Are you looking for the best wood pellets to use in your pellet grill?
An abundance of brands, flavors, and companies that all promise to be the greatest could easily overwhelm buyers. It's no surprise, then, that many people choose to go with the pellets created by their grill manufacturer.
However, if you’re interested in exploring other options, then this is the perfect place to start. We’ve researched for you and have compiled a buying guide featuring all the top-rated brands on the market today.
Our carefully curated selection of food-grade wood pellet options will have everything you need to take your grilling experience up a notch. Choose from diverse wood pellet flavors like apple wood, hickory, cherry wood, mesquite, and more!
Never worry about having to use the grill manufacturers' brand pellets - these products are going to give off amazing smoke no matter what type of grill you’re using.
Read our comprehensive buying guide now and find out which are the best wood pellet products to give your next cook the flavor and smoke you crave!
How We Choose
Trying to find the best pellets for your pellet smoker can be a daunting task.
With so many different types and brands of wood pellets for smoking on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are the best for your grill.
Our selection of products is based on our personal experience, current customer feedback, and overall consensus from BBQ fanatics in Facebook groups and forums. We are very excited to recommend the pellets listed below. Each selection was chosen for its consistent quality, magnificent taste, reduced ash formation, low wood dust evidence, and reliable burn that produces an even flame. Satisfy your taste buds with these deliciously flavored wood pellets from popular pellet brands - get yours now by clicking the links below!
Why We Love 'Em
Take your BBQ game to the next level. Look no further than BEAR MOUNTAIN Premium Gourmet Blend! BEAR MOUNTAIN is an Amazon-designated Small Business, made in the USA with all-natural hardwoods, and is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of grill masters.
From the Gourmet Blend, which fuses hickory, maple, cherry, and oak for a unique taste; to Hickory and Apple or Oak & Alder; all the way to Pecan and Maple or Cherry & Mesquite - they have something that will tantalize everyone's palette!
No matter which flavor you choose – each selection will provide a sweet, smoky taste that will give your red meats, poultry, or vegetables an amazing finish. The verdict is clear – BEAR MOUNTAIN have won over even their toughest critics with their Gourmet Blend BBQ Pellets.
Whether you're a novice griller or a professional pit master - you can trust that BEAR MOUNTAIN stands by its products with guaranteed quality. If for any reason you are not satisfied they offer full refunds or exchanges; so don't wait to get your hands on some of this deliciousness today!
What's In My Hopper?
BEAR MOUNTAIN Gourmet Blend is the perfect choice for any grill master. Their blend of all-natural hardwoods provides a robust smoke flavor to any dish, delivering the best characteristics for an exceptional outdoor barbecue.
Their low moisture content ensures that you get consistent smoke, every time. And because they work well with all major brands of grills including Traeger, Pit Boss, Louisiana Grills, and Green Mountain Grills, you can be confident in your grilling experience.
Plus, bag sizes come in both 20 pounds and 40 pounds sizes so you have just the right amount for your next cookout.
Why We Love ‘Em
Grill Masters, Weber has created some great BBQ pellets just for you. Introducing Weber SmokeFire GrillMaster Blend Hardwood Pellets! These flavored pellets provide that genuine wood-fired taste with an enticing balance of mild flavor – smoke meat, fish, and vegetables to perfection.
This carefully crafted blend is made from equal parts of three amazing flavors: Maple, Hickory, and Cherry. A larger percentage of Maple gives off a sweet taste that won’t overpower the natural flavor. The Hickory wood will give your food some smokiness combined with a faint hint of Cherry wood for a delightful mingling of tastes. You’ll get the authentic wood-fired flavor in every bite!
Moreover, rest assured knowing these pellets are 0% fillers and 100% flavor. Give yourself that special touch your recipes deserve by using Weber SmokeFire GrillMaster Blend Hardwood Pellets. Fire up the Barbeque and make every meal memorable with their delicious blend of amazing flavors.
What’s In My Hopper?
Weber's Grillmaster Blend All-Natural Hardwood Pellets are a reliable solution for consistent smoking temperatures, lasting an average of 20 hours with a 20 lb. bag. Ideal for any wood pellet grill, these blended pellets maintain burning consistency and deliver great flavor.
Weber is proud to offer the best grilling experience and allow for control of low temperatures as low as 180F and higher temperatures of 500F.
True to form, Weber does not hide their labeling from customers, keeping them apprised with transparent packaging and ingredients that can be trusted to deliver the finest outdoor cooking experience.
Why We Love 'Em
Traeger revolutionized BBQing as the original pellet grill manufacturer.
