MasterBuilt 560/1050 Firebox Installation Upgrade

Big Thanks to Luke Simington for building such a great product that will help keep the 560/1050 alive for many more years.
#Masterbuilt1050, #FireBoxUpgrade, #Masterbuilt560
If you are interested in purchasing please check out Luke's website - lss-mods.squar...
Rotisserie Information:
If you have a bar and motor laying around.
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Rotisserie Balance - amzn.to/2yWHBQ0
Still requires Balance and you must cut the handle off
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Rib-O-Lator Barbecue Rotisserie
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[@rayflores8408]

Thanks to you and a few other channels I purchased Luke's modify kit for my new unpackaged 1050. It arrived this week and I'll be putting it together this weekend. Thanks for the tips

[@johnabbott8150]

Thanks for this informative video showing some great fixes to this grills shortcomings. Doing these mods to a newly purchased grill would be simple during initial assembly, and project your investment for a long time.

[@TXSHeat]

Totally agree!

[@tacoma_jon]

Just got the whole kit in for mine today. Haven’t even put my 560 together yet. It’s still in the box. His mods seemed well worth it though

[@TXSHeat]

Good luck with the install! Really easy for the most part.

[@brantcouch733]

@@TXSHeat how do I order one?

[@TXSHeat]

Brant - check the description link is included.

[@GaryKettwig]

Great video. Yes your video helped me with the firebox install. The 1050 just got here Monday and the 4 S/S mods got here a few days earlier which made it supper easy to put it in. No hammering or hitting. Just placed it and a little wiggle and it was done. One thing I have noticed watching all the videos of the 560 and 1050 I see little changes are being made from MasterBuilt. The firebox seems like unpainted metal and about half as thick as Lukes. Also the top lid is not painted so the blistering may not happen now. Its a slight fog spray but not enough to color the inside top lid. Also putting the handle on the bbq lid a few vids say be careful not to loose the screw inside the lid. They have a tube now so that would be almost impossible plus they now have long screws to attach the handle and on the inside they have a washer kind of thing so the longer screw works. It was fun putting it together.

[@GaryKettwig]

Wanted to add that I got 4 mods from Luke, firebox, water tray, heat manifold top cover, and the aluminum foil trick now in Stainless Steel for the top of the charcoal hopper. Now I need to start cooking. I did 4 breakin seasoning cycles then gave it all two flax seed oil wipe downs like I would have for a iron fry pan. Then today about one and a half pounds of bacon to put a nice seal to the seasonings of the bbq. Wow, smoked bacon was really awesome and if this smoker can make bacon taste more than twice as good as on the ol weber I will not be able to wait to try all the other meats i am looking forward to. Very impressed and very glad I passed on getting a pellet grill. Much better fuel choices for flavor now.

[@jasoninseattlewa79]

I have my 1050 arriving on Thursday. I plan on doing my mods during assembly. I can't wait. Thanks for the video. I subbed.

[@TXSHeat]

Thanks for the sub and comments!

[@Bigheadedwon]

Good video man, I read thru the comments and see quite a few people who are staying away from the Gravity's because of the build quality. I'll say this, before I bought mine I chatted with like 15 people who own a 560/800/1050. Every single one loves how it cooks. And while most said yeah it's build quality could be better, 6 said they would still buy another when theirs dies. Also a few of them had multiple smokers which they no longer used since getting the Gravity. Some with nice higher end Rec Teq/Traeger ones. For the negatives, the positives seem to outweigh them. As one guy told me "LOL if mine rusts out in 12 months I'll buy another. And if that 1 only lasts a year, I'll buy another" I've only done a few cooks on mine, but I already feel about the same. It was $499for my 560, if I have to buy one every 12-18 months so be it.

[@TXSHeat]

Love/Hate for sure! Would love it more even with the quality issues had the 1050 been priced right!

[@kengarza5955]

Installed modifications couple days ago grilled on it works great thanks for the link

[@TXSHeat]

Ken Garza glad I was able to help! Smoke on!

[@bradb3710]

I have owned my 560 for 2 years and yes the steel has burnt away but the fire blanket material is still there and holding up. If I notice the paint burning off the outside around the fire box then I can purchase new masterbuilt parts or the stainless upgrade kit. 90% of my cook 3 times a week are 500 or more.

