What’s the secret to that incredible, smoky flavor you get from a Traeger grill? It all comes down to the pellets you choose. But walking down the aisle, staring at bags labeled “Hickory,” “Apple,” or “Competition Blend,” can feel overwhelming. You want that perfect sear and deep, wood-fired taste, but picking the wrong pellet can leave your brisket tasting bland or even acrid.
Choosing the right Traeger wood pellet is crucial for unlocking your grill’s full potential. It’s not just about heat; it’s about flavor infusion. Many grill masters worry about wasting money on a flavor profile that doesn’t match their food, or worse, ruining a perfectly good rack of ribs with an overpowering smoke. We understand that confusion!
This guide cuts through the smoke and mirrors. We will break down the different wood types, explain what each flavor brings to your plate, and show you exactly how to match the pellet to the protein. By the time you finish reading, you will confidently select the perfect bag for your next cookout. Let’s dive into the heart of Traeger flavor!
Top Traeger Wood Pellets Recommendations
- SIGNATURE BLEND WOOD FIRED FLAVOR: The flavors of hickory, maple, and cherry hardwoods combine for in our Traeger Signature Blend Hardwood Pellets for flavor that can take on just about anything you cook; From classic BBQ meats, to fish and veggies, this versatile blend gives you full-bodied flavor you'll go back to time and time again
- NOT ALL PELLETS ARE CREATED EQUAL: The best wood-fired grill on the market demands the best wood pellets on the market. Real taste doesn't just happen, it’s tied to quality materials and achieving perfect smoke; It starts with all-natural hardwood pellets made in American mills
- TRAEGER HAS SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING THE PERFECT PELLET: Our hardwood's unique compact cell structure results in a balanced, dependable burn; Traeger has spent years mastering the development of hardwood pellets that have just the right amount of moisture content—the sweet spot—to maintain a perfect burn-to-smoke ratio
- PAIRS WELL WITH EVERYTHING: Pairs especially well with Beef, Poultry, Pork, Lamb, Seafood, Baked Goods, Vegetables
- FEATURES: Made in USA, Premium Quality, All-Natural, Clean Burn, No Binders, Low Ash, 18lb Bag
- BBQ Select Wood Fired Flavor: Blend of oak, hickory and maple hardwood
- NOT ALL PELLETS ARE CREATED EQUAL: The best wood-fired grill on the market demands the best wood pellets on the market. Real taste doesn't just happen, it’s tied to quality materials and achieving perfect smoke; It starts with all-natural hardwood pellets made in American mills
- TRAEGER HAS SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING THE PERFECT PELLET: Our hardwood's unique compact cell structure results in a balanced, dependable burn; Traeger has spent years mastering the development of hardwood pellets that have just the right amount of moisture content—the sweet spot—to maintain a perfect burn-to-smoke ratio
- PAIRS WELL WITH EVERYTHING: Pairs especially well with Beef, Poultry, Pork, Lamb, Seafood, Baked Goods, Vegetables
- FEATURES: Made in USA, Premium Quality, All-Natural, Clean Burn, No Binders, Low Ash, 30lb Bag
- HICKORY WOOD FIRED FLAVOR: Traeger Hickory Hardwood Pellets are great for naturally enhancing beef, chicken, pork, and veggies with full-bodied, bold flavor. So it should come as no surprise that Hickory’s assertive flavor is one of the most popular choices for classic BBQ cooking.
- NOT ALL PELLETS ARE CREATED EQUAL: The best wood-fired grill on the market demands the best wood pellets on the market. Real taste doesn’t just happen, it’s tied to quality materials and achieving perfect smoke. It starts with all-natural hardwood pellets made in American mills.
- TRAEGER HAS SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING THE PERFECT PELLET: Our hardwood's unique compact cell structure results in a balanced, dependable burn. Traeger has spent years mastering the development of hardwood pellets that have just the right amount of moisture content—the sweet spot—to maintain a perfect burn-to-smoke ratio
- PAIRS WELL WITH EVERYTHING: Pairs especially well with Beef, Poultry, Pork, Vegetables
- FEATURES: Made in USA, Premium Quality, All-Natural, Clean Burn, No Binders, Low Ash, 18lb Bag.
