First Cooking Experience, Questions RT-700

[Ted]

So I've completed 3 cooks (4 if you count the pound of bacon I cooked to season) on my new RT-700. After owning charcoal, propane grill and an electric smoker, the Bull is the easiest smoker/grill to use. Temperature control is outstanding, wifi phone app is great, build quality is excellent.

The first cook was baby back ribs with mac and cheese. Ribs came out excellent. Mac & cheese was so-so, it was pre-made from Costco, next time I will do from scratch.

The second cook was a spatchcock chicken with corn on the cob. The chicken was some of the best I've ever had, very juicy and tender. I used a Trager chicken rub with citrus and black pepper, highly recommended. I also grilled some veggies for a salad my wife was making.

After cooking the chicken, I baked a pan with a dozen cookies for dessert, with the conviction heat, this thing bakes really good.

Tonight I smoked a tri-tip. It came out OK, but it was a little chewy.

 

[Ted]

So I have some questions based on my first cooking experience on the RT-700.

I notice periodically the fan on the RT-700 goes into an on/off cycle. Is this normal?

How often are you guys vacuuming out the ash build-up in the bottom and pellet fire pot?

Is there an easy way to switch wood pellet flavors? I'm currently using the Rec Tec pellet blend, but what if I wanted to switch to a different wood flavor?

Thanks.

 

[Mike]

The first cook was baby back ribs with mac and cheese.

How did you cook the ribs (temp and time)?

I baked a pan with a dozen cookies for dessert, with the conviction heat, this thing bakes really good.

Never even thought about cookies... I LIKE your thinking!

I notice periodically the fan on the RT-700 goes into an on/off cycle. Is this normal?

Yes it's normal for the fan to cycle on and off.

How often are you guys vacuuming out the ash build-up in the bottom and pellet fire pot?

Maybe I'm a clean freak or maybe I'm a bit paranoid, but I normally give my bull a quick vacuuming before my first use for that day.

I figure it doesn't take long at all and it makes it easier to clean compared letting it sit down there for days or weeks.

Is there an easy way to switch wood pellet flavors? I'm currently using the Rec Tec pellet blend, but what if I wanted to switch to a different wood flavor?

One feature I'd like to see Rec Tec add to their pellet grills is the ability to quickly empty the hopper. Especially on the Bull with it's 40 pound hopper.

But to answer your question, the easiest and quickest way I've found to change pellet types is to suck them up with a shop vac.

 

[Ted]

Thanks for answers Mike.

Baby back ribs cooked with 321 at 225. But I've recently read baby backs are better with 221 at 225.

Yes, I think the RT-700 will do a great job with baking pastries and pizza with the convection heat. The cookies came out perfect. I'm planning on doing pizza at some point. I don't think we will be using our oven in the house much anymore.

I like your comments on cleaning, I'm a clean freak also.

 

[Ted]

One last question, when you vac out the fire pot, do you throw a handful of pellets in? I've seen several cleaning videos on YouTube some add pellets, some don't.

 

[Mike]

One last question, when you vac out the fire pot, do you throw a handful of pellets in? I've seen several cleaning videos on YouTube some add pellets, some don't.

I do put a small amount of pellets in the fire pot after cleaning. About as much or just a little less than what is recommended when you first fire up the Bull for the first time after assembly.

 

[wildblue]

One feature I'd like to see Rec Tec add to their pellet grills is the ability to quickly empty the hopper. Especially on the Bull with it's 40 pound hopper.

But to answer your question, the easiest and quickest way I've found to change pellet types is to suck them up with a shop vac.

Look for "Bucket Head wet dry vac" at home depot or wal mart. It's designed to attach to a 5 gallon bucket - keep a couple extra buckets on hand and something to label them with. I think they're only like $20 - probably the cheapest accessory you'll buy for the grill

 

[Mike]

I will check that out for sure. Thanks @wildblue!

 

[Buckeye smoker]

Thanks Mike great Info.