Why I chose RecTeq - The Pros/Cons of the RT700

I bought the RecTeq RT700 about 5 months ago. Now that I have had some time with it, I thought it would be good to do an overview of the Pellet Grill, why I chose it and what I think needs improvement.

[@richardg4817]

Great video! I am glad I am not the only one who owns a RT-700 with a warped heat deflector. I had a 680 prior, and the heat deflector did not warp. Other than that the 700 is a superior grill with more stainless steel, so it won’t rust.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Yep. Pretty happy with it. I just got a tail gate grill from Green Mountain Grills that I've been playing with. It's small but works great as well. Just did some ribs on it tonight. Going to post a review of it soon.

[@rickyreynolds9056]

I have owned a receq for several years now. I have the mini and take it on every job I go to. I can’t say enough about their grills and their customer service!! 👏🏻 I am looking at the 700 now and your info helped me with my decision..thank you and enjoy brother!! 💨 🍖

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks for watching. Glad it helped. I agree, great product and great customer service. It's still working great and I use it regularly.

[@greylingmccray1136]

Thanks i appreciate your thorough and professional intake and observation.

[@RoughRidersTV]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@Neriley]

Great video! Very informative and straight to the point. I’ve made my decision to purchase this grill based on this video alone. Thanks!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks for watching. Glad it helped.

[@JuanRodriguez-qz5pf]

Great video thanks!! I'm thinking about buying one of this and you helped me make my decision.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Glad I could help!

[@donpetersen8198]

Thank you for the review. I think I'm going to get one!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Glad I could help! I've had it about 11 months now and still very pleased with it. Just made a brisket last weekend on it, came out great.

[@Feledwards]

I’m looking at the RT1250. I just like the idea of having the additional space. Great review.

[@RoughRidersTV]

1250 looks like a great grill. I've been thinking about adding a shelf to mine so I can do jerky. I haven't needed the extra space for stuff like ribs or brisket but definitely need it for jerky.

[@johnblack8187]

@@RoughRidersTVI shared a link for ya from a guy who makes some really nice rack setups for the req tecs

[@johnblack8187]

@@RoughRidersTV kzbin.info/www/bejne/imazhqdsqNWFhNk

[@refugiohuastecohotelboutiq2260]

Very good video. One thing you forgot to mention, the 700 has 6 years warranty vs the 590 has only 3 or 4.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Good point. Thanks for sharing that bit.

[@kharris904]

Fantastic video sir!!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@faroff22]

Great video just bought one on the 4th of July sale

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@soota6083]

Shoot. I missed out on the sale. How much of a discount was it? It's currrently $1,200 on the website. Thanks.

[@jeffwertz2953]

Thanks... nice review. The RT340 is the "portable" model. (Still about 80 lbs) Foldup legs makes it the perfect choice for the tailgate BBQ. 😉

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks for sharing. I would really like to see one in person. I want one for camping that is big enough to do a rack of ribs but not so big that it takes up a ton of room.

[@Stalyen45]

Great, informative video! Thanks!

[@billyjohnson9262]

Just bought the 700. Went with it over the 590, because the 700 is on sale right now, and the cost difference was very minimal

[@RoughRidersTV]

Good choice. Better to have the space and not need it than need the space and not have it.

[@michaelhotz7118]

Excellent review. Thanks

[@vulcan1623]

Nicely done!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks for watching.

[@bram2437]

They are having a sale and I see this video while researching....and its exactly a year old. The stars are aligning!

[@RoughRidersTV]

It's a great smoker. Still love mine and use it regularly.

[@mikepotapa5773]

Great video! I love my RT-700. I also have the Bullseye, have you considered getting one of those? I’m really glad I got both grills a couple years ago before they raised the prices.

[@RoughRidersTV]

They are nice. I just don't have the space for 2 grills on my back porch.

[@MrDaveo98]

What's a "bullseye"?

[@mikepotapa5773]

@@MrDaveo98 it’s a Pellet Smoker by Recteq. The RT-380 Bullseye is the complete name. It’s more of a direct flame versus indirect. It can get over 750 degrees.

