REC TEQ Pellet Grills/Smokers

Hi, I’m Chris. About Me

REC TEQ (previously REC TEC) has been in the pellet grill game for over a decade now, as it was founded in 2008. Based in Georgia, USA, just outside of the city of Augusta, REC TEQ focus on making Practical/Premium Class pellet grills with notable features such as extensive use of 304-grade stainless steel and PID controllers. You will quickly know if you’re looking at a REC TEQ pellet grill with its unique bull horn lid handles, encouraging you to ‘take the bull by the horns’ and get cooking. REC TEC has quite an extensive range of pellet grills/smokers, which I want to discuss in this article. So let’s get started!

REC TEQ Pellet Grills/Smokers
The RT-700 is REC TEQs middle-range pellet grill/smoker and one of their most popular models. However, REC TEQ has an extensive range of models

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Introduction To REC TEQ Pellet Grills/Smokers

Whenever I write these analysis/review articles on different pellet grill/smoker brands, I like to provide some context on how the companies started.

I think it helps you to appreciate what a particular brand is focused on. Are they trying to offer the most affordable products they can, or are they trying to produce something of a higher quality that’s more expensive? I feel REC TEQ is trying to hit quite a broad range of potential customers.

After all, within their range, they have pellet grills under $500, under $1,000, and under $2,000. With the REC TEC Beast and Chuckwagon (a trailer-mounted Beast), those pellet grills are $8-10K, respectively to meet the needs of the commercial sector/catering industries.

Alternatively, below is a video from the founders of REC TEQ, Ron and Ray, on how they started the brand formally known as REC TEC.

The story of how REC TEQ (formally REC TEC) Grills got started with the founders Ron and Ray

Below I’ll briefly go through each of the REC TEQ pellet grills, and I’ll highlight the features which stand out to me. However, if you want to check out all the specs, its best to visit the RECTEQ Amazon Store.

Before we go into the specifics of each REC TEQ grill, I wanted to include a video I found of Ron and Ray discussing what they feel sets REC TEQ pellet grills apart from the competition.

A few of the reasons why REC TEQ (formally REC TEC) feels they produce the best pellet grills on the market

In the video above, its stated that the REC TEQ Bullseye doesn’t feature a PID controller (I’ll discuss what that actually means later). However, since the above video was made, REC TEQ has redesigned the Bullseye, which we’ll look at below.

While the Bullseye does now feature a PID control panel just like all the other REC TEQ grills, it does not currently feature WiFi like all the other REC TEQ pellet grills.

REC TEQ RT-B380 Bullseye Pellet Grill/Smoker

The Bullseye (also known as RT-B380) is REC TEQs smallest pellet grill. In fact, this is one of the smallest/most lightweight pellet grills on the market today.

Its actually smaller than most portable pellet grills. Though the Bullseye is not really designed as a portable/tailgating grill, the slightly larger RT-340 discussed below is more suited for that use.

The Bullseye is more intended to be a small grill/smoker that sits on your porch/patio and can be used to cook up a small BBQ for a couple of people at a time.

A look at the features of the upgraded REC TEQ Bullseye by the YouTube channel StokedonSmoke

When I first started doing my research before writing this post on REC TEQ pellet grills, the Bullseye was very different to the version you can see in the video above.

For instance, it didn’t feature a stainless steel body/lid, which the current version does and is a welcome improvement. Furthermore, the control panel on the first version of the Bullseye wasn’t really a control panel in the traditional sense at all.

It was simply a variable speed dial for the pellet feed auger motor. However, this latest version of the REC TEQ Bullseye features a PID control panel. Further down in this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of PID control panels.

The REC TEQ Bullseye provides 380 square inches of cooking space, sufficient for around 25 burgers (at a push). The REC TEQ PID ‘Smart Grill Technology™’ offers a temperature range between 225-749 degrees.

REC TEQ RT-B380 Bullseye Pellet Grill/Smoker
  • Total Cooking Area = 380 sq.in
  • Weight = 70 lbs
  • Pellet Hopper Capacity = 15 lbs
  • Temperature Range = 225 to 749 degrees
  • Typical Price = $399

REC TEQ RT-B380X Bullseye Pellet Grill/Smoker

There is now a new version of the Bullseye, a premium version denoted by the X at the end of the product number. So what are the improvements over the standard Bullseye?

Well, the first upgrade is the RT-B380X now has WiFi and can use the REC TEQ app just like all the other REC TEQ models below. However, there are other improvements.

The new RT-B380X does appear to be a very special pellet grill/smoker for its high temperatures

The 749 degrees the original Bullseye could achieve, but this Bullseye X takes it to another level. REC TEQ claim due to the improved burn pot design, 1000 degrees is possible.

