Recteq Deck Boss 590 vs Pit Boss Navigator 1300
Quick take: The Recteq Deck Boss 590 costs $1 less; the Pit Boss Navigator 1300 offers more cooking space (1,329 vs 590 sq in); the Recteq Deck Boss 590 reaches a higher max temp (700 vs 500°F).
| Spec | Recteq Deck Boss 590 | Pit Boss Navigator 1300 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$999 | ~$1,000 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Pellet Grill | Pellet Grill |
| Cooking Area | 590 sq in | 1,329 sq in |
| Max Temp | 700°F | 500°F |
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets | Wood Pellets |
| Build Material | Stainless Steel | Powder-Coated Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 30 lb | 30 lb |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Meat probe | Yes | Yes |
| PID controller | Yes | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 48 x 41 x 30 in | — |
| Weight | 155 lbs | — |
| Warranty | 6 years | 5 years |
Pros & cons
Recteq Deck Boss 590
- ✓Same 180-700°F range as Recteq's flagship models, so it sears far hotter than a Traeger Pro or Pit Boss in the same price bracket
- ✓The PID controller holds setpoint with virtually zero temperature spikes for the entire cook - owners report unwavering temps even overnight
- ✓The oversized 30 lb hopper is unusual at this size and gives roughly 30 hours of low-and-slow cooking without a refill
- ✓Stainless steel firepot, drip pan, and grates shrug off rust that eats budget pellet grills within a couple of seasons
- ✓6-year warranty and Recteq's well-regarded US phone support beat nearly everyone in the sub-$1,000 pellet class
- ✓590 sq in is a sweet spot for families - six racks of ribs or four pork butts without heating a cavern of empty space
- ✓Dual-band WiFi and the Recteq app work reliably for remote temp changes and dual meat-probe monitoring
- ✓Adjustable-height legs and a compact footprint make it easier to fit on apartment decks and small patios than full-size competitors
- ✗No second-tier rack included at the base price, so the advertised capacity is a single grate unless you buy the add-on shelf
- ✗Direct-to-consumer only - no showroom, and freight shipping means a big heavy box and a two-hour assembly job
- ✗The powder-coated barrel areas around the lid can discolor or blister if you run frequent 700°F sear sessions
- ✗Smoke flavor at 250°F+ is mild, as with most efficient PID pellet grills - bark chasers often add a smoke tube
- ✗No pellet-level sensor, so you can still run the hopper dry on long cooks if you forget to check
- ✗The small controller screen is dim in sunlight and the knob interface feels dated next to touchscreen rivals
- ✗At roughly $900 it costs more than similarly-sized Pit Boss and Z Grills units, so the value shows up in longevity not sticker price
- ✗Side shelf, front shelf, and cover are all extra-cost accessories that quickly add $200+ to the real price
Pit Boss Navigator 1300
- ✓1,329 sq in for $1,000 undercuts every comparably-sized Traeger by several hundred dollars
- ✓30 lb hopper is enough for an unattended overnight cook, matching Recteq's Backyard Beast
- ✓Gravity hopper cleanout means you can swap pellet species without emptying by hand
- ✓Removable undermount burn pot makes ash removal a lift-and-dump rather than a vacuum job
- ✓Two meat probes included, where Traeger includes one below the Ironwood
- ✓Flame Broiler lever provides direct-flame searing no Traeger offers at any price
- ✗No published PID control; owners of Recteq and Camp Chef grills will notice wider temperature swing
- ✗500°F ceiling with searing only through the manual Flame Broiler lever
- ✗Pit Boss publishes neither weight nor exterior dimensions, which matters on a grill this large
- ✗Painted steel body and porcelain-coated racks at a price where Recteq is using 304 stainless
- ✗Pit Boss's own product pages carry no star ratings, so buying blind on quality means relying on retailers