Masterbuilt Gravity Series vs Pellet Grill (2026)

Updated 2026-11-10 Researched, not tested in person

Quick answer

Choose the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 if you want real charcoal flavor with digital temperature control and the ability to sear up to 700F. Choose a pellet grill such as the Z Grills ZPG-7002B if you want the easiest set-and-forget cooking and a lower price. Charcoal gives more smoke character; pellets give more convenience.

Best for charcoal flavor and searing

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600

Under $1,000

Check price on Amazon

Best for easy, lower-cost cooking

Z Grills ZPG-7002B pellet grill

Under $600

Check price on Amazon

At a glance

	Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600	Z Grills ZPG-7002B pellet grill
Fuel	Lump charcoal or briquettes	Wood pellets
Temperature range	225 to 700F	Low smoke through searing (check Z Grills spec)
Control	DigitalFan control, WiFi app	PID control
Cooking area	600 sq in	700 sq in
Run time	Up to 18 hours on a hopper fill	Depends on the hopper and temperature
Flavor	Real charcoal and wood smoke	Milder, wood pellet smoke
Best for	Flavor and high-heat searing	Set-and-forget convenience

The table compares the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 and the Z Grills ZPG-7002B pellet grill on fuel, temperature range, control, cooking area, run time and flavor; the Gravity cooks with charcoal and sears hotter, while the pellet grill is simpler and cheaper. Details are from the Amazon listings.

Pick the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 if…

You want to cook with charcoal, you like to smoke low and slow and then sear a steak on the same grill, and you are happy to buy a digital cooker that costs more than an entry pellet grill.

Check Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 on Amazon

Pick the Z Grills ZPG-7002B pellet grill if…

You want to set a temperature and walk away, you cook a lot of different foods on weeknights, or you want the most grate area for the money.

Check Z Grills ZPG-7002B pellet grill on Amazon

Who should skip both

Skip both if you want a traditional stick-burner experience (an offset smoker is better) or if you want the lowest-cost option, where a simple charcoal kettle or bullet smoker costs a fraction of either.

Comparison researched from published manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and owner reviews. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Masterbuilt Gravity Series a pellet grill?

No. It burns charcoal fed from a hopper, with a digital fan controlling temperature. A pellet grill burns wood pellets fed by an auger.

Which has better smoke flavor?

Charcoal with wood chunks generally produces stronger smoke character than pellets, which is the main reason people choose the Gravity Series.

Which is easier to use?

Pellet grills are generally the simplest: set a temperature and the auger feeds fuel. The Gravity Series is also automated but needs charcoal and a little more setup to light.

Can both sear steaks?

The Gravity Series reaches 700F, so it sears well. Pellet grills vary by model, so check the maximum temperature for the one you buy.

How we choose gear: we compare published manufacturer specifications, capacity and temperature ranges, materials, warranty terms and verified owner reviews. We do not test gear in person and we do not publish hands-on claims we cannot support.

Cook times and temperatures are researched guidance, not a food-safety authority. Every figure on this page is an estimate: smokers, ambient weather, humidity and the individual cut all move it. Food is safe when a calibrated instant-read thermometer says so, never when a clock or a chart does. Keep food out of the 40°F to 140°F danger zone, observe the 4 hour rule, and follow current USDA safe minimum internal temperatures. If you are cooking for anyone pregnant, very young, elderly or immunocompromised, cook to the USDA minimums rather than to a preference-based doneness temperature.