The Recteq RT 700 Smokebox. Take Backyard Grilling to the Next Level
The Recteq RT 700 Smokebox packs a ton of power for anyone who’s serious about outdoor cooking. My first experience with this grill felt like I just unlocked an entirely new world of smoky flavor. Whether you’re a weekend grill fan or a year-round barbecue enthusiast, this pellet grill is built to make smoking, roasting, grilling, and even baking much easier and a lot more fun. The clean modern look doesn’t hurt either.
Behind the stainless steel, the RT 700 hides some surprisingly userfriendly tech and thoughtful extras that aren’t just there for show. I’ve tested lots of pellet grills, and this one stands out for its steady performance and quality results. It turned my backyard into the spot everyone wanted to hang out, and it’s held up to everything from lastminute weeknight dinners to big family parties.
What You’ll Like About the Recteq RT 700 Smokebox
- Simple to use from the start. Digital controls and easy setup make smoking or roasting approachable for beginners and experienced cooks.
- Consistent temperature. It keeps temps steady, helping your briskets and ribs cook evenly every time.
- Massive cooking area. There’s enough space to fit several racks of ribs or a bunch of burgers at once, which is pretty handy for cookouts.
- WiFi control. Make adjustments or monitor the grill right from your phone, so you aren’t tied to the backyard during a long smoke.
- Built to last. Made with stainless steel inside and out, the Smokebox feels sturdy and reliable.
Main Features and Tech Specs
There’s no shortage of features here that help the RT 700 Smokebox stand out among other pellet grills. So, let’s check out the features I think you’ll really like.
- Stainless Steel Grates & Build: Everything that touches your food is made from heavyduty stainless steel. It resists rust and is easy to clean, which I’ve found extends the life of the grill.
- 702 Square Inches of Cooking Space: The main cooking area is huge. I’ve fit six racks of ribs without stacking, and the second shelf makes room for even more.
- 40 lb. Pellet Hopper: Fill it once for allday cooking. No need to constantly babysit the fuel, even during a long brisket session.
- Digital PID Controller: Set it and relax; the grill holds temperatures accurately, usually within a handful of degrees.
- WiFi Connectivity: Using the Recteq app, you can watch your grill’s stats or adjust the temperature from just about anywhere in or near your house.
- Temperature Range: Goes as low as 180°F for slow smoking and cranks up to 500°F if you need to sear steaks.
Breaking Down the Experience. Cooking on the RT 700 Smokebox
I’ve put the RT 700 through its paces for everything from lowandslow pork shoulder to highheat pizza. Here are the types of cooks I found it excels at.
Smoking and Low & Slow
This grill shines when you want deep smoke flavor and tender meat. With the steady digital controller, I don’t worry about wild temp swings. The smoke output keeps brisket, ribs, or turkey moist and flavorful. My pulled pork comes out with a killer bark and juicy interior.
Searing and HighHeat Grilling
While pellet grills are mainly about indirect heat, I’m impressed at how this one performs when I need to crank it up for burgers, chicken wings, or even a quick steak. Toss on the included sear kit (sold separately) for better grill marks if you’re after that steakhouse look.
Roasting and Baking
Roasting veggies or baking a pan of cornbread is a breeze with the RT 700. The ample space and even heat mean nothing comes out burned, and using wood pellets adds a subtle woodfired flavor you just don’t get in the kitchen oven.
What’s in the Box & Assembly Tips
The box arrives pretty hefty; be ready for a team lift or a sturdy hand truck. Inside, you get:
- Recteq RT 700 Smokebox main grill body
- Stainless steel cooking grates
- Second interior shelf
- Pellet hopper lid
- Wheels and legs
- Chimney and hardware
- User manual (worth flipping through for firsttime assembly)
Building it takes about 12 hours, depending how quick you are with a socket wrench. I found the instructions clear, and most of the main body comes preassembled. The heaviest part is getting the main chamber onto the legs, so a second set of hands really helps. After that, you’ll just need to attach the chimney, grates, and connect the controller.
Best Pellets to Use, and Why It Matters
Pellet flavor has a real impact on your results. With the RT 700, I’ve had the best luck with 100% hardwood pellets from brands like Lumber Jack, Bear Mountain, and of course, Recteq’s own blends. Hickory, apple, and cherry all work well for chicken, pork, and brisket. Oak gives a more classic barbecue flavor. Avoid the super cheap pellets; they can burn dirty, gum up the auger, and leave weird flavors behind.