The cooking chamber is the same size, but the hopper size has been increased from 15 lbs up to 18 lbs. There is also now a front self and a more robust chassis.

  • Total Cooking Area = 380 sq.in
  • Weight = 90 lbs
  • Pellet Hopper Capacity = 18 lbs
  • Temperature Range = 225 to 1,000 degrees
  • Typical Price = $799

REC TEQ Road Warrior 340P Pellet Grill/Smoker

I’ll describe the 340P as REC TEQs smallest ‘conventional’ pellet grill, as opposed to the round kettle design of the Bullseye above. This model is also sometimes referred to as the Trailblazer.

The Road Warrior 340P has replaced the RT-340. The RT-340 was better in some respect with WiFi/App control which is missing from the 340P and a larger hopper.

However, the Road Warrior 340P is now a hundred dollars cheaper than the previous RT-340 and it also features a better ‘Collapse & Go’ folding leg design, making it a better portable pellet grill.

The main cooking chamber on the REC TEQ Road Warrior 340P is also stainless steel which is a real standout feature at this price point.

Quick promotional video on the features of the REC TEQ Road Warrior 340P wood pellet grill

The hopper capacity on the Road Warrior 340P is 14 lbs. Therefore, that will provide for around 14 hours of continuous cooking with a temperature of around 225 degrees, hence going ‘low and slow’.

The Road Warrior 340P has a PID temperature controller. However, unlike the previous generation RT-340, this version does not come with WiFi.

However, on top of the cheaper price point of the new Road Warrior 340P, its also around 10 lbs lighter in weight than the RT-340. Hence, more practical as a portable pellet grill.

REC TEQ Road Warrior 340P Pellet Grill/Smoker

Total Cooking Area = 340 sq.in
Weight = 87 lbs
Pellet Hopper Capacity = 14 lbs
Temperature Range = 180 to 700 degrees
Typical Price = $599


REC TEQ Patio Legend 410 Pellet Grill/Smoker

One of the latest models in the REC TEQ range is the Patio Legend 410 which is now the smallest/cheapest traditional barrel-design pellet grill/smoker from the brand.

The Patio Legend 410 features the same 14 lb hopper as the Road Warrior 340P above. However, the Patio Legend 410 features the WiFi controller found on more premium REC TEQ models.

The Patio Legend is now the smallest backyard pellet grill from REC TEQ

Total Cooking Area = 410 sq.in
Weight = 93 lbs
Pellet Hopper Capacity = 14 lbs
Temperature Range = 180 to 700 degrees
Typical Price = $699


REC TEQ RT-590 Pellet Grill/Smoker

The RT-590 in size sits between the RT-340 above, and the RT-700 discussed below. It offers 592 square inches of cooking area on the main grate, which rises to 787 square inches if you factor in the optional second upper shelf.

The RT-590 doesn’t look like any other REC TEQ pellet grill in that its not based on a round barrel design.

Whether there is some advantage in terms of reduced manufacturing costs, I’m not sure. However, in terms of internal cooking space, it can provide benefits for certain large cuts of meat.

The REC TEQ RT-590 ‘Stampede’ features a more angular design compared to the round barrel appearance of other REC TEQ pellet grills

As with the RT-340, the RT-590 features full stainless steel internals. The pellet firepot and grease tray are stated to be 304-grade stainless steel.

However, its not clear what grade of stainless steel the cooking chamber is made from. It could be 304 or maybe the cheaper 430 grade of stainless.

Ray and Ron discussing the benefits of the RT-590 pellet grill

Cookshack uses quite a bit of 201 stainless steel on the outside of their pellet grills. Whereas Memphis use both 304 and 430, and the most expensive built-in pellet grills you can currently buy from Twin Eagles use only 304. In those posts linked above, I discuss the pros and cons of different grades of stainless steel.

In terms of temperature control, the RT-590 uses the same PID/WiFi controller as all the other REC TEQ pellet grills (except the Bullseye), so I’ll discuss that at the end of this article.

RECTEQ RT-590 Pellet Grill/Smoker

Total Cooking Area = 590 sq.in
Weight = 150 lbs
Pellet Hopper Capacity = 30 lbs
Temperature Range = 180 to 700 degrees
Typical Price = $899


REC TEQ RT-700 Pellet Grill/Smoker

So now we get to the RT-700, which would appear to be REC TEQs most popular pellet grill watching YouTube/reading various forum posts etc.

Its not the largest REC TEQ pellet grill. However, its large enough to meet the requirements of most people when cooking for friends and family.

