Traeger & Rec Tec side by side review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2024
- Side-by-side on a review of the Traeger and Rec Tec bull 700. Keep in mind I am aware that the new Traeger’s that have slightly better temperature controllers but this grill was purchased in 2019 and this model is readily available the century 34 that it is.
I just purchased a Rectec RT1250. I upgraded from my Pit Boss and the difference is night and day. The Reqtec customer service is next level as well!
Nice review. I love telling the Traeger guy at Costco, “No thanks, I have a Rec Tec!” and watch his face. They know; they all know..
Lol Awesome! I did the same the other day... and I don't even have a Rec-Tec...YET 😉😜
Just told the guy at Costco today the same thing. I told him after he told me " Hey we got the Traeger you always wanted". I told him "I have a Reqtec, it's so much better hands down" and walked away.
Since I live in Evans,Ga. ,where Rec Tec HQ is located, I can assure you the owners and everyone that works there are dedicated to a quality product and superb customer service.
Have had an RT-700 for several years now. Will never own another smoker. This thing is a champ.
Jello Jello, that is the most objective, articulate review I've seen. Thank you. I've been smoking, grillin' for 30 years. Used everything imaginable. I bought my Rec-Tec, with normal sciptisiam, after watching my buddy use his BFG. Best on the market. I keep it my garage/mancave and when folks come over and ask why its not on the patio under a cover I tell 'em "because my wife won't let my keep it n the bedroom"
Legendary
🤣 Ma' man!
I have RecTec now for 3 years. Absolutely happy about it.
I've got the Rec Tec mini 6 yrs, take it camping , got the RT 700 3 yrs. they are smoking beasts work like a champ !
I love my Rec Teq. I live about 3 miles from their warehouse in Evans Georgia. Not only are they great grills, they also have great customer service. They are also real involved in our community as well.
I have the Req Teq 1250 and I can say it is great. Cooked 36 chicken leg quarters in 90 minutes to perfection. From turning it on to 400 degrees in 4 minutes. Very little clean up and worry free cooking. A little higher priced but you pay for quality .
I owned two pro 575 had nothing but problems with temperature. After six months traeger ended up sending me a Ironwood 650. Had the same issue. That one wouldn’t go below 220°. Ended up getting my money back from Traeger. Bought a recteq RT 700. I have had it for a year now. Flawless. That’s all I have to say is flawless.
Great and honest review. I love my Rec Tec RT-700. Ive had it about 3 years.
The materials used on the Rec Tec are second to none...heavy duty stainless steel.
Very helpful video. I just bought the Recteq 700. I am looking forward to using it very soon.
Wow I love the honest review you gave I am a big fan of rec tec myself thank you very much
I just put my 700 together today and your 100% right the quality is no comparison. All the videos and pics I seen don't do the rec tec justice until it's there in front of you then you can fully appreciate the beauty of the rec tec and its craftsmanship. Thanks for the video I had the same century traeger and got rid of it and bought the rec tec
Rec teq is the best product out there. Not sold in stores and the same price as traeger but higher quality. Customer service is great although I haven’t needed it. Called them to ask a question about the WiFi set up and they answered immediately.
This was excellent thank you. I have been using Traeger Grills for over 10 years and have owned two of them. My next grill will be a Recteq. Both of my Traegers have fallen apart after about 5 years. Not just the mechanical components but the lids, smoke stacks, etc just start to rust and fall apart. The material differences outlined here are exactly what I expected. Thank you for the objective and thorough video.
Thanks for this review. I just ordered a RecTeq RT-700 Bull yesterday. I'd heard lots of the same complaints about the Traeger grills from others, not being able to hold temp, fluctuating a lot, etc. You can immediately feel the thin construction of the Traeger. Your review confirms my decision for the RecTeq Bull!
I have a Traeger and have had a problem with holding temp until I added firebricks to the bottom of it around the firepot. Now it works like a champ.
Thanks for the review! I convinced my fiance to let me get a smoker instead of a stupid catering outfit for our wedding!
She just expects me to make smoked brisket regularly, guess I'll take one for the team haha
Literally decided to bring my century 34 back to costco and the wife cleared me for a Rec Tec upgrade! Great review!
