Very good looking pit, and the one I wanted, but also wanted the front shelf so I went with the 700 while the getting was good.  Probably should've got the 590 for just the two of us.  It was a very hard decision.

I've got a welding machine and I know how to shoot a rivet. It might just end up with a shelf.

Apparently RecTec has one in the works.

Got the slab done!

Last night I started it's first long cook. 10 pounder for pulled pork. Started the pit from my app. Pretty cool.

Pulled it and wrapped at 160. Threw in some butter, brown sugar, honey, and some fruit juice.


The Stampede is working perfectly. I'm always finding faults in things I buy. None so far on this one.




Also, I added some Fireblack seals around the door. Probably not needed but now the only place smoke comes from is the vents and drain occasionally. Improved the feel when closing the lid too.

FYI for anyone with a Stampede I have two friends who bought them recently.  Their meat probe temps were off and couldn’t be adjusted because the controller is the old version 101.

The firmware can’t be updated over WiFi so RecTec has to send a new controller and my friends will have to take the smokers apart and replace electronics. Needless to say, they are not happy.

Other than that they have been happy with the Stampede 

I've read about that. I have version 103 which is supposed to allow you to calibrate them. I haven't checked em yet though. Food still tastes great.

Not being one to leave well enough alone, I checked out my probes. I'm happy with that:





Got some baby backs in it right now. Love this thing.

FYI for anyone with a Stampede I have two friends who bought them recently.  Their meat probe temps were off and couldn’t be adjusted because the controller is the old version 101.

The firmware can’t be updated over WiFi so RecTec has to send a new controller and my friends will have to take the smokers apart and replace electronics. Needless to say, they are not happy.

Other than that they have been happy with the Stampede 

How do I know what controller version I have?  Is it printed in the manual or on the device?  My probes are routinely 10-15 degrees higher than my Thermapen MK4.  I need to do an ice bath test but judging from my cooks, the Thermapen is correct. 
Interestingly (thankfully), the grill temp probe is great according to the two oven thermometers I have sitting on the grate. 

When you plug the grill in, it shows the version number on the screen.

I have version 101.  Dang

They will send you a replacement.

Ross,
Thank you for this advice.  I just called Rec Tec and the experience was painless.  The call lasted 6 minutes and in that time he confirmed that the new 103 version controller and probes were being shipped today for an arrival this week, we discussed how to install it, and briefly touched on calibrating probes. 
He was very nice and knowledgeable and it appears Rec Tec is very prepared to handle this problem.  Likely because the problem is prevalent at the moment, but prepared nonetheless.   
I'll report back on the resolution of this issue and controller performance. 

Ross,
Thank you for this advice.  I just called Rec Tec and the experience was painless.  The call lasted 6 minutes and in that time he confirmed that the new 103 version controller and probes were being shipped today for an arrival this week, we discussed how to install it, and briefly touched on calibrating probes. 
He was very nice and knowledgeable and it appears Rec Tec is very prepared to handle this problem.  Likely because the problem is prevalent at the moment, but prepared nonetheless.   
I'll report back on the resolution of this issue and controller performance.

This is why I bought REC TEC!

Ribeyes tonight!

Did ribeyes on "full" with the sear kit. This was the final nail in the coffin for my gasser. I wanted to see how the Stampede would do for a fast dinner. We have a winner!

Looks delicious.  Can you sear on the flat back side of the sear kit to get more surface contact?  Is it even flat?  It appears that way in the picture. 
Also, how well do the searing grates clean up?

I use the flat side more than the other side. You do get more surface char. They are pretty easy to clean.