Recteq Backyard Beast 1200 Review – Wood-Fired Perfection
Introduction
Tired of uneven heating ruining your steaks? Frustrated with gas grills that lack authentic wood-fired flavor? The Recteq Backyard Beast 1200 pellet grill addresses these common grilling woes head-on. This isn’s just a grill; it’s a complete outdoor cooking system designed to deliver consistent temperatures, incredible flavor, and unparalleled versatility, all while simplifying the grilling process.
Overview
The Recteq Backyard Beast 1200 is a premium pellet grill that combines the convenience of electric ignition with the authentic taste of wood smoke. Its robust stainless steel construction and expansive cooking surface make it ideal for families, entertaining, and anyone who demands restaurant-quality results at home. Powered by wood pellets, this grill effortlessly smokes, grills, sears, bakes, and even dehydrates, opening up a world of culinary possibilities with the touch of a button and the control of your smartphone.
Features
Expansive Cooking Space: Boasting a massive 1220 square inches of cooking area, the Backyard Beast 1200 provides ample space for feeding a crowd or cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. Forget juggling smaller grills – this one handles it all.
Rock-Solid PID Temperature Control: Recteq’s advanced PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithm delivers unmatched temperature stability. Maintaining temperatures within a remarkable 5°F, this technology ensures consistent cooking, prevents scorching, and guarantees perfectly cooked results every time. Say goodbye to constant adjustments and hello to predictable precision.
Versatile Cooking Modes & Temperature Range: From low-and-slow smoking at 180°F to searing at 700°F, the Backyard Beast 1200 offers a wide range of temperatures to suit any recipe. Smoke a brisket, grill burgers, sear steaks, or bake pizzas – the possibilities are endless. It also features a handy dehydration setting for preserving fruits and vegetables.
Unstoppable Pellet Feeding & 30-Hour Runtime: The large-capacity pellet hopper, combined with Recteq’s reliable feeding system, allows for an impressive 30 hours of continuous cooking on a single fill. This means you can tackle even the longest smoking projects without interruption. The auto-ignition system makes startup a breeze.
Wi-Fi Enabled Convenience: Connect to the Recteq app on your smartphone to monitor and control the grill from anywhere. Adjust temperatures, set timers, and receive notifications, all from the convenience of your mobile device. This level of control makes grilling easier and more enjoyable than ever before.
Benefits
Fuel Efficiency and Long Runtime: The efficient pellet-feeding system minimizes pellet consumption and provides extended cooking times, making it a cost-effective and convenient grilling solution.
Stress-Free Grilling Experience: The Wi-Fi connectivity and auto-ignition system simplify the grilling process, allowing you to spend less time managing the grill and more time enjoying the company of friends and family.
Endless Culinary Possibilities: From smoked brisket to grilled pizza, this grill’s versatility allows you to expand your culinary horizons and explore new recipes with confidence. It replaces several grilling appliances into one.
Consistent Cooking, Every Time: The precise temperature control eliminates guesswork and ensures that your food is cooked evenly, eliminating dry spots and uneven results. It ensures perfect results even for beginner grillers.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor, Effortlessly: The Backyard Beast 1200 delivers the rich, smoky flavor of traditional wood-fired cooking without the hassle of managing charcoal or dealing with messy smoke. Achieve professional-level results with minimal effort.
Usages
Useful for Tailgating & Camping (with portable power source): While designed for backyard use, with the assistance of a portable power source, the grill can be transported for outdoor use.
Excellent for Searing Steaks and Smoking Ribs Simultaneously: The multi-zone cooking capabilities allow you to sear steaks on one side while simultaneously smoking ribs on the other, maximizing efficiency and flavor.
Great for Family Barbecues and Entertaining: The expansive cooking surface is ideal for feeding a large group, making it a centerpiece for any outdoor gathering.
Ideal for Weeknight Grilling: Its quick startup time and precise temperature control make it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
Perfect for Low-and-Slow Brisket: The Backyard Beast 1200 excels at low-and-slow smoking, delivering incredibly tender and flavorful brisket that will impress even the most discerning barbecue enthusiasts.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional temperature stability
- Large cooking area
- Wi-Fi enabled convenience
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Versatile cooking capabilities
Cons
- Relatively heavy and bulky
- Requires a dedicated power source
- Pellets can be a recurring expense
FAQs
Does the grill have any unique smoking capabilities?: Yes, the grill’s airtight design and precise temperature control create an optimal smoking environment, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender results.
How easy is the grill to clean?: The stainless steel construction makes the grill relatively easy to clean. Periodic brushing of the grates and occasional cleaning of the firepot are recommended.
What is the total cooking capacity of the grill?: The grill boasts a generous 1220 square inches of cooking space, allowing you to prepare a large quantity of food at once.
How well does the grill retain heat?: The insulated cooking chamber and tight-fitting lid help retain heat, minimizing temperature fluctuations and maximizing fuel efficiency.
What type of wood pellets should I use?: Recteq recommends using 100% hardwood pellets, such as oak, hickory, mesquite, or cherry. Avoid pellets containing additives or binders.
Product Specifications
| Grate Material | Stainless Steel |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty |
| Dimensions | 36” H x 28” W x 28” D |
| Material Type | Stainless Steel |
| Cooking Area (sq. in.) | 1220 |
| Weight | 230 lbs |
| BTUs | N/A (Pellet Grill) |
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets |
| Ignition System | Auto-Ignition |
| Hopper Capacity | 20 lbs |
| Cleaning Requirements | Regular brushing and occasional firepot cleaning |
| Included Accessories | Grill Cover |
| Temperature Range | 180°F – 700°F |
| Wheels/Mobility | Heavy-Duty Wheels |
Ratings
| Cooking Performance | 4.7 |
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
| Build Quality | 4.6 |
| Temperature Stability | 4.9 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Recteq Backyard Beast 1200 is ideal for serious grillers and barbecue enthusiasts who demand restaurant-quality results at home. Its exceptional temperature stability, large cooking area, and Wi-Fi enabled convenience make it a standout choice for those who appreciate both performance and ease of use.
If you’re looking to upgrade from a basic charcoal or gas grill and want to experience the authentic flavor of wood smoke without the hassle, the Backyard Beast 1200 is an excellent investment. It’s also a great choice for families who love to entertain and want a grill that can handle large crowds.
Conclusion
The Recteq Backyard Beast 1200 represents a significant step up in pellet grilling technology. Its precision temperature control, large cooking capacity, and convenient Wi-Fi connectivity make it a true game-changer for outdoor cooking. While the pellet-fueled nature of the grill and the stainless steel construction means a higher upfront cost, it offers long-term value in terms of cooking performance, fuel efficiency, and overall satisfaction.
From perfectly smoked brisket to flawlessly grilled steaks, the Backyard Beast 1200 delivers on its promise of restaurant-quality results with exceptional ease. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor cooking experience, this pellet grill is an investment you won’t regret.
