How Do I Store Wood Pellets
Although it might appear unnecessary to some, the proper safe storage of your wood pellets is important. Proper storage prevents mold, soil fungus, or other toxins from entering or growing on pellets.
Avoid Moisture
Moisture is the nemesis of wooden pellets. Not only will the moisture break down the pellets, but it will also introduce molds and fungus. Some wood pellets can be expensive, so invest in a proper pellet storage container.
Use Buckets or Bins
Storing wood pellets in air-tight buckets or bins is one way of preserving the pellets. A wood pellet container is preferred but a good bucket will do. Pretty much any air-tight container will do better than the shipping pellet bag.
Keep Them Off the ground
Bags of wood pellets in direct contact with the soil are prone to moisture exposure.
A Quick Guide To Smoking Wood Pellets
If youre a gas griller, you would have a clear idea about the importance of wood pellets for smoking. Smoke does add some flavor to the food, especially the meat, and we all like it. Smoking the meat also prevents the moisture from evaporating, making your steaks juicy and delicious.
But, if youre a novice, you need to know what wood pellets are, how theyre made, and above all, what are the best wood pellets for smoking. If these questions frequently cloud your mind, weve got you covered.
Best Budget: Z Grills Zpg
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Great value for its size
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Some temperature control issues
At around $500, this grill may not scream budget-friendly, but considering its size , it’s actually a great bargain. This unit uses convection heat distribution technology , which provides a versatile environment for grilling, baking, roasting, and searing. However, this model also has a number of upgrades.
The 7002E is unique in that it is stainless steel built, meaning it is less susceptible to corrosion. Other upgrades include a more precise temperature control and a new and improved pellet feed system. This automated electric feed system maintains the temperature of your grill for you, ranging from 180 to 450 degrees.
In terms of space, it has a large, 513-square-inch grilling area and a 187-square-inch smoking/warming rack . This grill also has a whopping 20-pound hopper , an electronic auto-start ignition, and an LED temperature readout. Many users claim this grill is super easy to use and makes maintaining temperature a piece of cake. It also comes with two wheels to move it around easily, a grill cover, and a three-year warranty.
Weight: 112 lbs.| Grilling Area: 700 sq. in. | Hopper Capacity: 20 lbs. | Temperature Range: 180-450ºF | Dimensions: 48 x 22 x 51 inches
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Pit Boss Grills Pellet Flavors Guide
We manufacture the perfect wood pellet flavors for any type of food you can cook on a pellet grill or smoker. The following are flavors we recommend for each type but feel free to experiment on your own:
Beef
Charcoal, Georgia Pecan, Mesquite, Competition Blend, Hickory, Classic Blend.
Poultry
Competition Blend, Mesquite, Classic Blend, Hickory, Apple, Fruit, Charcoal.
Pork
Competition Blend, Mesquite, Classic Blend, Hickory, Apple, Fruit, Charcoal.
Seafood
Do You Have To Use The Grill Branded Pellets With Your Grill
Very often, the pellet grill manufacturers instruct you to use their pellets, with some going so far as to state that failure to do so will void the warranty. Why? Well, theres the obvious reason that they want you buy their pellets. However, it really has more to do with ensuring that the grill runs properly, and that starts with using quality pellets. The easiest way for pellet grill makers to guarantee youre using good pellets is to have you use theirs, which they know meet the desired quality standards. They cant make that guarantee about another brand of pellets.
In our experience, it’s always best to use a high quality pellet produced by a reputable manufacturer. Most pellet grills can experience problems when fueled with low-quality cut-rate pellets that produce excessive ash. Make sure you purchase from a brand that you trust for the best grilling experience.
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How To Minimize The Risk
Try to maintain a steady, even heat when cooking on the grill. Since no one enjoys eating meat thats been charred to a cinder, this is good advice to follow in any case. Fortunately, most modern pellet grills are outfitted with convection fans that will make your job that much easier.
Finally, make sure to trim as much fat as possible before adding the meat to the grill. Less fat equals fewer flare-ups, which is why lean meats such as chicken and fish are ideal candidates for the grill. You can even forego the meat altogether and grill a hearty vegetable like eggplant instead.
Cooking On The Victory 35in Wood Pellet Grill
The Victory grill aligns with what youd expect from pellet grills in the market. Its very simple to set up and get started. Fill it with pellets of choice, set your temperature and youre off to the races.
The display is large and easy to read even in direct sunlight, and the controls are straightforward: just set the dial to your desired temperature.
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The 411 On Smoking Meats
Smoking meats present a different type of risk, but again, its just a risk, not a sure thing.
Wood pellet grills generally do double-duty as smokers, hence the focus on flavored pellets. Smoking occurs over a long period of time at low, slow temperatures, which means that HCAs arent a problem since charring doesnt occur.
It probably comes as no surprise, but its the smoke that is the concern here.
The indirect heat from smoking is a healthier option because HCAs are barely a worry, if at all, but smoke from wood pellets is still smoke and is the source of harmful chemicals, the same chemicals that add the pleasant aroma of different kinds of wood to the meat.