Glad to help out, also happy that Costco stands by its members if you're not happy with a lackluster purchase.
Rec Teq is by far the Cadillac of pellet smokers. I have had my RT-680 for 6 years and I am thoroughly impressed by everything RecTeq has to offer.
If you are in the market for a pellet grill, the only choice is the RecTeq .
I have two Rec Tec 680’s. One 5 yrs the other 3. Not just a great product but GREAT customer service. Who else does a 6 yr warranty? Anything you need they are all over it. Fortunately they need almost nothing. You will love yours! Happy grilling!
Only company I know of that gives out the personal cell phone number of the co-founders with every grill purchase. If that doesn't show you they care about customer service I don't know what would.
Bought the Bull 700 two weeks ago , love it so far!!!
I agree. I bought my Rec Teq RT700 last fall and it is great. I can’t tell you how many grills and smokers I’ve had over the years. Weber kettle grill has a great small charcoal grill. I have small stick burner offset smoker to a very large custom smoker on the trailer. This pellet grill is amazing. It produces very clean smoke from high-quality pellets. Buy the good pellets because it will make a big difference in the quality, taste and heat performance. The PID controller is amazingly accurate. My first test with the steak was a 2 inch cut porterhouse. Smoked it at 185° until internal temperature of 115°. I remove the steak and preheated REC TEQ to 500 degrees. Put the probe thermometer back in the steak and put the steak on until it reached 132°. Let it rest for 10 minutes and it was fantastic. Beautiful color on the outside smoky and delicious.
Just ordered the new Recteq 1250, cant wait to try it out
Thank you as I have been eyeing the RT700....Thanks for the honest side by side review!!! 👍🍻
I had a Rec Tec and the material covering the inside started to Pell off. Sold it. You also did not have D2 system that keeps the the heat within 5 degrees.
I have had the RT680 for about 6 years and love it. Holds temp to within 5 degrees and failed me only once. Called customer support on a weekend and even though they were closed, I got a call back within an hour and the guy had me back up and running in a few minutes. They even came out with a new wifi PID controller a few years back and offered it to all existing customers for $100. Used my dad Traeger a few weeks ago and the temp fluctuation was 25 degrees in both directions and it shutdown on us once during the cook so we had to pull it apart and clean the pellets out of the pot. We were worried about even being able to finish the expensive prime rib roast we had on, but it did finish and was good. In the end, it really drove home how lucky I was to have a RecTec.
This. Got my Rec Tec Mini back in 2016 (when they were still orange and black). I've upgraded the controller, the firepot and the igniter rod. Had an issue with the auger snapping pins and they sent me a new motor free of charge, only for me to find out that it was a cleaning issue the whole time (my fault). It hasn't failed me since I started cleaning it properly. The paint is peeling and looks like crap because I've used it so much at higher temps. Definitely got my money's worth out of it and even though I'd like a shiny new one, the one I have refuses to quit.
Sometimes I get hints of Conan as you speak. Are you still liking the Rec Tec a couple years later? I am debating between a Grilla Grill and a Rec Tec grill.
Yes, I would repurchase it two years later, for sure, it's been a good grill, not 100% perfect, but nothing in life ever is. I had a bad controller port & igniter rod 13 months in now it's been smooth sailing. Keeping in mind, I cool a lot on this unit, probably more than most, so it gets a workout. LOL On the Conan by the way.
It's not like I did much research...but over the years..I assumed Trager was the company that started the pellet grill type of BBQs. Odd their fit and finish/CS is so sub-par. Is the Rec you're only other pellet grill experience? Why did you consider a Rec Tec? Over a 3rd brand?? Still happy with it (Feb 2020)??
I have Smokin Brothers and now have a Pitts and Spitts. Both are built like tanks. The only reason I upgraded was for more room. The Pitts is huge.
@@robertmeyer6867 will like into those names. Never heard of them. Heh..
I just got the bull im so happy I didn't pick one of the other 2 grills also rec tec customer service is amazing
your back yard is awesome!
