The competition’s heating up. Who’s really the best griller in the neighborhood? You’ve invested in a new pellet-fueled grill because it takes a lot of the guesswork out of consistently grilling the best ribs and brisket in the universe. Oh baby! But you know just how critical it is to choose the right pellets, because, after all that’s BOTH your heat and your flavor. Here are three essential factors in choosing what’s best for you.
No Oak or Alder
Grilling blends like these are sourced from 100 percent hardwoods. Amazon
Pellets are formulated out of compacted sawdust. For grilling, the source of the sawdust is critical to providing a uniform heat with a minimum of ash. Grilling pellets should be 100% hardwood and preferably from the actual wood of the flavor being advertised. Avoid cheaper pellets that might contain byproducts picked up in the sawdust.
No Artificial Scents or Oils
Check the labels to ensure the lack of additives and a food-grade product. Amazon
Pellets made of oak sawdust injected with mesquite flavor might work OK, but if you really want genuine mesquite, make sure the pellets are made of 100% mesquite sawdust. Avoid pellets flavored with oils or that have other binders or additives. The use of potentially toxic binders and other sawmill byproducts is an ongoing controversy for wood stove pellet manufacturers. You want to be sure your cooking pellets are food-grade and pure.
Zero Filler
Blended flavors like this one (oak, mesquite, pecan) pair well with beef. Amazon
Pairing your meat or vegetables with just the right wood flavor is how you elevate grilling into true art. Typical woods used include hickory, mesquite, pecan, cherry and apple, and often you can find blends of these (or create your own!).You can find recommended pairings online at many grilling websites and blogs.