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@MrDaveo98 It's a smaller grill they put out that can get really hot for searing meat. A lot of people use it as a replacement for a traditional gas grill.

[@joeyleerobbins]

Thanks for the review! I am waiting for mine to arrive and I am super excited to get it! Can you link the pizza oven that fits this smoker?

[@RoughRidersTV]

It's the Green Mountain Grills oven. For it on Amazon.

[@richm.1583]

Grill looks great. Can I ask what you use/how you clean the outside? I have one coming and see a lot of different ideas in the web. Thank You!

[@RoughRidersTV]

I put a seal on 3 sides of a lid to help keep drips down. Then for the barrel, I use Barkeeper's Friend on the stainless steel parts of the barrel. For the inside, I use a pain scrapper to keep the creosote down, tin foil on the grill grates and a vacuum for the ash.

[@richm.1583]

@@RoughRidersTV THANK YOU SIR!

[@phr34k76]

How’s the smoke flavor from it? I see some people suggest a smoke tube. How does it perform in that area, in your opinion? Trying to decide between this and the Woodwind Pro Camp Chef. Great review though !

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks for watching. It's subtle and not as strong as a stick burner. I've tried smoke tubes and they are OK. I know there are aftermarket equipment you can add that add more smoke. I've not found it necessary but get that others might prefer a more smoky flavor.

[@markdyer1257]

Thank you for the video, it was super helpful. Have you had any issues with app and doing it from the phone? The ability to smoke the meat while I am gone is why I want a new smoker.

[@RoughRidersTV]

I had some trouble initially setting it up but once that was done, it works pretty good. I do find though that sometimes the internal probe temps aren't updating so I close out the app and open it to refresh the IT probe temps on my food. Only takes a second so not a big deal but it is a minor annoyance. Overall though I love the smoker and use it frequently.

[@davidwyatt6617]

Nice review. Thanks. The specs say the lowest set temp is 200, yet I think you mentioned being able to set it lower than that...like 160?...what is the lowest temp that it holds?

[@RoughRidersTV]

The dial has a reading of 200+ that goes up by 5 degree increments. However, there is also a Lo setting, that is 180 degrees.

[@pictureBigger]

@@RoughRidersTV what's the highest temp the RT700 can get to? i know it's obviously best as a low/slow smoker more than it would ever be a hot searing grill, but i'd still like to know how hot it can get

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@pictureBigger The max temp setting based on the dial is 500 degrees. However, if you were to remove the heat diffuser and drip tray, you can get substantially hotter. For example, I bought the Green Mountain Pizza oven attachment for it which you pull the grates, drip pan and heat diffuser and put the pizza oven directly on the burn pot. The surface of the pizza stone will easily get to 700 degrees. While I haven't tried it yet, I plan on smoking some steaks then while letting them rest, pull everything but the grates and put my cast iron skillet directly on the grates and sear my steaks. I'm pretty sure I can get the skilling to well north of 500 degrees but won't know for sure until I try it. RT does sell sear grates that drop in between the grill grate bars. I've heard mixed reviews on whether they work or not. I didn't buy them because I normally sear with my cast iron on the stove.

[@GeneralRock114]

As far as cooking, is there much difference between the different pellet smokers?? Also, why is everyone copying Traeger?

[@RoughRidersTV]

I think it comes down to accuracy of the PID controller that controls the temperature. I have a small, tailgate smoker from Trek that I use when camping. It's a great little grill/smoker but it is just not as accurate as the RT700 on the temps. Cooking on these grills/smokers is all about trusting the temps the controller is reporting. So, no I don't think all these grills cook the same because if that temp is off, you food will not come out right. As for copying Traeger...it's like automobiles. Ford didn't invent the auto but did figure out how to mass produce them. Soon, every auto maker followed suit.