The smoke forms Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons, otherwise known as PAHs. They are Carcinogensno false representation here.
You can find PAHs in a variety of places, including many of the processed foods you enjoy, but it must be said that the concentration of PAHs has been found to be higher in home-smoked meats.
Wait, That Sounds Scary!
Its not nearly as fearsome as it seems, though.
The truth of the matter is that these chemicals dont pose much of a threat if youre exposed to them in small amounts
That means that as long as your consumption of smoked meats is somewhat moderate, youre most likely to be fine. Enjoying a grilled burger or smoked brisket once in a while will probably not increase the likelihood of cancer developing at all.
Arent Traeger Grills Made In The Usa
Traeger, the longest and most established pellet grill brand were originally manufactured in Oregon and were produced in the USA up until 2006 when the Traeger family sold the company. In 2006 the patent that Traeger had on the design of pellet grills/smokers since 1986 ran out, then more makes/brands of pellet grills started to enter the market.
Traeger felt they had to move manufacturing abroad to expand the company to make it viable while still offering a product at a price their customers are happy to pay. Hence, today Traeger pellet grills are made in China.
While Traeger is still an American company who design their pellet grills in the USA they are manufactured abroad: Image Traegergrills.com
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Green Mountain Grills Premium Fruit Wood Pellets
Green Mountain Fruitwood Pellets are the best cooking pellets youll even find. These wood pellets are meant to be heating pellets. However, due to their all-natural composition and fruitwood formulation, these pellets can also be used for smoking purposes. This blend of cherry, beech, and pecan hardwoods can transform the taste of beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetables altogether.
It sets them apart from other brands because these pellets have a large diameter for a sustainable cooking and smoking experience. In addition, Green Mountain wood pellets have lower moisture, providing you with enhanced performance and efficient burn. It, in turn, results in little ash production, keeping it hassle-free to clean the grill.
Another great thing about these pellets is that they consist of kiln-dried sawdust of natural fruit hardwoods. This practice keeps the process clean and ensures that the pellets can be stored for a long time without going rancid.
If youre looking for wood pellets that produce a reasonable amount of heat as well as smoke, these pellets from Green Mountain Grills are generally the best. Each pack weighs about 29 pounds so that you can have endless grilling sessions with a single blend.
Why trust these pellets?
- Work best for pellet grills instead of gas grills
How To Clean The Wood Pellet Grill After Cooking
The wood pellet grill is a unique and equally enjoyable cooking experience. But cleaning the grill after you are finished isnt always an enjoyable experience, but heres how to get it done fast and easy:
Step 1: All the ash, grease, food particles and other products from combusting will go down in the firepot . Thats what makes pellets such a clean-burning fuel.
Step 2: After youre done with cooking, wait at least 30 minutes for the grill to cool down a bit before going any further. Dont be in a hurry! It will still be very hot inside even after 30 minutes, so use the time to get the tools youre gonna need to finish this job. Youll need your standard bbq toolbox stuff like oven mitts, large spatula or tongs and some paper towels.
Step 3: Open up all the vents on top of the grill to let it cool down faster while also helping push out most of that ash and other junk in there through the chimney and into the bucket or your trash can.
Step 4: Time to pull out the firepot and clean it up. First use a dry paper towel to wipe all the excess ash in the bottom of the firepot, then follow up with a wet one. Then dump both ashes in your trashcan . Dont worry, that ash is not gonna start any fires in there like some people think. Its just plain old wood after all, but still if youre real paranoid go ahead and take it outside and dump it!
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A To Z List Of The Best Bbq Wood Pellets
A pellet grill/smoker is only as good as the BBQ pellets you put into it. The type/quality of the BBQ wood pellets you use will impact temperature performance and smoke flavour. There are many pellet flavours including Apple, Hickory, Mapel, Oak and Walnut to name but a few. However, some brands are hardwood blended pellets whereas others are 100% single wood species.
In this article, I provide details on over 20 brands of BBQ wood pellets, their range of flavours, whether they are 100% single wood species or hardwood blended pellets, their typical price and where they are available. I also provide tips on how to get the best deal when buying BBQ wood pellets and how to test pellet quality. Finally, I discuss the new kid on the block, charcoal pellets and their special attributes compared to all other hardwood BBQ pellets.
Can You Make Your Own Bbq Pellets
You might find DIY instructions for making cooking pellets at home. However, in most cases, the process is too complicated to perform at home. Making BBQ pellets involves purchasing specialized equipment, such as a pellet mill. For that reason, youre better off purchasing grilling pellets and spending your time and energy getting creative on the grill.
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How Are Bbq Wood Pellets Made
Wood pellets come in many forms and can be used for a lot of uses, but in the context of barbecue and for pellet smoker grills they are commonly made from compacted sawdust.
The wood sometimes fresh and sometimes recycled is processed through a hammer mill. The mill smashes the wood and beats it down until it forms a mix that isnt too dissimilar to dough. This state makes it easier to manipulate the wood and to press it through pellet moulds.
The dough is processed through a press into holes that are about 6 millimeters in diameter. Think of this almost like a cheese grater.
