Masterbuilt Gravity Fed vs SnS Kettle Comparison

If you are choosing between a Masterbuilt Gravity Series smoker and an SnS Kettle, the right pick usually comes down to one thing: how you actually want to cook.

Both use charcoal and wood chunks, which means both can produce that proper smoky, charcoal-fired flavour that gas simply can't replicate. However, the cooking experience is very different. One is more hands-on and traditional. The other is more automated and convenience-focused.

This guide breaks down the key differences so you can work out which one suits your style, budget, and backyard setup.

How The Cooking Experience Differs

The biggest difference between a Masterbuilt Gravity Series and an SnS Kettle is how involved you need to be during the cook.

An SnS Kettle gives you a much more hands-on charcoal BBQ experience. You control temperature through the top and bottom vents, and managing the fire is part of the process. For plenty of people, that is exactly the appeal. It feels traditional, interactive, and rewarding when you get it dialled in.

That said, kettles do need more attention. Because they are not as insulated as a gravity-fed smoker, outside conditions like wind or cooler weather can affect your temperatures more noticeably. That means more checking, more vent adjustments, and more active fire management across a long cook.

A Masterbuilt Gravity Series smoker is a different style altogether. It is designed to make charcoal cooking easier and more automated. You set your temperature, let the system regulate the heat, and get on with your day. Being able to monitor the internal temperature from your phone is also a big plus for people who want solid results without hovering over the BBQ all day.

If you enjoy managing the fire and being part of the whole cooking process, the SnS Kettle has real appeal. If you want low and slow barbecue to fit more easily into a busy day, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series makes a lot of sense.

Cooking Space & Unit Size

Size is another major point of difference.

Masterbuilt Gravity Series units are generally larger than an SnS Kettle and tend to offer more usable cooking space overall. That is especially helpful if you regularly cook for a crowd or want the flexibility of multiple cooking levels. More room can make a real difference when you are cooking different cuts at once or trying to feed a larger group.

An SnS Kettle has a smaller footprint, which can be a big advantage if space matters. It suits backyards, patios, and homes where you want a capable charcoal cooker without dedicating as much room to it.

A simple way to think about it is this: if you need more capacity, the Masterbuilt is the bigger and roomier option. If you want something more compact, the SnS Kettle is easier to accommodate.

Low And Slow Vs High-Heat Grilling

Both BBQs can handle low and slow cooking, but they go about it differently.

The SnS Kettle is often seen as a great entry point into low and slow barbecue. It can absolutely get the job done, but it asks more from the cook. You will need to pay more attention to temperature management over time.

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series really shines when the goal is long, steady cooks with less effort. That is where the automated system earns its place.

When it comes to searing and grilling, though, the kettle has a clear advantage in simplicity. With charcoal directly under the grill, it is quicker and more efficient to set up for direct high heat. A gravity-fed smoker can reach strong temperatures too, but it is not quite as direct or as naturally suited to that classic charcoal searing setup as a kettle.

Fuel Use And Running Style

If fuel efficiency matters to you, the SnS Kettle has an advantage. It generally uses less fuel than a larger Masterbuilt Gravity Series unit.

That does not automatically make it the better choice, but it is worth considering if you want a more economical charcoal BBQ to run, especially for smaller cooks.

The Masterbuilt, being a bigger and more feature-driven unit, is geared more toward convenience, capacity, and automation than minimal fuel use.

Price & Value

There is also a noticeable price difference between the two.

An SnS Kettle is the cheaper option and a more accessible way to get into charcoal cooking and low and slow barbecue without spending as much upfront. For many buyers, that makes it a very appealing place to start.

A Masterbuilt Gravity Series costs more, but the extra spend goes toward automation, convenience, larger size, and an easier path to consistent low and slow cooking.

Neither is automatically better value. It depends on what you want your BBQ experience to feel like.

What Type Of Buyer Suits Each One?

In our experience, people are happiest with their BBQ when they are realistic about how much effort they actually want to put into cooking, and how much food they need to cook at once.

If you buy a hands-on charcoal BBQ but really want set-and-forget convenience, it can start to feel like work. On the other hand, if you love the process of tending a fire and learning temperature control, a kettle can become something you genuinely look forward to using.

Being honest about that upfront helps you choose a BBQ that feels like an event, not a chore.

Choose A Masterbuilt Gravity Series If...

• You want charcoal flavour with less hands-on fire management
• You like the idea of setting a temperature and letting the BBQ do more of the work
• You need more cooking space
• You want low and slow cooking to fit more easily into a busy lifestyle

Choose An SnS Kettle If...

• You enjoy a more traditional, hands-on BBQ experience
• You want a cheaper way to get into charcoal and low and slow cooking
• You want a more compact unit
• You value fuel efficiency and easy direct-heat grilling

Final Thoughts

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series and SnS Kettle both deliver genuine charcoal flavour, but they suit different types of cooks.

If you want convenience, capacity, and easier temperature control, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series is likely the better fit. If you want a more affordable, hands-on charcoal cooker that still gives you excellent versatility, the SnS Kettle is a strong choice.

If you want a clearer look at how they compare in practice, watch the video below. Then browse the range and choose the BBQ that matches the way you actually like to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Masterbuilt Gravity Series Better Than An SnS Kettle?

A Masterbuilt Gravity Series is better for cooks who want automated temperature control, more cooking space, and easier low and slow barbecue. An SnS Kettle is better for those who prefer a traditional, hands on charcoal cooking experience at a lower price.

Which Is Better For Low And Slow Cooking, Masterbuilt Or SnS Kettle?

The Masterbuilt Gravity Series is generally easier for long low and slow cooks because its digital controller automatically manages the cooking temperature. The SnS Kettle can produce excellent smoked meat too, but requires more manual vent and fire management.

Does An SnS Kettle Use Less Charcoal Than A Masterbuilt Gravity Series?

Yes, an SnS Kettle will generally use less charcoal because it has a smaller cooking chamber and requires less fuel for smaller cooks. A Masterbuilt Gravity Series uses more fuel but provides greater capacity and automated temperature control.

Can You Grill And Sear On A Masterbuilt Gravity Series And SnS Kettle?

Yes, both can grill and sear at high temperatures. The SnS Kettle is particularly well suited to direct charcoal grilling, while the Masterbuilt Gravity Series offers the added versatility of convenient low and slow smoking and high heat cooking.

Which BBQ Is Better For Beginners?

A Masterbuilt Gravity Series is ideal for beginners who want consistent charcoal barbecue with less fire management. An SnS Kettle is a great choice for beginners who want to learn traditional charcoal cooking techniques and temperature control.

by: Sasha Halabi