[@totuff78]

Well done

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks for watching

[@jrod2422ify]

I want to be able to cook two briskets at a time. Would the 590 work or should I go with the 700

[@robertjason6885]

What about ash clean up? Also does this model have a pellet dump? Ice video!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Cleanup is pretty easy with a shop vac. I clean every 3 cooks or so or after 1 really long cook like a brisket. No on the pellet dump...I personally cannot tell the difference between different wood mixes so I haven't found a need to change them out. If you wanted to, then basically the easiest way is to keep a minimal amount of pellets for the cook you are doing and then when low, use a vacuum to remove the little left in the hopper and burn off the rest in the auger during warm up on the next cook. I have heard of people modifying their hopper to add a dump but again, I've never really noticed a taste difference between different woods.

[@IMakeMyBacon]

​@RoughRidersTV that's why I use hickory on everything, I can't tell the difference in pellets either🎉

[@edadan]

I had a Traeger and I never got any smoke flavor from it. How does your Recteq compare?

[@RoughRidersTV]

I think its really subjective. If you are used to smoke of a Stick Burner, then I suspect every pellet grill will let you down. The smoke from a this or any pellet grill is much more subtle than an Off Set burner. With that said, I think it does a pretty good job for my tastes. I do on occasion add a smoke tube on longer smokes like Brisket and Pork Shoulder. I know some people add a 2nd smoke generator like a Smoke Daddy...I personally haven't found it necessary. Hope that helps.

[@papak67]

Can't find your video about the pizza accessory? Green Mountain?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Yes, sorry. Need to get that done. It's on my list, I will try to get it done shortly.

[@double-a83]

Gorilla Grills.. Recommend 👍 Double Wall. Full Stainless Steel

[@RoughRidersTV]

Those do look like nice grills as well. I am pretty happy with this RecTeq though.

[@deandennis395]

But small...they don't have anything of this size.

[@lyleswavel320]

It's a pellet grill, it constantly puts out heat like a oven, you don't need all that 1/4 inch steel like a wood log offset, these are simple in cold weather, 39° out just keep smoking, add pellets, very consistent

[@Afflictionx28]

@@deandennis395 this was my biggest turn off from gorilla grills. I needed something much bigger than what they offer

[@ronmiller9297]

Have you tried going to your network with your Samsung and connecting on the 2G side? My understanding is it will not work on the 5G side.

[@jlpowell8432]

Im debating this and the Pit Boss 1150 Pro Series which has a 5yr warranty. I see this recteq goes to 700 vs 500 in the Pit Boss. Temp control is same as both use PID. So is double the price worth it? Hmmm. Is recteq 100% American made? I buy Martinez, Diamondback, other USA made tools and like to do so.

[@RoughRidersTV]

I don't have any experience with the Pitboss so I don't know how it stacks up. When I bought mine, all the Pitboss models were regular carbon steel, not stainless which was a non starter for me. I am still quite happy with this grill a 1.5 years later and use it regularly. Just made smoked chorizo burgers on it tonight. It you want a really nice US made grill, you might consider Yoder. They are fantasitic grills and were near the top of my list but just a bit too pricey for me.

[@chrism2042]

I have owned the RT700 for over a year, very humid NC coast, my first pellet grill. No issues with it. I only gave it a try to have the option to cook more butts or ribs than my other grill. My friend purchased a Pit Boss several months ago and kicks himself for not investing in a Reqtec. I have tried several thing on the Reqtec but have pretty much left it to butts, ribs and occasional chicken. Prior to getting the RT700, I cooked 4-6 days a week year-around on Kamado Joe with lump. I still use the Kamado Joe for everything but ribs and butts. The kamado cooks ribs and butts better than the pellet grill but the pellet grill is easier on long cooks. I have cooked butts approx 6 times on the Reqtec, from 3 butts to 6 butts, 10+ hour cooks and every time has been as simple as fill the hopper and set the temp and let it ride, reading to my phone while I am working in the office. I use I-phone, connected to my phone with no issues. I would never give up my kamado grill for the pellet grill, but the pellet grill does a pretty good job. The pellet grill just don't match a stick burner with steak, burgers and seafood.

