Best Pellets for Smokers reviewed Of 2023
After spending hours researching we recommend:
Traeger PEL319 Hickory 100% All-Natural Hardwood Grill Pellets
What We Liked
- It is highly affordable
- Produces less ash than other alternatives
- Mills used in producing these products are based in the USA
CookinPellets 40PM Perfect Mix
What We Liked
- Can be used for both short and long clouds of smoke
- Accurate labeling and packaging
- Made from using high-quality woods
- The perfect blend of Cherry, hickory, maple, and apple
- Free of oil, bark, and other additives
- Does not contain filler woods
- Has a versatile mix which is ideal for different foods
PIT BOSS 55436 BBQ Wood Pellets, 40 lb. Hickory
What We Liked
- Has a three-year warranty
- Maximum temperature of about 400 degrees
- Large cooking space for families
- Ergonomic spring door handle
Best Pellets for Smokers reviewed Of 2023
So you just got your first smoker and the meat doesn’t have that great taste like your friends smoked his meat. Don’t worry after reading this review on the best pellet for smoking; you will start smoking those meats like the pros.
Keep on reading our guide on how to pick the right pellets for the right meat and see our list of the best wood pellets for smoking
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Buying Guide for Best Pellets for Smokers
What are wood pellets?
Wood pieces and Sawdust are known to be waste from the lumber being cut. Instead of discarding this, it then gets re-purposed! Wood pellets are created from Sawdust that has been compressed. The compression of this Sawdust is what releases natural substances inside the wood. During the process of condensation, these released substances first soften before then hardening. This thus offers the room for the Sawdust to stick together to keep their consistency. These shapes are generally cylindrical shapes that make it quite easy to use. The circular wood pieces are referred to as wood pellets, and they all perform their different functions.
There’s a significant difference between smoking pellets and heating pellets
Wood pellets known to be made from hardwoods with insecticides or chemicals are designed to be used only as heating pellets. Heating pellets are also known as wood pellets designed for a pellet stove to heat a home. The wood pellets made from food-safe hardwoods are intended to function as smoking wood pellets. The different kinds of pellets include pine, sunflower, and oak, which represent a selective focus on the heap. These smoking wood pellets are designed to function as the fuel for pellet grills. Some food-safe hardwoods also include hickory, applewood, or mesquite, to name a few. This is actually where the fun starts! There are different blends, flavors, and combinations of smoking wood pellets that are available for you to choose from. The type of meat you want to burn would help you decide or determine what kind of flavor or the combination of characters to go for.
What are the Best Types of Wood Pellet Flavors?
The best pellets for the smoker are produced from using different types of hardwoods. Each of these flavors talked about having slightly different properties that can bring a change to or affect the taste of your barbecue. The most popular of the hardwood flavors include Cherry, Hickory, Maple, Mesquite, Oak, Pecan, and Apple. The art of smoking wood pellets could be from 100% the particular type of hardwood, or even a blended combo of 70% filler with generally 30% flavor. The category of mixed smoking wood pellets use around 30% of flavored pellets, as they are more easily affordable. The remaining 70% of the bullet usually comprises of oak. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going for a tree as a form of smoke wood. Some people have issues with how certain manufacturers tend to go for hardwood because it is always cheaper, while still naming and referring to the pellets as something else entirely.
Smoking Pellet Pairings
You don’t have to pair your smoking wood pellets with what you are smoking, as it is not exactly a requirement. Also, some people prefer the practice of trying to enhance the flavors of what they are smoking by trying to pair some types of wood with other kinds of meat. This is entirely subjective as a topic, so I would advise that you take the suggestions below as just that. Ideas that can form or influence your opinions of pellets.
Apple – you need to know that Applewood pellets can best be enjoyed when smoking pork, lamb, chicken, and even seafood. It is mild, and as such, can be mixed well with other flavors.
Cherry – just Like Apple, cherry wood pellets are known to be universal and can be used to smoke virtually anything.
