Recteq Deck Boss 800 Review: Is It Worth It?

After weeks of grilling, smoking, and searing, I’m ready to give you the final verdict on the recteq Deck Boss 800. Let’s cut right to the chase: is it worth your hard-earned money? For me, the answer is an overwhelming yes. I’ve been around the block with pellet grills, and this machine fixes many of the problems I’ve had with other brands. If you’re on the fence, tired of temperature swings, and want a grill that’s built to last a lifetime instead of just a few seasons, this is your sign. You should buy this grill.

My Experience With The Recteq Deck Boss 800

When the recteq Deck Boss 800 arrived, the first thing that struck me was the sheer weight of the box.

This wasn’t some flimsy, big-box-store special. Assembly was surprisingly straightforward.

I had a friend help me lift the main barrel, which I highly recommend, but the instructions were clear and all the parts felt premium.

You can just feel the quality in the heavy-gauge stainless steel.

Those iconic micro-polished bull horn handles aren’t just for show; they feel sturdy and solid in your hand.

After the 30-minute assembly, I did the initial burn-in. This is a critical step for any new grill, and the Deck Boss 800 made it simple. I filled the massive 30-pound hopper, set the PID controller, and let it rip. It got up to temperature quickly and held it with robotic precision. The first cook I did was the true test: an overnight pork butt. This is where most pellet grills show their flaws. I set the temperature to 225°F, stuck in one of the two included meat probes, and went to bed.

This is where the magic happened. I woke up a few times, but not to run outside and check the grill. I just rolled over, grabbed my phone, and opened the recteq app. I could see the grill temperature was holding a perfect 225°F and my pork butt was slowly climbing to its target. There were no 30-degree temperature swings, no flame-outs, and no panic. That PID controller is the real deal. When it was done, the bark was perfect, and the meat was incredible.

But what about high heat? Most pellet grills fail at searing. The Deck Boss 800, however, boasts a 700°F top temperature. I was skeptical, but I set it as high as it would go and threw on two thick-cut ribeyes. While it’s not the same as a direct-flame char, the 700°F indirect heat combined with the cast-iron deflector created a fantastic, edge-to-edge crust. It’s the first pellet grill I’ve used that can actually sear a steak properly, and that versatility is what makes it the “Deck Boss.”

Read more: My Thoughts on CCIYU Auto Parts

Pros Of The Recteq Deck Boss 800

• The PID Controller Is A Game-Changer: This, for me, is the number one reason to choose a recteq. The PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller is the “brain” of the grill, and it’s brilliant. You set your temperature, say 225°F, and it constantly monitors the temperature inside the grill, making micro-adjustments to the auger and fan. The result? It holds your target temperature within 5 degrees, even in wind or cold. This is the “set it and forget it” dream. You don’t have to babysit the grill, which means you can trust it with a 14-hour brisket overnight without losing any sleep.
• Incredible Build Quality: This thing is “built like a tank.” It’s not just a marketing slogan. The main barrel, the firepot, the drip pan, and the handles are all made from high-quality 304 stainless steel. This is a big deal. Why? Because it won’t rust, chip, or flake. You’ve seen other grills after two years where the black paint is peeling off the lid and rust spots are forming? You won’t have that problem here. This is a grill you buy for a decade, not just for a summer.
• That 700°F Searing Power: This is the feature that separates the Deck Boss 800 from almost all of its competitors. Most pellet grills max out at 500°F, which is fine for roasting but terrible for searing. At 700°F, you can get a legitimate, dark-red crust on a steak or a burger. It’s powered by the grill’s ability to ramp up, and that high-temperature capability, combined with the cast-iron heat deflector, gives you the versatility to cook anything. You can go from a 180°F smoke to a 700°F sear on the same machine.
• The Recteq Wi-Fi App: The Wi-Fi connectivity and the app are incredibly well-done. The dual-band Wi-Fi meant I had no issues getting it connected to my home network. The app is simple, intuitive, and, most importantly, it just works. I can be inside watching the game and monitor the grill’s temperature, plus the internal temperature of my food with the two included meat probes. I can adjust the temperature up or down from my couch. This level of control feels like cheating, but I’ll never go back.
• Massive 30-Pound Hopper: This might seem like a small detail, but it’s huge for convenience. A 30-pound hopper means you can get at least 30 hours of cooking at low smoking temperatures. You can start a massive pork butt, go to work, come home, and it will still be running on the same load of pellets. You’ll never have to run out in the middle of the night to refill the hopper during a long cook, and that peace of mind is priceless.
• U.S.-Based Customer Service: This is a hallmark of the recteq brand. They call their community the “recteq family,” and their customer service backs it up. If you have a problem, you’re not calling a random call center. You’re calling their headquarters in Georgia, and you’re going to talk to someone who is an actual griller. They are famous for their support and their generous 4-year “bumper-to-bumper” warranty, which is one of the best in the industry.

