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.
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
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