When it comes to smoking meat and other food, there is no better fuel than wood pellets. These small, compact pieces of wood are finely ground into tiny nuggets that provide a steady, consistent heat source for controlling the temperature of your smoker. With high density and low moisture content, the best wood pellets for smoking produce minimal ash and do not generate unpleasant odors or smoke.
There are many different types of wood pellets available on the market, and it can be difficult to determine which is the best for smoking. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of wood pellets available and provide a guide on which ones are best suited for your needs.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert pitmaster, there’s no better way to smoke your next big feast than by using some of the best wood pellets on the market. So why wait? Pick up a bag today and start smoking like a pro!
Best Wood Pellets for Smoking
Image | Product | Feature | Price |
---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK
|
Traeger Grills Signature Blend 100%
|
All-natural hardwood with no artificial fillers, Excellent burn properties | Check Price |
RUNNER-UP
|
Traeger Grills PEL319 Hickory 100%
|
perfect blue smoke and dependable burn., Creating perfect smoke, Unique compact cell structure | Check Price |
Traeger Grills PEL305 Mesquite
|
100-Percent Natural Hardwood., no fillers and no additives, create a rich flavor | Check Price | |
BUDGET PICK
|
Camp Chef Competition Blend BBQ Pellets
|
low moisture content, Maintain desired temperature, Burns more efficiently and completely | Check Price |
Pit Boss 55435 BBQ Wood Pellets
|
Gives bundles of flavor, Value-packed bag, Hot and clean-burning pellets | Check Price | |
Lumber Jack Competition
|
good combination of flavors, Suitable for a variety of smoked dishes, Durable bag | Check Price | |
Royal Oak 100 Percent Hardwood Charcoal
|
A taste of authentic barbecue, Provides a tasty, smoky taste, It is water-resistant | Check Price |
1. Traeger Grills Signature Blend 100% – Top Pick
Summary of Features
Description | Featured in This Device |
Material | Wood |
Item Weight | 20 Pounds |
Flavor | Signature Blend |
Dimensions | 16.5 x 2.5 x 21 inches |
Pairs With | Beef, Poultry, Lamb, Seafood, Baked Goods, Vegetables |
Other Features | Made in the USA, Premium Quality, All-Natural, Clean Burn, No Binders |
What Professionals Say About This Product
The Traeger pellets are some of the most popular pellets you can buy on the market right now. They utilize only all-natural, unadulterated virgin hardwood derived from established, sustainable manufacturing sectors
They also offer a signature blend,’ which we recommend as a fantastic all-arounder that is made up of a combination of hickory, maple, and cherry woods.
What Customers Say About This Product
These pellets have a stronger taste than other kinds. If you want to smoke a brisket, fill the tube all the way up with pellets and it will last approximately 4 – 5 hours. They produce a lot of smoke, and it is consistent. The pellets are consistent, well-formed lit, burn well, emit decent smoke, and produce great cheese with a well-rounded smoky taste.
To Whom It Is Best
These are high-quality wood-smoking pellets that are suitable for both weekend warriors and expert pitmasters alike. A great combination of oak, mesquite, and pecan hardwoods complements your favorite steak cut.
The aroma and flavor of these smoked hickory pellets were fantastic. Hickory is milder than pecan, oak, or mesquite, yet it produces a wonderful, deep, rich, sweetish smoke.
Check out a detailed review here!
Read Also: What is the best wood for smoking brisket? (Our 8 Picks)
2. Traeger Grills PEL319 Hickory 100% – Runner Up
Summary of Features
Description | Featured in This Device |
Material | Plastic |
Flavor | Hickory |
Other FEATURES: | Made in the USA, Premium Quality, All-Natural, Clean Burn, No Binders, |
Paired With | beef, chicken, and veggies |
Dimensions | 3 x 16 x 24 inches |
What Professionals Say About This Product
Traeger Hickory pellets are ideal for adding full-bodied, robust flavor to beef, chicken, and vegetables. It’s no surprise that it’s a BBQ classic. Hardwood is the key element for powerful taste, according to experts. The quality of your gasoline determines consistent smoke delivery.