Cons Of The Recteq Deck Boss 800

• No Direct Flame Access:
  • The Missing Sizzle Plate: This is probably my biggest disappointment. While the grill gets to 700°F, it’s still 100% indirect heat. Many competitors, like Pit Boss, include a simple sliding plate over the firepot that allows you to get direct-flame char and grill marks. The Deck Boss 800 lacks this. You can get an amazing crust, but you won’t get that specific, flame-kissed flavor or those perfect diamond grill marks. For a grill this versatile, its omission is a noticeable miss.
• The Hopper Has No Cleanout:
  • Get Your Shop-Vac Ready: This is a massive inconvenience and a baffling design choice. The 30-pound hopper is great until you want to change pellet flavors. Let’s say you have it full of hickory but want to smoke fish with a mild alder. You have no choice but to scoop all 30 pounds of pellets out by hand or use a shop vac. Many other grills have a simple “dump” door at the bottom. This is a major hassle that you’ll have to deal with every time you switch flavors or need to clean out pellet dust.
• The “Extras” Aren’t Included:
  • Where’s The Front Shelf?: The Deck Boss 800 is not a cheap grill. At its price point, you expect certain things to be standard. The front-folding shelf is an optional accessory that you have to buy separately. This feels like nickel-and-diming. You absolutely need a front shelf for prep space—placing your tray, spritzing your ribs, or resting your tools. Having to pay extra for such a basic and necessary component is frustrating.
• Minor Tech and Design Quirks:
  • Small Wheels And No Smart Home: While the Wi-Fi app is great, it’s a closed system. It doesn’t integrate with Google Home or Amazon Alexa. You can’t say, “Hey Google, what’s the temperature of my grill?” which is a feature some high-end Traegers offer. Also, the wheels are just… okay. They’re fine for rolling on a smooth patio, but they aren’t all-terrain. If you need to roll this 150+ pound grill across your lawn, you’re going to have a bad time. They feel a bit undersized for such a heavy-duty grill.

