Are you a Traeger pellet grill owner?
If you’re a Traeger pellet grill owner (or even a non-Traeger pellet grill/smoker), then you know the importance of using the best pellets. The right pellets will help ensure that your food is cooked evenly and to your liking.
Traeger pellets are made of 100% hardwood, so you know you’re getting the best quality for your grill.
But with so many different types of Traeger pellets available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
We’ve done the research for you. The best Traeger pellets are the ones that are made of 100% hardwood. That means they’ll give your food a delicious smoky flavor, and they’ll last longer than other types of pellets.
Before we dive in if you’re looking for a particular flavor, is the list of all the available Traeger pellet flavors and blends:
Contents
List of all Traeger Wood Pellet Flavors
- Apple
- Cherry
- Hickory
- Mesquite
- Pecan
- Signature Blend
- Brisket Blend
- Bold Blend
- Limited Edition Meat Church Blend
Here are the best Traeger wood pellets for smoking in no particular order:
Traeger Signature Blend Natural Wood Pellets
If you're a fan of Traeger grills, you'll love their signature blend of natural wood pellets. These all-natural hardwood pellets are made in American mills and deliver on smoky flavor with every bite. Whether you're cooking up classic BBQ meats or something a little more adventurous, these versatile pellets will do the trick. Plus, they pair well with just about everything!
Traeger Signature Blend Natural Wood Pellets Reviews
The Traeger Signature Blend Natural Wood Pellets have received good reviews from users, with many stating that it is easy to use and has a good flavor. Some note that the blend doesn’t have a strong mesquite flavor, but overall it is a good all-purpose pellet. The pellets are also a good value for the price.
- Enhances the flavor of steaks
- Many customers loved the smokiness and blend of flavors
- Good value for the price
- Easy to use
- Good all-around flavor
- Some customers have complained that the wood was dry
- Some shoppers received broken bags of pellets
- A few customers have said that it doesn't have a strong mesquite flavor
Traeger Grills Mesquite Pellets
If you're looking for a wood pellet that will give your food a robust and bold flavor, look no further than Traeger Grills Mesquite Pellets. Made of all-natural hardwood, these pellets are perfect for smoking beef and other classic BBQ cuts. What's more, they're the ideal choice for cooking poultry and seafood too!
Traeger Grills Mesquite Flavored Wood Pellets Reviews
Most reviews say that the Traeger Grills Mesquite Pellets are a good choice for those looking for a smoky, mesquite flavor. Some reviewers noted that the pellets don’t have a strong mesquite flavor, but others enjoyed the mild smokiness that they imparted. Overall, it seems that these pellets are a good choice for those looking for a subtle mesquite flavor.
- Mesquite imparts a unique flavor profile to meats, vegetables, and fish.
- 20 lbs will last more than a summer season and warm winter days.
- Some customers have said that the pellets don't produce enough mesquite flavor
Hickory Wood Pellets
If you're looking for a bold, all-natural flavor to enhance your beef, chicken, pork, or veggies, look no further than Traeger Hickory Wood Pellets. Made in American mills with hardwood that has a unique compact cell structure, these pellets result in a balanced, dependable burn every time. Pairs especially well with beef, poultry, pork, and vegetables!
Traeger Hickory Wood Pellets Reviews
- Many reviewers have said that it produces a great hickory flavor
- Produces a lot of smoke
- Has an authentic hickory smoke flavor
- Some customers say it mixes well with the apple pellets
- One customer prefers the Camp Chef brand instead
- Another customer would rather be paying for real hickory
Pecan Wood Pellets
Next on the list are the Traeger Pecan Wood Pellets. These pellets offer an ultra-versatile, slightly nutty flavor that works with any meat, not to mention veggies, fish, and even baked goods. The best part about these pellets is that they are made in the USA with all-natural hardwood, resulting in a clean burn. These pellets also have just the right amount of moisture content to maintain a perfect burn-to-smoke ratio.
Traeger Pecan Wood Pellets Reviews
- The flavor of the pellets is great, and they are good for smoking pork, beef, lamb, and goat.
- Pellets are a little pricey, but they last longer than some other types of pellets.
- One customer mentioned that the Traeger goes through these pellets pretty fast, but the flavor is worth it.
- Some customers have complained the Traeger runs through the pellets pretty fast.
- Another customer mentioned wood chips add more flavor to food than pellets do.
Apple Wood Pellets
- If you're looking for a light, slightly fruity smoke flavor to enhance your veggies, pork, and chicken, Traeger's Apple Wood Pellets are a perfect choice. Made with only the finest U.S.-sourced hardwoods, these pellets deliver a balanced and dependable burn that will help you master the art of outdoor cooking.
