Looking For A New Smoker

[titan]

Wife wanted to get me something nice for Father’s Day and she knew I have been talking about a new smoker, so she has offered to get me one of my choosing. I currently have a MES 30 and use an Amazn tube in conjunction with it. My complaints are space, slow to heat, slow to resume proper temp after opening door, and I have trouble keeping pellets lit sometime.

Several of the guys I work with run Pit Boss grills and they rave about them. My research led me to believe they are ok, but not great.

I’m leaning more towards a Rec Tec 700. I initially had my eye on the Weber Smokefire, but quickly changed my mind once it started getting into the hands of consumers.

I want it solely for smoking. I have a Weber Genesis and a Weber kettle so I don’t plan to use the Rec Tec for anything other than smoking.

Any thing I should know before making the jump to a pellet smoker? What’s the best brand of pellets to use? Any must haves other than a cover when I order?

 

[Blues1]

I own a Rec Tec and very satisfied. I'd consider the front shelf, and maybe the extra interior shelf, depending on how many you cook for. I have it and not used it yet. Cover is a must.

 

[titan]

I own a Rec Tec and very satisfied. I'd consider the front shelf, and maybe the extra interior shelf, depending on how many you cook for. I have it and not used it yet. Cover is a must.

How's the quality of the cover? Read a few people say theirs ripped pretty easy due to trying to get over chimney.

 

[missiledefense]

I own the same grills that you do. I bought a RT700 in May and I love it. I think you would be very happy with the Rec Tec.

 

[Buttah Butts]

I too have a Rec Tec 700. Leaps and bounds better than the traeger and the GMG I Had before it. I run either lumberjack pellets or BBQ delight pellets

 

[Fueling Around]

I have a Masterbuilt. Very basic model, but it works great for smoking. I don't use it for grilling (sucks) as I prefer the kettle.
Pellet poopers do not give a lot of smoke flavor. You need to use a tube or tray.

Neighbor across the street has a Cabelas (Pit Boss) and it just died for the 4th time in less than a year.

I use my kettle for direct or offset grilling.

 

[Blues1]

How's the quality of the cover? Read a few people say theirs ripped pretty easy due to trying to get over chimney.

Cover is ok. Nothing special but we have to remember that with the left shelf, the stack, and the hopper, it's made to be a custom fit. Therefore a little maneuvering is required. After a few time doing it, it's nothing at all. You can't just go out and snatch and pull, go nice and easy and it'll be fine.

 

[QueBeard]

Take this with a grain of salt as it is my first pellet smoker and I'm only 4-5 cooks deep, but I absolutely love my pit boss 1100 pro. Only thing I wish it has is a 275 setting.

 

[Winterrider]

Can't go wrong with the Rec Tec. I would shop for one with PID controller to help maintain a little tighter temps. Another very good option to look at would be the Camp Chef with PID controller.
Let us know of your decision.

 

[titan]

Thanks everyone for all the replies and feedback. I’m leaning more and more towards the Rec Tec the more I read. Waiting to see if the covers come back in stock soon. I want to hold off on ordering until it’s available. Will keep everyone posted.

 

[bigfurmn]

I have a Masterbuilt. Very basic model, but it works great for smoking. I don't use it for grilling (sucks) as I prefer the kettle.
Pellet poopers do not give a lot of smoke flavor. You need to use a tube or tray.

Neighbor across the street has a Cabelas (Pit Boss) and it just died for the 4th time in less than a year.

I use my kettle for direct or offset grilling.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I thought Camp Chief did Cabela's grills? Also if it has failed four times in a year, I would look at the operator long before the equipment.

 

[Fueling Around]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I thought Camp Chief did Cabela's grills? Also if it has failed four times in a year, I would look at the operator long before the equipment.

He bought the pooper last fall. I'm not sure if Cabelas ( Bass Pro Shop) went through a few transitions after the initial Traeger partnership.
He calls Pit Boss (Louisiana Grills) for customer support.
As far as I can figure it is not operator error.

 

[Inscrutable]

Thanks everyone for all the replies and feedback. I’m leaning more and more towards the Rec Tec the more I read. Waiting to see if the covers come back in stock soon. I want to hold off on ordering until it’s available. Will keep everyone posted.

They’ve seemed to be pretty responsive ... haven’t been able to give you an estimated date?

If you don’t consume mass quantities you’d likely be happy with a 590 also ... cooking surface about 85% of the 700 and accessories in stock and cheaper.

They've been in my shopping cart for a few weeks, but still haven’t gotten to my deck project yet.

 

[sandyut]

Get the RT-700!! you will love it! I have a genesis for grilling too.

the Bull is rock solid, 6 year warranty, easy, set and forget, get app that can be used when not home to monitor temps, customer service second to none. My smoked meats have become better and better since i got mine. I have made pizza and meats of all kinds. one hour cooks to 14 hour cooks. Solid all the way!