Charcoal vs. Pellet Grills: Which Smoker is Better for Flavor, Versatility, and Cost?

Are you thinking about buying a new smoker and not sure if you should choose a Pellet Smoker or a Charcoal Smoker? Both options offer great features, but when it comes to bold BBQ flavor, high-heat searing, and cost-effectiveness, charcoal holds its own against pellet grills. Learn the pros & cons of each, from flavor & cost to heat range & ease of use. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between a charcoal grill vs. pellet grill, the benefits of using charcoal, and why Masterbuilt Smokers make charcoal smoking easier than ever.

What's the Difference Between a Pellet Grill and a Charcoal Grill?

Both charcoal and pellet grills are popular for their ability to cook low and slow, but they function very differently:

While pellet grills have the reputation for convenience, charcoal grills provide superior temperature versatility, better searing capabilities, and more authentic BBQ flavor and with new digital technology, charcoal is just as easy to use.

Benefits of Charcoal Over Pellets as a Fuel Source

• More Authentic Smoke Flavor – Charcoal produces deep, rich, smoky flavor, while pellets create a more subtle, wood-fired taste.
• More Heat Control – Charcoal burns hotter than pellets, giving you better control over searing and slow-smoking.
• More Versatile – With the Masterbuilt Gravity Series, you get the high-heat power of charcoal with the ease of digital control.
• More Affordable in the Long Run – Lump charcoal can be reused, while pellets burn quickly and require constant refills.
• No Electricity Required – Unlike pellet grills that need power for their augers and fans, charcoal grills can run anywhere.

Temperature Range of Charcoal - A Technical Deep Dive

One of the biggest advantages of charcoal smokers vs. pellet smokers is heat range and control.

• Low and Slow (225-275°F): Perfect for brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder.
• Medium Heat (300-400°F): Great for chicken, burgers, and veggies.
• High Heat (500-700°F+): Ideal for steaks, pizza, and reverse-searing.

With pellet grills maxing out around 500°F, you lose the ability to truly sear. But with the Masterbuilt Gravity Series, you can crank the heat past 700°F for perfect searing and charring.

Does Charcoal Give Better Flavor than Pellets?

Charcoal delivers a bold, rich, and smoky flavor, thanks to the natural combustion of hardwoods, while pellets produce a milder, more subtle smoke flavor due to their compressed sawdust composition. If you're looking for authentic BBQ taste, Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal is your solution.

Wood Chunks vs. Wood Pellets – What's the Difference?

The type of wood you use plays a significant role in your final dish. Wood pellets are used by pellet grills and wood chunks may be added to charcoal grills during a cook to enhance various flavors.

Wood Chunks (Used in Charcoal Grills & Smokers)

• Provide stronger, longer-lasting smoke without needing frequent refills.
• Allow for better flavor control by mixing and matching wood types.

Wood Pellets (Used in Pellet Smokers)

• Burn faster and often need to be refilled more frequently.
• Produce a lighter, less intense smoke compared to chunks or logs.

Cost Savings: Charcoal vs. Pellet Smoker

Cooking with charcoal vs. pellets is not only about flavor but also cost efficiency.

• Charcoal is More Affordable – A 20 lb bag of charcoal is usually cheaper than a 20 lb bag of pellets while offering longer cook times per pound.
• Less Fuel Waste – With Masterbuilt's Gravity Series, the fuel-efficient design allows you to reuse unburned charcoal, reducing waste and saving money.
• Pellets Require More Maintenance – Pellet grills require electricity and mechanical augers to feed pellets, meaning more potential maintenance costs.

Ease of Use: Gravity Grill & Smoker vs. Pellet Smoker

A common myth is that pellet grills are easier to use than charcoal smokers. While that may have been true in the past, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series has changed the game.

• Set It & Forget It Convenience – The Gravity Series works just like a pellet grill but with charcoal, letting you adjust temps with a digital control panel or app.
• Hopper-Fed Efficiency – The Gravity Series' gravity-fed charcoal hopper continuously feeds charcoal as it burns, just like a pellet smoker's auger system.
• Quick Startup – The Gravity Series system gets your coals lit and your smoker up to temp in minutes—no more tending charcoal for it to be ready.

This grill gives me the opportunity to grill, rotisserie, smoke, and bake. It is really easy to start up and shut down. The quality of the materials are way better than anything I have owned in the past. - Product Reviewer

Cleanup: Is a Gravity Charcoal Smoker Easier to Maintain Than a Pellet Grill?

Cleaning is often overlooked when comparing charcoal vs. pellet grills, but it makes a big difference.

• Less Ash Build-Up – Gravity Series charcoal grills produce less ash compared to wood pellets, making cleanup easier.
• No Augers or Mechanical Parts – Pellet grills have moving parts that can jam or break, while charcoal smokers like the Gravity Series don't rely on augers.
• Removable Ash Bin for Easy Disposal – Simply dump the ash pan after cooking, and you're ready to go.

Pellet smokers require more frequent deep cleaning due to pellet dust buildup, which can clog the auger or create fire hazards.

If you're looking for the bold flavor of charcoal with the convenience of a pellet grill, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series is the best choice. It offers automated charcoal feeding, app-controlled temperature adjustments, and a wider temp range than most pellet grills. Plus, you get the superior smoky taste, better searing capabilities, and cost efficiency that charcoal brings.

Still thinking about a pellet grill? Don't settle. Get the bold, smoky flavor of charcoal with the same set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Upgrade to the Masterbuilt Gravity Series Charcoal Smoker Grills today.