Pellet Grill Pellets

[Waterjunky]

Hello all;

What are people happy with regarding pellets for the grills? I have been using a local brand called Knotty Wood. The problem is they are known for forming "clinkers" in the crucible. These are hard glass crystal chunks from the minerals in the wood (almond) that then somewhat cover the igniter. They burn stupid hot and efficient compared to everything else I have used but am just done with the clinkers and cleaning them out every time.

I'm looking to get back to a Mesquite or hickory pellet. Good quality, no fillers or additives - reasonable price. I'm willing to pay for quality but don't want to get stupid.....

Thoughts and opinions?

 

[River Runnin]

RecTeq pellets have been the best I've used so far!

 

[J DUNN]

I've tried the charcoal pellets and like them. They burn hot too. Recently I've done a mix with some charcoal and some Pecan pellets. I've most recently bought "Pit Boss" Pecan Blend from Amazon. They're on the cheaper side but work fine.

I got some a bit wet in all this rain and am trying to see if they'll burn the same and not clog the auger. So far so good but definitely don't want to do that again, major mess.

Local market had a sale on bacon so I got 5 pounds on Saturday. Cooked up 3lbs. on the smoker yesterday. 250 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. Sometimes I'll put on just a touch of seasoning. Soooooo good. Had some people over last night and brought out the bacon, GONE, all 3 lbs.

 

[Done-it-again]

To me these have the best smoke flavor. But I do like oak woods for smoking meats.

BBQ Oak Blend All-Natural Wood Grilling Pellets (20 lb. Bag) PEL344 - The Home Depot

Get a smooth mild smoky flavor to your grilled meals with the selection of this extra ordinary BBQ Oak Blend Pellets. Offers lasting performance.

www.homedepot.com

 

[was thatguy]

These are all I use anymore.
There may be better ones but these are good.
$35 for a 40lb bag delivered.

 

[River Runnin]

https://www.recteq.com/collections/bbq-wood-pellets

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Kirkland….or B&B.. I’ve had 3 major “thermal” events with my Weber smoke fire…fyi never buy one… those are the two I have zero and I mean zero issue with.

 

[fishfyter]

These are all I use anymore.



There may be better ones but these are good.



$35 for a 40lb bag delivered.
. American Made
This^^^^







 

[boat527]

Cheaper pellets will contain more " fines".. its the dust residue that crates the clinkers. Find a 100% hardwood pellet. Its all that i use and have never had clinkers.

In regard to the Weber Smokefire.. the first gens were mostly recalled or sold at a discount by their retailers ( yes, Im one)

The issue with the fires is Webers incorporation of their gas styled Heat plates into the tub they designed for the pellet grill. The bottom did not dissipate the grease drippings and it would collect in the bottom right next to the burn pot . Insta fire!

New models supposedly fixed the issue with channels to drain the grease. We sold 3 of the original 12 we had, sent 9 back! Just dont get it too hot ( above 400deg) and you should be ok...

The other 3. All retro fitted with kits from the factory..

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Costco sells their own blend of pellets or you can get a blend of Trager pellets also in Costco. Big ol 40 pound bags.

 

[SpeedyWho]

Lumberjack pellets are the best I’ve used so far. They have a service we’re you can buy them by the pallet, came out to $12-13 per 40lb bag. I split them with neighbors and guys at work.

 

[River Runnin]

Now it's easy!!! .... With all these suggestions! Just get a bag of each and decide!

And don't forget to review your findings!

 

[77charger]

Rabbit turds

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

No complaints with my 14 dolla 40lb bag from Sam's Club. It's a blended mix. I noticed they have another 40lb bag now that are made from whiskey barrels for $20. Haven't tried that. Fuck them overpriced pellets.

 

[River Runnin]

Rabbit turds

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

No complaints with my 14 dolla 40lb bag from Sam's Club. It's a blended mix. I noticed they have another 40lb bag now that are made from whiskey barrels for $20. Haven't tried that. Fuck them overpriced pellets.

I just got the whiskey barrel ones to try. I I have not tried them yet though.

I did do some ribs using Apple pellets this weekend, they came out really good.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Cheaper pellets will contain more " fines".. its the dust residue that crates the clinkers. Find a 100% hardwood pellet. Its all that i use and have never had clinkers.

In regard to the Weber Smokefire.. the first gens were mostly recalled or sold at a discount by their retailers ( yes, Im one)

The issue with the fires is Webers incorporation of their gas styled Heat plates into the tub they designed for the pellet grill. The bottom did not dissipate the grease drippings and it would collect in the bottom right next to the burn pot . Insta fire!

New models supposedly fixed the issue with channels to drain the grease. We sold 3 of the original 12 we had, sent 9 back! Just dont get it too hot ( above 400deg) and you should be ok...