Take your recipes to the next level and create unforgettable experiences with their signature blend of hardwood pellets. Offering a perfect balance of hickory, maple, and cherry smoke flavors, Traeger’s Signature Pellets are ideal for cooking all types of meat, fish, and veggies.
With just the right amount of moisture content, these pellets ensure a beautiful blue smoke is produced every time – delivering an unbeatable subtly smoky taste that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Experienced BBQ authorities vouch for these pellets as offering consistent burning capabilities that take the hassle out of creating outstanding culinary creations on your very own smoker or grill.
What's In My Hopper?
Traeger hardwood pellets offer a maximum flavor for true wood-fire aficionados.
Their exclusive blend of 100% maple, cherry, and hickory wood flavors is crafted with no hidden fillers or binders, making it cleaner to burn than ordinary wood pellets, with minimal ash residue.
The unique compressed sawdust cell structure means you get a balanced and dependable burn so you can keep your smoker going longer and taste the flavor in the smoke.
Each 20lb bag is made with premium quality, all-natural ingredients in the USA at Traeger's mills—guaranteeing smoke perfection every time.
Why We Love ‘Em
Experience BBQ like you never have before with CookinPellets Perfect Mix Hardwood Pellets. their special blended flavors of Hickory, Cherry, Hard Maple, and Apple is unlike anything else you'll find. They utilize only the heartwood of the logs to guarantee that you get the finest smoking experience possible.
Unlike other wood pellet brands, they never use filler woods such as oak or alder to inflate their product. With 100% pure hardwoods used in every bag of their pellets, you can be sure that you're getting exactly what it says on the label without any unpleasant surprises.
Not just that, but these pellets are also 100% safe for use in any smoker: using these won't void any manufacturer's warranty.
No matter if you want a short cook or an extended smoke session, this Perfect Mix from Cookin Pellets is sure to make it memorable.
What’s In My Hopper?
CookinPellets Smoking Wood Pellets make smoking simple and delicious. This 40-pound blend of wood pellets is designed to provide a great smoke flavor every time. They never use oils or filler woods, so you get an unparalleled taste with each smoke.
You don't have to worry about transferring the smoking wood pellets from their bag into another container—this pellet bag is specially designed for immediate storage.
Whether you're looking for a shorter smoke or a longer one (6 hours plus!), this 40-pound blend is sure to meet all your needs. Enjoy amazing flavor without compromising on convenience.
Plus, their product is affordably priced without requiring any sacrifice on flavor or quality
Best Sampler Pack
BBQr's Delight Wood Smoking Pellets - Super Smoker Variety Value Pack
Why We Love 'Em
Fans of grilling, smoking, and barbecuing, there's a great solution for all your flavor experimenting needs! BBQr's Delight Smoker Pellets Variety Pack provides you with 1-pound bags of each flavor including Apple, Hickory, Mesquite, Cherry, Pecan, and Jack Daniels.
With 10 uses per bag (with only 1/3 cup needed per use) there is no need to soak them before use - just light up that grill and get ready for your new go-to cooking method!
Designated as an Amazon "Small Business," BBQr's Delight Smoker Pellets are a great way to try different flavors before buying a full 20-40 lb. bag.
Even better? Mixing the flavored wood pellets and charcoal or blending the various wood pellet flavors will give you all sorts of options so you can customize your grilling experience. A convenient way to bring out the best flavor profiles possible without the large volume commitment.
What’s In My Hopper?
If you're looking for deep, robust flavor in your food, then the BBQr's Delight Smoker Pellets Variety Pack is a must-have.
They come in six different flavors, all made from 100% fruit woods:
Apple wood pellets - Perfectly suited for poultry, pork, and seafood dishes.
Hickory wood pellets - Most famously used for pork and ribs.
Cherry wood pellets - I love for beef and ribs, but cherry works great with all types of meats.
Pecan wood pellets - Pecans make poultry and baked goods taste more interesting.
Mesquite wood pellets - A bold and spicy flavor, this is perfect for bringing out the best in brisket.
Plus, you'll be getting the added bonus of the Jack Daniels Whiskey Soaked Charcoal pellets giving an extra punch of smoky flavor!
And rest assured that any contaminants present in the wood are eliminated because the pellets have been processed from sawdust by pressure which generates heat.
Plus they work perfectly with any type of outside grills - gas, charcoal, electric, or pellet smokers - so you don't need to worry about compatibility issues either.
Why We Love ‘Em
This 100-percent natural hardwood pellet mix offers an unbeatable smoky flavor from a blend of the best maple, hickory, and cherry wood sourced from across North America. And with a massive 40-pound bag, you won’t run out anytime soon.
