The Best Wood Pellets for Grilling
Those of us who love to grill are always on the lookout for ways to enhance the flavor of our creations. Wood pellets add a savory, smoky flavor to grilled foods, making them an ideal fuel source. When searching for the right wood pellet, it's important to consider the kind of grill you own, along with qualities like sustainability, flavor, and design. Fortunately, we have saved you the research by compiling this list of the best wood pellets for grilling. Keep reading to find which wood pellets will provide you with fabulous flavor.
Traeger Grills Wood Pellets
Burn, baby, burn
The smokiness of these high-quality pellets will add fantastic flavor to a variety of different dishes, making them way more versatile than your average wood pellets. Traeger’s pellets can enhance the taste of pork, fish, meat, chicken, lamb, and even veggie dishes. Plus, with their unique and compact design, these pellets offer a balanced and dependable burn for a delectable dish every time. Finally, all of the ingredients of these pellets are pure and feature no fillers or unnatural additives.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose — great for fish, meat, pork, or veggie dishes
- All-natural ingredients sustainably sourced
- Compact design offers a balanced and reliable burn
Cons:
- We wish these pellets had a more pungent smell
Bear Mountain BBQ Wood Pellets
Go fish
These pellets from Bear Mountain BBQ are the perfect complement to fish and poultry, thanks to their all-natural composition that adds just the right amount of tenderness and smoky flavor. We love them for pork, too. The compatibility of these wood pellets is impressive, as they can function effortlessly with any kind of outdoor grill or smoker. Additionally, Bear Mountain BBQ’s pellets are available in a variety of flavors, including hickory, cherry, maple, alder, apple, and more. Last but not least, these pellets offer low moisture for a perfect and balanced burn.
Pros:
- Choose between multiple pellet flavors
- Functions for nearly any outdoor grill or smoker
- Low-moisture pellet allows for a balanced burn
Cons:
- On the pricier end
Pit Boss Hickory Wood Pellets
Sweet and savory savings
This pick from Pit Boss gives you 40 pounds of high-quality pellets without a high price tag. With all-natural ingredients, these wood pellets burn faster than your more generic option. Plus, since they’re made with no added chemicals or spray scents, these wood pellets also burn cleaner than alternative pellets with fillers, chemicals, and additives. This quality makes them ideal for grilling pork, poultry, veggies, or baked goods. The rich smoky flavor produced by these pellets is also great for grilling steaks or ribs.
Pros:
- All-natural ingredients provide a faster burn
- No added chemicals, so it’s a cleaner alternative to some other pellets
- Gluten-free and no preservatives
Cons:
- Large package can get damaged or punctured during shipping
Louisiana Grills Competition Blend Wood Pellets
These pellets from Louisiana Grills offer a fresh and savory blend of hickory, cherry, and maple. The fabulous flavor makes these wood pellets perfect for grilling steaks, chicken, or fish. Plus, you’ll find no artificial flavoring, spray scents, or chemicals on Louisiana Grills’ ingredient list. This all-natural material ensures a well-balanced burn along with a sweet smell while you grill. This special “Competition Blend” is an easy and affordable way to get 40 pounds of pitmaster-quality pellets for a pretty impressive price.
Pros:
- Fresh blend adds flavor and strong smell
- No artificial spray scents
- All-natural ingredients provide a consistent burn
Cons:
- A bit too large for smaller grills
Oklahoma Joe’s Wood Pellets
These fresh applewood pellets from Oklahoma Joe’s are blended with oak to give you a smoky and fruity flavor that enhances your fish, chicken, or seafood. Additionally, the low amount of ash included in these wood pellets makes for a quick and easy cleanup. Finally, these pellets also happen to be some of the most affordable you can find online. They’re also available in hickory and “Competition Blend” varieties, so if you can’t choose just one, you can pick up one of each for the cost of some other bags.
Pros:
- Blended with oak to create a deliciously smoky flavor
- Low-ash burning adds convenience and makes for a quick cleanup
- Pellets are extremely affordable compared to competitors
Cons:
- Some pellets can be somewhat moist
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wood pellets better for the environment?
Burning wood pellets releases fewer carbon emissions than trees that are left to rot and decompose in the forest. So if you’re trying to be more environmentally conscious, using wood pellets can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Many wood pellets are produced with sustainable and efficient forestry methods, and the majority of the raw materials are leftovers from sawmills and lumber plants.
How should I store my wood pellets?
The most suitable place to store your wood pellets is a cool and dry area. We would highly recommend a storage shed or garage as the best place to keep your pellets to protect them from the elements.