I have the 700 and the 380. been waiting for rec Tec to come out with aluminum liners but now that I know the century 34 liners fit, I'm definitely going to buy some! rec Tec baby!!
I got the bull Memorial day weekend, and did ribs on my second cook, came out great. We have made pizzas, grilled veggies, burgers, chicken, steak, all have come out great. Grill dials in on that temp setting, and stays there. I was in Sheels looking for rubs yesterday, and the customer service rep is there to sell Traeger. He hooked me up with some great rubs, and steered me away from some popular ones. I found out, he may or may not(cough) have a Bull at his place that he uses. Enough said.
I just got a traeger ironwood 885. I can’t speak to how things were then but I am very happy with my purchase. May be worth a future look for other people. Good feedback tho, thank you!
I bought a Traeger from my local ACE. From day one I had nothing but problems with it. On hold for an hour waiting for Traeger help. Ruined $90 worth of food. After multiple calls with Traeger they told me it was a dud and to return it to ACE. ACE wouldn't let me return it because I admitted that I used it. After a Civil War with words they let me return it and charged me a $50 restocking fee. Fast forward a year later I bought a RT-1250. With Rec Teq not only do I get a knowledgeable/friendly human but they answer in under a minute. I have only had it for 2 months but it has been problem free. Only gripes is it is made in China and it didn't come with written assembly instructions. Long story short, I am done with ACE and Traeger. I also recommend Rec Teq. A great dad toy. If want American made and have an extra $1,000 to blow then Yoder has a great reputation.
Great video. I wish I watched it before buying my Traeger.
Congratulations & happy grilling. Still
Love my Rec Tec.
How much was the Costco century 34? Costco is selling the the traeger Texas elite 34 for $600. The Rec Tec 700 is $1200. So the below heat stealer is gone and it is half the price
Getting my Stampede 570 tomorrow....excited!
You in for a treat, good luck with the setup.
Been rocking my bull for about a year now. LOVE IT!!!
Thanks for the honest review. I've been researching and trying to decide what pellet grill to buy and I will be going for the rec tec.
Got my Bull 3 weeks ago with the cold smoke box. Absolutely love it. I am trying new meats and cheese recipes daily.
Congratulations
Thank you for the review! Almost all the reviews I've watched have confirmed that Recteq is the way to go! 👍🏽
Great review. I just took my first pellet, Traeger 575 back due to controller failure and terrible customer service. Just ordering a Rec Tec.
I have a RT700 for just about 3yrs now and totally love it- great quality- maintains temp perfectly- worth every dollar
I did my research also and got myself the RecTeq 590. . Amazing grill.
Thanks for the review. I just purchased the Rec Tec 590 for Christmas and this love it. Looks like I made the right pick.
Just purchased the Rec Tec 590. Can’t wait for it to arrive!
I have a Traeger Pro 22 series, nothing but a great smoker/grill. Never had any issues with it, keeps the temp pretty close to the selected temp. I am a VERY happy Traeger owner.
I cannot compare it to any other brand of course, since I've not had any other brand of pellet grill/smoker.
No doubt, one can get 'nothing but trouble' units from ANY manufacturer, that's just a fact of life.
Thank You for the honest comments!
This is incorrect, After months and months of research I have yet to see a single 'nothing but trouble' complaint regarding Rec Tec Grills.
Rec Tec looks awesome possibly be my first Pellet grill.
got one earlier this year, love it
It WILL definitely be my first pellet. After a few years of research, rec tec is becoming a CLEAR choice for a mass variety of reasons. Well, all of the reasons...
Robert Linocln awesome I have it in my cart.
Had a Traeger. Actually gave it away and got a RT-700 and 380 Bullseye. Best pellet grills made. The RT 700 for long cooks and the 380 for reverse seared steaks. AMAZING!
Excellent review but did you mean to put the recteq bull horns on upside down?
Yeah I corrected it shortly after taking that video. :)
I just got Bull RT 700 yesterday putting her together today
Got an update?
I just ordered a Rec Tec RT-590 with the folding shelf and sear plates. Looking forward to breaking it in.
