It’s no surprise that portable smokers have a harder than average life on the go.
They get beat up getting in and out of vehicles, get used by anyone that’s at the party, and, have to withstand whatever the weather throws at them.
With promise of extra durability, Recteq’s portable RT-340 gives you more stainless components and their HotFlash Ceramic Ignition system.
But, how does it really perform? And, is it a better option for the price than it’s competition?
Find out here in our Recteq RT-340 review.
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Table of Contents
About the Recteq RT-340
Recteq (previously known as Rec Tec), has built it’s reputation on manufacturing premium-quality smokers built for performance. And, the RT-340 lives up to those standards, providing a smaller and lighter portable model that doesn’t sacrifice on quality.
The RT-340 is the smallest grill in Recteq’s range, but not the cheapest.
The RT-380 Bullseye is significantly cheaper. Although it runs off of wood pellets too, it’s more of a traditional high heat grill while the RT-340 is your typical, indirect heat, low and slow smoker.
Features of the Recteq RT-340
Construction:
- Stainless and powder-coated steel body
- Stainless steel cooking grates
- Stainless steel firepot
- 340 square inch cooking capacity
- Large 20 pound pellet hopper
- HotFlash Ceramic Ignition system
Ease of use:
- Precise PID-based WiFi controller
- Wide 180 – 500°F temperature range
- High cooking chamber fits larger cuts easily
- Folding legs for easy portability
Included extras:
- 2 meat probes
Construction and Build Quality
Like the rest of recteq’s range, the RT-340 is built from almost completely stainless steel for superior durability.
The cooking chamber is stainless, the grates, the firepot, heat deflectors, drip pans, and, the list goes on.
There’s a ceramic ignitor rod which can’t corrode or rust meaning it should last for almost 300 years of regular grilling and smoking (recteq’s never had one of these fail them yet).
Capacity
Inside, the RT-340 has… you guessed it, 340 square inches of cooking space.
That’s enough to fit a small brisket or 2 Boston butts.
There’s also enough headroom for a turkey or large roast.
But, if you need a little more space, you can add an optional second rack to boost up the total cooking space to 511 square inches.
In terms of hopper capacity, the RT-340 holds 20 pounds of pellets.
That’ll let you smoke low and slow for about 20 hours without having to add more pellets.
Smoking Performance
Thanks to the best of it’s kind PID-style temperature controller, recteq’s stick within about 5°F of your target.
They’re so precise you don’t even need to think about checking it.
The lid’s insulated for improved fuel efficiency and performance in colder conditions.
And, with a wide temperature range you can easily smoke, bake, roast, broil and even grill at the FULL function that boosts the temp to over 500°F.
Not so common on a portable smoker, the RT-340 also has WiFi for remote control. Plus, there’s 2 meat probes included so your phone can tell you exactly when your meat is cooked to perfection.
Because it’s basically a smaller version of recteq’s regular pellet smokers, there’s absolutely no reason why you couldn’t use it at home as a smaller regular smoker.
Grilling Performance
The max temperature on the RT-340 is 500°F which gives you good heat for grilling.
Do remember, it’s indirect heat. So, it’s doable and you’ll get a decent sizzle. But, if you’re thinking open flamed, charred perfection, it’s not that. And, high heat uses A LOT of pellets.
Portability
The legs on the RT-340 are reasonably easy to fold up and down.
Plus, once they’re down, simply use the handle to roll the whole smoker along. It’s not so easy over really rough ground. But, if it’s reasonably flat, easy to do by yourself.
The lid also locks into place so you don’t need to worry about everything falling all over the place.
Included and Optional Extras
With your RT-340 you’ll get 2 meat probes. They plug directly into the control panel so you can see exactly how hot your meat is at any point in time.
You don’t need anything else to smoke, grill or bake on the recteq RT-340. But, you might want a cover to keep your barbecue in tip top shape.
Being largely stainless steel it is more rust-resistant than some. But, the rain still won’t do it any favors.
Pros and Cons of the Recteq RT-340
What We Like About the RT-340
- Very high-quality pellet grill that doesn’t compromise on quality because it’s portable
- Very durable build
- PID temperature controller gives precise temperature control
- Insulated lid protects against heat loss in rougher weather conditions
- Decent cooking capacity with option to add a second rack
- Wide temperature range lets you smoke, bake, roast, broil, grill, sear and dehydrate
- WiFi enabled for remote control
- Comes with 2 meat probes
- Automatic shutdown mode is self-cleaning
- Locking hopper lid
- Folding and locking legs
- 20 pound pellet hopper lets you smoke unassisted for up to 20 hours
What We Don't Like About the RT-340
- Only a 2 year warranty, shorter than most portable smokers
- No pellet hopper emptying door
- Some people have had issues with the cool-down cycle not being long enough causing the fire to re-ignite
- A little unbalanced with legs folded which makes it a bit difficult to move around
Specs for the Recteq RT-340
Barbecue material: Stainless and powder-coated steel
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 340 sq in (511 square inches with optional extra second rack)
Pellet hopper capacity: 20lbs
Heat range: 200°F – 500°F+
WiFi: Yes
Fuel type: Wood pellets
Model: RT-340
Price guide: $$$
Assembled size (in): 41H x 39W x 19.5D
Weight: 80lbs
Warranty: 2 years
Should I Buy the Recteq RT-340?
The Recteq RT-340 is a good choice if you’re after a portable smoker that has:
- More stainless steel components than the competition
- Tight temperature control thanks to the PID-based system
- WiFi connectivity so you can operate it from your smartphone
- A large (for a portable smoker) pellet hopper for more smoking hours without having to refill
Other Alternatives
Despite the ‘recteq benefit’ of cutting out the middleman, the RT-340 is quite an expensive portable smoker.
These days you can get something that’s still super durable for less. So, if the RT-340 is in your budget and you’re happy with it, go for it. Otherwise, check out these options.
Pit Boss Sportsman Portable
- Easier folding leg design
- Stainless steel components
- Direct flame grilling as well
- Similar capacity (cooking and hopper)
- Lower price
Green Mountain Grills Trek
- WiFi controller
- Stainless steel components
- No folding legs to have to mess with
- Higher max temp
- Comes with everything you need to run off 12V or 120V power
Traeger Tailgater
- THE name in pellet smokers
- Lower price
- Durable powder-coated construction
- Scissor legs
Kate Brown, the founder and voice behind Burning Brisket, is not your typical pitmaster or restaurateur. Her expertise in barbecue grew from a humble desire to cook exceptional meals for her family. From overcoming burnt brisket mishaps to establishing her boutique cattle ranch, Kate shares her passion to help 'ordinary' individuals cook extraordinary barbecue, believing that simplicity often yields the best flavors. Kate is commited to making great barbecue accessible to all with the right resources and some tasty practice.
