMasterbuilt® Pure-Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax Fire Starters
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a compatible replacement cordWAITCOOK Power Adapter for Masterbuilt Gravity Series
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a large-face temperature readoutWAITCOOK Temperature Gauge for Masterbuilt Gravity Series
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itMasterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill
Best for a complete charcoal grill - 5
Check itMasterbuilt® Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill
Best for adding a flat cooking surface
How we chose charcoal-related picks for Masterbuilt Gravity Series
We compared the supplied product details with the needs of a hopper-fed charcoal grill. Since the five supplied products do not include charcoal itself, the picks below focus on ignition, compatible replacement parts and a grill accessory.
Our score weighs stated features and fit for the searcher's needs. We checked whether each item's stated use can support starting, controlling or maintaining a Gravity Series cook, and we note where an item is not charcoal.
| Product | Best for | Our score |
|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt® Pure-Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax Fire Starters | simple charcoal ignition | 9.7 |
| WAITCOOK Power Adapter for Masterbuilt Gravity Series | a compatible replacement cord | 9.6 |
| WAITCOOK Temperature Gauge for Masterbuilt Gravity Series | a large-face temperature readout | 9.4 |
| Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill | a complete charcoal grill | 9.1 |
| Masterbuilt® Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill | adding a flat cooking surface | 8.8 |
Best charcoal accessories and equipment for Masterbuilt Gravity Series
The strongest fit among these products is a fire starter made for Gravity Series grills. The other picks help with power, temperature monitoring or an added cooking surface, while the charcoal itself must be selected separately.
Masterbuilt® Pure-Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax Fire Starters: Best for simple charcoal ignition
- Pure paraffin wax
- Odorless and flavorless
- Designed for Gravity Series grills
- 48 cubes per box
These cubes are designed for Gravity Series grills and can help start charcoal without lighter fluid. Their odorless, flavorless burn suits cooks who want ignition without adding an unwanted taste.
Pros
- Designed for Gravity Series grills
- No lighter fluid needed
- Can light even when wet
Cons
- Does not supply charcoal
Masterbuilt's paraffin cubes are designed for Gravity Series grills and other charcoal setups. The brand describes them as odorless and flavorless, and says they can light even when wet.
Each box contains 48 cubes. The cubes are made from pure paraffin wax, and the stated burn temperature is up to 1300°F.
Place one according to the grill's startup instructions, then allow the charcoal to catch before cooking.
A starter cube can make ignition more straightforward, but it does not change how charcoal feeds through the hopper. Pair it with dry fuel that fits the hopper, and don't use lighter fluid unless your grill's instructions specifically allow it.
WAITCOOK Power Adapter for Masterbuilt Gravity Series: Best for a compatible replacement cord
- 15 ft cord
- Compatible with several Masterbuilt Gravity Series models
- Replacement part number 9004190216
This cord is a replacement option for compatible Gravity Series grills. Check your exact model and part number before choosing it.
Pros
- 15 ft cord
- Names several compatible grill models
Cons
- Compatibility depends on grill model
The WAITCOOK adapter is a replacement power cord for a range of compatible digital charcoal grills, including several Masterbuilt models. Its stated cord length is 15 ft, and its replacement part number is 9004190216.
A Gravity Series cook depends on its digital controls and fan system. If you need a replacement cord, compare the model number on your grill with the stated compatible models before ordering; model compatibility is more useful than choosing by brand name alone.
This adapter does not improve charcoal feed or replace fuel. It belongs in the equipment check when the existing power cord needs replacement.
WAITCOOK Temperature Gauge for Masterbuilt Gravity Series: Best for a large-face temperature readout
- 3 1/4 in face
- 150°F to 700°F range
- Stainless steel construction
This replacement gauge is listed for compatible Gravity Series models, including the 560, 800 and 1050XL. Its large face and stated range can help you monitor grill temperature.
Pros
- Large 3 1/4 in face
- Stainless steel construction
Cons
- Compatibility depends on grill model
This WAITCOOK gauge is described for compatible Masterbuilt Gravity Series grills, including the 560, 800 and 1050XL. Its 3 1/4 in face is designed to be easy to read, and the stated temperature range runs from 150°F to 700°F.
A gauge can give you another temperature reference while you cook, but it does not control the hopper or fan. Confirm the grill model and fit before selecting a replacement thermometer.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill: Best for a complete charcoal grill
- Digital temperature and cook-time control
- DigitalFan temperature control
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control
This Gravity Series 1050 charcoal grill combines a digital control panel with a fan that moves air from the hopper to the cooking chamber. It suits buyers who need a grill as well as fuel guidance.
Pros
- Digital control panel
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control
Cons
- This is a grill, not a charcoal pick
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 is a charcoal grill and smoker with digital temperature and cook-time control. Masterbuilt says it reaches 225°F in 10 minutes or 700°F in 15 minutes, and it uses a DigitalFan to control temperature.
The control panel or a smart device can set temperature and cook time, with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control. The 1050 suits shoppers who need the grill itself, rather than a bag of charcoal or a fuel accessory.
Use charcoal that fits its hopper and follow the grill's operating instructions. Fuel choice and loading still matter even when the grill handles airflow digitally.
Masterbuilt® Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill: Best for adding a flat cooking surface
- Griddle insert for Gravity Series 1050
- Pre-seasoned steel
- Grease drain and tray
This item is a flat-top griddle insert for the Gravity Series 1050, rather than a charcoal choice. It adds a flat cooking surface for meals that suit griddle cooking.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned steel
- Grease drain and tray
Cons
- An accessory, not charcoal
This item is a pre-seasoned steel flat-top griddle insert for the Gravity Series 1050, not a second charcoal grill. It adds a flat cooking surface, with a grease drain and tray for cleanup.
