Masterbuilt XT vs Masterbuilt 1150 Comparison

If you’re comparing the Masterbuilt XT and the Masterbuilt 1150, you’re already looking at two seriously capable gravity fed charcoal smokers. Both give you that charcoal and wood smoke flavour people want from a proper smoker, but with a much more hands-off cooking experience than a traditional offset or kettle setup.

The big question is not whether either one is good. It is which one suits your budget, priorities and style of cooking.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main differences between the Masterbuilt XT and Masterbuilt 1150, who each model suits best, and why the XT carries a higher price point.

How Masterbuilt Gravity Fed Smokers Work

Both the XT and 1150 use the same general gravity fed charcoal system.

You load charcoal into the hopper, light it, set your cooking temperature, and let the smoker do the rest. As the cook progresses, the charcoal gradually burns down through the hopper while a fan helps move heat and smoke into the cooking chamber.

It is a simple idea, but a very effective one. You still get the rich charcoal and smoky flavour that makes low and slow cooking so appealing, but without having to constantly manage airflow or fuel like you would on more traditional smokers.

Both units also give you digital temperature control and app connectivity, so you can monitor your cook from the control panel on the smoker or from your phone.

That is a big part of the appeal for a lot of buyers. You get authentic charcoal cooking with more convenience and less babysitting.

Masterbuilt XT vs 1150: The Key Differences

While both models follow the same gravity fed concept, there are a few important differences that can influence which one is the better buy for you.

Build Quality and Construction

The Masterbuilt XT is the newer generation option and is aimed at buyers who want a more premium version of the Masterbuilt gravity fed experience.

One of the main reasons for the higher price is the improved build quality. The XT has a more solid overall construction and includes some extra refinement in the way it is built.

For buyers who want the top-tier Masterbuilt model with premium features and a more substantial feel, that matters.

The 1150 is still a very strong option and remains a popular choice for people who want a large-capacity gravity fed smoker without pushing the budget too far. It delivers the same overall cooking style and user experience, just without some of the premium touches found on the XT.

Cooking Racks

A standout feature on the XT is the stainless steel racks.

This might sound like a small detail at first, but it is one of those upgrades that many owners appreciate over time. Stainless steel racks are easier to clean and more forgiving during maintenance. You do not have to be as cautious about aggressive scrubbing or worry about damaging a surface coating.

If you cook often, that can be a worthwhile upgrade.

The 1150 still gives you plenty of usable cooking space, but the XT gets the edge here in terms of rack material and overall premium feel.

Cooking Capacity

Both are large-capacity smokers designed for serious backyard cooks, but the XT offers slightly more space.

The difference is roughly 700 square centimetres of additional cooking area on the XT. That is not a massive leap, but it can make a difference if you regularly cook for bigger groups or like having a little more flexibility when laying out meats across multiple racks.

If your priority is simply getting a big smoker without paying for every premium extra, the 1150 still represents excellent value. If you want a bit more room and like the idea of stepping up to the newer generation, the XT starts to make more sense.

User Experience

In practical day-to-day use, both of these smokers are designed to make charcoal cooking easier.

You are not choosing between a simple unit and an advanced one. Both offer a very user-friendly, relatively hands-off experience. Light the charcoal, set the temp, monitor the cook, and let the system do its job.

That is why this comparison is really about refinement, features and finish, rather than one being good and the other being poor. They are both top-end Masterbuilt gravity fed smokers.

The XT simply pushes further into the premium end of the range.

Why Is The Masterbuilt XT More Expensive?

If you are wondering whether the XT’s higher price is justified, the answer depends on what you value.

You are mainly paying for:

• newer generation design
• more premium construction
• stainless steel cooking racks
• slightly larger cooking area
• a more top-of-the-line overall package

For some buyers, those upgrades are absolutely worth paying for. If you are the type of person who wants the best Masterbuilt gravity fed model available, prefers a more premium finish, and likes the practical long-term benefit of stainless steel internals, the XT is the natural pick.

For others, the 1150 will be the smarter buy. If you want the same overall gravity fed cooking concept, generous capacity, digital control and strong performance, but you do not need every premium extra, the 1150 gives you a lot for the money.

Who Should Buy The Masterbuilt XT?

The XT is the better choice if you:

• want the premium Masterbuilt gravity fed model
• prefer upgraded construction and materials
• value stainless steel racks for easier cleaning
• want slightly more cooking space
• are happy to pay more for the latest generation

This is the model for buyers who want the more refined package and are comfortable spending extra to get it.

Who Should Buy The Masterbuilt 1150?

The 1150 is the better choice if you:

• want a large-capacity gravity fed smoker
• want to keep the budget under control
• still want app control and digital temperature management
• do not mind missing a few premium upgrades
• want a fantastic Masterbuilt smoking experience without stretching to the XT

For many buyers, the 1150 will hit the sweet spot. It gives you the core benefits that make Masterbuilt gravity fed smokers so appealing in the first place.

Common Buyer Questions

Is The Masterbuilt XT Worth The Extra Money?

If premium construction, stainless steel racks and slightly more cooking space matter to you, yes, the XT can absolutely be worth the extra money. It is positioned as the top-of-the-line Masterbuilt gravity fed option.

If your main goal is getting into a large, capable gravity fed charcoal smoker without paying for every premium extra, the 1150 may be the better-value choice.

Do Both Models Use Charcoal And Wood For Smoke Flavour?

Yes, both are gravity fed charcoal smokers designed to give you that deep charcoal and smoky flavour profile, while making the cooking process more automated and easier to manage.

Do Both Models Have App Control?

Yes, both models allow you to keep track of your cook through the control panel on the unit and through your phone.

Is The XT Dramatically Bigger Than The 1150?

No, the XT is only slightly larger. It offers around 700 square centimetres of extra cooking space, which is useful, but not so large that it completely changes the buying decision on its own.

Is The 1150 Still A Premium Smoker?

Yes. The 1150 should still be seen as a high-quality Masterbuilt gravity fed smoker. It is not a budget throwaway option. It is simply the more value-focused choice when compared with the XT.

Final Verdict: Masterbuilt XT Or 1150?

Both the Masterbuilt XT and Masterbuilt 1150 are excellent gravity fed charcoal smokers that deliver a great balance of smoky flavour, convenience and cooking capacity.

If you want the newest generation, premium features, stainless steel racks, slightly more room and a more substantial build, the Masterbuilt XT is the one to buy.

If you want a large-capacity Masterbuilt gravity fed smoker and would rather save some money while still getting an excellent hands-off charcoal cooking experience, the Masterbuilt 1150 is a very strong choice.

There is no bad pick here. It just comes down to whether you want the more premium package or the better-value package.

If you are still weighing up which Masterbuilt smoker suits your backyard cooking style, explore the range at BBQ Spit Rotisseries and compare the features side by side before you buy.

Watch the video below for a quick side-by-side overview of the Masterbuilt XT and Masterbuilt 1150.

by: Sasha Halabi