Pit Boss vs RecTeq

Quick Verdict

RecTeq RT-700 Bull wins this comparison on the strength of its build quality and long term value. Full stainless steel construction, a 40 lb hopper, and a 6-year warranty make it a grill you buy once. The Pit Boss Pro 1150 fights back with massive cooking space (1,150 sq in vs 702) and a lower price. If you need to feed a crowd, the Pit Boss makes sense. For everything else, the RecTeq is the better investment.

Temperature Control

RecTeq is noticeably better here. Its Smart Grill Technology PID controller held within 5 degrees during a 14-hour brisket cook. The Pit Boss drifted 10 to 15 degrees on the same day, and wind made it worse. This is the Pit Boss's weakest area.

Recovery after lid opens is faster on the RecTeq too. About 10 seconds quicker to get back to set temp. Over a long cook with multiple checks, that adds up. The Pit Boss works fine for set and forget cooks, but if you are opening the lid often (basting ribs, spritzing brisket), the RecTeq handles the disruption better.

Build Quality and Durability

Not even close. The RecTeq RT-700 is full 304 stainless steel. The Pit Boss is heavy gauge steel with a standard finish. I left both uncovered for a week during a rainy stretch. The RecTeq was unfazed. The Pit Boss showed early signs of surface oxidation on the legs and shelf.

The RecTeq's stainless steel grates are heavier and retain heat better than the Pit Boss's standard grates. The horn style design is not just aesthetic. It channels airflow efficiently and the whole unit feels overbuilt in the best possible way. RecTeq backs this up with a 6-year warranty. Pit Boss offers 5 years, which is still strong, but the RecTeq clearly expects its grill to last longer.

Cooking Performance and Versatility

Both produce great smoked food. The RecTeq's tighter temp control gives it an edge on precision cooks (brisket, fish, jerky), while the Pit Boss's sheer size lets you cook more food at once. Different strengths for different needs.

The Pit Boss has a flame broiler lever for direct grilling. Slide it open and you get direct flame access. It works. Not as refined as a dedicated grill, but it gives the Pit Boss a versatility option the RecTeq lacks. The RecTeq is a smoker first and does not pretend otherwise.

I smoked identical racks of spare ribs on both. The RecTeq produced a more consistent result, with even bark across all ribs. The Pit Boss had slight hot spots that gave the ribs near the fire pot heavier bark. Both tasted great, but the RecTeq was more uniform.

Features and Tech

Both have WiFi, and both apps are decent without being exceptional. The Pit Boss adds Bluetooth as a backup, which has saved me twice when WiFi dropped during a cook. The RecTeq's app is straightforward but relies on WiFi only.

The RecTeq's 40 lb hopper is a massive advantage. I loaded it once for a 16-hour brisket cook and still had pellets left. The Pit Boss has 23 lbs, which is above average but required a top off during the same length cook. For overnight cooks where you want to sleep, the RecTeq's hopper capacity is a genuine convenience.

Value for Money

The Pit Boss costs less and gives you 1,150 sq in of cooking space. That is incredible value if you host large cookouts. The per square inch cost heavily favors Pit Boss.

But the RecTeq is the better long term investment. Stainless steel will outlast powder coated steel. The 6-year warranty provides more coverage. And the tighter temp control means more consistent results cook after cook. If you plan to grill for years, the RecTeq's upfront premium pays off over time.

Use Case Showdown

How these two compare for specific cooking scenarios.

• For brisket: RecTeq wins because tighter temp control means more consistent results over a 14-hour cook, and the even heat distribution eliminates hot spots.
• For beginners: Pit Boss wins because you can see it in stores, the price is lower, and the 5-year warranty covers the learning curve.
• For searing: Pit Boss wins because the flame broiler gives you direct flame access. The RecTeq is indirect heat only and has no searing feature.
• For overnight cooks: RecTeq wins with a 40 lb hopper that runs 20+ hours without a refill. The Pit Boss 23 lb hopper needs topping off on long cooks.
• For portability: Pit Boss wins at 145 lbs versus 150 lbs, though the difference is negligible. Neither is easy to move.

The Verdict

Buy the RecTeq RT-700 Bull if you want a grill built to last a decade or more. Stainless steel construction, rock solid temp control, and a 40 lb hopper make it the set it and forget it choice. Best for serious pitmasters who value quality over quantity.

Buy the Pit Boss Pro 1150 if you need maximum cooking space at a mid range price. 1,150 sq in handles big cookouts with ease, and the 5-year warranty gives solid peace of mind. Best for families and entertainers.