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@chrism2042 I don't have room for a lot of grills on my back patio so I just have the RT and recently added a small Blackstone. I've heard the KJ and BGE both do a great job smoking but never tried any food from one.

[@chrism2042]

@@RoughRidersTV - I use to go back and forth from a gas grill to charcoal for years. 8 years ago, I just wanted to try lump charcoal but didn't want to spend a lot and not like it, so I got a $300 charbroil acorn grill. The first time I cooked a steak on it, my wife told me I could give my stainless gas grill away, she no longer wanted anything cooked on a gas grill. It held up about 3 years but I liked it so much I purchased the kamado joe. First looked at BGE but with ridiculous prices for accessories as extras that KJ came with and KJ has the stainless steel spring hinge on the lid, I went with it. I cook on it all the time, had it 5 years and still like it was new except well seasoned. When our friends come to visit, her husband cooks on gas and a pellet grill. They don't want to go out to eat, they want me to fire up the kamado for steaks, burgers, seafood and pizza. He keeps saying he is going to get a kamado grill, but just like the good pellet grills, they are not cheap.

[@krisjordan8037]

Thank you very much for the great in depth review!!! I am curious to know how many racks of baby backs you think you can fit on that unit? I am going back and forth between the RT-700 and the RT-1250. Best I can tell, the only difference is the front shelf and the middle rack. I smoke 6 racks pretty regularly and want to make sure they will fit!! Thank you again. You got a thumbs up and subscribe from me sir!

[@RoughRidersTV]

I think 6 would fit no problem. I normally cut my ribs in 1/2 so they fit in a gallon bag easier when I freeze them. It has the added benefit of using the cook space more efficiently. I could 7 racks on their comfortably. If you added an upper shelf to the 700, you could get another 3 or 4. 1250 looks great but not sure I would spend the extra 400 for it. I can add a front shelf for $100 made out of a beautiful live edge board. The interior shelf would be easy to make for less than $100.

[@krisjordan8037]

@@RoughRidersTV Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it. I live about 2 hours from their factory….. may be a road trip in my future. Happy smoking my friend!

[@currieg1]

@@RoughRidersTV Interested in this comment "front shelf for $100 made out of a beautiful live edge board". Did you do that and is there a link for it?

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@currieg1 Hey Gary, not as of yet. Been traveling a ton for work and haven't had a chance to make the live edge shelf. I do have the brackets for it (bought on Amazon) and there is a custom wood store near me that carries live edge boards. However, also toying with the idea of a butcher block design instead using some purple heart with some ebony as well. Just not sure which way I want to go for the shelf. Both would look great.

[@mjones9088]

How does it grill in cold weather? Will it reach 400 degrees and up?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Fine. I cook at various temps all winter and not had any problems. It may go through pellets a bit faster since it works harder to get to and keep temp (I don't have a blanket on it or anything). I live in the Denver area so we get a cold winter and a fair amount of snow.

[@louisalmeida89]

How do u swap pellets? Also do u leave pellets in it for days at a time?

[@RoughRidersTV]

I've tried a lot of different brand pellets and different woods. I just can't tell any strong difference in flavor so I gave up swapping pellets. If you wanted to, it's not exactly easy. The smoker burns (on average) about 1lb/hr. So I generally load in about what I will need plus a little extra. As for leaving vs. removing...here in CO the air is very dry and we get sun 300 days a year so I generally leave any unused pellets in. I've smoked when it was raining and the pellets stayed dry so I've not found a need to empty the hopper (with the exception of occasional cleaning). However, when not in use, I do leave it covered to help protect against the elements. Hope that helps.

[@do0zer1976]

I bought a reqtec and it stopped working after 3 uses. Support was unable to find a resolution so they just left with with a non working grill. I really regret buying reqtec, if you can’t get past the common issues with support your in your own.

[@RoughRidersTV]

That has not been my experience at all. Mine is still going strong and my limited contact with support has been great. I have never had an issue with any of the electronics, auger or anything else over the past 2 years. I would suggest escalating it with the support team.