Hickory – When you talk about smoking pork, hickory cannot be placed at the back. Plus, the pork, both beef, and chicken can both be paired with hickory flavored wood pellets.
Maple – Best for vegetables and chicken, maple wood pellets are much close to Cherry and also a sweet flavor to keep on hand.
Keys to Remember:
Always use food-grade pellets. Do not use wood pellets that are not recommended for smoking, such as heating pellets.
Do not use old wood pellets that contain mold or fungus.
100% flavored smoking wood pellets are more expensive than blended pellets.
Do not soak wood pellets before use as they will disintegrate.
Top 8 Best Pellets for Smokers
1.
Traeger PEL319 Hickory 100% All-Natural Hardwood Grill Pellets
The mere fact that this twenty-pound bag is made by Traeger makes it another fantastic choice that every ardent smoker should consider.
What We Liked
- It is highly affordable
- Produces less ash than other alternatives
- Mills used in producing these products are based in the USA
What We Didn't Like
- Not 100% hardwood
Detailed description
When deciding to use this, the hardest part is usually the period when you have to wait for the food to be ready, basically because the Hickory BBQ flavor that comes out in the smoke would make you salivate so much and wish the food was available. One of the remarkable features of this product is that these pellets, just like different people have said, are known to offer much less ash than some of the other wood pellets you would find out there. So that you know, less ash means that you would have less dirt to clean afterward.
While it is made from 100% hardwood, these pellets do not have any fillers or even additives at all. By merely providing you with a beautiful smoky flavor profile, these pellets don’t cause any form of harm to the environment and your food, as well. They work well with almost any kind of food such as poultry, beef, pork, vegetables as well as others. Although Traeger has a variety of pellets available for you to choose from, the hickory one from them would always be one of its best pellets to date. In case you’re a newbie or novice to pellet smokers and don’t exactly know how to make a decision on which brand of the bullet to use, then I would advise you to go for the hickory ones produced by Traeger strictly.
2.
CookinPellets 40PM Perfect Mix
Before I continue in this review, I need to state that this product rates as one of the best hardwood pellets that you can ever get for smoking your foods.
What We Liked
- Can be used for both short and long clouds of smoke
- Accurate labeling and packaging
- Made from using high-quality woods
- The perfect blend of Cherry, hickory, maple, and apple
- Free of oil, bark, and other additives
- Does not contain filler woods
- Has a versatile mix which is ideal for different foods
What We Didn't Like
- The product might have more dust due to handling and transportation
- Flavor could be mild for some people
- Some customers reported that some pellets had been contaminated with plastic or paint
Detailed description
The CookinPellets 40 PM Perfect Mix only makes use of wood from the center of the log in the process of producing the best pellets for a smoker. Some other companies may try to reduce the cost of production of their pellets by making use of only bark. Although some hardwood pellets use filler or oils woods, such as oak, to reduce the cost of production of their product, you need to be rest assured that CookinPellets 40PM Perfect Mix does not add any of that to their products. Your pellets will only be made using the most beautiful hardwood available on the market. A lot of customers have reported that the pellets are quite ideal for pulled pork, brisket, and any other food that you’d like to bring a mesquite flavor to while smoking. Customers also love the fact that they can purchase these quality hardwood pellets for slightly under 40 dollars.
3.
Traeger Grills PEL331 Signature Blend 100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets
If you need the best pellets for a smoker, you can use adequately for your smoking needs, and then I am happy to inform you that Traeger offers a great deal in allowing you to go for a quality and fantastic product, all for a low price.
What We Liked
- Pocket-friendly and economical
- Produces low volume of ash
- Very easy to clean after use
- Pellets are ideal for various types of meats
- No filler woods are employed
What We Didn't Like
- Not designed for other grilling styles
- Pellets come in big sizes
- Must not be in contact with moisture
Detailed description
Traeger’s pellet mix is known to possess a great deal of variety in which types of foods can be smoked, plus fish, vegetables, and BBQ meats. But these best pellets for the smoker are uniquely loved and adored by meat enthusiasts who need to enjoy that particular deep smoky flavor enhancement, which can be only obtained from using pellets for smoking. It is primarily designed to be used in different cooking methods. Plus, smoking, you can still make use of these pellets when baking, roasting, braising, grilling, and barbecuing.
