The Recteq Flagship 1100 - Bull or Bust?

[@MrFimpster]

I ended up with the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro but also looked at the Weber and Recteq. One of the reasons I ruled out the recteq was it didn't look as easy to clean. I hope you'll do a comparison of day-to-day and deep cleaning between the two. I agree that the Recteq is the best looking of the bunch!

[@TBH-Grillin]

We will definitely take account of the cleaning and compare it!

[@chiggyvon]

To me the woodwind pro is pretty low maintenance, which I love.

[@bob5817]

I’ve had a recteq from when they started. On my second 700 now. I gave my old one to my son. Wanted the stainless so paint didn’t flake with age like the old one. Customer service is and has always been amazing

[@TBH-Grillin]

Awesome! We're enjoying it so far.

[@shaneking7419]

Recteq is like an iPhone, it just works 😂. It doesn’t cook as well as my Lonestar pellet grill but Lonestar is a whole different beast, my Recteq’s are more consistent though.

[@ninetres187]

H*ll yea! Welcome to the RT fam! Surprised you didn’t get the DualFire!! Make sure you update the software via the app if you have not already. Loving my RT since August. Use it several times a week. But man I couldn’t live without the dual fire direct side for searing. It’s so clutch.

[@TBH-Grillin]

Thanks brutha! We didn’t go with the dualfire only because it wasn’t in the right price range for comparison to the searwood. I totally see why it’s necessary. It’ll be a worthy upgrade after we complete the side by side of the flagship vs the searwood. The software on the FS has been updated!

[@pmaint1]

By updating the app you're eliminating the ability to start the grill from your phone if you're away!

[@GCRCFlyer]

This is going to be great to follow for the next couple months!!!

[@TBH-Grillin]

🍻

[@FLHPI02]

What’s the depth dimension? I can’t seem to find how deep it is from the top edge of the pellet hopper to the handles. In other words, how far it stands out from my deck rail. Thanks!

[@TBH-Grillin]

I’ll measure it for you tomorrow but I can say that since the hopper is on the back it’s a bit more girthy than average.

[@FLHPI02]

@, that’s what she said! 🤣😂 Sorry, couldn’t help myself! Thank you much, just trying to map out the footprint. Very intrigued by this cooker!

[@TBH-Grillin]

@@FLHPI02​​⁠hahahaha she DID say that!

[@FLHPI02]

Sure could use that measurement if you get an opportunity. Thanks

[@DouglasRedmann]

This is the perfect series for me now I’m looking for a new grill and have it narrowed to these two. I also like the rotisserie feature on the Weber I’m curious if you can set the Weber griddle add on with the rec tec on hi setting. I’m also curious where you guys are. I live in Arkansas so outside weather temps aren’t a big issue here.

[@TBH-Grillin]

I'm not sure if the weber griddle will fit properly, and I don't think the RT will have the same lip that the griddle fits on in the SW. We are in Virginia and it's cold as *&$% right now. The "feels like" temp is around 5 degrees.

[@DouglasRedmann]

@ I’m in Arkansas and snowmagedon has begun. Can the SW griddle just set on RT grill grates kinda like a big pan. Thanks for reply I’m also trying to pass kidney stones

[@TBH-Grillin]

@@DouglasRedmann WOW good luck passing those stones! We'll tip a beer back in your honor tonight! I think technically the SW griddle could just sit on the RT grates, but I don't think that's ideal. I'm looking at the Rectec sear kit right now. We're probably going to pick it up. On one side you can sear steaks to create a diamond pattern, and on the other side you can sear on a flat surface and even do things like smash burgers. It's supposed to get up to 200 degrees hotter than your set point, so if you're rockin' 600 degrees on the Rectec, the sear grate's supposed to get up to 800.