What's funny is do they think the smaller the grill, the smaller the griller? I was skeptical about the Rec Tec because is looks shorter in pics but clearly it is not. So I bought one last night. Thank you JJ. Like you said, thicker metal "feels" like quality but some people like "light-weight". Compromises to both.
I'm on year 4 of my RecTec RT680. So when you open the instructions and get a card with the owner's personal cell phone numbers what are you going to think. When the freight guy delivers and goes WTF is in here? you know you have a grill. I recently had to upgrade to the ceramic igniter as the old steel one was the weak point. and while I was at it I put in the new digital controller. I'm a happy boy and I still have 2 years left on my warranty!
Yes its a substantial grill & hard to explain to people until you get your hands on one.
Had a Reqteq 700 for 3 years and loved it but upgraded to a Yoder 640s and it’s in a whole different league. Absolutely incredible !
Yeah, I’ve seen the Yoder grills they do look pretty darn amazing.
Great review, just two of us, thinking about getting the Rec Tec 340 Trail blazer !!
Recteq makes fantastic grills and the company tops it off like a finishing sauce with incredible customer service.
Thanks for your honest opinion. I ordered my 340 a couple days ago and I can't wait
The RecTec700 has been awesome thus far! All of my cooks have been delicious with no complaints.
Have you cooked on the bull a lot since this video? Do you still feel the same about the quality? I definitely don’t want a traeger, I’m just curious about the construction and durability of the rec tec. I want something that will last! I was considering the smaller rt-590. Would like to hear what you think, thanks
Yes, over 30-40 cooks it's even better than expected. The nice part is you set it and forget it and it keeps the temperature as it should. I haven't used the 590 but if it's anything like the bull 700 you will love it. I will do a follow-up video soon.
Jello isn't lying. I have probably 50+ cooks on my bull now and it never ceases to amaze me how well this thing works. Pricey as hell but worth every cent.
I’ve had my RT700 for a little over a year, has 100-150 cooks on it, mostly ribs, pork butts and brisket. This grill has not had a single hiccup. Keep the inside clean, clean the fire pot out every couple of cooks, and you won’t be disappointed.
Have owned the same Rec Tec since 2011, the one and only issue i had was a fan went out, had it fixed within 2 hours and have had no other issues. Great guys over at RecTec
Just got my first pellet grill Traeger 884 used it a few times and works perfectly but I’m hopingi don’t have any issues like you have had. My next smoker will probably be the rec-tec 🤞
Taking my Traeger back to Costco this week And buying a RT-700. first Traeger, the powder coating between the lid and body had completely rubbed off in transit. I had to send the entire unit back and they sent another. Same issue, just not as severe. I bit the bullet and kept it, but it won't maintain heat. It goes 50 degrees over then takes 30-45 minutes to get to proper temp.
oh yeah, they sent me a assortment of rubs as an apology after the first return. One of the containers was broken, so i agree with the QC decoration!
Been going back and forth on whether I should get the Traeger Ironwood 885 or the Rec Tec 700. I've had a Traeger for 4 years and loved it. I had a Pro 34, I always thought the Century was cheap looking at Costco.
I think if you’re happy with the Traeger ecosystem just stay with what you know?
@@esmoglo that would be the easiest but I've been doing more research and the Rec Tec company is a great story and the product seems superior in quality even if it's behind in a few bells and whistles. I'm getting the sense I'll spend more on the Ironwood and it won't last as long at the 700.
My brand new Rec Tec RT 700 arrived dead on delivery 3 days ago. The blower fan was not working when I started it for the first time and had to be replaced.
Yea this can happen no matter the brand to be honest but once you get it up and running it should be great, post back and let me know
Recteq has been awesome so far! Haven't used customer service as of yet though.
My Rec Tec 700 is being delivered today, can't wait to put it together and start smokin!
Almost went with a pitts and spits. Beautiful beast just too pricey and went with the Rec TEC 700 and man I can’t say enough. Quality and amount of grill space, best at that price range. It’s been a year and no issues what so ever.
Joseph I purchased the Pitts & Spitts. Had it for about a year. No issues and it cooks very well. Excellent build quality. But I think the RecTec Bull is better bang for the buck.
