Home - Pit Boss vs Rec Teq Grills in 2023

Pit Boss vs Rec Teq Grills in 2023

by Alexander Wong

This isn’t just a pellet smoker comparison. It’s a battle royale between the two most popular wood pellet grill brands: Pit Boss vs Rec-Teq. Each one is vying for the top spot in three categories.

We sorted through all of the brands’ grills, paired them off, and rang the bell. They came out swinging. First, there’s the plain champion. Then there’s the top mid-sized model. Lastly, we have the best portable/budget grill.

Here we go. This is going to be one heck of a fight.

Pit Boss vs Rec Teq Comparison:

Rec TeQ Grills Bull (RT-700) Vs Pit Boss Austin XL 1000 sq. in. Pellet Grill With Flame Broiler:

REC TEC Grills | RT-700 | Bundle | WiFi Enabled | Portable Wood Pellet Grill | Built in Meat Probes | Stainless Steel | 40lb Hopper | 6 Year Warranty | Hotflash Ceramic Ignition System PIT BOSS 1000 Sq in Pellet Grill with Flame Broiler
View at Rec Teqq
View at Amazon
Cooking area: 702 in. (w/ rack total 1054 in.) Cooking area: 1000 sq.in
Hopper capacity: 40lb Hopper capacity: 31lb
Temperature range: 200ºF to 500ºF Temperature range: 150° to 500°F
Controller: Smart Grill Technology Controller: Digital control board with LED
Wi-Fi: Yes Wi-Fi: None
Meat probe: Dual Meat probe: One
Item Dimensions 56 x 50 x 32 inches Item Dimensions 62.4 x 25.79 x 28.23 inches
Item Weight: 200 Pounds Item Weight: 181.6 pounds
Warranty: 6-Year Warranty: N/A

This matchup is the fight for the best pellet grill on the market. Both of these grills are big and of great value to the serious barbeque lover.

They match each other in versatility, being able to smoke on the lower end of their respective temperature ranges and sear at the upper limit. You can slow cook, bake, and roast at points in between.

Both grills are made of stainless steel, with stainless hardware. The Rec Teq has stainless cooking grates, which will never rust. Our Pit Boss features porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. Porcelain is more resistant to sticking than any steel. So the PB-1000 wins out there.

The biggest difference is the price. The RT-700, known affectionately as the “bull grill,” costs almost $1200, while the PB-1000 has an incredible value with its price tag of just around $600. So what justifies the RT-700’s double cost? Let’s see:

Those who went with the RT-700 talk mostly about how awesome it is to check the temp and raise or lower it from inside the house or the other side of the yard. This is an impressive feature that can be found on many of Rec Teq’s higher-end USA-made grills. But that’s not the only thing they talk about.

That big hopper is a hit. People say that they can smoke all day long and never even have to open the lid. The main complaint is the price. Of course, no one mentions that until there is a problem. Then you’ll hear something like “I paid over a grand for this grill, and now my chops are sticking to the stainless steel grate!”

And sticking is another gripe, but it’s usually solved by seasoning the grate by coating it with oil and heating it for several hours.

The Pit Boss has some big fans as well. People just love the value they get. According to Pit Boss BBQ reviews, this really is the best smoker for the money. That’s the definition of value, isn’t it?

The Bottom Line

With its superior build quality, user-friendly controls, impressive cooking space, and large hopper size, the RT-700 is the best pellet smoker on the market. It’s made for the chef who wants it all and will spare no expense to get it.

The PB-1000 is just as durable but lacks fancy Wi-Fi and may need its hopper refilled during extended smoking. But with an almost unbelievably low price tag, it offers the best value on the market right now.

REC TEQ RT-700 Portable Wood Pellet Grill Pit Boss Austin XL 1000 sq. in. Pellet Grill
REC TEQ Grills | RT-700 | Bundle | WiFi Enabled | Portable Wood Pellet Grill | Built in Meat Probes | Stainless Steel | 40lb Hopper | 6 Year Warranty | Hotflash Ceramic Ignition System PIT BOSS 1000 Sq in Pellet Grill with Flame Broiler
View at Rec Teq
View at Amazon

Rec Teq Stampede (RT-590) Vs Pit Boss PB-820FB:

RT-590 | Wifi Enabled | Wood Pellet Grill | Built in Meat Probes | Stainless Steel | 30lb Hopper | 4 year Warranty | Hotflash Ceramic Ignition System PIT BOSS 71820FB PB820FB BBQ Pellet Grill and Smoker, 820 sq. in
View at Rec Teq
View at Amazon
Cooking area: 592 in. (w/ second shelf total 772 in.) Cooking area:  820 in.
Hopper capacity: 30lb Hopper capacity: 19lb
Temperature range: 200ºF to 500ºF Temperature range: 150° to 500°F
Controller: Smart Grill Technology Controller: Digital control board
Wi-Fi: Yes Wi-Fi: None
Meat probe: Dual Meat probe: One
Item Dimensions 43.5 x 44 x 24 inches Item Dimensions 47.91 x 25.28 x 50.24 inches
Warranty: 6-Year Warranty: N/A

So, which is the best middle-size pellet grill? Again, the Pit Boss has a lower price. And again, the Rec-Teq is more expensive, but it wins out on most of the key features. It’s going to be another battle of the most impressive features versus the best value.

Thankfully, both of these also have the same stainless steel construction as their larger and more expensive siblings. Both are durable and have decent warranties. The main differences between the two are price, convenience, cooking area, and hopper size.