If you are not a novice in the world of smoking and grilling pellets, then you should know that the Traeger brand is trendy because of the high level of quality it possesses. The pellets are made using 100% natural wood. The trees used in making these pellets are gotten from the United States, and they are also entirely made there. These pellets do not have any element of filler woods in them, thus meaning no additives or chemicals have been added to them. The absence of filler woods also implies that they produce less ash. Therefore, they can be cleaned quite easily and effortlessly as well.
4.
BBQrs Delight Wood Smoking Pellets
If you are not correctly used to the art of smoking, then this variety value pack would help you in getting used to what types of wood pellets you would prefer to use later on.
What We Liked
- The pellets are made from oak soaked in whiskey
- Offers a unique and different taste and smell
- It is highly versatile
- Oak charcoal tends to produce more smoke
- Pellets are 100% natural
What We Didn't Like
- Can be expensive when compared with some other smoking pellets
Detailed description
For just slightly under 35 dollars, you would be able to try out six different varieties of wood pellets. In case you are an experienced smoker and trying to figure out a way to bring spice to your typical smoking routine, then this variety pack is the right one for you. The hickory pellets are quite popular, especially if you’re trying to attain a barbecue flavor. The dumplings in this variety pack are made primarily using 100% hickory wood and thus can be used for almost any type of meat. The Delight wood pellets are made from using charcoal that comes directly from Jack Daniel’s distillery. The charcoal is soaked for several weeks before being then mixed with oak and finally crafted into wood pellets. The mesquite, Cherry, and pecan pellets are 100% wood with no form of filler added. While the mesquite added produces a robust and inviting flavor, the remaining two flavors are much milder.
5.
RecTec Grills Ultimate Blend Pellets
These wood pellets from RecTec are perfect and deserve an excellent rating since they have a perfect blend, which is suitable for virtually all types of grilling and smoking.
What We Liked
- Compatible with different grills
- Doesn’t emit a lot of ash
- Has a dependable quality
- Produces fine blends
What We Didn't Like
- Does not specify the hickory and oak blend quantities
Detailed description
It burns better than the regular pellet, and it possesses a robust and distinct flavor. You should know that the feeling is not so overpowering, which makes it a perfect thing. You would easily spot the difference immediately if you have used that kind of wood pellets before. If you observe those pellets closely enough, you would realize that they have a uniform size and can be very compact. As it can last for a long duration of time, it can be used to grill and smoke any assortment of food.
These RecTec pellets are very much compatible with all kinds of grills, and it would not in any way harm them since it is made using high-quality materials. You would realize that smoking and grilling are very straightforward when you decide to make use of those pellets. Since you have to pick the food you like and either smoke or grill them, their usage doesn’t differ much from others. The results make it ideal for different types of meat and fish with their genuine smoky flavor, a factor to also look out for. The pellets do not have much difference when compared with the others. You’ll even realize that the blend of hickory and oak is much more useful than you could have first imagined it to be.
6.
Lumber Jack LJACK40-Apple-Blend Smoking BBQ Grilling Wood Smoker Pellets
This product offers a much improved and different approach to the art of smoking and grilling. Below are the reasons for this.
What We Liked
- The burn remains consistent during high and low temperatures
- Leaves very little ash after usage
- High-quality wood and exquisite flavor
- 100% Apple Tree Wood
- Provides an authentic apple flavor
What We Didn't Like
- Some customers claimed it was not 100% Hickory
Detailed description
The oak that is present in this blend of the wood pellet is de-barked; this way, the flavor that comes out from the smoke has more intensity to it. Hence, it ensures there is more texture so that you can enjoy your meal more. It features a classic mom’s apple pie flavor because the product is made of actual apple trees. The combination is known to be 40% Apple Fruity Smoke and 60% Red Oak to be exact. This sure provides your meals with an authentic flavor that will be nothing short of the very best quality. When talking about BBQ Food, this product is the best choice you can make. With their Apple Grilling BBQ Pellets, you would enjoy the wholesomeness and tangibility in your meals. You would agree that one of the best features of this brand is the mere fact that they offer prospective users total quality wood materials without any extra added fillers. This would serve in maintaining the effectiveness overall and also help keep your taste buds in shape and form, unlike some other regular wood pellets which mess up the feeling most times.