Maintenance Tips For The Recteq Deck Boss 800

• The 5-Cook Rule (Firepot and Drip Pan):
  • Cleaning The Firepot: This is the most important maintenance tip I can give you. After every 4-5 cooks, or after about 20 hours of cooking, you must clean out the firepot. Wait until the grill is completely cold. Remove the grates, drip pan, and cast-iron deflector. Use a shop vac to suck out all the ash from the firepot. If you let this ash build up, it will smother the igniter, and your grill will fail to light. A clean firepot is the key to a reliable start, every single time.
  • Managing The Drip Pan: That stainless steel drip pan is going to get gross, fast. You can either scrape it down every few cooks with a putty knife or wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil. If you use foil, I recommend replacing it after every long or greasy cook (like a pork butt or bacon). Do not let grease pool on the foil. This is the number one cause of grease fires. A little maintenance here prevents a very big, very scary problem later.
• The 5-Bag Rule (Hopper):
  • Preventing Auger Jams: As pellets get jostled, they create fine dust, which settles at the bottom of the hopper. After you’ve gone through about 4-5 full bags of pellets (around 100-200 pounds), you should completely empty the hopper. This is a pain because there’s no cleanout (see Cons), but it’s necessary. Vacuum out all that dust from the bottom. If you don’t, this “fines” dust can get pulled into the auger, get moist, and turn into a concrete-like-clog that will jam your auger solid.
• Seasonal Deep Cleaning:
  • Annual Teardown: At least once a year (or twice, if you grill a lot), you should do a full teardown. Take everything out—grates, drip pan, deflector. Vacuum the entire bottom of the grill barrel. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside walls and the lid. Clean the smokestack vent to ensure proper airflow. Take a look at your RTD temperature probe inside the grill and gently wipe it clean of any gunk. This ensures it’s reading the temperature accurately.
• Exterior Care:
  • Protecting Your Stainless Steel: The beauty of 304 stainless is its rust resistance, but it will still show smudges and grease. To keep it shining, use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner (recteq recommends Cameo) and a soft microfiber cloth. Wipe with the grain of the steel. This will keep those bull horns and the lid looking brand new.
  • The Lid And Body: For the powder-coated parts of the grill (like the main lid and the hopper lid), just use a damp rag. Avoid any harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the finish. A good-quality grill cover is also a wise investment to protect it from the elements.
• Pellet Storage:
  • Keep ‘Em Dry: This is a non-negotiable rule for all pellet grills. Never, ever let your pellets get wet. If you live in a humid climate, don’t leave pellets in the hopper for weeks on end. They will absorb moisture from the air, swell, and clog your auger. Store your unused pellets in an airtight, sealed container (like a 5-gallon bucket with a gamma lid), not in the bag they came in.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Recteq Vs. The Traeger Ironwood:
  • Where Recteq Wins: The Deck Boss 800 is built with significantly more stainless steel in key components than a comparable Traeger Ironwood. The biggest difference, however, is the heat. The recteq’s 700°F top temp absolutely demolishes the Traeger’s 500°F. If you want to sear, the recteq is the clear winner. You also get a 4-year warranty versus Traeger’s 3-year, and recteq is widely known for its superior, US-based customer service.
  • Where Traeger Wins: Traeger is the “Apple” of pellet grills. Their marketing is slick, and their tech is often more advanced. The Ironwood features a color display and an app that can integrate with your smart home. It also has features the recteq lacks, like a built-in pellet sensor that tells you when your hopper is running low, and it includes a hopper cleanout. The Ironwood also has a “Super Smoke” mode, which some users prefer for low-temp cooks.
• Recteq Vs. The Pit Boss Pro Series:
  • Where Recteq Wins: This comparison comes down to precision and build. The recteq’s PID controller is in a completely different league. It will hold its temperature within 5 degrees, period. A standard Pit Boss controller can have swings of 25-30 degrees, which is a big deal for low-and-slow cooking. The recteq’s 304 stainless steel build is also a significant step up from the powder-coated steel construction of most Pit Boss models.
  • Where Pit Boss Wins: Value and features. Pit Boss is the king of “bang for your buck.” For less money, you’ll often get a grill with similar or more cooking space. Critically, almost all Pit Boss grills come with their “Flame Broiler” feature—a simple sliding plate that gives you the direct-flame grilling that the recteq is missing. If you are on a tighter budget and really want that open-flame char, Pit Boss is a fantastic option.

Read more: Comparison Of Leatherman Free T2 And Victorinox

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

So, let’s circle back to the original question: is the recteq Deck Boss 800 worth it? For me, it’s a definitive yes. It’s a beautifully built, high-performance machine that takes all the guesswork out of smoking and grilling. The PID controller and the Wi-Fi app give you a level of control that’s almost unfair, and the 700°F high-heat capability finally solves the “pellet grills can’t sear” problem. It’s not perfect—I really wish it had a pellet dump—but its pros far outweigh its cons. If you’re ready to upgrade your backyard and invest in a grill that will last, I can’t recommend the recteq Deck Boss 800 enough. Go get one.

I’m happy to break down my experience with any specific cooks, from brisket to pizza, on this grill. Would you like me to detail how it handles a 14-hour brisket cook?