What you should quickly notice about the RT-700 from the video/image below is this pellet grill doesn’t look like the smaller RT-340 or RT-590. Sure, its got the bull horns and the black lid and stainless steel cooking body, but look, no pellet hopper?!

The RT-700 would appear to be REC TEQs most popular wood pellet grill/smoker

Of course, there is a pellet hopper, in fact, on the RT-700, its a massive 40lb pellet hopper. However, instead of being positioned on the side of the pellet grill, its placed at the back.

The advantage of this rear-mounted hopper design is the RT-700 can have a centrally positioned pellet burn pot with a short auger length. To reduce the chances of auger blockages, you generally want to keep an auger as short as possible.

Now, there are some other pellet grill manufacturers (Weber cough, cough) who have had problems with a rear-mounted pellet hopper design.

If the angles in the hopper are too shallow the pellets will ‘bridge’ and not continue to fall into the auger. However, it appears users are not experiencing this issue with the rear-mounted pellet hopper on the RT-700.

RECTEQ RT-700 Pellet Grill/Smoker

Total Cooking Area = 700 sq.in
Weight = 190 lbs
Pellet Hopper Capacity = 40 lbs
Temperature Range = 180 to 700 degrees
Typical Price = $1,199


REC TEQ RT-1070 Pellet Grill/Smoker

The newest model as part of the REC TEQ line-up is the RT-1070 which has a similar angular body style to the smaller RT-590 above.

However, the RT-1070 is not only larger, this is a full-stainless steel unit available as a built-in unit or it can be placed on an optional cabinet.

As I’ve previously written about, there is a growing demand for built-in outdoor kitchen pellet grills, and the RT-1070 has been developed to meet that growing demand.

The price point of the RT-1070 is significantly below the cost of other most other full-stainless steel built in pellet grills.

However, while its stated the burn pot and some internals are 304-grade stainless steel, its not clear what grade has been used for the body/cooking chamber.

The RT-1070 also features a front-mounted pellet hopper under a sliding shelf, as first for REC TEQ. Due to the built-in design, it makes the most sense, really as it keeps the unit compact.

RECTEQ RT-1070 Pellet Grill/Smoker

Total Cooking Area = 1,070 sq.in
Weight = 155 lbs
Pellet Hopper Capacity = 30 lbs
Temperature Range = 180 to 700 degrees
Typical Price = $1,199


REC TEQ RT-1250 Pellet Grill/Smoker

The RT-1250 looks very similar to the most popular model from REC TEQ above the RT-700. The reason they look very similar is that they are similar in design, the RT-1250 is essentially a larger version.

Where the RT-700 features a single cooking grate the RT-1250 features a second upper cooking rack. The upper rack is not quite as large hence the cooking area is not quite double that of the RT-700.

The RT-1250 also features a few other design tweaks over the RT-700 and the front folding shelf is included on the RT-1250, its not an optional etc.

REC TEQ RT-1250 Pellet Grill/Smoker

Total Cooking Area = 1,250 sq.in
Weight = 215 lbs
Pellet Hopper Capacity = 40 lbs
Temperature Range = 180 to 700 degrees
Typical Price = $1,449


REC TEQ RT-2500 BFG Pellet Grill/Smoker

Now, the RT-2500 is definitely a Big *beep* Grill, its huge in every sense of the word. It features 2,535 square inches of cooking area over the main grill racks and two upper racks.

It features an equally massive 53 lb pellet hopper for around 53 hours of continuous cooking at around 225 degrees. On first impressions, it generally has a similar appearance to the RT-700/RT-1250.

However, you’ll notice the BFG comes as standard on its own competition cart with large (lockable) caster wheels. You should also notice this pellet grill has two chimney stacks on either side.

With pellet grills this large, you want two chimneys to help draw the heat/smoke equally over the cooking surface to reduce issues of hot/cold spots.

Something else which should give you a clue that this is indeed a big grill is the hydraulic lid assisters.

RECTEQ RT-2500 BFG Pellet Grill/Smoker

Total Cooking Area = 2,535 sq.in
Weight = 560 lbs
Pellet Hopper Capacity = 53 lbs
Temperature Range = 180 to 650 degrees
Typical Price = $2,699


REC TEQ Beast/Chuckwagon Pellet Grills/Smokers

The reason I’ve put the Beast/Chuckwagon under the same heading is they are essentially the same pellet grill. The Chuckwagon is just the trailer-mounted version of The Beast.

These two pellet grills are made in the USA and are made to order. They are primarily designed for the commercial catering industry.

Though if you take your BBQ competitions very seriously and you’re a genuine Pit Master, sure, the Beast/Chuckwagon may be right up your alley.