Unlike other smoking products on the market that saturate your food with smoke, these Pit Boss pellets offer convenience and long burn times with a subtle but tantalizing smoke flavor. Not only does this make for more enjoyable barbecuing experiences – but it also makes these quality pellets much friendlier to both your lungs and the environment.
Stop settling for subpar grilling results and step up your game with Pit Boss’s 40 LB. Competition Blend! With its perfect mix of hardwoods and great value, it will leave you with unbeatable smoked meats no matter what kind of BBQ master you are.
What’s In My Hopper?
Pit Boss’s Competition Blend is the perfect go-to pellet for any BBQ pit master looking for unbeatable flavor.
With North American woods that are free from fillers and chemicals, you'll get superior smoky flavor with minimal dust and odor. Plus, it has no artificial flavors, spray scents, glues, or chemicals.
I highly recommend the competition blend if you can't decide between hickory and apple - it's a mix of hickory, cherry, and maple hardwoods that still packs a punch.
Burning hot and clean with almost no leftover ash to worry about, it's an easy choice when it comes to premium smoking pellets. The 40 lb. size is a great value for the volume of a pellet of this quality.
Why We Love 'Em
Barbecue aficionados know that Royal Oak 100 Percent Hardwood Charcoal Pellets are a great choice when it comes to achieving competition-level flavor. Built from the highest quality, real hardwood that's been kiln-dried and finely processed, these charcoal pellets generate temperatures hot enough for searing yet low enough to achieve a complex smoky flavor. It's no wonder why they've earned such rave reviews.
Royal Oak's charcoal pellets offer virtually endless possibilities - they're great as a stand-alone fuel or as a mixer with other hardwoods, increasing your pellet grill's efficiency and helping extend the yield of your wood flavor pellets. And unlike lower quality brands, these pellets feature a special water-resistant formula that won't clog up your auger, ensuring an even burn every time.
Use them to kick barbecue up a notch for smoking or grilling at low or high heat - whatever your preference. You'll be amazed by their ability to deliver perfect char and balanced flavor every single time.
What's In My Hopper?
If you’re serious about your barbecue, you need real charcoal. Royal Oak's 100 Percent Real Hardwood Charcoal Pellets sear in that authentic flavor you’re craving.
These pellets are made from only real hardwood and nothing else – no additives or coatings; just pure natural smoky goodness. And don’t worry about pellet brand compatibility. These pellets play nice with any pellet grill.
Plus, they are water resistant and won’t clog your auger so clean-up is a breeze. The best part is this real oak charcoal can hold the heat up to temps high enough to grill, so the end result is flavorful and cravable every time.
Best Pellets for Pellet Grill FAQs:
What is the difference between cooking pellets and heating pellets?
Cooking pellets and heating pellets are types of biomass fuel that can be used to generate heat. Cooking pellets are designed specifically for cooking purposes, and they produce a clean burning flame with minimal smoke. They also emit a pleasant wood-smoke aroma, which enhances the flavor of grilled or smoked food. Heating pellets, on the other hand, are intended for home heating applications in pellet stoves and furnaces, and they typically have higher energy densities than cooking pellets. Additionally, heating pellets are more affordable than cooking pellets due to their lower production cost.
Can you use any brand of pellets in a pellet grill?
Yes, you can use various brands of cooking pellets in a pellet grill.
Despite numerous brands claiming that you must use their pellets specifically, it's merely a ploy to encourage consistent purchases. Don't let them intimidate you!
You're free to mix and match pellet types as much as your heart desires without any consequence.
What kind of pellets do you use in a pellet grill?
The type of pellets you should use in a pellet grill depends on the type of food you are grilling. Popular brands such as Traeger Grills offer 100% all-natural hardwood pellets in a variety of flavors, including apple, cherry, hickory, mesquite, and more.
These pellets are designed to provide maximum flavor and smoke for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and barbecuing. Other wood pellets brands such as Camp Chef and Bear Mountain also offer high-quality wood pellets that are perfect for smoking or grilling.
For excellent flavor results with your pellet grill, always look for premium-grade pellets that are made from 100% natural ingredients.
Which pellets produce the most smoke flavor?
Hardwood pellets generally produce the most smoke flavor, and different types of wood give off different smoke flavors.
Popular wood pellets for smoking include apple, cherry, hickory, and mesquite. Other woods such as oak and maple also produce a great deal of smoke flavor while adding a robust aroma to your food.
Softer woods such as cedar, pecan, and alder create more subtle flavors that are great for grilling delicate foods such as fish and vegetables. Additionally, some pellets are blended with herbs or other spices to add even more flavor to your dishes.