While the wood goes through this stage, its also heated. This helps the pellets solidify, and also enables the natural binding agents within the wood to reactivate and form a natural glue to hold the pellets together once the wood cools again.
Once cooled, the pellets are cleaned and dusted down to remove any leftover sawdust. They are then packaged and distributed.
This process is a great way to make sure that each pellet is packed and densely as possible, so that it can provide as much heat and energy as possible when it comes to use.
The process also ensures that very little moisture is left in the wood. This ensures that each pellet can burn to its maximum potential without being dampened by any water content.
A dry, densely packed wood pellet ensures high energy, and maximum burn.
What Exactly Are Fillers In Pellets
When it comes to flavored wood, you are probably only going to get 100% cherry, apple or hickory when using wood chunks or wood chips.
With wood pellets, there is more of a chance of some filler being included, mostly oak. This is a hardwood and will help to create consistency when burning.
This is especially vital in blends. Some woods will no doubt burn faster than others, and this, in turn, affects your grilling as you will keep adding fuel that burns quickly, and which may lead to flare-ups and hot spots.
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Are Wood Pellets Better Than Charcoal
If youre looking for a grill that offers you more options for flavor, convenience, value, cooking, and with better temperature control, then a Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill is the clear winner in this debate. But if you are a die-hard charcoal griller, we also have some great kamado ceramic charcoal grills as well!
Which Are The Best Wood Pellet Flavors
Smoking wood pellets are available in many favors and are not one taste fits all. The best wood pellets flavor will vary based on your taste and preference, but Oak and hickory are two prevalent flavors for smoking meats.
However, there are main categories of flavored wood pellets:
- Mild, neutral flavor: Mild smoke taste, but leave no smoky aftertaste in your mouth. Flavors include Maple, Ash, and Alder.
- Mild and Sweet flavor or Fruit Wood Pelletsfruity flavors: A slightly sweet or nutty taste. Blends include Cherry pellets, Pecan, Apple, Pear, Fruitwood Blends, and Maple pellets.
- Robust and strong smoky flavor: Strong barky smoke aftertaste. Best at coloring meats and creating smoke rings. Savors include Mesquite wood pellets, Hickory smoking pellets, and Oak.
There are other woods times, and you can read more about all the different woods and their flavor profile in our wood for smoking guide.
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What Is The Best Pellet Grill 2020
What is the Best Pellet Grill 2020? Product Capacity #1 PIT BOSS SPORTSMAN 820 Editors Choice CHECK PRICE 849 sq in #2 Z GRILLS 7002E Best Budget Pick CHECK PRICE 700 sq in #3 Camp Chef SmokePro LUX Best Large Capacity CHECK PRICE 875 sq in #4 Lousiana Grill LG1100 Editors Choice CHECK PRICE 575 sq in.
What Brand Of Pellets Are Best Best Wood Wood Pellets For Smoking Our 9 Favorite Wood Pellets For Smoking Meat
Here is our list.
Traeger makes amazing pellet grills and makes great accessories for their grills, including cooking pellets.
Traegers BBQ pellets are known to produce less ash than other wood pellets. These pellets are manufactured from 100% hardwood and do not contain any additives or binders. Less ash means there will be less mess to be cleaned and less time using a shop vac to clean the firepot.
These Pellets are available in different flavors and work well in many smoker brands.
All Asmoke wood for their pellets is sourced directly from real fruit orchards trees. The apple trees are harvested, brought to their plant, and processed within a few days to preserve their flavor and freshness. Asmoke wood pellets are packaged in tear-resistant bags. Asmoke knows a thing or two about pellets, they make one of the finest portable pellet grills in the market today.
A few days after our trees are harvested, they are chipped and turned into wood pellets. One of Asmoke highest priorities is the protection of the environment. All Trees that are cultivated are replanted right away, So That Future Generations May Enjoy Them.
BBQrs Delight wood smoking pellets are another great selection and quality pellets for barbecuing. Their flavors include cherry, pecan, mesquite pellets, hickory pellets, apples, and Jack Daniels pellets.
Bonus: Lumber Jack Competition Blend Maple-Hickory-Cherry BBQ
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Oxygen Depletion And Poisoning
Wood pellets can release significant amounts of CO, CO2, and CH4, which can lead to oxygen depletion. An investigation into oxygen depletion and release of CO during ocean transport of wood pellets found that an oxygen-deficient atmosphere and lethal levels of CO can be reached after a week in a confined space . Similar findings for wood chips and logs are presented . It is therefore necessary to monitor these gaseous components and oxygen carefully in closed stores for wood pellets, chips, and logs and during offloading of vessels.
C. Whittaker, I. Shield, in, 2016
Yoder Ys480s Pellet Grill
Let’s be honest, if you are serious about barbecue and are looking for a pellet grill, this is probably the cooker for you. Yoder is legendary for the quality of its products. This, the smallest of their line runs $1,579USD and has a huge cooking chamber for its size. This is a serious, heavy grill. Well, to be honest, while a good grill, this is a great smoker. There are larger Yoder grills than this one, but for most people, this is all you need. Yoder also has great WiFi technology. If you buy this grill, tell them I sent you.
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