- The information below is per-pack only
- SIGNATURE BLEND WOOD FIRED FLAVOR: The flavors of hickory, maple, and cherry hardwoods combine for in our Traeger Signature Blend Hardwood Pellets for flavor that can take on just about anything you cook; From classic BBQ meats, to fish and veggies, this versatile blend gives you full-bodied flavor you'll go back to time and time again
- NOT ALL PELLETS ARE CREATED EQUAL: The best wood-fired grill on the market demands the best wood pellets on the market. Real taste doesn't just happen, it’s tied to quality materials and achieving perfect smoke; It starts with all-natural hardwood pellets made in American mills
- TRAEGER HAS SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING THE PERFECT PELLET: Our hardwood's unique compact cell structure results in a balanced, dependable burn; Traeger has spent years mastering the development of hardwood pellets that have just the right amount of moisture content—the sweet spot—to maintain a perfect burn-to-smoke ratio
- PAIRS WELL WITH EVERYTHING: Pairs especially well with Beef, Poultry, Pork, Lamb, Seafood, Baked Goods, Vegetables
- Maple, Hickory, and Cherry Blend: Competition blend is the Jack of All Trades. It's great with poultry, pork, baking, veggies, beef, and seafood. HARDWOODS: Camp Chef Hardwood bbq pellets are not a byproduct. They are 100% pure virgin hardwoods.
- No Oils, Chemicals, or Binders Added: No oils, chemicals or binders added mean better flavor and a more efficient burn.
- Kiln-Dried: The kiln dried process creates low moisture content for a very dry, hot burning pellet. This means it burns less to maintain your desired temperature, giving you more pellets for your next barbecue and less ash to clean.
- Safe in All Pellet Grills, Smokers, and Barbecues: You never have to worry about what you're putting in your grill. Camp Chef pellets are safe in all pellet grills, smokers, and barbecues.
- Made in the U.S.A: We're proud to say our pellets are made in the U.S.A.
- Keeps Pellets Dry and Fresh for Optimal Performance – The Traeger Stay Dry Pellet Bin is designed to keep your wood pellets dry and fresh for consistent grilling performance.
- Space-Saving Stackable Design – The Traeger pellet bin features a stackable design, making it ideal for saving space in your outdoor grilling area. Great for organizing multiple types of wood pellets in your grilling setup.
- Airtight Lid with Locking Closure – Equipped with a locking airtight lid, this pellet storage bin ensures your pellets remain moisture-free, making it an essential pellet grill accessory for wood pellet grills and smokers.
- 22lb Pellet Capacity – Fits 1 Bag of Traeger Pellets – With a 22-pound capacity, this wood pellet storage container easily holds one full bag of Traeger wood pellets. Ideal for long grilling sessions without the need to refill.
- Includes Flavor Stickers for Easy Organization – Comes with 6 pre-labeled and 6 blank flavor stickers, allowing you to easily identify different pellet flavors. This Traeger pellet bin is a must-have for keeping your grilling area organized.
- No artificial flavors, spray scents, glues or chemicals
- Burn hotter and cleaner
- Pellets are easy to use, great tasting and all natural, forcing the natural juices in the wood to bind the pellets together
- Our raw wood is sourced across North America to make a superior product
- Flavor Pack: Apple, Hickory, and Gourmet BBQ pellets add a sweet, smoky flavor to your favorite red meat, poultry, fish, pork, lamb, or vegetable dishes
- All Natural Hardwoods: Barbecue pellets are made from 100-percent all-natural hardwoods with no flavorings, fillers, or additives for a distinct and authentic taste
- Low Moisture: Enhance your grilling and cooking flavor with these smoker pellets that are low in moisture content which guarantees a clean smoke in any type of food
- Well-Balanced Flavor: Gourmet blend adds a sweet and smoky flavor and Hickory BBQ adds a robust and tasty finish, both great for red meats, fish, pork, or poultry dishes; Apple flavor provides a sweet finish to poultry, seafood, pork, or vegetables
- Use With Multiple Grill Types: Ideal for all outdoor pellet grills, smokers, gas, charcoal, and electric grills; 20 pounds each
Choosing the Best Traeger Wood Pellets for Your Grill
Traeger grills use real wood pellets to give your food amazing, smoky flavor. Buying the right pellets makes a huge difference in taste and grilling performance. This guide will help you pick the perfect bag for your next barbecue adventure.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy wood pellets, look closely at these important features. They tell you a lot about how the pellets will burn and taste.
1. Wood Type (Flavor Profile)
- Hardwood vs. Fruitwood: Hardwoods like Oak and Hickory give strong, classic smoke flavors. Fruitwoods like Apple and Cherry offer a milder, sweeter taste.