[@DouglasRedmann]

@@TBH-Grillin thanks they got some of my stones in surgery they were ping pong ball size they’re going in to get others there tennis ball size I’m to old for this

[@TBH-Grillin]

@@DouglasRedmann 😧😧 Good thing you don't have to pass THOSE!

[@chiggyvon]

Thoughts. The split hopper would maybe let you blend two different kind of pellets? Does it have a way for you to empty the hopper quickly like the Searwood? Since you use a smoke tube in the Searwood, I think a unit that can give you the smoke you’re looking for without going offset would be ideal. Does the Recteq smoke a lot more than the Searwood? If budget permits, I think a pitts and spitts with smoke cage accessory would be interesting. I’ve not pulled the trigger on a Searwood yet, waiting to see if there’s a gen 2, I’m mainly interested in the Searwood for grilling as I have a woodwind pro for smoking.

[@TBH-Grillin]

We had that thought about the hopper split but whatever you dump first is gonna be the initial burn because the split doesn’t go all the way down. There is no pellet dump, which is a slight drawback. We’ll go over some specifics like that when we do a side by side video. There’s not more visible smoke, but the chicken and the wings were definitely smokier tasting. We too are looking forward to the searwood Gen2, but no indication of release date or anything. Plus they just merged with Blackstone so the lineup might change (I hope not).

[@chiggyvon]

Glad to hear that they are smokier. I don’t know if there’s a unit out there that is excellent at grilling and smoking. Maybe the master built, but their build quality would definitely make me pause. I think dedicated Weber griddles and Blackstone pellet smokers will go away. I think Weber had some good ideas for their line of griddles, can see those ideas show up in Blackstone.

[@chiggyvon]

@@TBH-Grillinthere’s a new Weber called the Smoque. Looks to lean more towards smoker like the Reqteq.

[@TBH-Grillin]

@@chiggyvon Yes, we are certainly going to be checking it out. No word yet on when it will be available. No direct flame, no rotisserie. Makes me wonder if it's just a Searwood Light, or if it really can provide more smoke flavor as their video claims.

[@chiggyvon]

@@TBH-Grillin yes I’m curious about that as well, my initial feeling is that it’s intended to be a competitor to Trager’s new Woodbridge series

[@stevenperry-l4j]

I've been looking and the Flagship 1100 and the Searwood for a few weeks. If I end up with the Flagship I'm pretty sure i can install a rotisserie and will make a pellet dump. The outlet on the back makes it even easier for a rotisserie.

[@TBH-Grillin]

In that case your only remaining consideration is direct flame. You probably have that covered somehow too!

[@stevenperry-l4j]

@@TBH-Grillin Grill grates would be the plan.

[@TBH-Grillin]

@ was looking into those to see how smash burgers would turn out

[@Chillomatic1]

Use some grill grates on the flat side and you will get an amazing crust. Then top with some chef shamy garlic butter with parmesan on the rest

[@TBH-Grillin]

Do you mean sear grates? We're looking to acquire the recteq seargrates that are listed as accessories.

[@Chillomatic1]

@TBH-Grillin yes some grill grates. I got them a long time ago when I had a pit boss xl.

[@jriemer817]

I was just about to pull the trigger on buying the Searwood when I came across your video. Now, I will likely base my decision solely on your review of the RT. Would you be able to do a side-by-side comparison of pork shoulder and brisket? I'm curious to see how much better the smoke flavor is with the RT, and I wonder if it would be easier to tell in a head-to-head matchup.

[@TBH-Grillin]

We’ll be doing side by side for sure. Can’t promise it’ll be pork butt or brisket. Ribs are in the running too…

[@jriemer817]

@ awesome thanks! I’ll be looking out for that.

[@Trumpetmaster77]

recteq baby! You can't go wrong with recteq! The bullseye really gets the searing action going bro! Get it!

[@TBH-Grillin]

Good stuff! We gotta put the Flagship through the paces a bit, including trying things like the searplate.

[@Chillomatic1]

Should order the Green Mountain grill pizza attachment for the recteq

[@TBH-Grillin]

Will consider it!