[@TXSHeat]

Brad I pushed the 1050 to 300 cooks and it has pretty much fallen apart! 560 last week is in better shape but has a third of the cooks at best! night and day difference

[@prestonbuffington954]

This unit is an awesome cooker, you just shouldn't have to do so many mods after purchase. You are handy and seem to enjoy the work. Enjoy your success. Cheers.

[@TXSHeat]

Agree Preston, MB should at least build it to last.

[@powellrs1]

I love this cooker.here I am looking at repairs before I buy. I will have to wait till masterbuilt gets their act together.

[@TXSHeat]

6 month review is over due. I will post something in the next week or so.

[@bullwevularchlord2stull791]

this is a great mod I ordered the 1050 complete mod kit thanks for this video

[@TXSHeat]

Hope it helps! Mine entire kit has held up great with no issues

[@vicsstang89]

That should come from masterbuilt. I can't imagine you getting a full year on this without the box withering.

[@TXSHeat]

Agree!

[@davo912]

@@TXSHeatlol

[@gradywhite9781]

If masterbuilt did do this then you would be paying more for the grill. Plus after seeing his deterioration it seems like a good investment

[@vicsstang89]

@@gradywhite9781 do you think it's better to make a sub-par product that falls apart within a year just from heat? OK charge a little more for the grill. Just make it better. People out here spending thousands on grills. They would spend a little more for a better product.

[@gradywhite9781]

@@vicsstang89 I get it . Listen I have a LSG which is built like a tank and I also spent 3 times as much for it but for the money and to put another hundred or so to upgrade really isn't much. If I get 5 or 6yrs out of this grill maybe longer if I take care of it its worth it and I'll just buy another one. I like it for its convenience of just set it and go. Trust me I'll cook more on my stick burner but to just fire this up to cook some wings,burgers,steaks,veggies or when I go to wrap my ribs or whatever I can just fire it up . If I have an overnight cook where I don't wanna stay up all night also

[@jamesryan3048]

You seem pretty smart. I subscribed.

[@danvalentine846]

Thanks for this video. I really want one if these, and plan on getting one by fall. However, after seeing this, makes me wonder. If you have to do all of this stuff, on an 800 dollar grill, to keep it functional has me second guessing if it's worth it.

[@TXSHeat]

You don't have too do any of it for it to work out of the box. This is just gain added life from the grill.

[@JeffWhite417]

Thanks for the video! Very useful.

[@ronniesolomon5235]

so we asa the customers buy an $800 grill but still need to go and spend even more money on mods because the company isn’t making a product to withstand the abuse its supposed to handle?

[@TXSHeat]

Wait until you see my next video! Is it worth the money?

[@W00lly001]

I think master built should make the charcoal chamber a lot beefier in the first place

[@TXSHeat]

Couldn't agree more! Couple of month is crazy short period of time for this much wear.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

@@TXSHeat True its way to thin especially for Chinese steel that is up against constant flames. How much would it REALLY cost them to use heavier cheap steel? Its all about profit margin for these importers though, and 5 bucks times thousands of units is a ton of money.

[@mikeb-zk6vx]

My 1050 will be here Aug 10 and will do the firebox mod before using. After using your grill have you noticed any of the insert starting to warp. Enjoy your great cooks and plan to try some. Thanks

[@TXSHeat]

Great question! I have noticed very little however my hopper is seldom empty> i am about to do another review on it so I will make sure to include this update!

[@delaniepimentel4005]

Do you recommend Luke's entire kit, including manifold cover and water pan? The firebox mod seems to be the most important.

[@TXSHeat]

Fire Box and Manifold for sure - water pan is a personal opinion. I have one and have used it but really haven't ever personally been able to tell the difference adding water to a cook.

[@delaniepimentel4005]

@@TXSHeat Thank you for your input!

[@llemmon]

Klots mods isn't 1 piece for the firebox, it won't warp like the original.

[@TXSHeat]

In my 18+ months of ownership I can both work fine, both are going to give you a bit more life to the firebox and both will outlast the grill!

