Whereas my love of smoked meats is well-documented, my very own journey into truly tending the hearth began simply final spring after I jumped on the alternative to assessment the Traeger Woodridge Pro. When Recteq got here calling with an identical provide to take a look at the Flagship 1600, I figured it will be a great way to remain heat all winter.
Whereas the 2 people who smoke have rather a lot in frequent, the Recteq positively looks like an improve from the Traeger I’ve been utilizing. Not solely does it have almost twice the cooking area, however the enormous pellet hopper, rounded barrel, and correct smokestack assist me really feel like an actual pitmaster.
The trade-off is shedding a number of the usability options that make the Woodridge Professional an amazing first smoker. The setup isn’t as fairly as easy, and the bigger footprint and fewer ergonomic circumstances require somewhat extra expertise or endurance. With each choices, wonderful smoked meat is just some 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
Organising the Recteq wasn’t as time-consuming because the Woodridge, however it was harder to handle by myself. A few 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 beloved one. Like most people who smoke, you’ll have to run a burn-in cycle at 400 levels Fahrenheit to ensure there’s nothing left over from manufacturing or transport. Given the quantity of setup time and want to chill down the smoker after, I might suggest setting this up Friday afternoon if you wish to smoke on a Saturday.