[@PeterH-f5h]

This is the review I have been waiting for! Does this pit have a pellet dump? Interesting how this gives off more smoke flavor compared to the Weber. Would this come close to the green egg? Do you still need a smoke tube?

[@TBH-Grillin]

Awesome! There is not a pellet dump, one drawback we’ll talk about in a future video. Based on the smoke flavor we had on those wings and steak. A smoke tube seems unnecessary.

[@PeterH-f5h]

Get some grill grates to get a better sear for the steaks. And use the flat side

[@TBH-Grillin]

@@PeterH-f5h Actual grill grates, or do you mean the sear grates that RT sells as an accessory?

[@PeterH-f5h]

The Recteq sear grates are similar to the grill grates.

[@kaivonmortazavi8656]

Once nice feature of the recteq 1100 is the oval shape of the barrel that gives you much more top side clearance/room on the top shelf for larger pieces of meat than traditional round barrels.

[@TBH-Grillin]

I did notice the big barrel. It is good.

[@poncefam6]

RecTech seems legit. Thanks for sharing. I just bought my Searwood, so I’ll stay with it for the next couple of years. Tell Bob to stay away or limit those Peach flavored White Claws. lol! He was sauced and was slurring his words. He’s funny!

[@TBH-Grillin]

Haha Bob said peach is amazing and he always slurs his words, even when not drinking.

[@Chillomatic1]

Now try the 700 method after the xtreme smoke on the recteq with a few wings. I don't get the flare up like you did on the Weber

[@TBH-Grillin]

Yeah, makes sense. The SW has that direct flame action and if any grease gets in the diffuser or if the "flavor bar" is gunked up, you get the flare up at really high temps. With the RT, there's no direct flame; a large drip pan over the smokebox cover; and of course that cast iron smokebox cover over the firebox. So yeah, no flareups gonna happen under those conditions! We're definitely gonna try 0-700 on this. Are they typically done as soon as the grill hits 700, or do you have let them cook at that temp for a while?

[@Chillomatic1]

@TBH-Grillin I do the smoke for about 1hr and then crank it on full. Don't take very long. But I move them around so they don't burn one side. But only takes a few minutes

[@gaming4platinums899]

Love my searwood need that open flame That’s why I won’t go to this or Traeger again!! Love the videos

[@TBH-Grillin]

Yeah, it's starting to come together in terms of what the trade-offs are on both sides. The open flame and rotisserie of the Searwood are hard to beat; and the smoke flavor off this RT was crazy good.

[@peterodriguez2364]

HEAD LAMP.. YAASS.. Hehe.. now th newer motion sensor headlamps are nice n bright.. with a strip of led not just one single.. I've also used some grill lamps with magnets but I keep going back to th headlamp.. anywhoo thanks guys for another GR8 vid.

[@TBH-Grillin]

I gotta find a good grill light that works on this RT. I ain't wearin' no stinkin' headlamp :) Thanks brutha!

[@fastsilverado]

For the last month Camp Chef has had their wood wind pro Guy Fiere model on sale for $1100.

[@TBH-Grillin]

That would have been in the running if it had popped up for me. Unfortunately, when we were looking, we didn't see any sale like that. It currently shows as $1600.

[@fastsilverado]

@TBH-Grillin mine got delivered yesterday. Late Christmas gift from the wife.

[@TBH-Grillin]

@@fastsilverado Awesome, let me know how you like it!

[@chiggyvon]

Looks like it’s a Dick’s sporting goods exclusive, only cosmetic differences between the normal version. I guess that explains why I see it on his family trip glamping series. Selling for $1300 currently, $1100 was a steal. Well done

[@richardg4817]

I have had my RT700 for almost six years. Much better than the RT680 I had, as after a while the 680 started having wild temperature swings, and the pit was rusting. Only issue with the 700 is that the lid is starting to rust on the front edge. Their service used to be awesome, but the last few times I called, it was harder for me to get a hold of a rep. I had the leave a message. They did not call me back until later the next day. Once they contacted me, they were very helpful. If I want to sear a steak, I use my Weber Summit Charcoal Grill Center with the GrillGrates. Does an awesome job!