[@WethepeopleFreedom76]

I don’t know if someone in the comments mentioned this but the metal is supposed to burn away exposing the fire brick. There is a video on it . I contacted master built to confirm this they sent me those metal grates in the fire box but not the fire brick

[@TXSHeat]

Fire brick breaks and crumbles as well. The fact they "sell" or "offer" is great because they will wear out. Great design just cheap materials, I prefer a one time fix. Either way thanks for watching and great comment!

[@hbbishopjr]

Mine won't stop burning. Baffles put back in after seasoning, but it continues to burn all the charcoal. I thought it was suppose to snuff out the fire......still going after 4 hours.

[@TXSHeat]

If the coal is burning there has to be a air source. There are two bolts behind the ash bucket that are gapped for assembly purposes. I suggest washers to help close this off. Double check during your next cook for smoke leaks. If smoke can get out air can get in!

[@chip9832]

The gravity is bad azz I have one and I'm telling you all it killer Aye sir ,how is insert and paint holding up?

[@TXSHeat]

Haven't used the grill for a 1yr; I set it and left it and its turned into a rust bucket!

[@calikid529]

The link too the mod. Is no longer available can you please send me the link. Thanks for the video I had an idea of cutting stone fire bricks but this seems way more time friendly and easier.

[@TXSHeat]

www.lss-mods.com/

[@hkvanx]

Great video! I want to assemble my unit tomorrow but am awaiting shipment of LSS firebox mod. I had originally planned to install the mod during my initial assembly of the unit in anticipation that it would make things easier. I was hoping to slide the mod from the bottom up right before installing the fan base. Is this even possible? If not, then I would still have to do it from the top down like your video. If that is the case, theres really no advantage to install mod at initial assembly? Thanks!

[@TXSHeat]

Only advantages from doing it new is the easy of the install (top down) due to the cleanliness of the grill and no warping.

[@jeffbaker1]

I have heard about the insert warping over time with cooks. Can you please do a follow-up once you have a bunch of cooks run through the insert? Thanks for the info!

[@TXSHeat]

Will do!

[@jeffbaker1]

@@TXSHeat Its been about a month. How is the insert holding up?

[@sfiv1987]

​@@jeffbaker1no comment I guess you know what that means lol

[@marracohodges5802]

Just got the grill delivered today would y ou recommend waiting for the modification Before putting together

[@TXSHeat]

Put it together and use it while you wait for your order to come in! You need to install from the top half so you end up having to take apart pre-assembled parts

[@travisthompson3700]

I'm waiting to put mine together after I get the insert

[@29madmangaud29]

Hey Big Luke,,,,,,, that grill cannot be that old,,, or with all that many different cooks,,,,, can it? How many? I watched Tommy, he got this thing first off, had only like 6 cooks on it , until he came up with this exact same fix............ he's been using it ever since without problem,,,,,,, but wow,,,,,,,,seems like some cheap -assed build quality if you ask me. I really like the set up, the idea...... but the price, with that kind of quality,,,,,, and you cannot get that from the company............ shows quite a lot of /about them, huh?

[@TXSHeat]

Build quality is crap! But it smokes/gills so good. Love/Hate right now but with these upgrades we should get a lot more life out of it.

[@jamesrussell7957]

Were do I get this

[@Jaymobe07]

Whats crazy is masterbuilt says those plates would last 3-5 years.

[@Shift4g]

I guess they used customers like me for that estimation lol: The maybe every other weekend a couple times a month only during the summer griller.

[@blackstonedesign7837]

There were comments from Masterbuilt posted on the following video on KZbin showing this mod as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWS9iZSqqZqJfac Master built stated that those panels on the firebox are designed to burn thru They are only there for shipping there is ceramic plate on the back of them that is warranted.

[@TXSHeat]

There isn’t a plate behind them it is a loose fiber based produced that flakes apart as you touch it . Sorry, not something I want in my food.

[@blackstonedesign7837]

BBQ Beer Bros interesting, Masterbuilt refers to it as a foodsafe ceramic block. Not doubting you at all and agree with the mod. Just going by what masterbuilt stated.

[@TXSHeat]

Check this link out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/baGlaKZsmb6Io7s

[@blackstonedesign7837]

BBQ Beer Bros that’s no “ceramic plate”!!! Thanks for finding that. Have you fired it up since putting the insert in? Any warping of it?

