Choosing the right pellet grill can be a game-changer for your backyard cooking. If you’re eyeing the Masterbuilt lineup, you’ve likely stumbled upon two popular models: the Masterbuilt 560 and the Masterbuilt 800. Both offer impressive features for smoking and grilling enthusiasts, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
The Masterbuilt 560 has carved out a significant niche for its accessible price point and robust performance. It’s a fantastic entry into the world of smart pellet grilling. On the other hand, the Masterbuilt 800 steps things up with enhanced capabilities and a larger cooking area, making it a compelling option for those who demand more.
This comparison dives deep into the Masterbuilt 560 vs 800, helping you understand their key differences, strengths, and weaknesses. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your smoking journey, we’ll help you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Masterbuilt 560 | 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Capacity | Up to 28 lbs | Up to 35 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 150°F – 500°F | 175°F – 700°F |
| Cooking Technology | Digital Fan-Forced Convection | Digital Fan-Forced Convection |
| Temperature Control | Digital Control Panel | Digital Control Panel with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Meat Probe | Included | Included |
| Internal Lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Grease Management | Removable Drip Pan | Removable Drip Pan |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 33.5″ x 22.4″ x 47.2″ | 35.4″ x 25.6″ x 54.3″ |
| Weight | 95 lbs | 115 lbs |
| Assembly Required | Yes | Yes |
| Power Source | Electric | Electric |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Cooking Surface Area
- Masterbuilt 560: Offers a generous 560 square inches of primary cooking space. This is ample for most families and small gatherings, allowing for a good amount of food to be cooked simultaneously.
- 800: Boasts an impressive 800 square inches of primary cooking space. This is significantly larger than the 560, making it ideal for larger parties, catering, or serious pitmasters who frequently cook for crowds.
- Winner: 800
Temperature Range
- Masterbuilt 560: Typically ranges from 150°F to 500°F. This provides a versatile range for low-and-slow smoking as well as searing.
- 800: Also offers a similar temperature range, usually from 150°F to 500°F. The consistency and control within this range are key selling points for both models.
- Winner: Tie
Digital Control Panel & Connectivity
- Masterbuilt 560: Features a user-friendly digital control panel with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows for remote monitoring and control of temperature and cook times via a smartphone app.
- 800: Integrates an advanced digital control panel with robust Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The app experience is generally enhanced, offering more detailed insights and control options compared to older models.
- Winner: 800
Hopper Capacity
- Masterbuilt 560: Comes with a standard hopper capacity, sufficient for several hours of smoking. Refills might be necessary for very long cooks, but it’s manageable for most sessions.
- 800: Features a larger hopper capacity, designed to hold more pellets for extended cooking sessions without frequent refueling. This is a significant advantage for overnight or all-day smokes.
- Winner: 800
Build Quality & Materials
- Masterbuilt 560: Constructed with durable materials, typically stainless steel. It offers good sturdiness for its price point and is built to withstand outdoor elements.
- 800: Often features enhanced build quality with more premium materials, including a thicker gauge stainless steel construction. This contributes to better heat retention and overall longevity.
- Winner: 800
Ease of Cleaning
- Masterbuilt 560: Generally straightforward to clean with removable ash catcher and drip pans. However, the smaller size can sometimes make reaching certain areas more challenging.
- 800: Designed with improved accessibility for cleaning, often featuring larger or more easily removable components. The larger size can also mean more surface area to clean, but the design often compensates for this.
- Winner: 800
Portability & Assembly
- Masterbuilt 560: Relatively easy to assemble and can be moved with some effort. It’s a good balance of size and functionality for those who might need to relocate it occasionally.
- 800: Due to its larger size and heavier build, the 800 is less portable. Assembly might also be slightly more involved, but it’s designed for a more permanent outdoor setup.
- Winner: masterbuilt 560
Price Point & Value
- Masterbuilt 560: Positioned as a more budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for its features. It’s a great entry point into pellet grilling and smoking.
- 800: Represents a higher investment, reflecting its larger size, enhanced features, and premium build. The value is in its superior capacity and performance for serious enthusiasts.
- Winner: masterbuilt 560
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cooking Capacity | 800 |
| Temperature Range | 800 |
| Smart Features (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | 800 |
| Ease of Use (for beginners) | Masterbuilt 560 |
| Value for Money | Masterbuilt 560 |
| Overall Performance | 800 |
What They Have in Common
- Digital Control: Both models feature intuitive digital control panels that allow for precise temperature and time settings, making it easy to achieve consistent cooking results.
- Fan-Forced Convection: They utilize fan-forced convection technology to circulate heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber. This ensures faster cooking times and a more uniform smoke penetration for enhanced flavor.
- Included Meat Probe: Each smoker comes with an integrated meat probe, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of your food without lifting the lid. This is crucial for achieving perfect doneness every time.
- Internal Lighting: Both the Masterbuilt 560 and 800 are equipped with internal lighting. This feature is incredibly useful for checking on your food during low-light conditions or at night, without losing heat.
- Grease Management System: A removable drip pan is a standard feature on both units. This simplifies the cleaning process by collecting grease and drippings, preventing flare-ups and making disposal easy.
- Portability: Both smokers are designed with portability in mind, featuring integrated wheels. This makes it convenient to move them around your patio or backyard as needed.
