There’s no doubt about it: Rec Tec is a major name in the pellet grill game. The question is, does the Rec Tec Bull (RT-700) measure up to the company’s reputation for quality and value? What special features does it offer? Read on to discover the answers to these questions, along with additional information about pellet grills that might not even have crossed your mind.
Investing in a Pellet Grill: What You Need To Know
Before you decide whether the Bull RT-700 is the right model for you, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basics. Even if this isn’t your first time investing in one of these units, the landscape is always shifting. Here are some of the basic features to consider when shopping for a modern pellet grill.
Price
Some models cost significantly less than others, but the quality might not be as high as you’d hope. Similarly, if a unit is expensive, you want to make sure that it’s worth the return on your investment.
Size
Before you buy, you should determine how much grilling space you’ll need. A family of two to four people should be able to get by with about 300 square inches, while larger groups should opt for more space. If you routinely entertain, or if you enjoy more than one grilled menu item in your meals, then you might want to look for a larger grill.
Ease of Setup
Assembling your pellet grill shouldn’t take longer than an hour, even if you’re a first-timer. Look for a model that can be up and running on the same day you buy it.
Temperature Range
The wider the range is, the more versatile the grill will be. While a range of 170 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit is standard, you’ll want higher temperatures if you plan on using your pellet grill for searing meat. Temperatures of 700 degrees Fahrenheit mean the grill should be hot enough to bake pizza and flatbread.
Construction
Try to find a pellet grill that uses commercial-grade stainless steel in its construct. The grill grates may be fashioned of steel as well, but you’ll probably also encounter models that use porcelain-coated cast iron for their cooking surfaces.
Pellet Consumption
An efficient pellet grill will typically burn about one pound of pellets per hour at low to moderate heat, and up to three pounds per hour at high temperatures. When a grill is properly insulated, it will usually burn pellets with greater efficiency than less durable models.
Additional Features
Some of the latest pellet grills/smokers offer extras, such as digital control panels, temperature sensors, and Wi-Fi capability. Ask yourself if these special features are likely to be useful additions to your grilling lifestyle.
Rec Tec Bull Review: What You’re Buying
The Bull RT-700 comes equipped with a stainless steel cooking chamber, a state-of-the-art ceramic ignition system, and two meat probes that can be installed directly into the control panel. Its 40-pound hopper capacity allows for hours of carefree cooking. This grill also offers Wi-Fi capability through the App Store and Google Play.
Pros:
- Large, sturdy construction
- 6-year warranty included with purchase
- 40-pound hopper capacity
- Wi-Fi capability
- Good digital control system with automatic cooldown and shutoff features
Cons:
- Misleading information about what is and isn’t included in purchase
- Some secondary components may be missing from the box
- Legs are slightly wobbly, especially when set on softer ground
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Rec Tec RT-700: Features & Benefits
Does the Bull RT-700 meet the criteria we discussed earlier? While your answers may vary depending on your individual needs, all I can do is offer the benefit of my own experience.
Price
Since pellet grills tend to be on the pricier side anyway, this can be considered a mid-range option as far as cost is concerned. Note that Rec Tec offers a variety of package options, some of which may help you save money on pellet costs and accessories in the long run.
Size
The Bull RT-700 features a whopping 1054 square inches of cooking space with the addition of a second interior rack that’s available at an additional price. The digital control box can do double duty as a storage or prep shelf, but users should be careful not to get too messy, or they might damage the wiring. An additional shelf made of wire mesh sits toward the base of the grill, and is suitable for storing tools or additional pellets. If you’re looking for a grill that can accommodate large parties on a regular basis, then this model could be just the ticket.
Ease of Setup
As this is a fairly large unit, you can expect setup to take roughly an hour. Fortunately, if you’ve done the job properly, it’s exceptionally easy to use going forward. Be forewarned that it’s also very heavy, so make sure you’re setting it up in a suitable area—you won’t want to move it once it’s in place. Shoppers who are on the lookout for a more portable unit—for use in tailgating or on camping trips—would do better to keep their options open.
Temperature Range
This grill has a basic temperature range of 200 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also a “FULL” setting that allows you to achieve slightly higher temperatures in order to sear steaks and chops. This isn’t the broadest range you’ll find, but it should work on a variety of cooking applications, from low and slow southern barbecue to chicken under a brick.
Construction
The RT-700 is constructed of 304 grade stainless steel, a sturdy metal that’s often used to make kitchen appliances. Both the body of the grill and the cooking grates are composed of this material, which is a great heat conductor in addition to its durable qualities. There are some purists who can’t abide cooking grates that are made of anything except cast iron. If you fall into this category, you might be better off with another model.
