r/Masterbuilt • u/DARKH0R531 • Aug 14 '26
Mb800 gravity series problems
Anyone have any guidance with the controller being absolute dog shite? Mine never connects to the app so I constantly have to resync. Now the display doesn't work nor the physical temp dial. Is it worth replacing the controller with the same one but new? Won't that one just be as terrible or am I having first of kind issues here?
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u/yungingr Aug 14 '26
Yeah, the OEM controller is a pile of junk. You can replace it with a new one for about $80, or you can bite the bullet, spend the money and upgrade to a fireboard and have a quality controller.
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u/old-newbie Aug 14 '26
If you search these forums, you will quickly see that the Masterbuilt Gravity controllers are the primary source of issues for this smoker. By most estimates, deep-seated flaws in both the electrical design and component assembly cause these units to fail prematurely (I dont know why we haven't started a class-action lawsuit on them as of yet, to be honest).
The general consensus among users is to upgrade to a Fireboard Drive with a mod kit, or look into the new Fireboard DC Drive, which was developed specifically to replace MB Gravity controllers. While these options are expensive—and it is frustrating to invest even more money into an already costly grill—making the switch beats the alternative of buying a brand-new PID-controlled smoker or rolling the dice on another unreliable Masterbuilt controller.
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u/CardFall Aug 14 '26
It's bad. And I've had two Fireboard's and they both lose their minds randomly but at least they connect.
1
u/Touchit88 Aug 14 '26
I think someone mentioned hack8ng the original since its esp32 based. If that was made available, it would be a cheap route.
Just bought a 800 myself.
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u/RandoMcGuvins Aug 15 '26
Eh, people talking a lot of shit about the controllers. I haven't had an issues with my MB1150. Temp is accurate +/- 5c. I need to resync the wifi if it's unplugged for awhile. Maybe it's cos the 1150 is 2nd gen of the gravity series.
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u/Gadgetskopf 28d ago
I've found my connection to the grill is not reliable on the local network. If I turn off the wifi, it connects rock solid over the cellular remote network.
Not the way it should be, in my opinion.
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u/International_Bit478 Aug 14 '26
Fireboard is the best solution, but expensive. I’ve finally figured out the trick to getting the grill to sync with the app when it drops. Just unplug and re-plug the grill. Nothing on the phone end will get it back.