RecTec RT-700

After A LOT of research, I just bit the bullet on a RT-700 from RecTec. I was wavering between it and a Yoder 640s but the price on the RecTec won me over. I bought it, a competition cart, cover, and 200lbs of pellets for about the same price as the base Yoder. The comp cart was 50% off and they threw in another 10% discount off of the accessories for being a vet.

Anyways, I'll be scouring the food forums for tips and tricks. I'm excited to have upgraded my Tundras.com membership to the highly elite pellet smoker level.

Anybody own an ash vacuum? If so, what brand are you using and is it worth it?

 

I just use a shop vac for the ash. As long as you aren't trying to vacuum up hot ash it won't be an issue. I just wait until day after I've shut it down and have a filter rated for drywall dust.

 

Welcome to the elite part of the forum. I need to dive in as well. Owned two Traegers (Costco) and loved them. Moved to Chicago and upgraded to Memphis Woodfire and LOVE it (but it was pricey). Rec-Tec would be near the top of my list of pellet poopers if I were shopping again. Dollar for dollar, they're hard to beat.

As for the vacuum, I use either a shop vac or my old handheld Dyson. Haven't shopped for one specifically made for ash. As Festerw stated, I just don't vac while they're hot.

 

You will love it! I have an RT340 for the wife and I. Enough for one brisket or a couple slabs of ribs.

 

Welcome to the club! I own a rectec 700 and frippin love it. It holds temp perfectly. Burns pellets efficiently. And is built extremely well. Your gonna love it!

 

Don't vacuum while it's hot. That makes sense. I have an old shop-vac so I'll use that.

Next question, where'd you guys learn how to cook your briskets and stuff on your pellet pooper (I like that)? I have two books that I've been reading. "Franklin Barbecue" is one and "Meathead" is the other. When I jump in, I JUMP IN. Any sites or book recommendations would be much appreciated.

Some day, I hope to change my name to "Brisket Bandito".

 

Youtube. Franklin has some trimming videos as does Mat Pitman and probably a ton of other people. There are dozens of variations. Everything from Mat Pitmans 18hr Weekday recipe to Myron Mixon like 4-5 hr high temp cook. I would start with watching all three of their brisket videos and see what you want to do first. I have used that Weekday recipe twice now and it is awesome!! However I have been thinking about trying Myron's recipe soon. He often visits a BBQ store near me. I just need to make it in to sample his when he is in town next.

Also Malcom Reed "How to BBQ Right" is an awesome channel....You need to make his smoked meatball slider recipe. Its a life changing experience. haha

 

Sounds like I'm gonna need to rework my exercise routine.

 

As mentioned. Check out Malcolm Reed’s “How to BBQ Right” on YouTube and also check out Kosmos Q on YouTube. Meat Church BBQ is another good one

 

Haha yup!

The good thing about smoking is it gives you plenty of time to workout while dinner is cooking. The garage gym helps but I feel it’s a constant battle.

 

My favorite is along the lines of Aaron Franklin's approach. His book (which is awesome!) and youtube videos provide all you need. Keep it simple while paying close attention to temp.

For other ideas, I really like Project Smoke by Steven Raichlen. Good stuff. I also follow Jess Pryles with Hardcore Carnivore on Instagram. She knows her stuff! Meat Church has some great stuff as was mentioned.

 

Do a tri tip or a pork butt/shoulder for your first smoke, invest in a separate digital thermometer- I have the Inkbird 4prober that works pretty good.
Heygrillhey has some really good and easy recipes to follow. I’m also a fan of using a water bath to help regulate temps. I use a old shop vac as well, make sure you clean out the pot after every smoke