7.
Camp Chef PLCY Cherry Premium Hardwood Smoking Cooking Pellets
If you need something made completely using premium solid hardwoods, then look no more as this brand offers users a very distinct approach to smoking or grilling meat.
What We Liked
- It is a perfect option for a smoky cherry taste
- 100% all-natural cherry wood
- Quality in quantity
- Ultra-low moisture offered
- Can be used for any meal
What We Didn't Like
- Not exactly a cheap option
- Might end up tasting acidic
Detailed description
As it was formerly known as the Applewood smoking pellet, these pair works so well with veggies and meat. While Cherry can be referred to as the primary flavor of this product, the base wood used for it is made of alder to ensure more precision. The pellet sizes are more significant than any of the standard brands, but the ash production is much reduced when you compare the sizes. As the pellets are fed through a cold burn, it offers long-lasting smoke. Since ashes are not much also, it gives you more time to enjoy your grilling.
8.
PIT BOSS 55436 BBQ Wood Pellets, 40 lb. Hickory
These pellets from Pit Boss rank high among the best pellets for smokers available on the market today mainly because they are consistently easy to find and use, and they offer a great deal of taste at a relatively affordable price.
What We Liked
- These pellets don’t have any artificial fillers such as to scents, flavors
- No sulfur smell has been reported
- Pellets are made from high-quality materials
- Suitable for different smokers and grills
- Has a reasonable price
- Can be used for different foods
What We Didn't Like
- Does not emit much heat
- Problems with low temperatures
Detailed description
The pellets have been designed in a way that the wood’s natural juices serve to hold them together. That brings an increase to the ability of the manufacturer to maintain the naturalness of these pellets. Customers have often reported that the Pitt Boss brand of pellets burns hot when compared with some other types of pellets. This thus gives you the room to use this product for a very long period without having to fear or fret that they will burn out before you finish what you’re doing.
This blend has been noted to possess a great flavor profile, which combines a lot of savory and sweet tones as well as a bit of mild tartness. It offers a very versatile alternative, in case you do not know what to get or go for, this blend has been able to combine hickory, maple, and cherry hardwoods from North America which pretty much bring an assurance of quality. While offering users a smoky taste along with a mild sweetness on top, these wood pellets can also be accessed in the apple flavor, which augurs well with baked pork. In this bag of pellets, you won’t spot or find any artificial flavors, glues, or even chemicals.
Conclusion
The Traeger PEL319 Hickory 100% All-Natural Hardwood Grill Pellets is my best pick basically because the Hickory BBQ flavor that comes out in the smoke would make you salivate so much and wish the food was ready. One of the remarkable features of this product is that these pellets, just like different people have said, are known to offer much less ash than some of the other wood pellets you would find out there. So that you know, less ash means that you would have less dirt to clean afterward.
While it is made from 100% hardwood, these pellets do not have any fillers or even additives at all. By merely providing you with a beautiful smoky flavor profile, these pellets don’t cause any form of harm to the environment and your food, as well. They work well with almost any kind of food such as poultry, beef, pork, vegetables as well as others. Although Traeger has a variety of pellets available for you to choose from, the hickory one from them would always be one of its best pellets to date. Unlike some other wood chips, smoking pellets do not have to be soaked before they are used. Soaking wood pellets in water would make the pellets disintegrate. In case you’re a newbie or novice to pellet smokers and don’t exactly know how to make a decision on which brand of pellet to use, then I would advise you to go for the hickory ones produced by Traeger strictly.
