Recteq
Recteq Backyard Beast 1000
The Recteq Backyard Beast 1000 is the successor to the beloved RT-700 'Bull', pairing 1,014 sq in of stainless cooking space with a dual-band WiFi PID controller and a class-leading 180-700°F temperature range that lets it sear as well as it smokes. Note: this model is no longer sold new as of 2026. Its current equivalent is the Recteq Backyard Beast 1200 (RT-1200BB). (RT-1000 discontinued; Backyard Beast 1200 replaces it (and the Flagship 1100) at $1,199.99, frequently on sale at $1,049.99. No verified non-Amazon rating for the discontinued RT-1000)
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓The 700°F ceiling is the highest of any mainstream pellet grill, so you can actually sear steaks without hauling out a separate cast-iron setup
- ✓Recteq's PID controller is famous for rock-steady temps - owners routinely report holding within 5°F of setpoint for entire overnight brisket cooks
- ✓The 30 lb hopper is huge, easily running 24+ hours at smoking temps without a refill
- ✓Stainless steel firepot, grates, and body components resist rust far better than the powder-coated steel most competitors use at this price
- ✓6-year warranty is double what Traeger offers, and Recteq's US-based phone support has a cult following for actually answering and shipping parts fast
- ✓1,014 sq in across two grates handles nine pork butts or eight racks of ribs - genuine party capacity
- ✓Dual-band WiFi connects more reliably than the 2.4GHz-only radios in most competitors, and the app supports two included meat probes
- ✓At around $1,100 it undercuts the comparable Traeger Ironwood XL by hundreds of dollars while offering better specs
Cons
- ✗No Super Smoke-style mode, so smoke flavor at higher temps is milder than offset purists want - many owners add a smoke tube
- ✗At roughly 180 lbs it's heavy and awkward to move, and assembly takes a solid two hours with a second person recommended
- ✗The horn handles and bull branding are polarizing - some find the styling gimmicky next to a Weber or Traeger
- ✗No included side shelf or front shelf at the base price - useful accessories push the real cost toward $1,300
- ✗Recteq sells direct-only, so you can't see one in person at a big-box store before buying
- ✗The controller display is small and hard to read in direct sunlight compared to Traeger's newer touchscreens
- ✗Searing at 700°F consumes pellets rapidly and can leave heavy grease smoke residue that means more frequent cleaning
- ✗No pellet-level sensor or auto-empty hopper chute refinements found on newer competitors
Compare the Recteq Backyard Beast 1000
This model is no longer sold new. Its current equivalent is the Recteq Backyard Beast 1200 (RT-1200BB).
We keep this page for the many still in use and on the used market — specs and honest pros/cons below still apply.
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