Pellets keep for a while, but storing them in an airtight container is really important if you want to prevent clumping or mold. Highquality pellets burn cleaner and rarely jam the auger, making cooking smoother and saving time on cleanup.
Maintenance & Cleaning: Keeping Things Running Smooth
I try to clean my RT 700 after every few cooks to avoid buildup. Regular care keeps everything working well and stops old grease from ruining your next batch of food.
- Empty out the firepot and wash the drip tray using mild soap or a degreaser.
- Brush the cooking grates while they’re still warm; this makes stuckon bits come off easier.
- Check out the burn pot for ash and vacuum it out every few weeks.
- Inspect and clean the smokestack once a month (it matters more than you’d think for smoke management).
Store the grill under a waterproof cover if you can, especially when not using it for a while. Stainless steel is pretty tough, but a little protection goes a long way for longterm durability.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Let the grill preheat for at least 1520 minutes; this helps get a steady temperature and a good first burst of clean smoke.
- Use a leavein probe thermometer to track big cuts (the builtin controller is reliable, but every piece of meat is a little different).
- Don’t overcrowd the grates, even though they’re big. Airflow matters for even cooking.
- If you’re cooking a ton of food (think partysize), rotate items halfway for even results.
Room to Upgrade. AddOns and Accessories
One of my favorite things about the RT 700 is how many extras you can add to match your cooking style. Here are a few worth checking out if you want to get more out of your grill:
- Sear Kit: Extralarge grates hold heat for better steak searing.
- Front Folding Shelf: Props up pans or trays while you work, making things less cramped.
- Grill Cover: Helps keep everything clean and protected between uses.
- Pellet Storage Bin: Keeps your fuel fresh and ready yearround.
- Additional Meat Probes: Great if you’re juggling several recipes at once and don’t want to open the lid all the time.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use the Recteq RT 700 Smokebox yearround?
Absolutely. I’ve used it in all seasons, including some chilly nights, and the temperature holds steady even when it’s cold or windy outside.
Q: How does the WiFi work?
Just download the Recteq app on your phone, connect the grill to your home WiFi network, and you can control the temp or check your food’s progress from inside. This comes in handy for longer cooks or if you’re hosting and want to hang with friends instead of babysitting the grill.
Q: How many people can I cook for at once?
With 700plus square inches of space, I’ve fed groups of 1012 without much issue. It can handle two briskets, six pork butts, or a couple dozen burgers in one shot.
Q: What’s the warranty?
The RT 700 offers a 6year warranty, which is on the longer side for backyard pellet grills. Customer service is helpful, too, based on my own experience and from other grillers I know.
Worth Considering: Pros and Cons, Based on My Use
After a lot of meals and cleanup sessions, here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect with the RT 700:
- Pros: Reliable temp control, spacious layout, and super easy to use even for grilling newbies. The WiFi feature is great when you’re hosting or juggling lots of dishes.
- Cons: It’s a pretty big beast; make sure you’ve got the patio space. It’s also an investment, but you get longterm quality and a real upgrade from standard gas grills.
Extra Tips: Hosting and Community Ideas
If you’re thinking about upping your backyard events, this grill can handle way more than just burgers and ribs. Try slow smoking a pork shoulder for pulled pork sliders at your next game day hangout. Or, surprise your guests with woodfired desserts like berry cobbler baked right on the grates. Don’t forget to experiment with specialty pellets, too—maple or mesquite can give your dishes that extra punch.
Joining online grill forums or local cooking groups can give a boost to your skills and offer fresh recipe ideas. Many Recteq owners share their grill mods or favorite seasoning blends, so you can always learn something new, whether you’re a beginner or have been grilling for years. Fire up your playlist, invite friends, and make every cookout an adventure in flavor. Trust me—this grill will keep everyone talking long after the last bite.
My Take
The Recteq RT 700 Smokebox might just become the centerpiece of your outdoor cooking setup. It brings prolevel results without the learning curve or constant adjustments you’d expect from a traditional smoker. If you want plenty of space, tech perks, and a grill that can handle anything from midweek meals to big backyard bashes, this one’s definitely worth a look. After plenty of briskets, ribs, and burgers, I still look forward to every chance I get to fire mine up.