I upgraded from a Smokin Brothers Premier 36 to the PItts and Spitts Maverick 1250. Wanted the extra space. I would equate Smokin Brothers with the Rec Tec. Excellent build quality and performance. Gotta say, Ilove , love , love the Pitts!!!
Thankyou for this honest review. Traeger is a hot potato, especially around the controller and build quality. I'm really wanting the rec tec 700 but, Weber as a new smoker coming out very soon and I'll see how that Weber goes, but that rec tec looks a beast.
Hope they do it better than they did the Weber propane bbq's lol
@@nintendude1988 Witch ones do you speak of?
The problem I have with this video (well 2 problems); The Century 34 still looks brand new? Did you use it at all? The inside looks like you didnt cook anything. Your giving a review on a grill that hasnt been used? Why didn't you open the Rec Tec?
2ndly, you bought a Costco model Traeger.
Deldrick Ellsberry The century 34 wouldn’t even reach the correct temperature to the burn off properly, replaced temperature sensor (parts provided by Traeger’s customer service) still wouldn’t ramp up temps, waited several months for a new controller finally got fed up and returned it. My decision to purchase the RECTEC Bull 700 was based on consumer reviews and very little consumer complaints, build quality, materials, weight of the unit & above all the six-year class leading warranty. Regarding opening up the grill it was just a visual comparison in terms of build quality there’s absolutely nothing in common with the grills other than the fact the way they look. The day I returned my century 34 there was another one in the Costco return area and the employees were all well aware of the issues with those grills, take a look at the subpar reviews on Costco.com regarding this Century 34. I’ll be doing a supplement video soon Bull 700 has in excess of 80 cooks now, largely positive but there are a few things I’ve noticed. Stay tuned for an updated review soon.
I couldn't agree more, I genuinely enjoy my RT 700. I'm up in Canada and I can even use mine when its minus 30 C in the dead of winter. It holds the heat so incredibly well.
How did you get it up to Canada since they don't ship to us...
@@alb6321 I'm lucky to have some really great friends down South that helped me set up the freight and find a broker to pay the customs duties to .
There is really nothing like the Rec Tec at all.
I've had my traeger for many years but no doubt when the time comes it will be a Rec Teq
Friendly FYI the Bull Horns are reversed. The "tips" need to be pointed up, not down. Great and true review!!
Great analysis.
Awesome review. Got my RT 700 today after MONTHs of research. Your horns (handles) are flip flopped by the way lol.
Cole Hanna yea I didn’t realize it have since corrected
They’re correct in the video. They’re supposed to point towards each other.
JD Darden haha no I know that. The curve faces up though instead of down.
Ha. I’d better check mine now
I have a Traeger and have used for years with only one issue somehow a pellet got jammed in the auger motor so it wouldn’t spin. Otherwise fantastic. I have a green mountain for tailgating and camping first run the board went out. They obviously replaced it but have issues with it just shutting down. I will say I’m leaning towards rec Tec 700 for a larger cooking surface. I helped my brother in law put his together and it is rock solid.
You can also get a rec tec 340 which is what I use for tailgating and camping.
The only traeger I like is the Timberline. Those are great. Thinking of getting the rec tec as a second grill. I have a Timberline 850 and love it.
Great video. Love the comment about being sponsored by the Disney Chase points. Haha. In the market for a Rec Tec potentially and between the 590 or 700 (depending upon how much cooking space I want). All I hear about is the superior quality of Rec Tec. How has it held up?
David LaForce It’s funny now that I’ve use this for over a year I feel like I should’ve bought the bigger one, they’re never big enough let me tell yea.
@@esmoglo Quick response. Has it held up well? Would you buy it again? Will you buy one for me?
David LaForce Sorry not that independently wealthy but I think I would still buy one today, knowing what I know now.
@@esmoglo man, I was really counting on you as my retirement plan since my Beanie Baby collections is gone. Oh well, thanks for the responses.
I like the honest feedback. I left traeger to go to Rec Teq due to rust and temp flux.