The other 3. All retro fitted with kits from the factory..

I did the retrofit..then it caught on fire again. The grease wasn't the issue...it was a riveted vs welded chute design, then programing, then glow plug, then fan etc... They rushed it to production...I was a gen one...early adopter.. did the chute conversion, fan swap, glow plug redesign, computer change etc... I will never ever buy another weber product again. I cleaned the thing after every couple cooks...and still do. When it works it's great...when it decides to act up you lose your meat, and have to order parts. Weber really dropped the ball on these...

 

[boat527]

I did the retrofit..then it caught on fire again. The grease wasn't the issue...it was a riveted vs welded chute design, then programing, then glow plug, then fan etc... They rushed it to production...I was a gen one...early adopter.. did the chute conversion, fan swap, glow plug redesign, computer change etc... I will never ever buy another weber product again. I cleaned the thing after every couple cooks...and still do. When it works it's great...when it decides to act up you lose your meat, and have to order parts. Weber really dropped the ball on these...

Yes they did. Im sorry for your pain. I dealt with a customer exactly like you. Weber purist to the bone and totally dissapointed.

Every item you mentioned. Its like the unit was posessed!

They are 10 years late ( or more) to the pellet party and shoulve stuck to what they used to be good at.

 

[Gramps]

I have had several "clinker" issues with Knotty Wood Plum pellets also. I spoke to the company about it and they claim the problem is due to the sap in the trees when they are ground and formed into pellets. If I run my Treager at 180 or 225 the clinker issue isn't as bad but if I try to run it any higher its a problem. I have several bags of the plum pellets, so I started mixing them with the Treager/COSTCO pellets, NO problems when I mix 50/50

 

[checkrdpast]

Kirkland!!

 

[Racey]

I've always used the Traeger pellets, never had an issue

I will vaccuum out the firebox every 2 or 3 uses just to make sure the heating element never gets covered in ash. There usually isn't that much ash in the fire box but having the thing snuff out mid way through a cook is a major PITA, so i always clean it as a rule of habit.

 

[wallnutz]

I used to use Camp Chef, but something changed with them. All the different types all seem to smell and taste the same now. Following this now to see what’s good.

 

[Waterjunky]

I am running a Rec Teq 590. Until these pellets, it was the posterchild for reliability. I would literally run over a hundred pounds of pellets through it before any cleaning other than the foil drip pan. I live how these burn and my consumption dropped by almost half compared to the pit boss competition blend but the clinkers are just out of control. It also heats much better and quicker on these.

My mom did a Webber and another brand and returned both. She then went to the same RT as me and loves it.

 

[Cobalt232]

I use the Pit Boss pellets in our Rec Teq. They work fine. I get them at Lowes.

 

[Good Stuff]

I picked up a broken Cabelas (Campchef) with a jammed auger and some missing screws. It seems to be doing well on the Sam’s Club pellets. I’m almost 3 bags through and the temps have actually been improving. Couldn’t break 400 on the highest setting when I first got it and now I can get up to high temps even when it was below 50* outside. Runs a hopper all day down at the smoking temps with low ash buildup. Have no idea why it ran so low when I first got it. I thought it was low quality pellets but it’s doing fine with the same brand now so maybe lack of use by the previous owner and the fan ducts have cleaned out.

Also gave up trying to cook at high temps because the texture still isn’t there and just use my BBQ to sear or grill.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Am I the only one who uses traeger pellets

 

[was thatguy]

Am I the only one who uses traeger pellets

I used them for years.
No complaints.
I use the “cooknpellets” now because they work real good and are very consistent as far as texture and pellet integrity.
I’ve never gotten a bag delivered that had like pulverized pellets or a lot of sawdust. Plus ups drops them at my front door.
My Amazon account says I’ve reordered them 17 times…lol.
I have an old Traeger lil Tex elite. It’s at least 15 years old or so?
I put an aftermarket fan in it after about 8 years and it’ll easily get 450* now.

It’ll rust out before I think about replacing it.
I’ve replaced the fire pot twice, countless igniter rods, put the trick fan in it, 2-3 temp probes and it only gets better.
Those who have trouble with achieving heat might look at a replacement aftermarket fan.
It made a 50* improvement on mine and still used the factory circuit board.

 

[DWC]

Am I the only one who uses traeger pellets

Nope, use them all day long. Clean it every 5-6 uses. All good.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Nope, use them all day long. Clean it every 5-6 uses. All good.

Same.

 

[River Runnin]

I quit using Traeger pellets when the last 4 bags had over a pound of wood dust in each of the flavors I picked up! -- And 2 -- When I got the Recteq's! -- Liked the quality and flavor enough I bought 1000 pounds!

