Woodwind Pro compare to Reqtec

[Fat Guy]

Hi all..I rely pretty heavily on the product reviews here. As a result of the platinum rating I thought I was going to invest in the Woodwind Pro 36. Now I’m reading about RecTeq Flagship 1100 and I’m torn. I like the smoke box concept of the CC, but the build and quality of materials in the RT seem stronger - more 304 vs 430 stainless - at least from what I have read on their sites.
CC side kick options are not relevant for my decision. I have a strong gasser for high temp searing.
I currently use the PBC original and junior and want to move to pellet cooking. I’m looking for ease of use and cleanup, along with quality construction. And of course making good food.
Appreciate any real world pros/cons for either of these options.
Chris

[STEbbq]

I think you will have a lot of folks chiming in with opinions.

What I would suggest is emailing or calling the customer service for both firms and asking them the same questions you just raised and see what they say. It is a good way to get some useful information as these questions should be very straightforward for them to address and give you a sense of which firm has the better customer service. That may be an important criteria for you.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

If it's anything like a few years ago, CC won't answer (they did answer my email within 24 hours though) and RT will trash talk the competition

[STEbbq]

ItsAllGoneToTheDogs That is what I suspect may happen too and I think that will be a good datapoint for a decision one way or another.

[Uncle Bob]

On the 304 stainless thing I'm going to make a cautionary comment. I bought a Recteq 6-7 years ago, was very pleased with the build quality and overall performance. But I remember that there was a lot of discussion about the grade level of stainless. I'm not going to claim RT is deceptive, but they are strategically vague, which might be shading the point a bit. I have a better than average experience with metal materials, so history has taught me that I'm more accurate about identifying such. The burn pot is definitely 304, and maybe the bull horns, but the rest was 430. It may be different today, but read carefully for the vagueness.

[Fat Guy]

This is why it would be great to be able to see and feel. A quick magnet check will expose 430 vs 304.

[W.A.]

I bought the bullseye that gets 700 F, specifically because of that. The stainless bowl burnt through in less than five years. Once i had an issue with the controller, i just put it to the curb. 304 stainless should not do that, of course weber burners and flame covers do this too. Weber backs those, pretty sure Recteq does not for the kettle part

[smokinsteve]

I bought my RecTec in December 2013. It was performed wonderfully and the customer service has been outstanding!

[mgaretz]

I have had my RecTec 680 since 2014 and over the years I have upgraded the firepot and the controller and it has served me well. No real issues except the paint is peeling from the chimney cap.

[Jfrosty27]

I am also a Recteq owner. My RT-700 has been flawless over the 5 years I have had it. What little customer service I have needed has been stellar. You might be saying “If it’s been flawless, why have you needed ANY customer service”. Fair question. Nearly all has been me asking user questions and tips. They have always been happy to take the time to talk me through my Q’s. The one problem I had was this. I got a new router from my cable company. The RT would no longer connect. When I called the cable company they basically said f**k you. Recteq said, “ we get calls weekly about routers from that cable company “. What did they do? They sent me a new, compatible router at no charge next day air. Didn’t have to do that. The issue was not their fault. But they did anyway and I was up and connected to my network the next day. So I guess you know how I feel.

[Fat Guy]

wow!

[OC Sandy]

One of the things most people notice when going from a non-pellet smoker to a pellet smoker is a milder smoke flavor from the pellet smoker. For people who like a mild smoke flavor on their food this isn't much of a problem. For those who like a more pronounced smoke flavor end up having to augment the smoke during the cook by using a smoke tube or smoke maze/tray.

The advantage the Woodwind Pro has over the other pellet smokers is the smoke box they have developed. It gives you the opportunity to add wood chunks and/or charcoal during the cook for that more pronounce smoke flavor with no smoke tube/tray needed. I've actually over-smoked food while cooking with my Woodwind Pro by adding too much wood during the cooking time.

I don't have experience to compare the build between the RT and the Woodwind Pro, but I can state that the build on the Woodwind is substantial. I've had another model of Camp Chef pellet smoker (SG30) and the build difference between that and the Woodwind Pro is worlds apart. I'll leave the discussion on direct comparison between RT and Woodwind Pro build quality to those who have more knowledge about it, but as for the smoke box on the WW Pro, that's hard to beat. I almost never us my other smokers anymore because of the ease of use and food quality with the Pro.

[Fat Guy]

The smoke box concept is definitely a plus. Thank you.

[tenphases]

I watched a versus on Max scientist bbq between his offset and WW pro. He looked like he was going to cry when he realized how good the smoke off the pellet was

[SandPiper]

I believe the published platinum rating was for the Windwood (no smoke box) not the Windwood Pro with smoke box.. I have not seen Max Good's final review of the pro published on the website yet. I have had the Windwood Pro for 1 year and love it. The smoke box allows a tremendous amount of customization of your smoke level and type of wood. That said, I have had no problems and therefore no reason to contact Customer support and because of that I can't comment on how their responsiveness is. Best of luck with your search.

[Fat Guy]

Great feedback!! Hasn’t made a decision any easier, but thanks for all the thoughts, inputs and experiences.

[BFlynn]

I'll say this. Ive not used woodwind. I've used a pellet smoker 3 times in my life and 2 of those were a RecTec 700. I think that is the one the 1100 replaced.

I regularly use a PBC.
.I was pretty impressed with the brisket and ribs I did on the recteq.

I would buy one..... If I were allowed another cooker

It was easy to use..
It has some "extra smoke* setting and using a "championship" pellet from HEB, it had a good smoke flavor and the bark was solid.
Family was happy.
.
I can't tell you if the woodwind is better, but the recteq exceeded my expectations.

[Sid P]

Some Ace Hardwares stock Recteqs, so definitely check your local store. If you post your location, maybe a local Pit member will have one you can check out, and if you’re near Chicago you’re welcome to inspect my Grilla Silverbac, which is another brand you might want to consider.

[Clark]

I called them a few years ago when I was considering Rec Tec vs Grilla. Rec Tec employee kept bad mouthing Grilla rather than telling me the good about R-T and answering my direct questions.

He was just so arrogant....I bought a Grilla and I love it.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

That was my experience when I was originally looking at a Yoder and RT. Yoder was straight up and sang the praises of what RT did right but showcased what they did better. When I ended up contacting MAK they sang the praises of Yoder but highlighted what they did different/better. RT will likely never get my business because of that interaction. Having said that, they do have some products I think are worth looking at for some folks.

[Huskee]

Your experience seems common and I cannot personally recommend them for similar reasons, but I can wholeheartedly recommend Grilla, very high class folks.

[Txmat]

I can't speak to the RT, but I have had a Woodwind Pro for over a year. I am very happy with it. I have never had any trouble getting chunks lit in the smoke box even at low temperatures. I usually put smaller pieces of wood or a briquette in first and then my bigger chunks on top. If you choose the Camp Chef I think you will be happy.

[Yelnoc]

I have a GMG JB since 2017 with no problems. i admit I am attracted to the extra features on the CC. I have however helped to friends assemble their higher end RTecs and was very impressed. If my GMG went out I'm not sure what I would buy. However if you can buy a grill from a brick and mortar dealer then you are ahead of the game regardless of brand....not necessarily including Ace Hardware in that

[Jon Liebers]

i just was cleaning our GMG DB and i notice a lot of rust starting, but the on cleaning the interior i see a lot of black coming off. i don't recall if the inside is paint coated or not and not sure if this is soot build up coming off or paint?

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

It's probably smoke/grease residue