I had to return the century 34 back to costco. Although it cooked decent, the lid would not shut completely. Like this person stated the quality on that model of traeger is lacking. The higher traeger model being sold at Costco didn't look much better. Not sure about the Rectec, but at the traeger price range I would look at Rectec or other pellet manufacturers.
The Bull 700 is a far superior smoker well worth the investment.
@@esmoglo that Bull 700 sure looks nice!!! Thanks for the video 👍🏼
I have an older rec tec 300. It's been a great smoker/grill and rec tec has the best customer service I've experienced from just about ANY company. Perhaps the very best. I'd buy another rec tec without hesitation.
Great Review! THANKS for sharing this; it's very helpful to me.
The price difference hints at what you're getting. Of course a 1200 grill is going to be "better quality". I have traeger pro series 780 and it's been PERFECT. My brother has the RT 700. My $950 grill which I spent only 750 at my MCX and his RT 700 that cost him 1400 (coming with a cover and table) but have been identical as far as our smokes. I could've spent 1200 for the next model up and it wouldve been insulated, supersmoke mode, new tech exhaust etc. In my opinion, hard to compare something with almost a 2X price difference.
Yes correct the Century 34 was $1200 MSRP per Traeger's own website & the Bull 700 was $1200 MSRP so it was an apples to apples comparison, however, some don't see it that way, will do an update video soon.
Great comments. I've seen other reviews with similar comments. Lots of stainless steel used where it counts inside. I'm sold on the 700, just need to do it. lol Need to sell my stick burner first.
Thanks for the honest review ... Very helpful
Awesome review just got my 700 and I love it. Not trying to be rude, but your lid handles are backwards.
Yeah good I reverse them shortly after that video thank you.
I dumped my Treager as I has issues with it shutting down every half hour or so after just one season. The temperature also varied 25-50 degrees. Rec tech is dead on. Very happy I switched aweay from Treager
Thanks for the video. Had been looking at grills. Looked into the Rec Tec but still decided to go with the Traeger. Love it so far, haven’t had any temp issues. Not sure if I got lucky or they fixed it but it’s a rockstar so far.
The plus side is now that you went with Traegar, you'll know what you don't like when you inevitably go with a Rec Tec will once again make you happy.
good review, leaning more toward Recteq 700
Wish you did a side by side with the rec tec and their new D2 controlled units
The D2's are even worse.
The horns are upside-down (installed on the wrong sides) on the Bull...
Do you have to buy them online ?!
Yes online direct no middle man
I just ordered the RT-340 even though I really want the RT-590. I hope i don’t regret not spending the extra $200 for the RT-590 but I am extremely excited to get the Rec Teq
I love my rt-700. Best customer service i have seen.
For a small smoker like the bull. Get the rt-380 trailblazer
Jello, get yourself that cold smoker that bolts to the side and you’ll be set!
Wow! Sounds like Traeger has become the "iPhone" of the pellet grill world. Ok, Traeger's out -- that leaves me comparing the RecTecs to Yoders...
Hi, i was wondering if you did a test with 1 or 2 external air probes, to see if the air temp in the Rec Tec set point is actually the air temp in the smoker,I just sent back my Yoder 640 because my 2 probes that I set with in 1/4 inch of there probe, were reading 220 and 221, there temp was telling me it was 275 in the smoker,I tried this at several different temps over and over with the same result, so I was wondering if the Rec tec temp was accurate before I order one,Thanks
It is accurate, and if you do see any discrepancy, you can change the value to be dead on the probes.
In all fairness that Treager in the vid is a Costco "Exclusive", I worked as a tech for Gateway Computers back when they were a quality premier direct to consumer product. Then we got in bed with Best Buy and they demanded an exclusive. What we wound up supporting and warrantying is an "exclusive" POS as we used cheaper boards, they stripped our software out, all to meet the price demand. I've noticed this about many "Exclusive" offerings with other products. They try to offer you much more bang for the buck in appearance, but it's a shadow of what the manufacture's design and quality standards are often dropping from maybe a 1-2% product failure rate the box store exclusives will find a 10%+ product failure rate acceptible so long as they are still making money to appease investors.
Thank You Jello, I will be buying a Rec Tec.