Traeger Apple Wood Pellets Reviews
The reviews for the pellets suggest that the Traeger Apple Wood Pellets are a good choice for smoking poultry, as they have a mild flavor that lets the meat’s flavor come through. Additionally, they are one of Traeger’s cheapest pellets and work well when mixed with other types of pellets. Finally, the apple wood fragrance does not come through as strongly as some might like, but overall the pellets still perform well.
- Apple Pellets have a great flavor that enhances poultry dishes
- They are also Traeger's cheapest pellets
- Some customers recommend blending with hickory pellets
- The smoke from the Apple Pellets doesn't always impart a strong apple flavor to the dish
- One customer complained that the label is misleading in terms of the manufacturer adding oil to add the Apple flavor and not wood
Cherry Wood Pellets
If you're looking for a subtly sweet, fruity wood pellet flavor to enhance your baked goods, chicken, and pork - look no further than Traeger Cherry Hardwood Pellets. Made of all-natural hardwood in American mills, these pellets are perfect for the premium quality, wood-fired grill on the market. With years of mastering the development of hardwood pellets that have just the right amount of moisture content - Traeger has ensured that you'll get a perfect burn every time.
Traeger Cherry Wood Pellets Reviews
The reviews for Traeger Cherry wood pellets are overwhelmingly positive, with people stating that they are great for a variety of different dishes. People especially recommend using them for pork and salmon, but they can also be used for fruit, desserts, and ribs. There is one negative review, stating that the pellets are overpriced and a mix of cherry and maple. However, most people say that the cherry flavor is not too strong and goes well with beef. Overall, the social proof suggests that Traeger Cherry wood pellets are a good choice.
- The pellets create a great flavor when used with different food items
- They are a good option for people who want to use a mix of cherry and maple pellets
- The price is a bit high compared to other brands
- Some users have had trouble getting the pellets to light properly
- Some customers complained that the bottom of the bag had pure sawdust.
Traeger pellets vs others
How do Traeger pellets fair to other brands? I took a look at some comparisons on the web:
Traeger pellets vs Pit Boss pellets
According to burningbrisket.com, In terms of performance, the two are very similar. They are both made in the USA from 100% hardwoods, with no additives. Both brands have perfected their moisture ratio so that their pellets create good heat and optimal thin blue smoke without leaving a lot of ash to clean up. However, because Pit Boss offers a larger range of flavors, and sell larger bags at a slightly lower price, they win this comparison.
Traeger pellets vs Lumberjack pellets
According to tophomeapps.com, Lumberjack is considered the better brand because they offer a wider variety of flavors, as well as options that are available in both small and large quantities and at different price points.
If we take a look at reddit, Lumberjack pellets come out on top. There is a huge taste difference between the two types of pellets, with Lumberjack all the way for the best results.
Traeger pellets vs Kirkland pellets
Most users on reddit agree that the Kirkland-brand pellets are most likely the same as the Traeger. The Kirkland pellets are a hardwood blend and according to shoppingwithdave.com, they’re just as good as Traeger pellets that cost 2-3 times more money.
Traeger pellets vs Weber pellets
Traeger pellets and Weber pellets are two different types of pellets that can be used in pellet grills. According to one user, Weber pellets create less ash and are harder to light, but they burn cleaner than Traeger pellets. Traeger pellets light quickly compared to Weber pellets, but there is more blowing around with the Traeger pellets. In your opinion, Weber pellets are the better choice. According to another user on reddit, Weber pellets seem thinner than Traeger pellets.
Traeger pellets vs Bear Mountain BBQ pellets
Traeger pellets are a bit costlier than Bear Mountain pellets, but they have a higher number of flavors available. They also come with the recommendation to use only their own brand of pellets in Traeger grills. Traeger wood pellets have superior flavors and food taste when compared to Bear Mountain, and the moisture ratio and ash build-up are also lower. However, Bear Mountain pellets are cheaper than Traeger wood pellets and they can be used in any of the pellet grills or smokers. Although Bear Mountain pellets do not have as many flavors as Traeger does, they still provide good food taste. Also, Bear Mountain pellets create an ash build-up and its moisture ratio is a bit higher than Traeger pellets.
Best Traeger Pellets by Meat
When deciding which type of pellets go with what kind of food you plan on smoking, you can refer to this handy chart from Traeger:
Source: Traeger.com
Best Traeger Pellets for Brisket
While Traeger suggests using their Pecan pellets for smoking brisket, many users often prefer to use hickory instead. Hickory has a strong, distinct flavor that can really stand up to the rich beef flavor of brisket. If you’re looking for a slightly sweeter option, cherry pellets are also a good choice for smoking brisket.
When it comes to smoking meats like brisket, you want to use a wood pellet that has a strong flavor. Traeger’s Pecan pellets fit the bill perfectly. These pellets have a sweet and nutty flavor that will complement the rich flavor of your brisket perfectly. Cherry pellets are also a good choice for brisket, as they provide a slight sweetness that pairs well with the beefy flavors of this meat.
