Five Starter Tips For How To Use Your Rec Tec Wood Pellet Grill

In just about every city across America, you'll find professional grillmasters and amateurs alike working the best Rec Tec wood pellet grills for that unbeatable, smoky Rec Tec flavor. Now that you've finally assembled your very own Rec Tec wood pellet grill, you're no doubt eager to christen it with a beefy cut of brisket or some pulled pork bought just for the occasion. 

Rec Tec is serious about grilling, and their signature series of wood pellet grills consistently beat out the competition for performance, durability, and quality. Your user manual will include thorough instructions for using your specific model correctly, but the tips below are useful for any Rec Tec wood pellet grill.

Are you ready? Let's dive in!

Tip 1: Use a heavy duty extension cord that plugs into GFCI outlet, when possible. 

If your Rec Tec pellet grill repeatedly shorts out when you plug it in, try resetting the red GFCI switch. You can also check your user manual for the warranty coverage and contact the manufacturer to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Always plug into a grounded outlet or power cord. For safety, keep the electrical cord out of standing water, and your pellet grill at least 24 inches away from any combustible surface. 

Tip 2: Do not burn wood chips in your Rec Tec wood pellet grill.

Wood chips are different in composition from wood pellets and are not designed for efficient use in a wood pellet grill. 

If you choose to use a wood pellet brand other than Rec Tec, or want to experiment with flavored wood pellets, avoid mesquite wood. The sand content of this type of wood pellet could leave a build up of sand residue in your cooking chamber.

Tip 3: Allow 30mn - 45mn of Preheating Time Before Cooking.

Depending on weather conditions and the selected temperature setting, it can take up to 45mn, and even an hour to sufficiently preheat your Rec Tec pellet grill. 

During the initial burn-in, for instance, if you set the temperature at 350 degrees fahrenheit, it should take approximately 20 - 30 minutes under optimal conditions. At maximum temperature setting, however, it could take 10 - 15 mn longer for your Rec Tec to reach the desired temperature.

Tip 4: Keep the lid closed when smoking meat in your Rec Tec pellet grill

The smokestack vent on the lid should, however, remain open, to prevent oversmoking in the cooking chamber. Repeatedly opening the lid will allow heat and smoke to escape, creating an inconsistent internal temperature.

Your Rec Tec wood pellet grill is designed to monitor and regulate the interior temperature all on its own. As long as the smokestack is open to full capacity, your Rec Tec smoker will adjust fuel supply as needed to keep the temperature at your desired setting. 

Tip 5: Do not add a water tray to your Rec Tec wood pellet grill.

Rec Tec wood pellet grills like the Rec Tec 680 use 100% natural wood pellets specially designed to provide and release the appropriate level of moisture during the smoking process. In other words, they don't need a water tray, and that's one less job for you! 

Adding a water tray will add further moisture to the cooking chamber, which inhibits the smoker's ability to measure temperature accurately.