What Customers Say About This Product
These pellets go well with meat, chicken, or seafood, making them a flexible grilling fuel capable of imparting a delicious smokiness to your cuisine.
If you’re looking for highly scented wood pellets, this mellow Hickory blend is probably not for you. The flavor is really mild.
For whom It Is Best
Many competition grilling teams use it — we enjoy knowing that a product is sponsored and utilized by pros — and it’s becoming increasingly popular with backyard aficionados.
Read Also: Hickory vs Mesquite – Everything You Need To Know
3. Traeger Grills PEL305 Mesquite
Summary of Features
Description | Featured in This Device |
Material | Wood |
Flavor | Mesquite |
Weight | 20 Pounds |
Other FEATURES: | Made in USA, Premium Quality, All-Natural, Clean Burn, No Binders, Low Ash |
Pairs With | beef, Poultry, Seafood other classic BBQ cuts. |
Dimensions | 3 x 16 x 24 inches |
What Professionals Say About This Product
Quality fuel is essential for mastering the art of outdoor cooking and delectable cuisine. Traeger has spent years refining a quality combination of hardwoods with the compact cell structure required for a consistent burn. Traeger Mesquite pellets are ideal for organically improving the flavor of chicken, beef, and fish.
What Customers Say About This Product
These pellets have a distinct flavor that is easy on the palate. They’re delightful! Traeger is not the most economical means of grilling, but it is a lot of fun and delicious. Please be patient. It takes some time to acclimate. They are well worth the wait.
For whom It Is Best
The PEL305 Mesquite pellets from Traeger provide a superb competition blend suitable for most smokers and outdoor grills. This blend is favored by pitmasters around the globe, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes, including chicken, beef, fish, and vegetables.
Read Also: Pit Boss vs Traeger Grills [Comparison 2024 & Ultimate Guide]
4. Camp Chef Competition Blend BBQ Pellets
Summary of Features
Description | Featured in This Device |
Flavor | Cherry, Maple, Hickory |
Material | Wood |
Weight | 20 Pounds |
Dimensions | 21 x 14 x 4 inches |
Pair With | beef, chicken, and fish |
What Professionals Say About This Product
Camp Chef has a long history with wood fuel, and these smoker pellets are a prime example. They’re a lovely combination of all-natural pellets that burn cleanly and smoothly.
A quality hardwood mixture including cherry, maple, and hickory is included. These flavors blend wonderfully to provide a balanced and delicate flavor that pairs well with most BBQ smoked meats.
What Customers Say About This Product
Its Competition Mix is a flavorful blend that goes well with various types of meat. They add flavor to almost anything we’ve cooked with them, including steaks, brisket, pizza, and fish. Hickory and Apple Hardwood mixes are popular for imparting a unique barbecue or apple taste to meats and veggies.
For whom It Is Best
There’s no doubt that these are excellent choices to make for the foods you will probably be cooking the most, particularly if you are relatively new to grilling.
Read Also: Which pellets produce the most smoke?
5. Pit Boss 55435 BBQ Wood Pellets
Summary of Features
Description | Featured in This Device |
Flavor | Maple, hickory, and cherry |
Weight | 40 pounds |
Dimensions | 25 x 15 x 5 inches |
Pair with | beef, poultry, seafood, vegetables, baked desserts, and more |
Other Features | Blend of maple, hickory, and cherry wood sourced from across North America |
What Professionals Say About This Product
The Pit Boss brand is known for its first-class grills and smokers, so it is only natural that the wood pellets that they sell for smoking are of the highest quality
You’ll also like the ease of use of the extended burn with low smoke. As a result, these BBQ wood pellets are better for the environment and your lungs.
What Customers Say About This Product
This wood pellet combination blends maple, hickory, and cherry woods to give your meat and vegetables a distinct, delectable flavor. They come from all around the country and will give your meat a lovely rose color after some time on the rack.
This 40-pound package will last you the whole grilling season. You’ll like how little dust and odor these grilled wood pellets produce. Keep in mind that the aroma will alter significantly when you open the bag vs. when the pellets are on the grill.
