Pellet Smokers: Recteq or Traeger

There are a lot of pellet smokers out on the market today. Two of the major brands out there that most people recognize is the Traeger and the Recteq. This is not to say which one is better than the other, more of what the highlights are and of the experiences of using both brands. I have used pellet smokers over the last 15 years and have used both brands. From the small Traeger Tailgater to the large flagships of the brands, like the Traeger Timberline and the Recteq Flagship 1100. 

I have used some of the models within the brands to the point of being worn out. I have left them out in the weather, they have been rained on, rusted, and repaired. Both brands are tough, last a long time, many years to decades if treated right. My two cents for this short article is this, of the two brands, I can tell you that Recteq’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature is spot on. It rarely varies 1-2 degrees during a long cook, like for a brisket. It is very impressive in that respect. Traeger, in my opinion, varies…sometimes wildly and unexplainably before it comes down to the desired temp. It fluctuates during the cook, sometimes 5-10 degrees, but stays in the ballpark to still create a good cook. I would say that both smokers have cool down modes that function nearly identically and reliably. Both are made out of heavy gauge steel which varies depending on models. 

Another area where the two separate is not related to the grill itself, but more of a convenience for the grill. The Wi-Fi controls for the Traeger app stand apart in its functionality, ease of use and is visually appealing. Recteq is a few steps behind in this area. Adjusting the grills on the fly with ease is important. Recteq’s mobile app seems to be not as responsive when adjusting the temperature. It’s not the Wi-Fi signal I have…that is very strong!

The recipe selections in both apps have come a long way and you just might find that favorite recipe in one app that you did not find in the other. You just have to look. To give you an example, I have made a ton of recipes for ribs from the Traeger app. I found a simple recipe in the Recteq app that is now my go to. So, with all that said, they are both great grills. I have one of each on my patio, one big, one not as big. It depends on what I am cooking. Get down to your local hardware store and take a look. Get out there and smoke something!