Camp Chef Woodwind SG or Rec Tec RT700 Bull?

[flyjetz]

I can't decide. Between these two, which would you buy? Cost is not that important to me. I will mostly be cooking for the wife and I, so grill space is also not a huge factor. Would like the ability to smoke and grill. I like the Wi-Fi monitor on the RT, and I like the SearBox option on the Camp Chef. Would like something that is easy to keep clean and maintain. I'm not considering any other grill, so I'd really appreciate pros/cons/experience/customer service with just these two grills/companies. Thanks for your thoughts. P.S. This will be my first smoker, so I'd say I'm a novice, if that matters. I prefer something that will be mostly "set and forget". Thanks.

 

[kruizer]

Don't know about the Re Tec but I own a Camp Chef Woodwind and I love it. The Sear Box feature allows me to put smoke on a really nice rib eye steak and then sear it to a nice char on the outside with wall to wall med rare in the inside. Now you've done it. I'll have to do a steak tonite.

 

[txgunlover]

I can't comment on the Camp Chef, but I know I did not like their griddle compared to Blackstone from a quality perspective. The RecTec is great, and has tons of smoke and absolutely perfect temperature control.

 

[dubob]

Can't speak to the RecTec, but just bought a Woodwind SG w/Sear Box in February this year. I have had a couple of issues with it and their customer service is great. Quick and accurate trouble shooting help by phone and via emails. My cooks have been excellent and operation is very easy to set and control. I've done ribs (pork & beef), pulled pork, chicken, pastrami, brisket, pork & beef steaks, jerky, and smoked trout. Not a single failure on any of them, but did slightly overcook the first batch of smoked fish and jerky. I have them both dialed in now.

Reading on this and other forums tells me that either brand is an excellent choice. I don't need or want the wifi function. The PID control would be nice, but I've done very well without it thus far on the Woodwind. And the Sear Box gets used at least once a week to finish off some perfect medium rare sous vide beef steaks or some of the most tender sous vide pork steaks we have ever eaten. The propane Sear Box is worth ever penny for ease of use and function. I don't think the RecTec has that function as easy as the CC option.

I'm sure you will enjoy the new hobby regardless of which brand you choose.

 

[BB-que]

I can't decide. Between these two, which would you buy? Cost is not that important to me. I will mostly be cooking for the wife and I, so grill space is also not a huge factor. Would like the ability to smoke and grill. I like the Wi-Fi monitor on the RT, and I like the SearBox option on the Camp Chef. Would like something that is easy to keep clean and maintain. I'm not considering any other grill, so I'd really appreciate pros/cons/experience/customer service with just these two grills/companies. Thanks for your thoughts. P.S. This will be my first smoker, so I'd say I'm a novice, if that matters. I prefer something that will be mostly "set and forget". Thanks.

I love my Rec Tec. 40lb hopper is a big plus. If you’re looking for more of a grill that can smoke I can’t tell you that RT is the right choice, but if you want a smoker that can grill, I’d highly recommend RT. And customer service is off the charts. Good luck

 

[Carvendive]

I'm down to the same choice. Hope you don't mind me butting in.

Regarding RT & CC;
1. how do they perform in cold weather (I'm northern Wisconsin)?
2. How long to heat up at say 65° outside temp?
3. Either one a particular pellet hog?

 

[BB-que]

I'm down to the same choice. Hope you don't mind me butting in.

Regarding RT & CC;
1. how do they perform in cold weather (I'm northern Wisconsin)?
2. How long to heat up at say 65° outside temp?
3. Either one a particular pellet hog?

So I can only speak to Rec Tec, although my neighbor has a camp chef. Seems to me they are both good. I’m in Chicago and I’ve smoked in well below 0 temps. Sure it naturally isn’t as efficient, but RT had a “jacket” you can get that goes on it for the winter months, and it makes a big difference. My neighbor throws an insulated blanket over his CC when cold. This is another spot where the 40lb hopper comes into play, you’re not running out of pellets. CC seat box is a nice feature tho so depends what you’re using it for. I did the most part smoke on mine so RT imo is the better smoker, but I’m a RT for lifer so take that with a grain of salt. After an initial issue with his lighter, he likes his CC.

 

[retfr8flyr]

If grilling is important to you and you will do a lot of high temp grilling and searing then the CC with the sear station is your best bet. You are never going to get a Bull to grill and sear as well as the CC sear station. I know you said you didn't want any other recommendations but if you are looking for a grill the smokes and grills well, then there are other brands available that beat both of your choices, in that respect.

 

[sandyut]

from an RT 700 owner:
Regarding RT & CC;
1. how do they perform in cold weather (I'm northern Wisconsin)? used it all winter - bought in Nov with the cold weather cover. Live in Utah. worked great.
2. How long to heat up at say 65° outside temp? fast! 15 min maybe...
3. Either one a particular pellet hog? not for me. seems to go a long time on one bag (40LB).

I love mine - no issues no complaints.

 

[dethpuck]

I have the woodwind cc. I’m on my second one. First one caught fire. Been having fire going out 4-5 hours into cooks. Cc sent out a new thermometer didn’t fix the issue. Gonna put in another call Monday. I would recommend this model. Rectec sounds like the way to go.

 

[flyjetz]

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going with the Rec Tec Bull!

 

[Carvendive]

Second thanks from me as well. I'll be getting a new RT-590 and I'm going to give the searing plates a try. (Searing fallback will be the Webber kettle.)

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Second thanks from me as well. I'll be getting a new RT-590 and I'm going to give the searing plates a try. (Searing fallback will be the Webber kettle.)

You won't regret it. The Stampede is a very good option in a pellet grill.

 

[Carvendive]

Ordered mine today.

 

[smaloof]

Second thanks from me as well. I'll be getting a new RT-590 and I'm going to give the searing plates a try. (Searing fallback will be the Webber kettle.)

Ok. I'm trying to make same decision and was reading through these. How do you like the Rec Tec and how does the searing plates work?

 

[Carvendive]

Smaloof - I'm very impressed with the RecTec Stampede. The construction is excellent. The PID holds the temp spot on. The internal probes have insured that whatever I'm cooking, comes out at the temp I want. If I were to have to buy again, I'd get the same thing.

The GrillGrates do a very good job. Good enough that I haven't had to use the Webber thus far. If you get them, heat them up high and rub the ribs with a onion. Great non stick.

 

[sandyut]

Congrats! Enjoy the Rec Tec! post up some cooks when you get it fired!

 

[Carvendive]

Congrats! Enjoy the Rec Tec! post up some cooks when you get it fired!

I did, one on boneless Turkey theighs and one on pork loin.

 

[flyjetz]

OP checking back in. REC TEC Bull arrives on Monday! I'm pretty excited!

 

[SlowmotionQue]

Congrats. You made a great choice.