 

[intense]

I used them for years.
No complaints.
I use the “cooknpellets” now because they work real good and are very consistent as far as texture and pellet integrity.
I’ve never gotten a bag delivered that had like pulverized pellets or a lot of sawdust. Plus ups drops them at my front door.
My Amazon account says I’ve reordered them 17 times…lol.
I have an old Traeger lil Tex elite. It’s at least 15 years old or so?
I put an aftermarket fan in it after about 8 years and it’ll easily get 450* now.

It’ll rust out before I think about replacing it.
I’ve replaced the fire pot twice, countless igniter rods, put the trick fan in it, 2-3 temp probes and it only gets better.
Those who have trouble with achieving heat might look at a replacement aftermarket fan.
It made a 50* improvement on mine and still used the factory circuit board.

Got a link for the fan?

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Am I the only one who uses traeger pellets

2 of 3 “thermal events”were with their dusty pellets that clog augers etc.

 

[Malibuvride07]

Lumberjack pellets are the best I’ve used so far. They have a service we’re you can buy them by the pallet, came out to $12-13 per 40lb bag. I split them with neighbors and guys at work.

I agree with Lumberjack. They also burn way clean than most other brands I have tried. Just wish I could get a bag of the char hickory to try but local dealer is always sold out.

 

[kevin1988]

I've tried a lot of the pellet brands out there. 90% of the time I use the 40 lbs bag for $15 at Sam's Club. Every now and then I pick up Lumber Jack or another high end pellet. I can't tell a difference.

What I started doing about 2 years ago is filling a smoke tube with some pellets then putting wood chips of whatever flavor wood and packing the empty space with more pellets. I get a better smoke profile that way when using the Traeger. If I want the full smoke flavor, I use a Weber Smokey Mountain when I have the time to babysit.

 

[was thatguy]

Got a link for the fan?

I’ll see if I can find record of it.
It’s been a few years.

 

[was thatguy]

Got a link for the fan?

Amazon
Brand is “direct ignitor”
I got this one right here.
Just search Traeger fan and it’s in the top 3 or so.

 

[Waterjunky]

The Tregger crew is always interesting. Talking bout how great the units are then talking about all the parts they upgraded / changed out then talking about for best performance you need to do a major cleaning every few times you use it.

My Rec Teq has been flawless for several years until this pellet issue. I clean it out every hundred pounds of pellets or so.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

The Tregger crew is always interesting. Talking bout how great the units are then talking about all the parts they upgraded / changed out then talking about for best performance you need to do a major cleaning every few times you use it.

My Rec Teq has been flawless for several years until this pellet issue. I clean it out every hundred pounds of pellets or so.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

So the Rec Tec is exactly the same then. Noted.

This “major cleaning” they are talking about takes about 90 seconds FYI.

FWIW I have a Z Grill. So far so good.

 

[was thatguy]

My Traeger is about 15 years old.
It cost about $700 way back then.
I’ve ran a lumberyard worth of pellets through it.
Not a single part has ever cost me more than $21
It takes me about 10 minutes to change any component, minus auger because I’ve never tuned up the auger so don’t know how long that takes.
I clean it when it gets gross. That depends on what I cook, but typically it’s MAYBE once every 2 weeks or so?
Depends how lazy I am and if the drip pan starts to catch fire. And even then it’s like 3 minutes to clean it.

Rec Tec guys are funny that way.
I guess overspending for a bbq grill does trigger some doubts?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

My Traeger is about 15 years old.
It cost about $700 way back then.
I’ve ran a lumberyard worth of pellets through it.
Not a single part has ever cost me more than $21
It takes me about 10 minutes to change any component, minus auger because I’ve never tuned up the auger so don’t know how long that takes.
I clean it when it gets gross. That depends on what I cook, but typically it’s MAYBE once every 2 weeks or so?
Depends how lazy I am and if the drip pan starts to catch fire. And even then it’s like 3 minutes to clean it.

Rec Tec guys are funny that way.
I guess overspending for a bbq grill does trigger some doubts?

Mine has a drip ramp that goes into a trough and then into the bucket. I keep the ramp lined with foil. When I have the drip ramp out to vacuum the ash out of the fire box, I slap new foil on the ramp.

Boom! Fully cleaned.

 

[Good Stuff]

My Traeger is about 15 years old.
It cost about $700 way back then.
I’ve ran a lumberyard worth of pellets through it.
Not a single part has ever cost me more than $21
It takes me about 10 minutes to change any component, minus auger because I’ve never tuned up the auger so don’t know how long that takes.
I clean it when it gets gross. That depends on what I cook, but typically it’s MAYBE once every 2 weeks or so?
Depends how lazy I am and if the drip pan starts to catch fire. And even then it’s like 3 minutes to clean it.

Rec Tec guys are funny that way.
I guess overspending for a bbq grill does trigger some doubts?