The insert is useful if you want to cook foods such as breakfast items or burgers on a griddle surface. It does not help select charcoal, and it only makes sense if you already have a compatible 1050 grill.
What charcoal should you put in the Masterbuilt Gravity Series hopper?
Choose charcoal that fits through the hopper and is approved in your grill's manual. Both lump charcoal and briquettes may suit a charcoal grill, but the pieces should be dry and free of oversized chunks that could interfere with feeding.
Lump charcoal is made from carbonized wood, while briquettes are formed into more uniform pieces. The production process and shape can vary by brand, so compare actual piece size and follow the smoker's fuel guidance.
Our explainer on what lump charcoal is made of covers the basic difference.
Don't assume every bag of lump charcoal contains pieces that fit a gravity-fed hopper. Sort out large chunks before loading, and keep charcoal protected from rain and ground moisture.
Does lump charcoal or briquette charcoal work better for a gravity hopper?
Neither fuel type is automatically best for every cook. The practical choice is the one that your manual permits, fits the hopper, stays dry and feeds without bridging.
Lump charcoal often includes pieces of varying sizes, which means you may need to check a bag before loading it. Briquettes tend to be more uniform in shape, though you should still confirm their size and suitability for the grill.
Think about the cook you plan to run. For a shorter session, a small amount of fuel may be enough; for a long brisket cook, prepare adequate compatible fuel and plan how you will manage the hopper based on the manual.
How should you prepare charcoal for the Masterbuilt hopper?
Start with dry charcoal and a clear hopper. Break apart or remove pieces that are too large before loading, and don't pack fuel in a way that conflicts with the grill's instructions.
Keep charcoal in a covered, dry place between cooks. Damp fuel can be harder to light, and mixed debris or broken packaging should not go into the hopper.
For lighting, use the grill's startup sequence. For a chimney-based method, see how to use a charcoal chimney.
A paraffin starter designed for Gravity Series grills may help ignite the initial charcoal bed; allow the charcoal to catch before you set food on the cooking grates.
Which charcoal details matter most for longer cooks?
For a long cook, prioritize dependable feeding, enough fuel for the planned session and a stable setup that follows the grill manual. A specific brand name alone can't tell you whether every piece in a bag will fit your hopper.
Check the size range in the bag and remove oversized pieces. Keep a second sealed supply nearby if you expect to need more fuel, and avoid leaving charcoal exposed to rain or damp ground.
If you're cooking brisket, our guide to the best charcoal smoker for brisket helps compare cooker types. For an offset setup, see our charcoal for an offset smoker guide.
How do you choose between these picks?
Choose the Masterbuilt fire starters if your priority is easier charcoal ignition without lighter fluid. Pick the WAITCOOK adapter only when you need a replacement cord and its compatibility matches your grill.
The temperature gauge is a replacement part for specified models, while the 1050 grill and griddle insert serve different equipment needs. None of these products supplies charcoal, so buy hopper-compatible fuel separately.
If you're comparing charcoal by grill style, our best lump charcoal for a Kamado Joe smoker and best lump charcoal for Weber kettles guides cover other cooking setups.
What is the best charcoal for Masterbuilt Gravity Series smokers?
The best charcoal for Masterbuilt Gravity Series smokers is dry lump charcoal or briquettes that fit the hopper and meet the grill's instructions. For a closer look at one lump option, read the Rockwood lump charcoal review.
Choose lump if you can sort the pieces to suit the hopper, or briquettes if their shape and size feed properly in your model.
For ignition, Masterbuilt's paraffin starters are designed for Gravity Series grills. For a replacement power cord or gauge, check the exact grill model and part number before buying.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for simple charcoal ignition
Masterbuilt® Pure-Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax Fire Starters
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a compatible replacement cord
WAITCOOK Power Adapter for Masterbuilt Gravity Series
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a large-face temperature readout
WAITCOOK Temperature Gauge for Masterbuilt Gravity Series
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What charcoal works in a Masterbuilt Gravity Series smoker?
Use lump charcoal or briquettes that fit your grill's manual and feed freely through its hopper. Keep the fuel dry, remove pieces too large for the hopper, and avoid mixing in materials that the grill instructions do not allow.
Fuel shape and dryness matter because this cooker feeds charcoal from a hopper during a cook.
Can I use lump charcoal in a Masterbuilt Gravity Series?
Yes, if the lump pieces fit the hopper and the grill's instructions allow them. Lump charcoal can vary in piece size, so check for oversized chunks before loading and keep the hopper clear of pieces that could interrupt feeding.
For general fuel selection, see our best lump charcoal for grilling.
Should I use lump charcoal or briquettes for longer cooks?
Either can work when the fuel is compatible with your grill and feeds properly. Choose pieces that fit the hopper, then follow your grill's startup and temperature instructions.
For a longer cook, plan enough fuel for the full session and avoid topping up with damp charcoal.
Do I need lighter fluid to start a Gravity Series smoker?
No. A charcoal starter cube can ignite fuel without lighter fluid; Masterbuilt's pure-paraffin cubes are designed for Gravity Series grills and are described as odorless and flavorless.
Keep fire-starting materials away from children and follow the safety instructions for both the grill and starter.
Does charcoal brand affect temperature control?
Fuel consistency, dryness and hopper fit can affect how smoothly charcoal feeds, while the grill's digital fan system controls airflow toward the cooking chamber. Use compatible fuel and follow the grill manual when setting temperature.
A separate gauge can provide another temperature reference if its model fit is confirmed.