For whom It Is Best
If you’re a grilling enthusiast and you can’t get enough of the sweet taste, adding some of these pellets to your grilling supplies will ensure the rest of your summer is enjoyable. You’ll get sweetness, a savory element, and a tartness that completes the perfect flavor combination for using with your smoked and grilled foods.
Check out a detailed review here!
Read Also: 5 Best Wood For Smoking Ribs (Expert Opinion)
6. Lumber Jack Competition
Summary of Features
Description | Featured in This Device |
Material | Wood |
Flavor | Cherry, Maple, Hickory |
Weight | 9Kg |
Dimensions | 16 x 12 x 3 inches |
What Professionals Say About This Product
This Lumber Jack is formed from virgin tree fiber, hickory, Cherry, and Maple. The bag is sturdy and made to be simple to carry without slipping out of your hands.
It gave the meat a wonderful smell and flavor as well. In addition, the pellets gave the meat a great smoke ring.
What Customers Say About This Product
For pellet smokers, this is a great product. As an all-purpose pellet blend for a variety of meats, this brand comes highly recommended. These wood pellets will enhance the flavor of any meal you prepare, whether you’re roasting or smoking, grilling, or braising.
For whom It Is Best
It is suitable for use in most major brand wood pellet grills and smokers, you’ll be able to prepare some wonderful grilled and smoked foods this summer with a substantial flavor boost.
Read Also: Best Wood For Smoking Chicken: 8 Wood Types To Use
7. Royal Oak 100 Percent Hardwood Charcoal
Summary of Features
Description | Featured in This Device |
Material | 100 Percent Real Hardwood |
Weight | 30 pounds |
Dimensions | 25.5 x 16 x 4.5 inches |
Flavor | BBQ |
What Professionals Say About This Product
When you smoke with these pellets, you’ll get a nice, hot burn, and you’ll also enjoy a greater amount of smoke due to the pellet’s larger surface area.
Even on a pellet grill, these charcoal pellets burn hot, scorching barbecue to perfection. The pellets are ideal for low-heat smoking as well as high-heat grilling, The pellets contain 30 pounds of genuine charcoal and they are safe to use on any pellet grill, making them ideal for any brand of barbecue.
What Customers Say About This Product
The smell of charcoal burning is similar to that of burning wood or pellets. These royal oak pellets are incredible! They have a terrific taste, burn at a more steady temperature, and generate significantly more smoke!
For whom It Is Best
The perfect choice for almost any grill or smoker. No matter whether you’re smoking a delicious brisket or searing some succulent steaks, these pellets will meet your needs. Use Royal Oak’s 100% Hardwood Charcoal Pellets for that authentic barbeque flavor.
Check out a detailed review here!
Read Also: What is the best wood for smoking meat? (Top 8 Picks)
What Are Wood Pellets?
Wood pellets are small compressed pieces of wood that are used for heating and burning. They can be made from a variety of different types of wood and can be used in pellet stoves, boilers, furnaces, etc. Pellets are easy to use and many homeowners like them because they burn cleaner than traditional fuels such as coal or oil.
Pellets are made by taking wood waste material such as sawdust, shavings, or chips and compressing it under high pressure. The high pressure causes the wood to bind together and form a solid pellet. Pellets can be made from different types of wood, but softwoods such as pine or fir are most commonly used.
Pellets are a renewable energy source and are considered to be less dangerous than other burning fuels when it comes to carbon emissions.
This means that they release less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they are burned when compared with coal. Burning wood pellets is a clean and efficient way to smoke your food, heat your home, or cook your food.
There are a number of different places that sell wood pellets, including home improvement stores and online retailers. They can be quite expensive depending on where you buy them, but they are often worth the cost if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and use a renewable energy source.
What Are The Benefits of Using Wood Pellet Grills?
When it comes to grilling, nothing quite beats the flavor and versatility of a wood pellet grill. These sophisticated appliances offer all the benefits of a traditional charcoal or gas grill, but with added features that allow you to explore different cooking styles and achieve more flavorful, evenly cooked results every time.
As anyone who has tried one can attest, that there are numerous benefits to using a wood pellet grill, from better control over temperature to enhanced convenience and ease of use.
