Mastering Outdoor Cooking: The Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 & NewAge Platinum Kamado Combo

There’s a certain magic that comes with outdoor cooking—a blend of fire, smoke, and flavor that no indoor kitchen can replicate. For grill enthusiasts who crave versatility, precision, and a touch of tradition, pairing a Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 with a NewAge Platinum Kamado creates the ultimate backyard kitchen. One grill offers high-tech precision and speed, while the other delivers old-school craftsmanship and unbeatable heat retention. Together, they form a grilling duo capable of tackling anything from smoky brisket to Neapolitan-style pizza.

Meet the Power Pair

Recteq X-Fire Pro 825: High-Tech Precision and Versatility

The Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 is a state-of-the-art wood-pellet grill and smoker that embraces technology without sacrificing flavor. With a 225–1250°F temperature range, its dual-mode cooking system lets you switch seamlessly between a steady Smoke Mode for low-and-slow BBQ and a blazing Grill Mode for steakhouse-quality sears.

The highlight is its Adaptive Sear Control and PID algorithm, which maintain rock-solid temperatures, ensuring consistent results every time. Pair it with Recteq’s smartphone app, and you can monitor your cook, adjust temperatures, and access over 450 recipes from anywhere. The X-Fire’s combination of convenience, speed, and wood-fired flavor makes it a perfect centerpiece for tech-savvy pitmasters.

NewAge Platinum Kamado: Ceramic Tradition at Its Finest

On the other side of the backyard stands the NewAge Platinum Kamado, a heavy-duty ceramic kamado grill designed for purists who love the craft of charcoal cooking. Its thick ceramic walls hold heat for hours, while adjustable top and bottom vents give you total control over airflow and temperature. This classic design excels at smoking ribs, baking bread, roasting whole chickens, or achieving that perfect char on a steak.

With its patented ash bucket system, the Platinum Kamado offers easier cleanup than many traditional kamados, while accessories like a pizza stone or hanging cooking kit add versatility. If the Recteq represents innovation, the Kamado embodies tradition—together, they balance each other beautifully.

Setting Up for Success

Grilling greatness begins with preparation. For the Recteq, make sure you have a supply of high-quality hardwood pellets. Keep your drip tray lined with foil for easy cleanup, and calibrate your grill via the app before big cooks.

For the Kamado, start with natural lump charcoal and a chimney starter. Avoid lighter fluid, as the porous ceramic can hold onto those flavors. Once your fire is lit, adjust the vents to dial in your desired cooking range:

• 200–275°F for smoking

• 300–450°F for roasting

• 500°F+ for searing

The Kamado’s heat retention makes it ideal for long cooks, while the Recteq’s rapid ignition means you can fire it up for quick weeknight grilling.

Cooking Techniques for Every Occasion

Low and Slow BBQ

When it comes to smoking brisket or pulled pork, both grills shine in different ways. The Recteq’s Smoke Mode delivers set-it-and-forget-it control, letting you focus on building flavor profiles instead of constantly monitoring temperatures. You can even check progress from your phone while entertaining guests.

Meanwhile, the Kamado’s ceramic construction naturally circulates heat and moisture, giving meats a tender, juicy finish. With a heat diffuser and a two-zone setup, you can smoke for hours without lifting the lid.

High-Heat Searing

For steaks, chops, and burgers, the X-Fire Pro’s Grill Mode takes center stage. Its high-heat flame can reach searing temperatures quickly, creating that perfect crust. The Kamado can hold its own here, too—open the vents wide, let the charcoal roar, and place your meat directly over the coals for a primal, flame-kissed experience.

Pizza and Artisan Bakes

Here’s where the Kamado really flexes its versatility. Its ceramic shell acts like a brick oven, making it perfect for pizza, flatbreads, or even desserts like cobblers. Add a pizza stone and you’re in business. Use the Recteq alongside it to roast vegetables or sear proteins while the Kamado handles the bake.

Combination Cooking

One of the best parts about having two powerhouse grills is the ability to combine cooking styles. For example:

1. Smoke ribs in the Kamado at a steady 225°F for a rich, smoky flavor.

2. Move them to the Recteq to glaze and caramelize your BBQ sauce at a precise 375°F.

3. Finish with a quick sear over live flames for a next-level bark.

This “tag-team” approach gives you creative freedom, letting each grill play to its strengths.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Invest in Quality Fuel: Use premium hardwood pellets in the Recteq and natural lump charcoal in the Kamado. Your flavor starts with the fuel.

• Use a Drip Pan: Both grills benefit from drip pans to catch fat, reduce flare-ups, and make cleanup easier.

• Rest Your Meat: Whether you’re smoking a brisket or grilling a steak, let it rest before slicing to lock in juices.

• Master Airflow on the Kamado: Small vent adjustments make a big difference. Practice makes perfect.

• Leverage Tech on the Recteq: The app’s recipe library and live temp control are game changers for busy cooks.

Maintenance Made Simple

The Recteq’s ease of use extends to cleaning. Empty the ash and grease tray after each cook, wipe down the stainless steel, and you’re good to go. Keep firmware updated for optimal performance.

For the Kamado, use a grate brush after cooking, empty the ash bucket, and occasionally deep-clean the ceramic. Store both grills under covers to protect your investment year-round.

Why You Need Both

Some people see grilling as a choice between high-tech pellet cooking and traditional charcoal craftsmanship—but having both the Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 and the NewAge Platinum Kamado means you never have to compromise. The Recteq brings speed, precision, and convenience, while the Kamado offers hands-on artistry and unmatched flavor depth.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ for friends, cooking weeknight dinners, or experimenting with artisan recipes, this duo turns your patio into a full outdoor kitchen. With these two grills at your fingertips, you’re not just making meals—you’re creating experiences.