For maximum smoke flavor, choose only the highest quality hardwood pellets available.
How do I choose pellets for my pellet grill?
Choosing the right pellets for your pellet grill can be tricky since there are so many types available.
You should first consider what type of food you plan on grilling. Different wood pellets create different flavors, so choosing the right wood is key to achieving the flavor you desire. Popular wood pellets include apple, cherry, hickory, mesquite, and more.
If you want subtle yet unique flavors, softer woods such as cedar, pecan, and alder may be your best choice. For savory dishes look for premium-grade hardwood pellets that contain 100% natural ingredients.
In addition to flavor compatibility with your meals, it's also important to choose pellets that are designed for use in pellet grills as some types can result in a bitter flavor or too much smoke.
How long will 20 lb of pellets last in a pellet grill?
The amount of time 20 lb of pellets will last in a pellet grill depends on how frequently it is used and the settings it is operated at. Generally, 20 lb of pellets will last from 10-20 hours when set to high heat or up to 50 hours at lower temperatures.
If you are using your pellet grill for extended periods of time, it's best to purchase larger bags of pellets as they are often more cost-efficient. It's also important to keep an eye on the smoke color produced by your pellet grill as this will indicate when you need to replace or top off the pellets.
Do you soak pellets before smoking?
Never soak your wood pellets.
It is very important to keep wood pellets dry when you are using them for smoking. The makers of the pellets put them in airtight bags so they stay dry and will not get wet. If the pellets get wet, they will break apart and stick together. This can cause problems with your hopper and your auger won't work properly.
How do I get more smoke flavor on my pellet grill?
To get more smoke flavor out of your pellet grill, you should choose the right type of pellets for the type of food you are smoking. Different types of wood have different flavors and aromas, so it's important to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
Additionally, increasing the cooking temperature on your pellet grill can help create more smoke. It's also important to keep an eye on the smoke color as this can indicate when to top off or replace your pellets.
Finally, adding chunks or chips of additional wood during your cook can also add a smoky flavor.
Do bigger pellet grills use more pellets?
Yes, bigger pellet grills typically use more pellets than smaller models. The size of the grill, as well as how often it is used and how long you are cooking, will determine how much fuel is required.
Larger grills tend to require more pellets to achieve the desired temperatures and smoke flavor. It's important to keep a close eye on your pellets and top them up when needed to ensure an even cook and a consistent smoky flavor.
How long can you leave pellets in Hopper?
Pellets can be safely stored in the hopper for up to three months after opening. Be sure to store them in a dry place and away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as this can break down the pellets.
To ensure your pellet supply lasts longer, it is best to buy pellets that have been vacuum-sealed for freshness. Additionally, you should try to use all of the pellets in one cook and avoid storing partially used bags of pellets.
Should you remove pellets after every cook?
Generally, it is not necessary to remove pellets from the hopper after each cook.
However, some people like to do this to start fresh with a new batch of pellets for each cook. Doing so can help prevent old, wet, or dried-out pellets from affecting the flavor or burning efficiency of your food.
Additionally, emptying the hopper can make clean-up a bit easier and reduce the chances of pests entering the grill.
Which Pellets Are Best for Your Next Pellet Grill?
Grilling season is about to start, so don’t wait! Now is the time to stock up and get your smoker ready with the best grilling pellets. We have gathered a list of the best available pellets on the market in 2023 and provided you with a comprehensive guide for choosing the right one for your needs.
So, before you light up your grill, see if any of our seven heat-resistant and flavorful choices suit your palate. With a perfect blend of wood smoke and subtle flavors, nothing can stop you from creating the perfect smoky dish.
Get the fuel you need delivered fast with just one click - tap the button to unlock Amazon's stellar delivery service and dress your dishes in woody aromas today!
BRIAN M JACKSON
A Word About Pellet Preservation
As an experienced BBQ pit master, I can tell you that properly storing your wood pellets is absolutely essential. Not only will it extend the shelf life of your pellets, but proper storage also prevents mold, fungus, and other toxins from entering or growing on the pellets.
If you've opted to purchase bulk bags of smoking wood pellets, always remember to remove them from the bag and store them in something like a five-gallon bucket with a lid.
Leaving wood pellet bags exposed to oxygen or moisture runs the risk of potentially introducing mold or fungus into the pellet mix if the bag gets punctured.
Smoking food with mold or fungus? Don't do it – no one wants to be that guy who serves up a meal full of toxins! Proper storage is key for enjoying a safe and delicious BBQ every time.
Thanks for reading and happy grilling!