[@TXSHeat]

@@blackstonedesign7837 No warping yet. The "new" model from Luke is 12g so it shouldn't warp as much if any. I only have 2 cooks on it and it looks brand new! I will update once I have a more cooks with it.

[@halspeed12]

How long have you been using this smoker and how often do you use it I've been thinking about getting one.

[@TXSHeat]

Right at 9 weeks old and I have used it a few times a week. It has been my go to since I bought it.

[@MrMeJensen]

TXS Heat -6 months and having a hard time hating it but it’s not going to last!

[@wakeboarder86]

@@MrMeJensen so are you saying it isnt worth getting? I want a smoker that will last! Looking for my first true smoker!

[@GadjetGriller]

Ok you have only had that unit what 2 months?? That thing is +700 bucks (when its in stock) it shouldn't be having those massive failures so soon? Was thinking about getting one but wow now not so sure? (Maybe I lucked out by them being out of stock??)

[@TXSHeat]

I know man! MB didn’t expect the public to love it and hate it as much as we do. Damn it cooks so good and we (me) are so dissatisfied withy the build quality. I just want it to last like a $800 grill should.

[@GadjetGriller]

@@TXSHeat As do the rest of us!! especially now that funds are tight due to the virus!

[@sstubbiewon6370]

Just got mine for $500 from Academy Sports. Will be doing this mod from the start. I have seen way more good reviews than bad. I have had to mod every single smoker I have ever had, this is no surprise.

[@kennyguillotte1881]

Thanks for the information! BUT the link that was given did not work. I really want to get this and can not find. Please help!

[@TXSHeat]

lss-mods.square.site

[@alexpancinha]

The link you added for the firebox is not working. Do you have a new link?

[@TXSHeat]

www.lss-mods.com/

[@andrewa300]

Any chance you could mod something for the charcoal shoot? Mine is getting pretty banged up from the heat.

[@TXSHeat]

Sorry you would have to reach out to Luke and see if its something he would be interested in building. I do not actually build the units.

[@GO-AVS]

Convinced me not to buy one. New and rusting out. Thx

[@TXSHeat]

Glad I could help! Great cooking devise just wish it were built with better quality material.

[@ozman1966]

@@TXSHeat Not Master Built, but Cheap ass China built???? I just got one today that they already had assembled at Home Depot, they let me have it for $440.00 since it was dusty, lol, but it was already put together, what are the 2 plates that pull in and out, some type of smoke dampers? I have not read the book yet, just got it home 30 minutes ago.

[@AdamBeggy]

How is the LSS mod holding up after 2 years?

[@TXSHeat]

I have a video coming. But the LSS has held up well.

[@sfiv1987]

​@TXSHeat where's the video?lol My buddy has Luke lss mod for the charcoal insert and his warped to the max beat to death and guess what? He reached out to Luke and he didn't even offer a free replacement. I'm going to buy one but not fron Luke. There's another guy that makes it but better design and quality

[@paulharder407]

Makes you wonder why the manufacturer doesn't do all of what you just did from the factory. Yes it will cost more but who wouldn't pay for added protection to the firebox... The part that will make or break this grill

[@TXSHeat]

Massive Love/Hate with this smoker. Really love the concept and the product it produces but the quality is so hard to deal with at times.

[@mybiznow]

Just ordered the 1050. Tried to purchase the mods the last couple of days, but the site has been down.

[@TXSHeat]

Just checked and the page is up - lss-mods.square.site

[@bkrokaine]

Has any one else has a problem with the fan just quit working? Mine just stopped. I’ve read the safety switches are faulty and wondered if there is a cheap fix?

[@TXSHeat]

Check out this video MasterBuilt 560/1050 Fan & Switch Troubleshooting

[@tuxedoautotransport]

Also, ensure that its connected to WiFi to be updated to Version 2. Mine was doing the same until it got the update. I recommend using an Apple Device to do it.

[@ja9159]

Hello, I'm interested in getting this masterbuilt and have watched lots of your videos and others. But noticed that the back panel is open for the smoke to exit. Is there a cover or anything like that? Some of my smokes go overnight and in the rain and dont want water in there.