Whether you’re new to wood pellet grills or an experienced pro looking for ways to improve your cooking technique, here are just a few of the many reasons why these innovative appliances make such great additions to any outdoor kitchen.
1. Versatility
Wood pellet grills offer a unique cooking experience that can be enjoyed by grill masters of all levels. One of the key benefits of using a wood pellet grill is its versatility. Whether you’re looking to smoke, roast, or sear, a wood pellet grill can do it all.
Thanks to the wide range of temperatures that they can reach, wood pellet grills are perfect for cookouts, tailgates, and even home kitchen use. And because they use 100% natural hardwood pellets for fuel, they’re also much cleaner and healthier than other grilling options.
So if you’re looking for a grill that can do it all, a wood pellet grill is a great option.
2. Rich Flavor
One of the main reasons people use wood pellet grills is for their flavor. Unlike charcoal or gas grills, which can impart a harsh, burnt taste to food, pellet grills give food a subtle smoky flavor that is truly unique.
The key to this flavor is the wood pellets that are used as fuel. These pellets are made from a variety of different hardwoods, each of which imparts its own distinct flavor profile. For example, hickory and mesquite are two of the most popular woods used in pellets, and they provide a rich, smoky flavor that is perfect for meats.
Other popular choices include cherry, apple, and pecan, which all offer their own unique twist on the classic smoky taste. No matter what your personal preference may be, there is sure to be a wood pellet grill that will suit your needs.
3. Relatively Quicker Results
Wood pellet grills have quickly become a popular choice for outdoor cooking, and it’s easy to see why. These grills offer a unique combination of convenience and flavor, and they can be used to cook food faster than many other forms of cooking.
If you’re looking for quick results, a wood pellet grill is definitely the way to go. These grills use small pellets of wood that are placed in a hopper, and the pellets are then fed into the fire chamber where they smolder and create smoke. This design is what allows wood pellet grills to reach such high temperatures in such a short amount of time.
And because the pellets are constantly being fed into the fire chamber, you’ll never have to worry about your fire going out. Whether you’re cooking for a large group or just want to get dinner on the table quickly, a wood pellet grill is a great option.
4. Excellent Temperature Management
Perhaps the most significant advantage of using a wood pellet grill is the excellent temperature management. Pellet grills are equipped with digital temperature controls that allow you to precisely set the cooking temperature. This means that you can cook your food to perfection, without having to worry about under or overcooking.
Additionally, the consistent heat produced by the pellets ensures that there are no hot or cold spots on the grill, so you can be confident that your food will be cooked evenly.
As an added bonus, the digital temperature control also makes it easy to smoke food, as it maintains a consistently low temperature for hours on end. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or roasting, a wood pellet grill can help you achieve perfect results every time.
5. Consistent Results
One of the great things about pellet grills is that they produce consistent results time after time. Whether you’re cooking a steak to perfection or smoking a slab of ribs, a pellet grill will help you get the job done right.
This consistency is thanks to the fact that pellet grills operate at a set temperature, meaning that there’s no need to constantly adjust the temperature up and down. As long as you maintain the correct temperature, you’ll be able to produce perfectly cooked food every time.
Most pellet grills have a thermostat that monitors the internal temperature of the grill and adjusts the flow of pellets accordingly. As a result, you can count on your pellet grill to produce delicious, evenly cooked food every time you use it.
And because pellet grills are so easy to use, even novice cooks will be able to achieve consistent results. So if you’re looking for a grill that can help you to produce mouth-watering meals time after time, then a pellet grill is definitely worth considering.
6. User-Friendly
One of the great things about wood pellet grills is that they are extremely user-friendly. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned grill master, you’ll be able to get the perfect cook every time. Pellet grills come with digital controls that allow you to set the temperature and cooking time with the push of a button.
Most models also have a meat probe that monitors the internal temperature of the food, so you can be sure it’s cooked to perfection. And because pellet grills use indirect heat, there’s no need to worry about flare-ups or hot spots.
As a result, wood pellet grills are perfect for those who want to enjoy all the flavors of BBQ without any of the hassles.