Best Traeger Pellets for Steak
According to Traeger, Steak is best paired with Cherry pellets.
Traeger describes their cherry pellets as having a “hearty flavor” that can stand up to the rich taste of steak. In terms of temperature, Traeger recommends cooking steak at medium-rare (145 degrees Fahrenheit), which should take about 8-10 minutes per pound. When it comes to wood-smoked steak, Traeger says that you can’t go wrong with the classic combination of beef and cherry.
If you’re looking for a pellet that will give your steak a little bit of sweetness, try apple pellets. Applewood is milder than cherry, so it won’t overpower the taste of your steak. And, according to Traeger, the natural sugars in apple wood can create a slightly sweeter flavor.
Best Traeger Pellets for Turkey
If you’re able to get the seasonal Turkey blend, that may be the way to go. But if that’s not available, Hickory is the next best option.
Hickory has a strong, distinct flavor that can really stand up to the rich taste of turkey. If you’re looking for a slightly sweeter option, cherry pellets are also a good choice for turkey.
Best Traeger Pellets for Baby back ribs
Baby back ribs are best paired with apple pellets.
The sweetness of the apple wood pairs well with the delicate flavor of baby back ribs. And, according to Traeger, the natural sugars in apple wood can create a slightly sweeter flavor. If you’re looking for a pellet that will give your ribs a little bit of smokiness, try hickory pellets. Hickory has a strong, distinct flavor that can really stand up to the rich taste of ribs.
Best Traeger Pellets for Chicken
Traeger suggests cooking chicken with mesquite pellets to best bring out the flavors.
Mesquite has a potent, smoky taste that can complement bold-flavored chicken well. Furthermore, Traeger specifies that mesquite is excellent for high-temperature cooking (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) of chicken meat. Therefore, if you desire a wood pellet that will infuse your chicken with a nice smoky flavor, go for mesquite pellets.
Best Traeger Pellets for Pork
Pork is best cooked with a wood pellet that has a milder flavor, like apple or cherry. These pellets will complement the taste of pork without overpowering it. For temperature, Traeger recommends cooking pork at medium (160 degrees Fahrenheit), which should take about 6-8 minutes per pound.
Apple and cherry are both good choices for pork, as they have milder flavors that won’t overwhelm the taste of the meat. If you’re looking for a slightly sweeter option, try maple pellets. Maple wood provides a subtle sweetness that can enhance the flavors of pork.
More FAQs
Does it matter what pellets you use in a Traeger?
The answer to this question is yes and no. It all depends on what you are looking for in terms of flavor and how much money you want to spend.
If you are looking for the best flavor, then it is worth it to spend a little extra on premium pellets. These pellets are made from high-quality hardwoods and have a higher density, which means that they will burn slower and produce more smoke. This gives your food a richer flavor.
However, if you are just looking for something that is good enough, then any type of pellet will do. Just keep in mind that cheaper pellets may not last as long or produce as much smoke.
How long does a 20-pound bag of Traeger pellets last?
A 20-pound bag of Traeger pellets should last you about 20 hours of cooking time. This is assuming that you are using the pellets for grilling and not smoking. If you are smoking, then the pellets will last longer because they burn slower.
Are Traeger pellets real hardwood?
Yes, Traeger pellets are made from 100% real hardwood. The wood is ground up into a fine powder and then formed into pellets. There is no filler or binder used in the process.
What is the best way to store Traeger pellets?
The best way to store Traeger pellets is in a dry, cool place. You should also keep them away from sunlight and moisture. An airtight container is also a good idea. If you plan on using the pellets within a few months, then you can store them in the freezer.
How long do Traeger pellets last before they go bad?
Traeger pellets generally have a shelf life of about 2 years. However, if they are stored properly, they can last even longer.
Do Traeger pellets go bad if they get wet?
Yes, if the pellets get wet, they will start to break down and will not be as effective when used for cooking. It is best to store them in a dry, cool place to prevent this from happening.
Are Traeger pellets the same as Pit Boss?
No, Traeger pellets are not the same as Pit Boss pellets. Traeger pellets are made from 100% real hardwood while Pit Boss pellets are made from a blend of hardwoods and softwoods. Pit Boss pellets also have a higher density, which means that they will burn slower and produce more smoke. This gives your food a richer flavor.
Is smoking with pellets healthy?
Smoking with pellets is not necessarily healthy, but it can be a healthier option than other methods of cooking. This is because the smoke from the pellets contains fewer harmful chemicals than other methods of cooking.
What is the best pellet wood for smoking?
There are a variety of woods that can be used for smoking, but some of the best include hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry. each one will provide a different flavor to your food. Try out different woods to see which one you like the best.
Is it better to smoke chips or pellets?
Pellets are generally a better option than chips because they burn slower and produce more smoke. This gives your food a richer flavor. Chips can also burn quickly and produce less smoke, which can make your food taste bland