When you talk about the best pellet grills available on the market, Rec Tec and Traeger are two of the brands that will surely be mentioned several times. They are both from reputable companies that have gained the trust of customers in the global market. They have an exceptional product line, each with their respective pros and cons.
So, which brand can provide better value for money? To find out the answer, read this Rec Tec vs Traeger comparison and learn from some of the insights we’ll be sharing below.
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Experience in the Business
For most people, they look at the history of the manufacturer to gauge the quality of their products. After all, it is impossible to be in the market for a long time without offering high-quality outputs. If they do not provide superior quality, they would have closed down a long time ago
Between the two brands, Traeger is the more experienced. It was established in 1985, which means that it has been around for almost 35 years now. On the other hand, Rec Tec is a new-comer. It was introduced only in 2011, which means that it has been in the business of manufacturing grills for only about eight years.
Temperature Range
A better option for a pellet grill is one that can reach a high temperature, which will be indicative of its powerful performance. A wider temperature range will also mean that you can use it beyond grilling.
In the case of Traeger grills, the maximum temperature that it can generate is only 400 degrees. If you are looking for a grill with a higher temperature capacity, Rec Tec is the better choice since it has a maximum temperature of 500 degrees.
Temperature Control
This is important because it will have a direct impact on how user-friendly the grill is. It should offer an intuitive mechanism to change the temperature.
For the Traeger grills, they have Digital Elite Controller. This will allow you to set the desired temperature in a snap. In most models, you will have a small screen that will display the temperature setting, making sure that it is accurate. Rec Tec also has a digital controller and a screen. With this, when it comes to temperature control, we would say that it is a tie between the two models.
Overall Construction
As you differentiate the possibilities for wood pellet grill, another important consideration would be the materials that are used. They will have an impact on the longevity of the grill, as well as its performance. It should be made of materials that can help the grill to maintain the right temperature throughout the process of grilling.
Between the two brands, Rec Tec is generally favored when it comes to its construction and materials, which is because of the use of heavy-duty stainless steel. The Traeger grills, on the other hand, are usually made of powder-coated steel.
Size and Capacity
If you have a large family or if you often invite friends over and host dinner, you will benefit from choosing a big grill that can accommodate large batches. On the other hand, if it will only be used occasionally, a more practical choice is one that is small.
Both Rec Tec and Traeger have different sizes of grills available under their product portfolio. From the grills at Traeger, the biggest that we have seen has a cooking area of 1,300 square inches. If you think that is massive, wait until you hear about what Rec Tec offers. One of the largest models available in their product line has a cooking surface of 2,400 square inches, which is perfect for large crowds.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Most of the modern pellet grills are equipped with a Wi-Fi function, making it possible to control them wirelessly. This means that you can use your smartphone to adjust the settings, such as the temperature, as well as for monitoring the functionality of the grill.
For Traeger grills, they exclusively developed a feature known as WiFire Technology. For Rec Tec grills, on the other hand, they have Wi-Pellet Wi-Fi technology. Despite the differences in the names, they work pretty much the same, allowing you to use a wireless device to control the grill.
Price
A lot of people will decide on the basis of price when choosing a grill. Nonetheless, we suggest that you go beyond costs. At the end of the day, it does not hurt to spend a little more if this means being provided excellent value for the money.
If you are looking for affordability, Traeger wins the game. On the other hand, if you are looking for premium grills and you do not mind splurging, Rec Tec will not disappoint. From their website, the most expensive grill that is displayed is the Chuckwagon RT-TMG, which is priced at $10,999!
Top Rec Tec vs Traeger Grills Reviews on the Market for 2019
You will agree with me that there is a distinctive taste to cooking with firewood was the order of the day. That wood-fired taste is second-to-none as it beats that of gas and charcoal.
Just so that you do not miss out anymore, technology has decided to go back into time and reinstate this aged but unique wood-fired taste through the invention of wood pellet grills. Below are the top 7 Pellet Grills:
Top 4 Best Traeger Grills Reviews
1. Traeger TFB42LZBC Grills Lil Tex Elite 22 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Using the Traeger TFB42LZBC Grills Lil Tex Elite 22, Wood Pellet Grill is the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste. This grill is versatile in that it can bake, smoke, grill, roast and braise and BBQ foods to a delicious and juicy level.
It features 418 square inches of grilling space that can accommodate up to 16 burgers, 4 whole chickens, and 5 racks of ribs; it is just the perfect size to feed the whole family.
This grill has an integrated digital Elite controller which keeps the grill’s temperature within 20 degrees Fahrenheit. With this, a setting is made very easy.
Pros:
6-in-1 versatility
Integrated Digital Elite Controller.
Easy to set up
Cooks in 0-degree weather
Large grilling space.
Pellet Hopper capacity of 18lbs.