[@TXSHeat]

you can check out LSS - lss-mods.square.site/ for a vent mod for the 560. The 1050 hasn't needed any mods for the vent.

[@ja9159]

@@TXSHeat thank you

[@khristopherbourque7345]

What would cause the fan to run continuously and not stop at desired temp.

[@TXSHeat]

I would guess melted wires.

[@khristopherbourque7345]

@@TXSHeat does the fan have a internal thermostat thats reads heat?

[@TXSHeat]

No it runs off the controller which picks up temp from the thermostat.

[@khristopherbourque7345]

@@TXSHeat sorry for being a question box, but where would the thermostat be located?

[@genisioj]

Anyone know the dimensions of the 560 firebox?

[@dwalls533]

Anyone making and selling the stainless steel firebox mod?

[@TXSHeat]

Here you go - One I used in the video lss-mods.square.site/

[@StrykerForge]

Could you add the mod before you even start using it, or do you want to burn the metal on the inside off first?

[@TXSHeat]

You can add it at anytime. Sooner the better in my book. But I wait until (to see) it needed it. it will!

[@overthehandlebars]

Was your grill stored outside without a cover?

[@TXSHeat]

Yes and a new video coming to show how bad it is months later

[@overthehandlebars]

@@TXSHeat I used mine twice and did the mod before it rusted through. I will be storing mine in the garage. Hopefully it will last longer

[@badazzyella73]

Does doing the mods affect the warranty

[@badazzyella73]

And how is the firebox holding up

[@TXSHeat]

Internal firebox is holding up well however the outside is rusting pretty bad.

[@grillnchill8887]

Does anyone have dimensions of the hopper chute upgrade so I can make myself? I can take apart my 1050 to take measurements needed but if I can save the time and get straight to work on mod that would be great🤪

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

I am just going to use the inside measurment of a new 1050 (whenever mine arrives from China).Exactly Like the way this replacement one is made. I am also doing 3D drawings with all the measurements of the internal smokebox heat baffle too. It will last for several years because the heat is much lower but I am sure it will rust thru eventually like every other BBQ bit. I am just finishing a 18 x 36"x1/8" heat baffle for my new offset smoker I just purchased so I can actually smoke some meat!

[@danvalentine846]

Thanks for this video. I really want one of these BUT an 800 dollar grill, and you have to do all this extra in order to keep it functional makes me wonder.

[@Marooka03]

Dan Valentine, I’m in the same exact boat, though my concern is more of durability and reliability as opposed to functionality, but I think we’re on the same page. I have a 24” ceramic kamado grill that I’ve been using for a few months now and love how efficient it is. I also know it’s built to last, but it seems to be too small for everything that I want to cook on it (unless I’m missing something). I have been looking for a different charcoal grill with more cooking area (preferably a square cooking area instead of circular as well) and one that’s set-it-and-forget-it. I came across the Masterbuilt 1050 and it seems to check all the boxes, except it doesn’t seem to come out of the box built to last. I’m not sure how long ago this grill was released, but has anyone had this grill for a year or longer that could offer some insight to its durability/reliability?

[@laramie_1944]

Replacing parts already? How old is that grill?

[@TXSHeat]

The grill is 3 months old this week and has proven have an area of weakness, the firebox. While some will lead you to believe the firebox has fire brick behind the then plates it is more of a fire pad that flakes and turns to ashy dust. This is not my product but one that I gladly use to provide more longevity to a grill that isn’t built to last.

[@laramie_1944]

BBQ Beer Bros I really liked the grill when I first saw it, so I started watching reviews of it. Some good, some bad, like any other product. However, this one has the potential to be the best grill! Right now, Masterbuilt needs to go back to the drawing board and make needed change, ie, the “fire starter”. Come on man, that’s so ghetto! Not even an igniter! They couldn’t come up with anything better? So hopefully, in a year or two, this grill will be resurrected and be the best! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@MrErickson316]

Am I blind, Where can I find the link to buy the upgrade?

[@tacoma_jon]

Chad Erickson it’s the first link in the description box

[@TXSHeat]

lss-mods.square.site/

[@Val-pf6ns]

Where do I get mine?

[@TXSHeat]

Check the description for the link

[@XaviarJS]

are you using the manifold cover too?

