I love to fire up the grill when I’m camping or tailgating. There’s something about cooking outdoors that brings the party to a full boil, so to speak. But most travel grills are gas-powered, and I’m a big fan of that authentic charcoal flavor. Fortunately, portable pellet grills are a great way to get the best of both worlds. Check out these Rec Tec Mini reviews to find out if you feel the same.
In this article, we’re going to review the following Rec Tec pellet grills:
We will also review these 3 possible alternatives:
Portable Pellet Grills: What Every Shopper Should Know
What is a pellet grill?
Instead of the more traditional charcoal briquettes, pellet grills run off of compressed hardwood sawdust formed into small cylinders. The unit consists of a barrel-shaped chamber flanked by a hopper. The pellets are stored in the hopper and fed into the main chamber by an auger component, where they’re ignited by a hot rod. Unlike gas or charcoal-fueled units, pellet grills use digital control panels to set the fire to a pre-selected temperature.
Pellet grills were patented in the 1980s. but they’ve become more popular in recent years. Since they can be fired up in a matter of minutes, they’re as convenient as their gas-powered counterparts. They also provide excellent smoked flavor, customized by the types of pellets that you use. Popular choices include hickory, maple, and apple, but milder flavors such as alder are also available.
When it comes to portable grills, pellet-fueled units are a great option. The pellets themselves can be stored in the hopper, so they won’t take up any extra space in the trunk or the truck bed. They’re easy to use, meaning you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself while the food cooks. Best of all, they can be used for a variety of cooking applications, from low-and-slow smoking to quick grilling. Some models are even equipped with a “sear box,” which allows you to finish your meats with that all-important char.
How to Choose the Best Portable Pellet Grill
Keep the following criteria in mind when you’re narrowing down your options. Remember that some of these features are subjective. For example, only you can decide how much you’re willing and able to spend, or how much grilling space you’ll need. Other criteria, such as the overall durability and longevity of the grill, are non-negotiable.
Value
While it’s possible to spend a great deal on a pellet grill, travel-sized models tend to be priced on the lower end of the spectrum. Determine your budget in advance to avoid going overboard. Before making any decision, I highly suggest reading this article first.
Grill Size
A grill that’s designed for camping or tailgating will usually offer about 400 square inches of grilling space. In some cases, an additional side burner or removable warming rack will be included.
Hopper Capacity
This number refers to the amount of pellets the unit is able to store, measured in pounds. 8 to 10 pounds is the industry standard for a pellet grill.
Temperature Range
Ideally, the grill should be able to maintain accurate temperatures as low as 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and top out at around 500 degrees. If you think you’ll be using your unit to turn out pizza or baked flatbreads, seek out a model that goes a bit higher—550 degrees or more.
Accuracy
Consistency is also important, especially for low-heat cooking applications like southern barbecue. Pay close attention to the thermometer to make sure the temperature is staying within your chosen range. Most reputable pellet grills are accurate to within 15 to 25 degrees.
Durability
Pellet grills are typically made of heavy-duty steel, often with a powder coating. If the burners are made of stainless steel as well, they’ll be easier to clean. Cooking grates may be made of either cast iron or restaurant-grade stainless steel. If the company advertises the grade of steel used for the grates, look for the number 304. This grade is strong, durable, and able to withstand high temperatures without suffering damage.
Rec Tec Mini Reviews: What’s In The Box?
#1 Rec Tec Mini Portable Pellet Grill (RT-300)
- Main cooking chamber constructed of 304-grade stainless steel
- Stainless steel grilling grates
- Hopper with 15-pound capacity
- Foldable legs
This grill has a small footprint and legs that fold easily, making it a good choice for tailgating. The 15-pound hopper can double as a shelf for storage in a pinch.
It’s also an exceptionally eye-catching model, with a unique barrel shape and burnt-orange color.
