Shawn
Is lookin for wood to cook with.
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2011
- Location
- Brooking...
I have a Rec Tec 300. It is time for an upgrade. I need something larger, and would like something that can deliver more smoke flavor. I am expecting to spend at least $1,000, hoping to spend no more than $2,000. I will tell you what I like and don't like about my current setup, and hopefully you can use this to make some recommendations for me. To be clear, many of the things are not the RT300's fault, I knew I was purchasing a small grill, and a grill without wifi, etc, so some of that is not meant to talk the grill down, I am telling you those things to help paint a better picture of what I am looking for.
What I don't like:
Finish - The finish outside of the grill started flaking off at the 6 month mark, and that led to the metal rusting. When I purchased the grill I also purchased, and use, a factory cover.
Size - I could use a larger grill. I can't put anything within 2-3" of the edges or it gets fried. Maybe it's that way with every pellet grill??? In addition to the usual pork shoulder, brisket, steaks, vegetables, etc I like to smoke jerky, deer sticks and bologna so having racks, or room for aftermarket racks, would be a plus.
Smoke flavor - I had a UDS before this grill, the smoke flavor from the UDS was far superior to this grill. I think the biggest issue is the drip pan pushes the smoke around the meat and the large openings at the back of the grill allow the smoke to leave quickly.
Monitoring - I would like a pellet grill that offers wifi monitoring. This is not a deal breaker as I would be happy with a FireBoard 2 which would get the job done for me.
What I do like:
Warranty - I have had a couple issues with the grill, one issue was the fan went bad, and they sent the new parts quickly and without hassle.
Set it and forget it - I had to babysit my UDS to keep temps steady, not needed with the Rec Tec, it is able to hold temps extremely well.
Maintenance- Very little maintenence required with this grill. I clean the ash out after several smokes, scrape the drip pan off every once-in-a-while, and that's it.
What I don't like:
Finish - The finish outside of the grill started flaking off at the 6 month mark, and that led to the metal rusting. When I purchased the grill I also purchased, and use, a factory cover.
Size - I could use a larger grill. I can't put anything within 2-3" of the edges or it gets fried. Maybe it's that way with every pellet grill??? In addition to the usual pork shoulder, brisket, steaks, vegetables, etc I like to smoke jerky, deer sticks and bologna so having racks, or room for aftermarket racks, would be a plus.
Smoke flavor - I had a UDS before this grill, the smoke flavor from the UDS was far superior to this grill. I think the biggest issue is the drip pan pushes the smoke around the meat and the large openings at the back of the grill allow the smoke to leave quickly.
Monitoring - I would like a pellet grill that offers wifi monitoring. This is not a deal breaker as I would be happy with a FireBoard 2 which would get the job done for me.
What I do like:
Warranty - I have had a couple issues with the grill, one issue was the fan went bad, and they sent the new parts quickly and without hassle.
Set it and forget it - I had to babysit my UDS to keep temps steady, not needed with the Rec Tec, it is able to hold temps extremely well.
Maintenance- Very little maintenence required with this grill. I clean the ash out after several smokes, scrape the drip pan off every once-in-a-while, and that's it.