People were glad to see a more reasonably priced Rec Teq grill that still has the same great features as the more expensive models. And they still love the Wi-Fi. The biggest complaint about this one is the cooking area. They wish that the extra rack was an option here.

Perhaps Rec Teq will take notice and make one of those extra grates to fit the RT-590. Those who smoke meat a lot are very happy with the hopper’s size. Many have cautioned that the firebox shouldn’t be filled all the way up, though.

It can be a waste. When you look at the hopper and compare it to the cooking area, you can end up with a bunch of pellets burning away uselessly after the food is done.

Some think that Pit Boss is overpriced. That’s weird when you consider the $300 disparity between it and the Rec Teq. Everyone who bought this Pit Boss is generally pleased and feels that they got a good deal.

The Bottom Line

Rec Teq’s mid-sized pellet smoker is a premium grill for those who are willing to spend a little extra for the convenience of Wi-Fi control and don’t mind the smaller cooking area.

Pit Boss has made a good pellet smoker that has more cooking area, but you’ll have to keep a close eye on the hopper. It may be a good choice for you if you need to go cheaper.

Rec Teq Stampede (RT-590) Pit Boss PB-820FB
RT-590 | Wifi Enabled | Wood Pellet Grill | Built in Meat Probes | Stainless Steel | 30lb Hopper | 4 year Warranty | Hotflash Ceramic Ignition System PIT BOSS 71820FB PB820FB BBQ Pellet Grill and Smoker, 820 sq. in
View at Rec Teq
View at Amazon

Rec Teq Grills RT-340 Trailblazer Vs Pit Boss 440TG Portable Pellet Grill:

REC TEC Grills | RT-340 | Bundle | WiFi Enabled | Portable Wood Pellet Grill | Built in Meat Probes | Stainless Steel | 20lb Hopper | 2 Year Warranty | Hotflash Ceramic Ignition System PIT BOSS PB440TG 440 sq in Portable Wood Folding Legs Pellet Grill, Black
View at Rec Teq
View at Amazon
Cooking area: 340 in. (w/ second shelf total 511 in.) Cooking area: 440 in.
Hopper capacity: 20lb Hopper capacity: 5lb
Temperature range: 200ºF to 500ºF Temperature range: 150° to 500°F
Controller: Smart Grill Technology Controller: Digital control board
Wi-Fi: Yes Wi-Fi: None
Meat probe: Dual Meat probe: One
Item Dimensions 41 x 39 x 19.5 inches Item Dimensions 40 x 22.5 x 41 inches
Warranty: 2 Year Warranty: N/A

The epic battle between Rec-Teq and Pit Boss continues in the contest for the best small smoker grill. But this is more than that. It’s also a competition for the best portable grill and the greatest of the budget grills.

So if you need to watch how much you spend, need a smaller smoker or if you like to tailgate or picnic away from your home, pay close attention here.

Many people who have moved to the Pit Boss from another portable grill have commented on how much more space they have. And they brag about being able to broil at tailgating events. That draws a lot of attention and gives the impression that the grillers really know what they’re doing.

There have been some complaints about the hopper size. It is small, so it usually has to be refilled during extended periods of cooking. But the small hopper has also gotten some compliments. There aren’t a lot of hot glowing pellets to worry about when the cooking is over, and there’s less chance of a fire hazard.

The Rec-Teq gets some great reviews. It is very high-tech for a portable grill. The Wi-Fi is an impressive feature, especially out at events where almost everyone else has a tabletop charcoal grill or a small propane unit.

But to use the Wi-Fi feature away from home, you’ll have to use a device with a mobile hotspot. It’ll work just fine then. Overall, owners of both grills are apt to be happy with their choice years after the purchase.

The Bottom Line

As usual, the Rec Teq takes the cake for its precision design and futuristic features. All of this comes with a price, but it may be worth it for you if those extra features will actually be useful for you at home or on the road.

The Pit Boss is definitely more affordable, but again lacks the convenience of remote monitoring. It does, however, offer more room for cooking and a broiler for that bit of added versatility that is hard to find on even full-size grills.

REC TEQ RT-340 Portable Wood Pellet Grill PIT BOSS PB440TG Portable Wood Pellet Grill
REC TEC Grills | RT-340 | Bundle | WiFi Enabled | Portable Wood Pellet Grill | Built in Meat Probes | Stainless Steel | 20lb Hopper | 2 Year Warranty | Hotflash Ceramic Ignition System PIT BOSS PB440TG 440 sq in Portable Wood Folding Legs Pellet Grill, Black
View at Rec Teq
View at Amazon

And The Winner Is…

You’re the winner because now you know all about the six most awesome pellet grills on the market today. As far as the winning grill, that all depends on what you want out of your combo.

The overall champ is the Rec Teq Bull. It has the most amazing features and is the most durable pellet grill. But if the price is too steep, you can go with the Pit Boss PB-1000 and save about $600 without sacrificing much in the way of features.

The mid-size matchup was close, but the Rec-Teq Stampede came out ahead in the useful features category. But the PB820FB from Pit Boss came in with a lower price and more cooking area. So that’s a bit of a toss-up. The Rec-Teq is the fancy one, but Pit Boss offers a better value here.

The best budget smoker is the Pit Boss PB440TG. It’s sturdier than the Rec-Teq Trailblazer, and it folds easier. Plus it’s cheaper.

Pit Boss gets an additional honorable mention for adding a broiler to all three of these cool combos.

You vote with your dollars. So which one will you crown a champion?

5/5 - (1 vote)

You may also like