Pros:
- Legs collapse for ease of transport
- Impressive temperature range
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Flimsy wheels
- Minimal cooking space
- Rusts easily
- Ignition system can be iffy
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#2 Rec Tec RT-340
- Main cooking chamber constructed of 304-grade stainless steel and bull horn handles
- Stainless steel grilling grates
- Hopper with 20-pound capacity
- Foldable legs
- Two wheels with locking casters
- Cart-style design
This unit represents a significant upgrade over the Mini Portable Pellet grill. For one thing, it’s Wi-Fi compatible, meaning it can be operated remotely through the Rec Tec app. Dual meat probes allow you to keep a close eye on the temperature of your ingredients, as well as the fire itself. Locking casters on the wheels help keep the grill in place on unstable terrain.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Wi-Fi capability
- Dual meat probes
- Locking casters on wheels
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Grease bucket is a bit too small
- Unit tends to tip over when you attempt to move it
- Minimal warranty compared to some of Rec Tec’s products
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Features & Benefits
Now that we’ve gone over the criteria and specifications, let’s see how the Mini Portable Pellet Grill and the RT-340 compare.
Rec Tec Mini Portable Pellet Grill (RT-300)
Value
Rec Tec’s units don’t come cheaply, and this model is no exception. It is, however, less expensive than the RT-340. If cost is an issue, then you should consider taking a closer look at the Mini Portable Pellet grill.
Grill Size
With just 300 square inches of grilling space, this unit is on the smaller side, even for a travel grill. On the plus side, it’s also much lighter and easier to maneuver around the parking lot. This makes it an especially good choice for singles or couples who plan to take their grill on camping expeditions.
Hopper Capacity
The Mini Portable Pellet Grill boasts a hopper capacity of 15 pounds—very impressive for a unit of this size. You should be able to use the grill for several hours without refueling, even for high-heat applications.
Temperature Range
This model features a temperature range of 180 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, measurable in 5-degree increments. There’s also a “full feature” mode that allows it to reach temps of 600 degrees for brief periods of time. This means that you should be able to sear meats and turn out authentic pizzas with ease.
Accuracy
The temperature is typically accurate at moderate to high temperatures, but the Mini Portable Pellet Grill has some difficulty with low-and-slow applications. If the grill is set to a temperature below 300, keep a close watch on the ingredients to make sure they’re not overcooking.
Durability
As mentioned above, the Mini Portable Pellet Grill is constructed of 304-grade stainless steel, with cooking grates made of the same material. The grates are not porcelain-coated, which can make cleanup more of a chore. However, the steel is durable enough to keep the grates from rusting, as long as they’re properly treated.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Rec Tec RT-340
Value
The RT-340 is priced on the higher end of the spectrum for a tailgating grill. Fortunately, it has enough benefits to help offset the cost. Consider investing in this model if you have deep pockets and a desire to seek out the best travel-sized pellet grill you can find.
Grill Size
With a grand total of 511 square inches of available cooking space, the RT-340 could be the perfect size for a camping trip. The main grilling area measures 340 square inches, with the optional cooking rack offering an additional 171.
Hopper Capacity
The hopper on the RT-340 can store 20 pounds of pellets. That’s an impressive amount for a grill of this size, but bear in mind that it might make the unit more difficult to transport if it’s filled to capacity.
Temperature Range
The temp range on this model isn’t as impressive as on the Mini–just 200 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for a travel grill, that’s still a decent range, especially when you consider all the other features that the grill has to offer.
Accuracy
Since you can keep an eye on the temperature using the Rec Tec app, it’s easier to maintain from a distance. The company advertises accuracy to within 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but it might fluctuate a few degrees more in either direction. I would recommend downloading the app to get the most out of your investment.
