The recteq RT-B380 Bullseye is one of the most unique pellet grills I’ve tested.

After putting this grill through its paces and smoking everything from pork butt to ribs and chicken wings, I can definitively say it’s the exception to the rule that pellet smokers don’t produce much smoky flavor at higher temperatures.

In my full Recteq B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill review, I’ll go through everything I like and dislike about this smoker. I’ve also made a short video review which you can watch below.

First impressions of Recteq B380 Bullseye Grill

Recteq is one of the most beloved grill companies on the market. Their fandom borders on cult-like behavior at times, and any time we review a competing brand, you can count on the comments talking about ‘how much better recteq is.’

In this instance, the RT B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill is an open-flame grill, unlike any other pellet grill on the market. It blurs the line between traditional charcoal grilling and modern pellet smoking, allowing you to bake, smoke, grill, and dehydrate. It also looks more like a traditional Weber kettle grill than a pellet grill.

My first impressions were very positive. The pit smokes beautifully, and you don’t have to worry about a dirty smoke flavor. This pit is perfect for somebody wanting to start learning how to cook barbecue or somebody wanting a budget-friendly second pit.

Recteq B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill specifications:

What I like:

• Smoke flavor: As mentioned, I was really impressed by this pellet grill’s rich smoke flavor.
• Versatility: The pit is great for smoking and grilling as is, but add an accessory, and it turns into a pizza oven, a griddle, and more.
• Cooking space: Weighing just over 50 lbs with 380 square inches, this is the perfect-sized compact pellet grill to feed a family.
• High temperature range: Few pellet grills reach a maximum temperature of 750 degrees.
• Easy to clean: Remove the grill grate, vacuum it, and you’re done.

What I don’t like:

• No pellet dump feature: You just have to DIY!
• Only one probe port: It’s not the end of the world, but I would’ve loved at least one more included probe port.
• The wheels: I’d also love Recteq to change the press-on self-locking nuts on the wagon wheels.

To be honest, everything I don’t like is included in the Deluxe version, the RT B380X Bullseye Deluxe which includes WiFi connectivity, an integrated front-folding shelf, an 18-lb hopper with a dump feature, and two wagon wheels with two lockable casters instead of pegs. All this for about $200 more is something to keep in mind.

Unboxing and build quality

I really like Recteq’s secure packaging. All the parts are neatly placed in the hopper for added convenience. With a helper and basic hand tools, assembling the wood pellet grill took less than 30 minutes. Talk about a simple assembly!

I’ve always appreciated Recteq’s superior build quality. This grill’s durable 304 stainless steel barrel, porcelain-coated grill grate, and 22-inch stainless steel dome will keep you going for years to come.

The lid’s hinge is built okay. But I highly recommend adding the included lid spacer, which helps the lid sit nice and flat.

Something else I like about this build is that it weighs just over 50 lbs. It might be compact at 40 inches wide and 36 inches tall, but this pellet grill is mighty! You also get two wagon-style wheels and two pegs. So if you take it on a journey, it’s best to just walk beside it.

Cooking performance

The Recteq Bullseye grill might look small, but it’s the perfect weekday grill to feed the family. Its 380 square inches of total cooking area is enough space for three whole chickens, 50 chicken wings, 20 burgers, or two pork butts.

The dome lid has wraparound rainproof venting, ensuring proper airflow and performance cooking year-round. A removable carbon steel flame deflector evenly distributes heat inside the cooking chamber.

When full, the 15-lb hopper (with a handy latch to keep it secured) equals 15 hours of nonstop cooking time. Personally, I wouldn’t do an overnight cook with this pit unless I plan to get up every three hours to check the hopper. But Recteq says it’s possible.

Another reason I wouldn’t walk away for an extended period is the PID controller’s direct design. It requires a little bit more attention, but the good news is that it includes one meat probe port.

The other good thing is PID technology allows your grill to hold temperatures even in the coldest and wettest conditions. I can’t wait to put this to the test in the dead of winter up here in the frozen tundra!

The temperature range is 200 to 500°F, increasing in 25-degree increments. After that, we enter Riot mode, which helps the pit reach 750 degrees.

Smoking performance

Everything I’ve cooked on the Recteq wood pellet grill has been really good, with a fantastic smoky flavor. I started with some no-wrap smoked ribs. Not only was I delighted with the color that this pit developed, but the ribs were deliciously juicy and perfectly smoky with a deep smoke ring.

I then did a couple of different pork butt cooks because of user error. I didn’t notice in the manual that they suggested putting a drip pan on top of the heat deflector for low and slow cooks.

So my first pork butt got scorched. But the second, I placed a foil pan underneath so I didn’t have to worry about starting another grease fire!

The most memorable cook was smoked chicken wings—probably the best chicken wings I’ve had off a pellet grill in a very long time. This pellet grill smokes at lower temperatures and high heat, so I’ve rated this pit a chicken wing machine!

Storage & accessories

The Recteq Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill has a built-in storage shelf underneath. It’s big enough to hold a bag of pellets or your cooking accessories.

But lots of extra accessories are available to transform your wood pellet grill:

• Sear kit for restaurant-quality sear marks.
• Pizza stone kit
• Round flat-top griddle
• Small interior shelf increases your total cooking area.

Cleaning

It’s effortless to clean the Bullseye wood pellet grill. All you have to do is remove the grate and the heat deflector and vacuum the remnants.

The more you cook on the bullseye, the darker the patina on the cooking chamber will become. You’ll have to spend a lot of time polishing it after every cook to keep it looking new.

Alternatives to consider

Check out our post on the five best budget pellet grills under $700 for our top alternate recommendations. But here’s a quick glimpse:

• I love the temperature control on the Camp Chef DLX 24 Pellet Grill. Changing the smoke level from 1 to 10 is also a game-changer.
• Z Grills 7002C Pellet Grill is the best value for money, with 697 square inches of cooking space and a 24-pound hopper.
• Pit Boss Sportsman 820 has 829 square inches of cooking space, a flame broiler, and bottom, front, and side shelving.

Should you buy the recteq RT-B380?

This is a great entry-level option if you’re looking for a high-quality pellet grill to feed the family. You get great smoky flavor at a reasonable price with better grilling performance than plenty of more expensive options.

The one big decision is whether you go for the upgraded version with WiFi and better wheels, pellet dump and front folding shelf.