[@mattparker5587]

you mentioned the GMG pizza attachement, does that fit on the Rec Tec?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Yes, it does, nearly perfect. I plan on doing a review of it. It's a great attachment for sure but takes some learning so that the top and bottom cook evenly. I will try to get a review done soon.

[@swmiller999]

@@RoughRidersTV that really got my attention. I'm upgrading from my 2011 Daniel Boone to this model and being able to use my pizza attachment is great news.

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@swmiller999 Yep. Still haven't gotten around to mastering the temp for cooking top/bottom evenly but I'll get there. Once I do, I will do a full review but love the GMG pizza oven.

[@buckdragger9215]

Nice review. I own the Rec Tec 700 as well as the Bradley digital. Curious as to your opinion between the Rec Tec and the Bradley...Has the Rec Tec. 700 replaced your Bradley? Thanks

[@RoughRidersTV]

Since it is already set up and ready to go, it does get used more than the Bradley. The Bradley is great as a secondary smoker when I have large company coming. The bradley is also better for cold smoking (cheese, fish, etc) and doing jerky.

[@BobBobSquared]

How is she holding up in February of 2023?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Great. Just used it yesterday to smoke a whole chicken.

[@dennishartung5779]

Can you empty the bin easily when switching pellets?

[@Whitetailpursuer]

X2 Does it have a trap door or gate to easily remove the pellets?

[@mmr0221]

@@Whitetailpursuer no

[@rexluger1940]

The Samsung Note 9 cannot receive updates anymore. Could that be why?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Hard to say. My wife's phone was a regular Samsung 9 (not the note) and it worked fine to get it connected.

[@josephham7754]

Sounds like you’re in inner city Chicago… Erbody bustin caps!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Yes. There are 2 neighboring communities and I live on the dividing line between them. The days leading up to the 4th turns into a competition of sorts between each neighborhood. Neighbors in both communities spend a LOT of money on fireworks. They start setting them off early in the afternoon and go until about 2AM...it's quite crazy.

[@norskyg]

Customer service sucks. I wanted to buy replacement parts. They wanted me to try a bunch of stuff first, which I did including buying $50 in tools. When that didn’t work I said I just wanted to buy replacement parts. Now they don’t respond to e-mails anymore. It worked good but customer service is bad.

[@RoughRidersTV]

That's unfortunate. That wasn't my experience as I did have a couple of minor issues and their support team was all over it and got me sorted out quite quickly.

[@drewclanton2590]

Can someone share the hot spots in the 1200?

[@RoughRidersTV]

I don't have the 1200 so I don't know for sure. I know on my RT700 the back left and right corners are the hot spots. When I do wings, I end up rotating the wings in/out of these spots so they all get a bit of time in the hot zone.

[@cocinandoporherencia2924]

Is the WiFi on your phone fixed now?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Yes. Once I used my wife's phone to set up, then my phone could connect and works without an issue

[@markchaney6077]

I’ve had my 340 for 3 years 590 for two years and I’m burning in my 700 right now my 340 I use on oilfield locations running on an inverter

[@RoughRidersTV]

Nice. I did see the 340 and it's a bit too big for me to lug around for camping. I ended up getting a GMG Trek which is about 20% smaller than the 340. Plan on doing a review of it on my next camping trip.

[@markchaney6077]

@@RoughRidersTV that’s great I leave the 340 folded up on the tailgate it was the first rec teq I bought and loved it,, my first pellet smoker was a gmg Daniel Boone it developed a problem and a burnt up but was a good grill for years

[@kee7678]

Does Wifi work yet? I've been looking at the 590 and that would work for about 80-90% but yeah..the last 10-20% is a pain and limits my meals sometimes. Id like to go the 700 route.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Yes. Once I use my wife's phone to set up, it's worked fine.

[@DeeKnit7]

Is the name of site, Rec Tec or Rec Teg?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Rec teq. That is a Q at the end

[@menkros1]

Can't sear.

[@johncarlson8125]

Turn it up to 700 degrees and use sear grate's.