Durability
Like its smaller counterpart, this grill is constructed of 304-grade stainless steel, inside and out. Again, cleanup can be an issue since the grates don’t include a porcelain finish, so take extra care after each use. The grease catcher isn’t quite as sturdy as the rest of the unit, rusting through more quickly when it’s left outside for long periods. To avoid this, try lining it with aluminum foil before using the grill for the first time.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Firing Up the Rec Tec Mini Grills
Since so much of the information included above is subjective, I decided to search the Web to learn more about the customer response to these products. Here’s what I was able to find out about each product, in a nutshell.
Rec Tec Mini Portable Pellet Grill (RT-300)
The Mini Portable Pellet grill (sometimes known as the RT-300) is allegedly very versatile for its size. One satisfied customer reported that they were able to cook off a small turkey using this grill. Others claimed that the temperature range made it possible to get creative on their tailgating and camping adventures. While there were some issues reported with rust, they usually applied to secondary parts, like the handles on the lid.
Rec Tec RT-340
The response to the RT-340 was largely positive as well. More than one customer claimed that the unit was particularly easy to set up, and that the grill was quick to reach the set temperature. It did have some difficulty at lower settings, but performed admirably as a basic grill. While the grease bucket was supposedly prone to rusting, the rest of the unit seemed to hold up well to frequent use.
Possible Alternatives to the Rec Tec Mini Pellet Grills
The Rec Tec Mini grills may have plenty to offer, but they’re not your only options. Far from it, in fact. Here are a few other tailgating grills that might better suit your needs.
#1 Green Mountain Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
Like the RT-340, this unit is equipped with Wi-Fi capability. However, it’s set at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for shoppers on a budget.
Rec Tec vs. Green Mountain
- Value—Green Mountain
- Grill Size—Green Mountain
- Hopper Capacity—Rec Tec
- Temperature Range—Green Mountain
- Accuracy—Green Mountain
- Durability—Rec Tec
You might consider the Green Mountain Davy Crockett grill if you have your heart set on a grill with a Wi-Fi feature, but can’t afford to shell out for the Rec Tec RT-340.
#2 Camp Chef Pursuit 20
The Pursuit 20 surpasses both the RT-340 and the RT-300 as far as versatility is concerned. It boasts a temperature range of 160 to 500, and is particularly good at making smoked pulled pork for sandwiches. It’s also cheaper and lighter to transport, with a 10-pound hopper capacity and foldable locking legs. The sawhorse chassis gives it additional stability.
Rec Tec vs. Camp Chef
- Value—Camp Chef
- Grill Size—Camp Chef
- Hopper Capacity—Rec Tec
- Temperature Range—Camp Chef
- Accuracy—Rec Tec
- Durability—Tie
Grillers who are looking for additional grilling space should give the Camp Chef Pursuit a try.
More on Camp Chef pellet grills here.
#3 Traeger Tailgater 20
Traeger was the first contender in the pellet grilling game. This travel-sized unit is durably constructed, with a digital readout system, auto-start ignition, and 300 square inches of grilling space.
Rec Tec vs. Traeger
- Value—Traeger
- Grill Size—Tie (on RT-300), Rec Tec (for the RT-340 model)
- Hopper Capacity—Rec Tec
- Temperature Range—Rec Tec
- Accuracy—Traeger
- Durability—Traeger
Consider making the Traeger Tailgater 20 your choice if you’ve owned a Traeger in the past, and want to continue bringing your business to this reputable brand.
Read our full review of the Traeger Tailgater here.
In Conclusion
The RT-340 is the clear choice here. It ranks highly in just about every department, despite the high price tag. The Wi-Fi capability is its most appealing feature, but it also offers sufficient grilling space for larger groups. The 20-pound hopper capacity makes it slightly cumbersome, but this issue can be offset if you pack the pellets separately. In fact, the extra space might even come in handy on the road, since you won’t need to refuel as often. This grill is also durable enough to hold up to many years of use, even when it’s used regularly. If you decide to purchase a Rec Tec mini grill, the RT-340 model is the one that you should invest in.
Best of luck in all your grilling adventures!
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