Going back and forth between Rec Tec 700 and Traeger Century 885

[Faarg]

I currently have two MES smokers, one propane and one electric. I'm looking to add a pellet smoker and was initially looking at the Traeger Century 885 from Costco. But, after looking around a bit more, I'm becoming very impressed with the Rec Tec 700. So much so that I canceled my order on the Traeger and will likely commit to the Rec Tec later today. Has anyone used both a Rec Tec and Traeger and have some thoughts? The Traeger seems to have made huge strides with the new controller, drive train, and wifi. But the Rec Tec just looks like a really solid, well-built smoker. But I haven't heard much about its ability to generate smoke and hold a consistent temperature.

I'd appreciate any input.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

If I was in the market for a pellet pooper, it would be the Rec-Tec 700.

Several members here run the the 700 or the smaller siblings and they all have nothing but all good things to say about Rec-Tec including dealing with customer service.

 

[Faarg]

If I was in the market for a pellet pooper, it would be the Rec-Tec 700.

Several members here run the the 700 or the smaller siblings and they all have nothing but all good things to say about Rec-Tec including dealing with customer service.

Thanks. I'm really having a tough time finding ANYTHING bad about Rec Tec.

 

[BB-que]

I’m so impressed with the RT as a company there’s not enough good to say. Go with RT

 

[dirtbikeriderx]

I literally hit 'purchase' on a RT 700 this morning (maybe 3 hours ago). I scoured the web for about a month and the only things I really found that were "bad" about it was a couple people not getting it hot enough. They were using just flavor wood though and from what I read you needs a blend to get the higher temps. I am sure it won't bee too big an issue. Time will tell.

As a side note I did also email them to ask some questions and they got back to me in 17 minutes. I was dumbfounded. I have waiting 17 days for a company to respond to a general inquiry.

 

[normanaj]

All I can say is just from what the Rec-Tec crowd has said of their smokers over the years I'd go with Rec-Tec!

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Thanks. I'm really having a tough time finding ANYTHING bad about Rec Tec.

You're very welcome.

As you can see, you've already got some feed back from BB-que .
Wait awhile and I am sure sandyut and others will chime in.

 

[Faarg]

I'm sold. The only question now is whether I go with the 700 or 590. I don't need the size of the 700 but it's always nice to have. And the 700 seems to be a much better smoker than the 590.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Here's the thing,
It is better to have the space and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
You just never know when you will need the extra space.

 

[dirtbikeriderx]

I'm sold. The only question now is whether I go with the 700 or 590. I don't need the size of the 700 but it's always nice to have. And the 700 seems to be a much better smoker than the 590.

I didn't really want to, but I went all in on the 700 when I was in this same questioning phase. I figured do it once and be done with it.

 

[Blues1]

Better warranty too...2 more years than the 590. Don't want to say later "I wish I'd have..."

 

[Faarg]

Better warranty too...2 more years than the 590. Don't want to say later "I wish I'd have..."

The warranty is what's having me lean that way. And the 700 just looks so much better.

And it's probably the right size where I won't need the shelf for all but very rare occasions.

 

[missiledefense]

You asked about the Rec Tec holding temps... I've had my RT700 for about 2 weeks and during the 1 hour burn in and 2 6+ hour cooks, I don't think its ever deviated more than about 2 or 3 degrees either way once it gets to temp. I don't think you will regret getting the RT700.

 

[slater]

The warranty is what's having me lean that way. And the 700 just looks so much better.

And it's probably the right size where I won't need the shelf for all but very rare occasions.

Im not a Traeger fan boy as we all know theyre overpriced compared to other options out there.
I personally think the Traeger 885 series visually is bad-@ss compared to the rec-tec....
I like the clean lines...
Visually the RT does nothing for me but I know its all about how it performs, customer service, warranty....

 

[Winterrider]

And the 700 seems to be a much better smoker than the 590.
[/QUOTE
Not so sure this would be a true statement. Most people will have one or the other so nothing to compare it too.
Either way, they would both serve you well. Good luck, keep us posted on decision.

 

[sawhorseray]

If I was in the market for a pellet pooper, it would be the Rec-Tec 700. Several members here run the the 700 or the smaller siblings and they all have nothing but all good things to say about Rec-Tec including dealing with customer service.

I agree 110%, and I don't own or want a pellet pooper. RecTec appears to be about as good as it gets. RAY

 

[Buckeye1]

Rec Tec released an update to the phone app. Today. The beta testers have been raving about it for days. I haven't had a chance to try it yet.

 

[Faarg]

Thanks everyone. I did a ton of research today. And could not find anything bad about the current version of the Rec Tec. One guy had raised complaints about peeling paint on an older version (there is no paint now from what I understand). But was surprised at how happy everyone seems to be with it. In the end, the Traeger and Rec Tec would have been a good choice. But I'm smiling ear to ear thinking about my first smoke with the Rec Tec.

 

[sandyut]

Faarg good call man! I replied on the other thread.

 

[sweetride95]

You won't regret it. In this price range there's nothing better.