This Backyard Smoker Delivers Results Even a Pitmaster Would Approve Of

Whereas my love of smoked meats is well-documented, my very own journey into truly tending the fireplace began simply final spring once I jumped on the alternative to overview the Traeger Woodridge Professional. When Recteq got here calling with a comparable provide to take a look at the Flagship 1600, I figured it might be a good technique to keep heat all winter.

Whereas the 2 people who smoke have a lot in widespread, the Recteq positively looks like an improve from the Traeger I’ve been utilizing. Not solely does it have practically twice the cooking house, however the large pellet hopper, rounded barrel, and correct smokestack assist me really feel like a actual pitmaster.

The trade-off is dropping a few of the usability options that make the Woodridge Professional a nice first smoker. The setup isn’t as fairly as easy, and the bigger footprint and fewer ergonomic situations require a little extra expertise or persistence. With each choices, glorious smoked meat is simply a few button presses away, however talking as somebody with each of their yard, I’ve been firing up the Recteq extra typically.

Getting Settled

{Photograph}: Brad Bourque

Establishing the Recteq wasn’t as time-consuming because the Woodridge, however it was harder to handle by myself. A number of the steps, like attaching the bull horns to the lid, or flipping the barrel onto its stand, would actually profit from a affected person good friend or cherished one. Like most people who smoke, you’ll must run a burn-in cycle at 400 levels Fahrenheit to verify there’s nothing left over from manufacturing or delivery. Given the quantity of setup time and want to chill down the smoker after, I might advocate setting this up Friday afternoon if you wish to smoke on a Saturday.