[@TBH-Grillin]

I will say that customer service picked up pretty quickly when i called about the scraped up hood and it was no sweat for them to say they'll send a new one. However, I haven't received anything since then. No confirmation email or shipping notification. We'll see how it goes...

[@richardg4817]

@ It may be a while before you get a shipping notification. I ordered an accessory from them late last month, but just received the shipping notification yesterday!

[@pmaint1]

No pellet dump is my biggest issue, besides quality taking a dump and also customer service dropping the ball lately.

[@TBH-Grillin]

I’ve only had one call to customer service to replace the lid that was damaged in shipping. GIF through almost immediately and the lid arrived yesterday. Maybe just dumb luck?

[@seanmurphy2163]

I'm in the market for a new grill. Research brought me to RecTeq Flag 1100, then the Woodwind Pro 36, and finally late edition Searwood XL. Missed out on the sale price because I wasnt done researching. Searwood seems nice, but no front wheels??? Seriously?? And from your flame up incident, proper cleaning care seems paramount for any unit.

[@TBH-Grillin]

You are right… as long as you stay up with cleaning the firebox out from time to time and make sure there’s no gunk on the “flavor bar”, you should be fine against flare ups. Regarding the wheels, it’s still easy to lift up from one side and roll it where you need it. I don’t think I’d let the wheel situation be the deciding factor unless you really plan to move it around a lot. Most folks put it where they put it and it remains there pretty much always. Only had 3 cooks on the RT Flag 1100, so the jury is still out, but so far it’s been real nice. Very sturdy and it seems to “just work”. Tonight we are doing smoked pork belly for our next video, to be released later in the week, so one more data point!

[@seanmurphy2163]

@TBH-Grillin , ty. Will do. Nothing is on sale anymore, I still have research to do, so no rush right now. I thought I knew alot about the Flag being my leading choice, had no idea about the "extreme smoke" below 250. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this Beast.

[@seanmurphy2163]

Update sir: I need to slow my roll! I've been watching so many of your cooking vids with the Searwood, leaning that way now! Griddle plate, rotisserie spit and baskets too? Easy cleaning. Either way, will be educated for sure! Thank you again for your videos.

[@TylerNally]

You can still have proper steak crust on a pellet grill. Well you have to do is add a large flat cast iron griddle or carbon steel plate that you can put in the pellet grill to heat up. Once you get it over 450° or 500° then it's just a normal searing times (probably 60-90 seconds - flipping until crust is developed the way YOU like it) that you would do on the top and bottom of the steak to develop the crust from the maillard reaction reacting to the scorching hot searing surface. Also, the Temp spike Pro looked to not be near the true center& thickest part of the meat. It ultimately the thermometer shaft should be equidistant from both sides of the steak with the tip as close to center as possible. By not having it equidistant from both sides, then it'll give reading that favor one side over the other. That'll then tell you that the less depth side it's on is getting done faster than the thicker depth side where the probe is not. Possibly making it slightly underdone on one half and overdone on the other.

[@TBH-Grillin]

The recteq sear grates are on order!

[@kaivonmortazavi8656]

Ive had my Recteq 1100 for 15 months and has performed flawlessly - Zero complaints. I love the very high temp capability when needed. Customer service is top notch. I did add the front shelf and did change out two of the non-turning wheels with locking swivel casters. The thickness and quality of material is top notch.

[@TBH-Grillin]

Agreed on all counts so far!

[@pmaint1]

Zero complaints but you needed to call customer service?