Cons:
No warranty
2. Traeger Grills TFB65LZBC Texas Elite 34 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker.
This is another of Traeger’s products known for its simplicity, consistency, and predictability. This grill offers hot and fast or low and slow cooking. It has a huge grilling space of 646 square inches. This cooking space can accommodate 24 burgers, 6 whole chickens, and 9 racks of ribs; really the perfect size for a large cookout.
With an Integrated Digital Elite Controller, the temperature within the grill is kept at 20 degrees Fahrenheit which makes it easy to set the grill’s temperature and even leave it to engage in other activities, without bothering about your food getting overcooked.
This wood grill can be used to grill, smoke, roast, braise, bake, and BBQ your foods to a juicy and delicious state.
Pros:
Easy to use and operate
Large cooking space
Consistent and predictable
Integrated Digital Elite Controller
6-in-1 versatility
Cons:
No warranty
No trap to open and drain pellets
Temperature issues.
3. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2019 Upgrade Model Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
This product is an amazing one from Z Grills. It features quite a several fascinating and grilling-easy features.
Having a digital control board auto, it allows you to ignite the grill and set the cooking temperature firm 180 degrees Fahrenheit to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat is maintained by an automated Electric Feed System. So, you are ensured that your grill will produce a desired amount of smoke while you are away.
It features an ample cooking space of 450 square inches where you can grill, bake, roast, braise, smoke, and BBQ. The durability of this product is ascertained as it is built with Stainless Steel, which makes it resistant to corrosion.
Pros:
6-in-1 versatility
Digital Auto Temperature Control
LED temperature readout
Easy to operate and clean
Foldable working shelf
Locking caster wheels for easy mobility
30 days refund/replacement & 3-years warranty
Cons:
Bad hopper
Flopped performance
4. Traeger Grills TFS60LZC Select Elite Pellet Grill and Smoker
The Traeger Grills TFS60LZC Select Elite Pellet Grill and Smoker is another unique invention of Traeger. This grill, just like others, also offer a 6-in-1 versatility of baking, roasting, smoking, braising, grilling and BBQing.
It features an integrated digital Elite controller which keeps temperatures within 20 degrees Fahrenheit and an ample grilling space of 589 square inches which can accommodate 20 burgers, 5 whole chickens or 6 racks of ribs.
Pros:
Easy to operate
6-in-1 versatility
Temperature controller
Large cooking area.
Cons:
Assembling takes long
Top 3 REC TEC Grill Reviews
1. REC TEC Grills Bull RT-700 Bundle WiFi Enabled Portable Wood Pellet Grill
Going by its name, this pellet grill is a big game changer. It combines efficiency, durability, and sophistication through a bunch of unique components.
This REC TEC grill is equipped with a Wi-Pellet Wi-Fi technology which allows you to control your cooking from anywhere, using the REC TEC Grill Apps which are available on Google Play Store and App Store. No more babysitting!
Featuring dual meat-probes that plug directly into the grill’s controller, it eliminates unnecessary expenses of getting a thermometer. It also features an automatic lighting feature with no messy charcoal or unsafe fire starters. It bakes, roasts, smokes, sears, grills, broils, and even dehydrates dual meat probes.
It is built with Stainless Steel, so you do not have to worry about paint peeling or cracking.
Pros:
Wi-Fi technology
Dual meat-probes
Automatic shutdown feature
Front folding shelf
Premium grill cover
160lbs Ultimate blend pellets
6-year warranty
2. REC TEC Grills Trailblazer RT-340 Bundle
It seems REC TEC knows what it takes to have a perfect grilling. This gives them a foresight on what to produce. Trailblazer is another of their beautiful inventions and believes me; this pellet grill is fully equipped with the necessary components that make grilling easy.
This grill is portable, with lockable folding legs and rollerblade style wheels which makes it easy to use on a road trip or at your backyard. Through Wi-Fi technology, you can control your cooking from anywhere.
Pros:
Bullpen instant-read Thermometer
Stainless Steel Hopper
Wi-Pellet Wi-Fi technology
2-year warranty
Premium grill cover and pad
Cons:
No shelves
3. REC TEC Grills Stampede | RT-590 | Bundle
The REC TEC grill stampede has offered a grilling efficiency encapsulated in the customer-accustomed size.
This pellet grill features a Wi-Pellet Wi-Fi technology that enables you to control your cooking from anywhere and a Proprietary PID Controller which maintains a precise temperature necessary to cook your food juicy and delicious.
Its cooking chamber is made of Stainless Steel, which saves you the trouble of having to repaint.
Pros:
Wi-Pellet Wi-Fi technology
Bullpen instant-read thermometer
Premium grill cover
4-year warranty
Cons:
No shelves
The Verdict
Indeed, as discussed in this Rec Tec vs Traeger article, both these brands are exceptional in their own rights. However, if we have to pick only one, we’d choose Rec Tec. They are relatively new, but they have premium construction and high-end features, making it perfect for the most discerning users. But if you are after affordability, you won’t go wrong with Traeger.
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