Recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Review

Priced around $399-$499, this 440-square-inch pellet grill promises smoky flavor, high-heat grilling, and easy cleanup for small families or quick cooks. But does it live up to the hype?

We’ve scoured reviews from Smoked BBQ Source, Hey Grill Hey, Reddit, and social media to bring you a friendly breakdown of the RT-B380 Bullseye. We’ll cover average ratings, pros and cons, rankings across review sites, why buyers chose it, and its closest competitor from brands like Traeger and Z Grills. Whether you’re smoking ribs or searing burgers, let’s see if this grill hits the bullseye!

The RT-B380 Bullseye is Rectec’s entry-level pellet grill, designed for weekday meals and small-space BBQ. Its 22-inch round kettle-style design mimics a Weber charcoal grill but uses pellets for wood-fired flavor. Key specs:

• Cooking Area: 440 sq. in., fitting 20 burgers, 3 chickens, or 2 pork butts.
• Temperature Range: 200°F to 749°F with RIOT mode for high-heat grilling.
• Build: Stainless steel cooking chamber, porcelain-coated grate, and HotShot      ceramic igniter (100,000+ cycles).
• Hopper: 15 lbs, supporting ~15 hours of cooking.
• Control: PID controller for ±5°F precision, but no WiFi (unlike the RT-B380X Deluxe).

It’s marketed as a versatile, durable grill for smoking, grilling, and baking, ideal for beginners or those with limited space.

To review the Rectec pellet grill, we analyzed:

• Expert Reviews: Insights from Smoked BBQ Source, Hey Grill Hey, AmazingRibs, and      Seek & Score.
• User Feedback: Comments on Reddit (r/pelletgrills, r/Rectec), social media, and Amazon.
• Criteria:
  • Cooking Performance: Smoke flavor, temperature accuracy, and versatility.
  • Durability: Build quality for long-term use.
  • Ease of Use: Assembly, controls, and cleanup.
  • Value: Features for the ~$399-$499 price.

We averaged rankings and dug into buyer motivations to understand why this grill’s a hit—or a miss—for some.

Average Rating: 4.4/5

• Smoked BBQ Source: 4.5/5, praised for smoky flavor at high temps.
• Hey Grill Hey: 4.4/5, lauded for portability and ease of assembly.
• AmazingRibs: 4.3/5, noted improvements over the original but flagged grease management.
• Reddit/Social Media: 4.3/5, mixed feedback on low-temp smoking and durability.

Pros of the RT-B380 Bullseye:

• High-Heat Grilling: Hits 749°F in RIOT mode, great for burgers and wings, per Smoked      BBQ Source.
• Compact and Portable: At ~70 lbs, it’s easy to move, ideal for small patios, per Hey Grill Hey.
• Easy Assembly: Takes ~20 minutes with basic tools, per Amazon reviews.
• Smoky Flavor: Produces bold smoke even at higher temps, unlike many pellet grills, per social media: “Bullseye’s smoke flavor is unreal for its size!” (@BBQFan123, 2025).
• Solid Build: Stainless steel chamber resists rust, with a 2-year warranty, per Seek & Score.
• Affordable: At $399-$499, it’s a steal for Rectec quality, per Reddit’s u/MidwestBushlore.

Cons of the RT-B380 Bullseye:

• No WiFi: Lacks app control, unlike the RT-B380X Deluxe, per Hey Grill Hey.
• Weak Low-Temp Smoking: Struggles to maintain steady temps below 250°F, per      Reddit’s u/Icantbebigwill.
• Grease Management: No dedicated drip pan, leading to flare-ups if not cleaned,      per AmazingRibs.
• Flimsy Legs: Thin legs reduce stability, especially on uneven surfaces, per Hey      Grill Hey.
• No Pellet Dump: Switching pellet flavors is a hassle, per Smoked BBQ Source.

The Traeger Tailgater (~$469-$529) is the closest competitor to the RT-B380 Bullseye, offering a similar compact design and price point. 

Here’s how they stack up:

• Cooking Area: Tailgater has 300 sq. in. vs. Bullseye’s 440 sq. in., making Rectec      better for slightly larger cooks.
• Temperature Range: Tailgater maxes at 450°F vs. Bullseye’s 749°F, limiting searing.
• Tech: Tailgater includes WiFi (WiFire app) vs. Bullseye’s non-WiFi PID controller.
• Build: Bullseye’s full stainless steel chamber outshines Tailgater’s powder-coated steel, per Smoked BBQ Source.
• Hopper: Tailgater’s 8-lb hopper is smaller than Bullseye’s 15 lbs, reducing cook time.

Why Traeger Tailgater? Its portability (62 lbs) and WiFi appeal to tech-savvy campers, but it lacks the Bullseye’s high-heat power and cooking space, per Taste of Home.

*Note: Rankings reflect budget pellet grill lists or Bullseye-specific reviews. Average rank: ~1.75.

Buyers love the RT-B380 Bullseye for several reasons, based on Amazon, Reddit, and social media feedback:

• Budget-Friendly Price: At $399-$499, it’s Rectec’s cheapest grill, drawing buyers like u/staroceanx on Reddit who want quality without breaking the bank.
• High-Heat Versatility: The 749°F RIOT mode attracts grillers who want to sear steaks or cook pizza, per social media: “Bullseye’s my pizza oven now!” (@GrillMaster22, 2025).
• Compact Size: Perfect for small patios or apartments, with Amazon users saying,      “Fits my balcony and feeds my family of 4!” (5 stars, 2025).
• Rectec’s Reputation: Fans trust Rectec’s stainless steel builds and customer service, with one noting, “Rectec replaced a damaged part overnight!” (@BBQPro, social media, 2025).
• Smoky Flavor: Buyers rave about its smoke output, with Reddit’s      u/MidwestBushlore calling it “a smoke machine for its size.”

• Rectec      RT-B380 Bullseye:
  • Why Buy: Bigger cooking area, higher max temp, and durable stainless steel for under $500.
  • Drawbacks: No WiFi, weaker low-temp smoking, and basic grease management.
  • Best For: Budget grillers who want searing power and space for small gatherings.
• Traeger Tailgater:
  • Why Buy: WiFi app, ultra-portable design, and Traeger’s trusted smoke flavor.
  • Drawbacks: Smaller cooking area, lower max temp, and less durable build.
  • Best For: Campers and tech fans who prioritize portability over capacity.

The Rectec RT-B380 Bullseye is a budget BBQ star, earning a 4.4/5 average rating for its high-heat grilling, compact design, and smoky flavor. For ~$399-$499, it’s a steal for small families or patio grillers who want Rectec quality without the premium price. While it lacks WiFi and struggles with low-and-slow smoking, its 749°F RIOT mode and 440 sq. in. cooking area outshine the Traeger Tailgater for searing and capacity.

Love searing steaks or hosting small BBQs? The Bullseye’s your pick. Prefer WiFi and portability? Check out the Tailgater. Either way, you’re set for wood-fired goodness!