[@TXSHeat]

I have one on order! I wanted the upgrade model and will do a test as soon as it comes in!

[@XaviarJS]

@@TXSHeat I didn't know there was a upgrade model, is it different then the shown on there website?

[@TXSHeat]

@@XaviarJS - He just released it this week and may be the only option going forward. The edges are rolled to help prevent grease from collecting in the manifold

[@michaelpalermo9278]

It’s a great mod, but it’s really sad that Masterbuilt had this ingenious idea and then chose to build it in an incredibly low quality fashion. I’ll wait till another company jumps on this concept and builds it with high quality materials such as 304 stainless. I’m willing to pay $1000 to $1200 for a well built one.

[@TXSHeat]

Couldn't agree more and have a real itch to build one (entire grill) of higher grade material!

[@michaelpalermo9278]

BBQ Beer Bros do that and I may have you build one for me. 🍻

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

The Old Country Gravity is the next step up and MUCH heavier made. It weighs 100lbs more However its Not Stainless! That would be at least $2500.00 for a all stainless one, maybe more. The Old Country is $1299.00 its made on the USA/Mexico border and very nice quality . You can buy the PID/Fan controller kit to add on to it if you want that super fast warm up and fan auto temp control. Its at BBQmods.com. Its like 149.99 for any smoker. I have a 1050 on order and I just plan on replacing the firebox and already bought my 1/8" stainless steel to do the same thing. Chinese steel is far inferior to ours in most of these consumer products. Then you add a ton of fire/heat to it and I would predict failure of these fireboxes. In all its still an incredible value to me for less than 1000.00 I will be into mine with the heavier firebox and real fiberglass USA rope type seals on the doors and a real USA made Tel-tru, re calibrate -able gauge. Plus You can actually roll the Masterbuilt over a crack in the concrete. I hate the tiny casters on the 100lbs heavier Old Country, But its a great gravity smoker. In the end I just didn't think Old Country was worth 1500.00 or more with mods over the MB1050 with mods for under a grand.

[@xxBLKSNXxx]

True but who knew if it would really sell that well...

[@LegendaryOldwarrior]

And that is what has me waiting, is the quality of the product. I can't imagine why they went cheap. Anyone with a pellet grill and use to smoke or tasted charcoal cooking knows how great this product is. You are the first on the market with this and you go soooo cheap in areas that everyone is modding it. I'm pretty much waiting till fall because they said something special is happening then. I hope a better version of this grill with better firebox, temp reader, etc.

[@davo912]

unnecessary mod...this is from masterbuilt Metal Plates The metal plates in the lower portion of the hopper hold the firebrick in place and protect it during shipping. These burn out and drop into the ash pan. They are not necessary for the grill to function and we’re not offering a replacement part, since they are meant to be temporary.

[@TXSHeat]

This fire brick is more like fire padding and flakes and turns to ash after use. To function correctly we agree but to provide longevity in the life of the grill the upgrade is well worth the cost and time to install.

[@davo912]

@@TXSHeat the guy who makes the mod tells you that? it's the metal they shipped it with that is flaking..lol

[@Wesscott96]

This mod is a must. I've had my 1050 since Father's Day. I have only smoked with this Grill around 7 times. The interior of my Firebox is disintegrated and flaking into the ash pan. You could feel the firebrick / fiberglass insulation padding that you would put in the wall of your home. This is totally unacceptable from Masterbuilt for the money we paid. Masterbuilt needs to make this right and help out people who already purchased this Grill. I will be ordering the insert kit ASAP. Thanks for all the great videos to keep up the good work.

[@keereh1]

I wished Masterbuilt built better quality products. You shouldn’t have to spend hundreds after buying expensive grill

[@TXSHeat]

I couldn’t agree with you more. What a great concept but overall quality makes it worth 1/3 of the price point.

[@skyterrapin]

Such a bad design as standard

[@TXSHeat]

Design is great! Material Quality of the build is CRAP!

[@flearider6964]

anyone know the dimensions of the fire bricks ?

[@TXSHeat]

Dimensions are on the description of the product - amzn.to/3Kxbisu

[@flearider6964]

@@TXSHeat fire bricks inside m8 not the starters .. lol :)