The Beast is not intended to be used as a residential pellet grill, its more suited to commercial requirements.

In terms of the cooking area, the Beast/Chuckwagon doesn’t appear to offer much more cooking space over the BFG. However, it features a dual pellet firepot design.

Hence, for grilling/searing lots of meat at the same time, that’s where the Beast/Chuckwagon will outperform the BFG.

RECTEQ RT-CMG Beast & RT-TMG Chuckwagon


REC TEQ PID/WiFi Smart Grill Technology™ Controllers

The entire REC TEQ pellet grill range now features PID temperature controllers. PID stands for Proportional, Integral, Derivative.

What this means is a PID control panel is constantly reading the thermometer within the grill and comparing that temperature to your set temperature.

The PID controller is then constantly making adjustments to the fan/pellet feed auger to maintain the temperature of the pellet grill to within 5 degrees.

REC TEC PID/WiFi Control Panel
The same PID/WiFi control panel is fitted to all REC TEQ pellet grills (except the Bullseye): Image – RECTEQ.com

Now, there are some that claim to prefer older time-based controllers, such as the first-generation Traeger Pro Controllers.

There is an argument to that as those time-based controllers cannot hold temperature as precisely (within 25 degrees). Hence, they cannot control the combustion process as efficiently, and you get more smoke with inefficient combustion.

Grilla Grills, with their Alpha Control panel, has chosen to integrate both time-based and PID modes into their controllers to offer both options.

I’ve not seen complaints about the REC TEQ controllers regarding insufficient smoke production. Therefore, its likely in the lower smoking temperature settings REC TEQ has designed in a bit more float to create additional smoke, as Camp Chef has done with their PID controllers.

Quick overview of the REC TEQ PID/WiFi control panel.

All of the REC TEQ pellet grills (except the Bullseye) also come with WiFi integration. As Ray/Ron stated in their video above, WiFi is superior to Bluetooth, which is found on some pellet grills (Cuisinart/Pit Boss).

With a WiFi control panel properly hooked up to your home’s WiFi router and a 4G/5G signal on your phone, you can control the grill from pretty much anywhere.

With Bluetooth, you’re limited to controlling the grill within your yard and maybe from inside your house (if you’re lucky).

I’ve not done a proper analysis of the REC TEQ app features as yet as I did for the Traeger WiFire vs Camp Chef Connect, but I might get around to that at some point.

REC TEQ Pellet Grill Owner Reviews

When I write these analysis articles on the features of various makes and models of pellet grills, I like to search for a couple of owner reviews to add in as well.

With this article on REC TEQ grills, I’ve found two pretty good owner-review videos on the RT-700 and the BFG. First up its a review of the RT-700 by Kegan of the YouTube channel Seared and Smoked.

A detailed owner review on the REC TEQ RT-700 pellet grill.

Kegan appears generally very happy with his RT-700 and is a fan of the external appearance/design along with its stainless steel internals.

He did have quite a bit of ‘fun’ getting the WiFi/App setup with his router. However, this is not uncommon with pretty much all of the WiFi-enabled pellet grills on the market today.

Therefore, be prepared to have to take some time to play around with various settings before you’re up and running on the WiFi/app front. Next up is a review of the BFG by the YouTube channel Kutz Q BBQ.

A detailed owner review on the REC TEQ RT-2500 BFG pellet grill.

In reality, the BFG is far larger than most people are going to need. I think the RT-700 is really all the grill your average backyard cook could want.

However, each to their own, and if you have the space and the coin, sure consider upgrading to the BFG. Just note, as shown in the video above, it is also a heavy grill, we’re talking 500 plus pounds!

My Final Thoughts On REC TEQ Pellet Grills/Smokers

REC TEQ really is playing a strong game to compete against the mass market ‘big boys’ of Pit Boss and Traeger. Neither of those brands is offering pellet grills with stainless steel cooking chambers and PID/WiFi controllers at this price point.

Personally, the functionality and features of their smaller/compact/portable grills, such as the Bullseye and RT-340 really appeal to me. As a pellet grill of sufficient size to cook for all your friends and family though, the RT-700 is where its at when it comes to price/value.

For its size and full stainless steel cooking chamber with PID/WiFi controller for under $1,200, that’s a highly competitive package. I discuss this more in my Traeger vs REC TEQ post.

That’s it! Thanks for reading, I hope you found my analysis of the REC TEQ pellet grill range interesting, you may also be interested in my REC TEQ error codes article.

If you want to do a deep dive into all your pellet grill options, please check out my other articles as part of my Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker Guide. 🙂

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