[@kaivonmortazavi8656]

@@pmaint1 Yes, twice. The first was when the unit first arrived and the bottom shelf had a few paint scratches. I called customer service and they asked for a couple of pictures. They immediately sent out a replacement bottom shelf. The second time was about a year later whn one of my probes would not register with the controller. I called again and they immediately sent out a replacement probe. So my experience has been excellent. Hopefully yours will improve.

[@garylenard7105]

For God’s sake keep the Recteq. I’ve had the 1250 for a year now and it has performed flawlessly.

[@TBH-Grillin]

I hear ya. We’re gonna put it through its paces and compare all the things. Heck, maybe we end up keeping both!

[@JoeCavins]

Traeger Woodridge is 799

[@TBH-Grillin]

Yeah, that’s more of a “budget” option. We wanted something in the $1000 to $1200 range. The upcoming Weber Smoque will be a good comparison to the Woodridge.

[@JoeCavins]

@ I’m waiting on that one myself, had the SmokeFire, sent it back after two years and Weber gave me the Summit Kamado E6 in trade. Really been considering the Searwood. It’s either gonna be the Searwood or the SmoQue. All I own is Weber stuff. Their customer service is hands-down, the best in the business.

[@TBH-Grillin]

Good stuff. Can’t wait to get our hands on one too.

[@johnfreeman440]

I just have never been able to get over those corny bull horns. Besides, I don't feel it brings anything to the table that my GMG did not. Still getting it done with my Weber XL 600, though.

[@TBH-Grillin]

@@johnfreeman440 fair enough. We all have different tastes because I’m liking the horns. We’ll break down the differences between the SW and the RT in more detail after we have more experience with it.

[@johnfreeman440]

@@TBH-Grillin Looking forward to it. Without the horns, you could use your light, though. LOL Also, the dual-chamber hopper is likely so you can put a different pellet in each side and cook with a custom blend.

[@mikeking1870]

I got a smoking joes barrel smoker and will never use my rec tec again. Ive had the big one for years and just doesnt provide the smoke flavor like a charcoal and wood smoker even with a smoke tube. Flavor over convienience

[@TBH-Grillin]

I hear ya for sure. But I do love the flexibility and the set and forget of a pellet grill. In my own heaven I’d have a searwood, a recteq, a stick burner, a griddle, a barrel smoker, and a gaucho grill all lined up for whatever I feel like!

[@fredgrebner526]

I’ve got the Flagship 1100 and not really impressed. I prefer my old Camp Chef DLX.

[@TBH-Grillin]

Interesting. What are you not liking about it?

[@fredgrebner526]

Temperature adjustment knob is sluggish and won’t adjust properly. It’s easier to adjust temp with bluetooth but there’s constant WiFi connection issues. There’s times I’ll set the temp, come back and it’s at another temperature.

[@chachagooray]

If you sell the Searwood after convincing me to buy one I’m unsubscribing 😂. Just kidding. But… let’s go Searwood!!!

[@TBH-Grillin]

Haha. That SW became like an appendage to my body over the last 8 months. Imagine cutting off your own arm!?

[@cricque3091]

So you buy a 1000 dollar grill ... but you use crappy tongs ? Get some OXO bbq tong tbh

[@TBH-Grillin]

Actually, we usually use what we call the "forever tongs" but couldn't find them that day! (I've found them since). See them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXLRgGqFpt9geaMsi=vcxxK9hUb4eNdTyp&t=704

[@JohnJohnDu4]

Recteq meh

[@TBH-Grillin]

What’s your pellet smoker of choice in the $1100-1500 range?

[@Two_Bit_Smoke]

⁠@@TBH-Grillin, my choice for a pellet smoker in that price range would either be Smokin’ Brothers Premier Plus 24 or Blaz’n Grill Works Grand Slam (when they have a 15% off deal). Blaz’n also has free shipping on all their grills.

[@TBH-Grillin]

@@Two_Bit_Smoke wow never heard of those. Will check them out!