- Blends: Traeger offers blends (like the Signature Blend) that mix different woods. These are great for beginners who want a balanced smoke.
- 100% Natural Wood: Always check that the bag says “100% Natural Hardwood.” This means no fillers or artificial flavors were added.
2. Pellet Consistency and Size
- Uniform Size: Good pellets are mostly the same size, usually about 1/4 inch thick. Uniform pellets feed smoothly into your grill’s auger.
- Low Dust: Too much dust means broken pellets. Dust can clog your auger or create too much ash.
Important Materials: What Makes a Good Pellet?
The material is simple: it’s just compressed sawdust from real trees. However, the quality of that wood matters a lot.
- No Binders or Fillers: The best pellets use only wood. Cheap pellets sometimes use soy products or other fillers to hold them together. These fillers ruin the authentic wood smoke flavor.
- Clean Burning Wood: Make sure the wood is sourced responsibly. Wood treated with chemicals or paints will release bad smoke onto your food.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way pellets are made and stored greatly affects how well they work in your grill.
Improving Quality:
- High Compression: Tightly packed pellets burn slower and produce more consistent heat.
- Proper Drying: Wood must be dried correctly before being compressed. This prevents mold and ensures a clean burn.
Reducing Quality:
- Moisture Absorption: Pellets soak up water like a sponge. If pellets get wet, they swell up, break apart, and won’t feed correctly. This is the biggest quality killer.
- Old Stock: Pellets sitting on a shelf for years can start to lose their flavor intensity.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you cook most often. This helps you choose the right flavor.
- Beef and Competition BBQ: Hickory or Mesquite pellets are strong choices. They stand up well to big cuts of meat.
- Poultry and Fish: Apple or Alder pellets add a light, slightly sweet smoke that complements lighter meats without overpowering them.
- Vegetables and Baking: A mild wood like Oak or the Signature Blend works well. You want smoke, but not a flavor that fights the natural taste of the vegetables.
- Grill Maintenance: High-quality pellets create less ash. Less ash means you clean your grill less often.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Traeger Wood Pellets
Q: Can I use non-Traeger brand pellets in my Traeger grill?
A: Yes, most 1/4-inch wood pellets work in Traeger grills. However, Traeger recommends their own pellets because they are tested to feed perfectly. Non-Traeger pellets might clog the auger if they are too dusty or the wrong size.
Q: How long does a 20lb bag of pellets usually last?
A: This depends on your cooking time and temperature. For low-and-slow smoking (like brisket at 225°F), a 20lb bag might last 15 to 20 hours. Grilling at high heat uses them up much faster.
Q: What is the difference between “Smoke” and “High Heat” settings?
A: The “Smoke” setting uses very little electricity to just keep the fire smoldering, producing maximum smoke flavor. High heat settings use the fan more to burn hotter and faster, which creates less smoke.
Q: How should I store my leftover wood pellets?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place. Use airtight containers like heavy-duty plastic tubs with tight lids. Keep them off concrete floors to prevent moisture wicking up.
Q: Do wood pellets expire?
A: They do not technically expire, but they lose their strong flavor over time, especially if stored improperly where they absorb moisture. Try to use them within a year for the best results.
Q: Which wood pellet flavor is the best all-around choice?
A: The Traeger Signature Blend is often called the best all-around. It mixes mild woods like Oak, Cherry, and Hickory for a balanced flavor perfect for almost any food.
Q: Why are some wood pellets much more expensive than others?
A: Price often reflects the wood source. Pellets made from 100% pure, single-source hardwoods (like pure Mesquite) cost more than standard blends or pellets that might contain more common wood bases.
Q: Can I mix different flavors of pellets together?
A: Absolutely! Mixing is a great way to create custom smoke profiles. Try mixing sweet Apple with strong Hickory for a unique taste on pork ribs.
Q: What is the dust in the bottom of my pellet bag? Is it bad?
A: That dust is broken-down wood. It is not great because it can cause feeding issues in your auger. Shake the bag gently before opening, and try to pour from the top, leaving the heavy dust behind.
Q: Should I ever use pellets meant for heating stoves in my Traeger?
A: Never use heating stove pellets. They are often made from reclaimed wood, treated wood, or have binders added. These additives release toxic fumes when burned, which will make your food taste terrible and could be unsafe.