Rec Tec or Offset Stick??

[smokin218r]

Hi all, I am a new member and just left an intro at roll call.

I have been using a propane smoke hollow for about a year now. Even with the inconsistent temps of the smoker, I have been getting good results with ribs, pork butt, and pork loin. (You just really have to babysit it.) I really enjoy creating rubs and playing with different flavors, and would like to upgrade to a better/larger smoker.

I am torn between a stick or pellet.....

I enjoy the "tending and having some cold ones while doing so, but there are times when it would be nice not to.

I am scared to leave my current smoker for more then 10 min.

Can you get good smoke from a pellet smoker? I could get my propane look like a Peter built at -20.

Also, my smoke hollow has a water bowl. Are they necessary?

I have narrowed it down to Rec Tec as far as pellet due to reviews and price range.

Have not researched sticks as much.

Bottom line is, I like the idea of either one. Never used either. Want to produce great meat consistently.

Any and all feedback is welcome!

Thanks

 

[bear55]

I own a Rec Tec and would take nothing for it.  It maintains temps in all weather and I never have to worry.  The Rec Tec also doubles as a grill.

Richard

 

[smokin218r]

Thanks Bear. Do you ever need to use a smoke tube?

 

[westby]

I just ordered a Rec Tec today.  Been researching for a long time and finally pulled the trigger.  I have a 12" Amazen Tube already and I plan on using that if I can't get enough smoke out of the Rec Tec with the new extreme smoke option.  One way or the other, we'll get enough smoke in there.  I have a large homemade gas smoker that I made out of a computer server cabinet that is perfect for hotsticks, jerky, sausage, or if I want to cook 18 pork butts at one time, but it is just too big to fire up for a couple racks of ribs or a couple of butts.  And as you have found, it is also a pain to have to keep an eye on the temp all of the time.  Looking forward to setting the temp and forgetting about it and relaxing with a cold one.

Lance

 

[grillmonkey]

I can't speak for the Rec Tec, I don't even know what it is. But, I do have a stick burner. The stick burner does take some tending, but that is part of its appeal. "Man cook with fire!!!", and all that. Also, and I can't really put my finger on it , but there is something different about the flavor and texture of meat cooked on a stick burner. I just think that all other things being equal, I like the meat better.

Now, put me in a blind taste test and I probably couldn't tell the difference, it's probably just my biased perception, but it seems that way. Also, you just can't beat the smell of some good ol' red oak burning in the side firebox.

I do have an ECB with electric mod, but I rarely use it, opting for the stick burner 90% of the time. One advantage I have with a stick burner that makes it easier for me is I have access to lots of free wood; red oak, white oak and pecan. All I have to do is cut it and split it.

I think if I were you, I'd just get both and be done with it. You know you want to, you just came here hoping for justification/encouragement didn't you? 

 

 

[smokin218r]

IMG_20140727_212934463.jpg

• smokin218r
• Jan 15, 2015

IMG_20140612_211357222_HDR.jpg

• smokin218r
• Jan 15, 2015

Some Qview of what I did on my vertical.