Pellet Consumption
With a capacity of 40 pounds, you won’t have to refill this hopper too often. The unit typically burns through about a pound of pellets per minute, giving you roughly 40 hours of potential cooking time before you’ll need to worry about refueling. Remember that hardwood pellets burn longer than fruit wood, so try to use the latter sparingly. Also, be aware that Rec Tec sells pellets that are designed specifically for use in their grills. You’ll probably have the best results if you stick with their products.
Additional Features
The Bull RT-700 has a myriad of bonus features that make it worth more than a second glance. While the following list is by no means comprehensive, it hits most of the highlights.
- Dual meat probes to help keep the meat from overcooking
- Digital display that alerts you when the grill is lit
- Interior light to help you see better when grilling at night
- Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the temperature of the grill from a distance by using your tablet or smartphone
- 6-year customer warranty
- Snag-free tool hooks for handy storage
- Advanced ceramic ignition system that lasts four times as long as the average metal rod
Finally, when you invest in Rec Tec’s “Platinum Package,” you’ll receive the following in addition to the grill itself:
- Two pairs of nitrile gloves
- 400 pounds of hardwood pellets
- Front folding shelf
- Interior shelf
- Small interior shelf
- Grill cover
- Sear Kit
- Grilling pad
- Three non-slip grilling mats
- Grilling rub
- Grilling sauce
- Competition Cart
- Smoke Box
While the Platinum Package doesn’t come cheaply, it could be a good investment if you think you’ll take advantage of all the extras.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Social Proof: Taking the Rec Tec Bull RT-700 On The Road
Given my own positive experience with the RT-700, I was curious to find out how many other consumers felt the same. A quick Web search revealed that I was not alone. Most users claimed that the grill performed exactly as advertised, with impressive temperature control and a reliable ignition system. While there were some early issues with the Wi-Fi technology, the company seems to have gone out of its way to fix these quirks. More than once, a satisfied customer reported that this was the best grill they’d ever owned.
Possible Alternatives
In case you’re still not convinced, or if you think this grill might be slightly out of your price range, here are a few comparable models that you might want to consider. None of these choices are particularly better than the others, but all of them have slightly different features that might make them a better fit for your grilling lifestyle.
#1 Camp Chef Woodwind
This unit is slightly bulkier than the RT-700, but it does offer a side burner/griddle combination and a lower price point.
Camp Chef vs. REC TEC
- Price—Camp Chef
- Size—Rec Tec
- Ease of Setup—Rec Tec
- Temperature Range—Camp Chef
- Construction—Rec Tec
- Pellet Consumption—Tie
- Additional Features—Tie
If you like everything you’re hearing about the Rec Tec model but feel it might be a bit too rich for your blood, then give the Camp Chef alternative a try.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Read our full review about Camp Chef pellet grills here.
#2 Green Mountain Davy Crockett
The Davy Crockett is a value-priced grill that lacks many of the bells and whistles of the RT-700. It features significantly less cooking space, but that could make it more appealing to smaller families. This is a lightweight, inexpensive grill that’s a good fit for camping, hiking, or tailgating events.
Green Mountain vs. REC TEC
- Price—Green Mountain
- Size—Rec Tec
- Ease of Setup—Green Mountain
- Temperature Range—Tie
- Construction—Rec Tec
- Pellet Consumption—Rec Tec
- Additional Features—Rec Tec
Check out the Davy Crockett if you enjoy tailgating, or if you don’t feel you’d take advantage of many of the Rec Tec’s bonus features.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#3 Louisiana Grills LG-1100
This offering from Louisiana Grills is likely the closest competitor to the RT-700, set at a lower price point. The cooking grates are made of porcelain-coated cast iron rather than stainless steel, which could help make cleanup easier. They’re also slightly more durable, although Rec Tec still has the competitive edge as far as overall construct is concerned.
Louisiana Grills vs. REC TEC
- Price—Louisiana
- Size—Tie
- Ease of Setup—Louisiana
- Temperature Range—Rec Tec
- Construction—Rec Tec
- Pellet Consumption—Rec Tec
- Additional Features—Rec Tec
Take a closer look at the LG-1100 if you prefer cast iron to stainless steel as a cooking surface.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
The Bottom Line
There’s no question that the RT-700 can hold its own when compared to its earlier counterparts in the Rec Tec family. If anything, it exceeds expectations with its durable construction, reliable heat control, and impressive list of extra features. If you think you’d like to add this unit to your grilling arsenal, click here.
Related posts:
