Pellet grills excel at low-and-slow smoking and moderate-heat cooking, yet they often require supplementary equipment for intense searing or extreme temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, barring rare cases. Certain models permit shifting the heat shield to expose the fire pot directly for brief searing, but this method lacks the straightforward operation familiar to those accustomed to gas grills.
Recteq's X-Fire Pro 825, priced at $1,550, leverages the company's pellet grill knowledge in a hybrid configuration designed to merge the benefits of gas and wood-fired cooking. As a connected device with Wi-Fi capabilities, it primarily functions as a pellet grill while incorporating distinct interfaces for its Smoke and Grill settings to prevent mix-ups. Encased in sturdy stainless steel, it genuinely delivers the multifaceted performance promised by the manufacturer.
This model combines the convenience of gas operation with the authentic smoky taste from wood pellets in a single unit. Although additional functionalities could enhance it, the construction is top-notch, and its operation proves consistent.
All Recteq products feature stainless steel construction, but the X-Fire Pro 825 stands out from options like the Deck Boss or Patio Legend by lacking a powder-coated lid, necessitating diligent cleaning to prevent corrosion. The cast iron grates complement the stainless steel interior parts, indicating longevity. Paired with a solid frame and high-quality wheels, it ranks among the finest designs encountered in evaluations.
Similar to typical pellet grills, the X-Fire Pro 825 includes a digital display on the side, positioned at the front of the left shelf. A single dial facilitates adjusting the cooking heat and probe notifications, with remote management available through the Recteq application via Wi-Fi. It supports dual wired probes at once, though wireless versions are unavailable for direct grill connection; Recteq provides wireless probes that link solely to the app.
Activation occurs via the leftmost front dial instead of a standard toggle, selecting between Smoke and Grill operations. In Smoke mode, the side controller activates for temperatures from 225 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower starting point around 180 degrees would better support cold smoking or warming functions seen in rivals like Traeger. Grill mode ranges include 225-400 degrees on low, 350-650 on medium, 500-850 on high, and 800-1,200 on maximum.
The unit houses two fire pots: the left one dedicated to Smoke mode, with both operational in Grill mode. Users often configure the right pot for elevated heat using the Adaptive Sear Control dial for flame exposure, while keeping the left at a lower setting to replicate a gas grill's zoned heating. Alternatively, both pots can match temperatures for uniform cooking across the surface, or one can remain inactive as needed.
Recteq markets the X-Fire Pro 825 as a pellet-based solution capturing gas grilling's conveniences through intuitive dial controls. The oversized knobs mimic gas models, though precise adjustments fall short of gas flexibility— a minor drawback in practice. Its edge over propane systems lies in the superior wood-infused flavor from pellets, distinct from charcoal's profile.
Testing revealed predominant use in Grill mode for items like steaks, poultry, burgers, and sausages, yielding enhanced taste compared to gas alternatives. Wood essence persists even at peak heats, enriching preparations such as seared sous vide strips. The Adaptive Sear option enabled precise flame contact, ideal for finishing meats.
A key limitation in Grill mode is the deactivation of the Smoke controller, relying solely on front dials akin to gas units, which disables probe monitoring and Wi-Fi functions. While the separation of modes makes sense, integrating probe tracking for precise doneness in meats like steak or chicken would improve usability.
For smoking, the X-Fire Pro 825 matches the reliability of competitors from Traeger or Weber, functioning as a hands-off appliance for extended cooks like pork shoulders or briskets from morning to evening. Its dual pots mean two 10-pound hoppers rather than a single larger one, sufficient for 8-hour sessions at 275 degrees but less ideal for overnight use. In Grill mode, one hopper on the right sufficed for all sessions.
The manufacturer claims the controller holds Smoke mode temperatures within five degrees, a claim validated in testing across low-temperature cooks, with app graphs showing deviations only during lid openings. Consistency held over repeated trials, save for minor variations on a cold, windy day as noted in the manual. Under standard conditions, it steadily maintains set heats.
The primary grilling area features four detachable cast iron grates, reversible for standard cooking or enhanced sear lines via wider spacing. A secondary upper shelf suits resting finished foods or toasting in Grill mode, or adding rib racks in Smoke mode, though space limits it to smaller items.
With dual fire pots, ash collection involves two side trays with levers for debris management. Routine ash removal from the chamber every few sessions requires a shop vac, standard for pellet grills. Grease accumulation warnings apply to Smoke mode, but frequent Grill mode use likely prevented issues by incinerating residues. Employing foil pans for large cuts simplifies maintenance over direct grate contact.
The Wi-Fi integration pairs with an app for remote oversight of grill and probe temperatures, plus shutdown control. Advanced tools include temperature charts, 30 days of session logs, over 60 guided recipes, customizable cook notes, and a library exceeding 450 recipes. Recteq emphasizes app excellence, and it proved the most dependable among smart grill software tested.
Certain elements are absent, such as a collapsible front shelf due to the forward-facing hopper, offering only a minimal edge for partial pan support insufficient for full prep. Internal illumination is also missing, a notable omission from other pellet grills, particularly for pre-dawn loading or nighttime completion.
While various pellet grills support direct searing, like Pit Boss's Flame Broiler lever or Weber's open-lid approach on the Searwood, none provide the X-Fire Pro 825's segregated mode system with tailored controls. This design accommodates both pellet enthusiasts and gas users effectively. At $1,550, it enters high-end territory, yet the dual-grill value justifies the cost.
Few products truly fulfill claims of versatile multifunctionality. The X-Fire Pro 825 from Recteq adeptly fuses pellet smoking strengths with a specialized high-heat setup and gas-like interfaces. It delivers durable construction, dependable results, and app-based monitoring for prolonged smokes. Compact hoppers demand occasional checks, and added features could refine it, but this innovation reinforces Recteq's standing in premium connected grills. Monitoring pellets beats uncertainty over gas levels.