7. Excellent Value
While wood pellet grills are certainly not cheap, they offer excellent value for the money. Not only do they allow you to enjoy fine dining without ever having to step foot in a restaurant, but they are also extremely durable and long-lasting, meaning that you can easily get your money’s worth out of them.
Furthermore, if you take care of your grill properly, it will continue to work well for many years. So while buying a wood pellet grill may involve an upfront investment, investing in this type of appliance is ultimately a very wise choice because it allows you to get far more use out of your money in the long run.
In short, wooden pellet grills may be expensive, but the return on your investment will be well worth it.
8. Versatility of Choices
There are many different types of wood pellet grills available on the market today, allowing you to choose a machine that perfectly suits your needs. For example, some models are high-powered and designed specifically for commercial use, while others are more compact and lightweight, making them ideal for home kitchens.
Additionally, some machines come equipped with features such as multiple cooking zones or precise temperature control, giving you even greater flexibility when preparing your meals. With so many different options available to suit any budget or cooking style, there really is no limit to how much you can enjoy using a wood pellet grill!
So whether you’re an avid foodie or simply want easy and convenient backyard grilling, a wood pellet grill is a great investment that will allow you to enjoy your favorite foods without having to fuss over the details.
3 Pro Tips For Smoking Meat With a Pellet Smoker
Passionate BBQers will go to great lengths to get the perfect smokey flavor in their meat. But the process isn’t always easy. If you’re new to smoking meat, or just looking to up your game, here are some tips for smoking meat with a pellet smoker.
Be Patient
One of the most important things to remember when smoking meat is to be patient. Don’t rush the process by cranking up the heat – this will only result in dried-out, overcooked meat. Instead, give your meat time to slowly cook through and absorb all that delicious smoke flavor.
Regulate Moisture Level
Another important tip is to control the moisture levels in your smoker. Too much moisture will create a steamy environment that can lead to uneven cooking and make it difficult to get that crispy, sought-after bark on your meat.
Some pitmasters recommend using a water pan, while others say it’s not necessary. Experiment and see what works best for you.
Experiment WIth Multiple Pellet Types
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of wood pellets. Different woods will impart different flavors to your meat, so mix things up and find what you like best. Honey mesquite, applewood, and hickory are all popular choices, but there are many other types out there, so try them all and see what you like best!
If you’re serious about smoking meat with a pellet smoker, these tips will help you take your game to the next level. So get outside, fire up that grill, and enjoy some delicious smoked meats!
FAQs
Which pellets give the most smoke flavor?
When it comes to smoking, the best pellets to use are hardwood pellets that have a strong smoke flavor. These pellets will deliver a great smoky taste to the food, which is perfect for enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.
Some types of pellets that are particularly good for adding smoke flavor include apple and cherry wood. These types of wood have a strong smoky taste, making them ideal for smoking meat, fish, or even vegetables. Other popular options include hickory, pecan, and mesquite wood.
If you are looking for the smokiest flavor possible, then it is best to experiment with different types of pellets until you find the one that works best for your food.
What pellets do the pros use?
Apple, Hickory, and Mesquite are pellets typically used by professional smokers. These woods all have a natural flavor that pairs well with meats like beef and chicken. Applewood also has a slightly fruity taste that can add an extra layer of flavor to your food.
How long do 20 lbs of pellets last?
It really depends on how much you use your pellet grill and how hot you run it. A 20-pound bag will last anywhere from 8-12 hours. If you’re using your grill for long, slow cooks, it will last closer to the 12-hour mark.
If you’re running your grill at high temperatures for shorter cooks, it will burn through the pellets faster and won’t last as long. Ultimately, how long a 20-pound bag of pellets lasts will vary based on your individual cooking habits.
Conclusion
Now that you know a little more about wood pellets and the benefits of using a pellet smoker, it’s time to choose the best bag for your needs. Based on overall features, we believe Traeger Grills Signature Blend 100% is the overall best wood pellets for smoking.
For the best results, consider what type of meat you will be smoking, how often you plan to use your smoker, and where you will be storing your pellets. Once you have made your decision, get ready to enjoy some delicious smoked meats!