There is no secret, but there are several ways to ensure the meat you’re smoking is moist, flavorful, and delicious every time. How? One of the best ways to make sure you are getting consistently great results in your backyard is using a pellet smoker. If you’re not familiar with this popular smoking method, keep reading to learn how it works.

What Are Wood Pellets?

Barbecue wood pellets are made of real hardwood that is ground up and compressed to make— you guessed it, pellets. With wood pellets, no binders or fillers are used. Just real wood. And unlike heating fuel pellets, barbecue pellets are made from your choice of wood allowing you to choose the flavor you prefer.

Since wood pellets are a manufactured product, you never have to worry about pests in your pellets as you do with logs. And pellets come in plastic bags that make them easy to handle and a breeze to store.

Why are Wood Pellets the Best Option for Smoking?

Wood pellets are the superior option for smoking meats because they give you consistent flavor without over-smoking so you don’t have to worry that your meat will taste like creosote. (You know, that over-smoked, turpentine-like taste some meats have when cooked with logs.)

Whole logs, unlike wood pellets, contain moisture and creosote making it difficult to produce consistently flavorful meat. And storing logs is always an issue. Not only are logs dirty and messy, but they must also be kept free from pests and rodents, and having a woodpile can be a challenge. Pellets, on the other hand, come in handled plastic bags, can be easily stored and there are no worries about critters coming in contact with your fuel source.

Wood pellets also burn more efficiently. Pellets typically burn down to 3% ash compared to 30% ash from logs. Less ash means less mess, so you don’t need an ash dumpster with pellets. Plus the ash from a pellet smoker is cool to the touch when it comes out, so there’s no need to worry about the risk of a fire when you empty your smoker.

If you are looking for consistently flavorful, smoky, fall-off-the-bone ribs or tender juicy brisket to feed your family or guests, then wood pellets are one of the best choices for smoking. (And did we mention how easy pellets are to use, store and clean up afterward?)

Find a flavorful selection of wood pellets at Cookshack Inc. along with everything you need for smoking high-quality meats, including an award-winning, made-in-the USA line of smokers and grills. Contact us today for more information on all our products.