Masterbuilt 560 Vs 800 Buying Guide
Who is the Masterbuilt 560 For?
The Masterbuilt 560 is an excellent choice for individuals or couples who are new to pellet grilling or want a more compact and budget-friendly option. Its straightforward operation makes it ideal for beginners, and its smaller footprint is perfect for those with limited outdoor space. If you’re looking to explore the world of pellet grilling without a significant investment, the 560 is a fantastic starting point.
It’s also great for those who primarily grill for smaller gatherings and don’t need the extensive cooking capacity of larger models. You’ll still get consistent temperatures and smoky flavor, making it a reliable workhorse for everyday grilling and smoking. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Who is the Masterbuilt 800 For?
The Masterbuilt 800 is designed for the serious griller and entertainer who craves more power, versatility, and cooking space. If you frequently host larger parties, cook for a family, or enjoy experimenting with different smoking techniques, the 800 will be your go-to appliance. Its larger hopper capacity means fewer refills during long cooks, and the increased grill surface allows you to cook more food at once.
This model is also suited for those who appreciate advanced features and connectivity, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, for remote monitoring and control. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking game and have the space and budget for a premium pellet grill, the 800 is a compelling option.
Key Features to Consider
When comparing the 560 and 800, focus on cooking capacity and hopper size. The 560 offers a decent amount of grilling space for its size, suitable for most family meals. The 800, with its larger dimensions, provides significantly more room for multiple racks of ribs, large cuts of meat, or a whole turkey, making it ideal for entertaining larger groups.
Also, consider the pellet hopper capacity. A larger hopper, like the one on the 800, means you can smoke for longer periods without needing to add more pellets. This is a crucial factor for low-and-slow cooks. Finally, evaluate the connectivity features; if remote monitoring and control are important to you, the 800’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities will be a deciding factor. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Budget and Space Considerations
The Masterbuilt 560 generally comes with a more accessible price tag, making it a great entry-level pellet grill. Its compact design is a significant advantage for those with smaller patios, balconies, or limited yard space. You can achieve delicious smoked and grilled food without a large footprint.
The Masterbuilt 800, being the larger and more feature-rich model, will typically command a higher price point and require more dedicated space in your outdoor cooking area. If budget is a primary concern or you have limited outdoor real estate, the 560 might be the more practical choice. However, if you have the room and are willing to invest more for enhanced capabilities, the 800 is worth the consideration.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Masterbuilt 560 If…
- You are a beginner to pellet grilling and want a reliable, user-friendly option.
- You have a smaller family or primarily cook for 2-4 people.
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly entry into Masterbuilt’s digital pellet smoker line.
- Limited patio space is a consideration.
Buy 800 If…
- You frequently entertain larger groups and need more cooking capacity.
- You want the advanced features of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring and control.
- You desire a wider temperature range, including higher searing capabilities.
- You are an experienced pitmaster looking for an upgrade with enhanced functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in cooking capacity?
The most significant difference lies in their cooking surfaces. The Masterbuilt 560 offers a respectable grilling area suitable for everyday use and smaller gatherings. In contrast, the Masterbuilt 800 boasts a considerably larger grilling area, allowing you to cook more food simultaneously. This makes the 800 ideal for larger families or when entertaining guests, as you can accommodate multiple racks of ribs, larger roasts, or a whole turkey with ease.
Which model is better for beginners?
For beginners, the Masterbuilt 560 is often the recommended choice. Its simpler controls and more compact size make it less intimidating to learn the ropes of pellet grilling. The 560 provides a fantastic introduction to the technology and the smoky flavors achievable with pellet grills without overwhelming a novice. Once comfortable, users can always upgrade to a larger model like the 800 if their needs expand. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Does the Masterbuilt 800 offer more advanced features?
Yes, the Masterbuilt 800 typically comes equipped with more advanced features compared to the 560. This often includes enhanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app. The 800 might also feature a larger pellet hopper capacity, providing longer cook times without refueling, and potentially more precise temperature control systems for even greater consistency.
Which grill is more portable or easier to move?
Due to its smaller size and lighter construction, the Masterbuilt 560 is generally more portable and easier to move around than the Masterbuilt 800. While neither is designed for frequent transport, if you anticipate needing to reposition your grill occasionally, the 560’s more compact dimensions will make this task less cumbersome. The 800’s larger footprint and heavier components make it a more stationary appliance.
Is the Masterbuilt 800 worth the extra cost over the 560?
Whether the Masterbuilt 800 is worth the extra cost depends entirely on your specific needs and priorities. If you frequently cook for large groups, desire advanced connectivity, and need a larger cooking surface, then the 800’s enhanced capabilities justify the higher price. However, if you’re a casual griller, cook for a smaller household, or have space and budget constraints, the Masterbuilt 560 offers excellent value and performance for its price point.
Final Verdict
The Masterbuilt 560 is an exceptional entry-level pellet grill, offering fantastic smoky flavor and user-friendly operation at an accessible price point and in a compact design. The Masterbuilt 800 steps up the game with significantly more cooking space, advanced connectivity, and a larger hopper, making it ideal for serious grillers and entertainers. For overall value and a superb introduction to pellet grilling, the 560 shines, but for those who demand more capacity and features, the 800 is the clear choice.
Winner: Masterbuilt 560