Well I win cause mine was literally next to a trash can on garbage day with a free sign taped to it. I refused to buy one with a wood burning smoker and a gas BBQ already.
FYI The auger was pretty easy on my Cabelas/CampChef since that’s what was jammed when I got it. Couple of screws and I spun the auger out like a giant screw so I could pick all the pellet dust cement out of the tube. I hooked the auger shaft up to my drill for the small stuff and was done and back together in maybe 20 minutes.

 

[ltbaney1]

Am I the only one who uses traeger pellets

nope, only thing i have used. i like the reserve blend, only place i can find them is Ace hardware, the signature blend is easier to find and good as well.

 

[was thatguy]

Mine has a drip ramp that goes into a trough and then into the bucket. I keep the ramp lined with foil. When I have the drip ramp out to vacuum the ash out of the fire box, I slap new foil on the ramp.

Boom! Fully cleaned.

Yep
Same program here.
I got a little cheap shop vac from Home Depot parked right there on the patio just for that.
Last time I got a new tin bucket I got a 10 pack of foil bucket liners as well. (Maybe 3-4 years ago?)
Those are great.

 

[was thatguy]

Well I win cause mine was literally next to a trash can on garbage day with a free sign taped to it. I refused to buy one with a wood burning smoker and a gas BBQ already.
FYI The auger was pretty easy on my Cabelas/CampChef since that’s what was jammed when I got it. Couple of screws and I spun the auger out like a giant screw so I could pick all the pellet dust cement out of the tube. I hooked the auger shaft up to my drill for the small stuff and was done and back together in maybe 20 minutes.

Perfect!
Yes…you win!

 

[Bpracing1127]

nope, only thing i have used. i like the reserve blend, only place i can find them is Ace hardware, the signature blend is easier to find and good as well.

Reserve blend is my favorite too

 

[Waterjunky]

So the Rec Tec is exactly the same then. Noted.

This “major cleaning” they are talking about takes about 90 seconds FYI.

FWIW I have a Z Grill. So far so good.

Reading comprehension is a life skill.......

My Traeger is about 15 years old.
It cost about $700 way back then.


Rec Tec guys are funny that way.
I guess overspending for a bbq grill does trigger some doubts?

Thats not terribly different than what I spent 3 years ago.....

 

[Waterjunky]

Sounds like I need to try the other pit boss pellets - the competition blend was very unimpressive. Thinking of a few bags of the mesquite and hickory.

Might also order the variety pack from Rec Teq. The issue with them is they are a little pricy and availability is a concern. I can't just run to a local store if I'm not paying attention and get low.

I have found that many of the cheaper brands are just oak with "essence" of the flavor added. Traeger is this. Additionally some brands do strange things like draw moisture and age funny. I bought several of the pit boss competition blend because they were cheap, the last of them didn't burn nearly as hot or well as the first and absolutely nothing like the Knotty wood. They are rocket fuel by comparison. Too bad about the clinkers. Truly the only problem in the last three years with anything.

 

[Ladsm]

Im sure I will catch some grief but I use the Walmart pellets and havent had any issues and they seem to burn good. I clean out the burner after every 8-10 hours of use.

 

[ricky e]

@Hello all;

What are people happy with regarding pellets for the grills? I have been using a local brand called Knotty Wood. The problem is they are known for forming "clinkers" in the crucible. These are hard glass crystal chunks from the minerals in the wood (almond) that then somewhat cover the igniter. They burn stupid hot and efficient compared to everything else I have used but am just done with the clinkers and cleaning them out every time.

I'm looking to get back to a Mesquite or hickory pellet. Good quality, no fillers or additives - reasonable price. I'm willing to pay for quality but don't want to get stupid.....

Thoughts and opinions?

we go to home depot...they have mesquite ... buy 4 bags for @ 17 each...happy grilling!

 

[was thatguy]

Sounds like I need to try the other pit boss pellets - the competition blend was very unimpressive. Thinking of a few bags of the mesquite and hickory.

Might also order the variety pack from Rec Teq. The issue with them is they are a little pricy and availability is a concern. I can't just run to a local store if I'm not paying attention and get low.

I have found that many of the cheaper brands are just oak with "essence" of the flavor added. Traeger is this. Additionally some brands do strange things like draw moisture and age funny. I bought several of the pit boss competition blend because they were cheap, the last of them didn't burn nearly as hot or well as the first and absolutely nothing like the Knotty wood. They are rocket fuel by comparison. Too bad about the clinkers. Truly the only problem in the last three years with anything.

Well I told you what I’ve settled on after 15 years of pellet smoking.
Try ‘em. You’ll like them too.
I’ve done the high dollar ones, the cheap ones, and everything in between.
I also stopped wasting money on flavored pellets.
Hickory seems consistently hottest and that’s all I buy.
I thought pit boss pellets sucked.