Introduction and Weber Smokefire vs rectec RT-380 recommendation?

[Nomad Paul]

I'm on my third Weber 22 1/2 grill with rotisserie adaptor. I bought a red Brinkman electric smoker in the early 90's to try smoking: mostly two 14-16 lb. whole packer briskets for 20 pre-covid New Year's Eve parties. Most of my smoking has been done on the Weber kettle grill. I'm looking to buy a pellet smoker and I've narrowed it down to two options that sear in addition to smoking:: (1) the Amazing Ribs (AR) Platinum Medal rated Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill and (2) the not-yet AR rated recteq RT-B380 Bullseye. Both of these pellet smokers correct failings of the first versions: the Weber Smokefire, the AR not-recommended rectec Bulleye, and the discontinued AR Gold Medal rectec RT-680 Bullseye.

I think I'm looking at the only(?) two future Platinum Medal smokers that are also outstanding at searing?

Happy Holidays,
Paul

[DavidNorcross]

Welcome from Virginia!.

I cannot comment on either of them. I have owned both Weber and RecTeq products over the years. They both provide great support with RecTeq probably the clear winner on the support side. They just take it to another level. I will say that I also like the Bullseye and have studied it alot since the new release. As pellet cookers go, you might want to check out Grilla.

[Jfrosty27]

The Recteq RT-380 Bullseye is really not the best choice for low and slow smoking. That one is really designed for high heat hot and fast cooking.

I have the RT-700 that has been flawless for me for over 5 years. They’ve redone their whole range of cookers since I bought mine though.

Can’t comment on the Smokefire.

[Oak Smoke]

I’m not qualified to comment on pellet cooking at all. I just wanted to say welcome from central Texas. Good luck in your search for answers. There are several people in the group including those who’ve already joined in that are well qualified to help you.

[randy.56]

The RT 680 was replaced by the 700. I do not think the 700 has sear capabilities. But have a 680 for years they are very good. Long time member 1st post. welcome

[Jfrosty27]

You are correct. No searing on the 700.

[RonB]

Welcome to The Pit.

[realdocBBQ]

If you're not in a huge hurry... and you like your Weber... I might suggest holding off a little while, a month or two, and see what... might just be available. Let's say there may be something quite interesting that is likely improve the functionality of the Weber kettle significantly.

Just a suggestion.

[PGH_RAM]

OK, you've got my attention. Can you drop any hints?

[realdocBBQ]

Well, I guess it isn't a total secret that Fireboard is having us test a product, since it was announced on the board that you had to have a Weber 22 in order to be part of the group.

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/other-aa/1626673-fireboard-new-product-testing-a-pitmaster-club-exclusive

[Skip]

Welcome from Minnesota.

[RichieB]

Welcome from Western Massachusetts.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Welcome aboard. From the 2 grills you listed it looks like your focus is on a pellet smoker that can grill over a decent surface area, and if so the Weber is the way to go since it will serve much better as a smoker as well as a grill. You likely won't see a RT product reviewed here as the first iteration of the bullseye was reviewed not so well and the owners of RT got in their feelings and drama and whatever (they've made a lot of changes since then and the current iteration of the Bullseye fixed most of the problems that were pointed out in the review).

However, I would also point out that quite a few pellet grills on the market can sear with the assistance of grill grates searing grates or a cast iron pan/griddle.

Or you could use a pellet grill for smoking and your charcoal weber for an intense sear. Just throwing some options out if you wanted to save some money.

Do note that very few pellet grills have their full max heat delivered to their entire main grill sq inches so if you're trying to grill more than 1 or 2 big steaks at a time that's something you need to consider. The Weber will certainly do it without add ons or trickery.

[Nomad Paul]

If you're not in a huge hurry... and you like your Weber... I might suggest holding off a little while, a month or two, and see what... might just be available. Let's say there may be something quite interesting that is likely improve the functionality of the Weber kettle significantly.

Just a suggestion.

This is a suggestion I can easily follow, because she who must be obeyed wants me to move drills off the patio to a dedicated grill area for more room and less smoke on the patio. I need a little warmer weather for outdoor construction projects.

Thanks to all for the welcome,
Paul

[Allon]

Welcome to
THE PIT
from Central Massachusetts

🥩🥩🥩
🔥🔥🔥

[barelfly]

Welcome from the Land of Enchantment! And enjoy whichever cooker you end up with!

[fzxdoc]

Welcome!

[Draznnl]

I know nothing about either of the machines you’re looking at. Just wanted to say welcome to the posting side from the Florida Suncoast..