How To Store Wood Pellets For Smoker
Wood pellets are an essential part of pellet grilling smoking, but how do you store wood pellets to ensure they don’t go bad or rot!
Afterall, you’ve put a lot of effort into finding the best place to buy pellets, choosing your pellet flavors based on what you’re cook, and, of course, spending the money to actually buy them.
So, the last thing you want is to fire up your smoker and start your cook, only to find that you can’t maintain good heat levels. Or even worse, your food comes out dull and lacking that amazing smokey flavor we all aim for.
Fortunately, storing wood pellets isn’t complicated!
I’m going to show you exactly how I store pellets as well as give you some other great pellet storage tips you can use.
So, read on to learn how to store wood pellets for smoking so that each time you fire up the smoker, you get the same great flavor as you’ve come to expect.
Why Do You Need To Store Wood Pellets Correctly
When it comes to pellet storage, they are a few reasons why you need to store them correctly. These include:
Moisture
Wood pellets are highly absorbent and can easily take on moisture from the surrounding air. If they get too wet, they can become unusable.
At best they will just become soft and prevent you from maintaining good heat levels.
However, you run the risk of them causing the auger or hopper to become clogged, which can cause the grill or smoker to malfunction. Or even a fire! You can learn more about this in my guide on do you soak wood pellets before smoking?
Or if they are moist for a period of time, they can go moldy which can be hazardous to your health if you try grill with them.
Whatever the outcome, you want to avoid your pellets being exposed to moisture.
Combustibility
Wood pellets are designed to burn efficiently, but they can be highly combustible if they are not stored properly. If they are exposed to heat or flames, they can catch fire and create a dangerous situation.
No one wants to accidentally burn down their house because they stored their pellets incorrectly!
Quality
Wood pellets that are not stored correctly can lose their quality over time. Not only can this affect their efficiency to burn, but it can affect their smell or flavor.
Imagine spending close to 10 hours preparing, smoking, and resting your Trager smoked brisket, then serving it up, only for everyone to take a very underwhelming mouthful. Or even worse it simply tastes off.
That’s right, incorrectly storing your pellets can cause you to have not only dull food, but in some circumstances it can ruin your food by leaving a distinctly unpleasant taste.
This is why you need to store pellets fir a smoker correctly!
How To Store Wood Pellets
Let’s dive in and look at how to store pellets for pellet grill in more detail!
Storage Containers
The most important factor when it comes to storing wood pellets for smoking is choosing the right container.
I use multi gallon heavy, duty plastic, airtight containers, like in the below photo. They are designed specifically to keep out moisture, dust, and prevent the pellets from spoiling. Some people also like to use a metal container, but heavy duty plastic is my preference.
When using any type of storage container, make sure that it’s completely dry before filling it with the wood pellets. Moisture can cause the pellets to spoil and render them useless for smoking. It’s also important to check the seal on the container regularly and make sure that it’s properly sealed when not in use.
Before buying a storage container, I highly recommend that you make sure it is listed as airtight and FDA approved. If they are able to help prevent bacteria from spoiling food, then they can also protect our pellets from moisture.
If you have bulk pellet bags, then the wood pellets can be stored in the original packaging. Ideally, off the ground on a wire shelving unit, on a pallet, or in a cabinet.
It is also best to stack them in a criss-cross pattern to help reduce the pressure on the bags and increase airflow, which will help reduce the risk of moisture build up.
Storage Location
The ideal place to store wood pellets for a pellet grill is in a dry and cool location, such as a cupboard or cabinet in a dry garage or shed.
It is vital that you avoid storing them in damp areas or places where they can be exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources.
Temperature is important when storing wood pellets because extreme temperatures can cause them to break down. To maintain quality, store them in a dry and cool place that has consistent temperature of around 40-60°F (4-15°C). It’s best to avoid areas with high humidity, as this can increase the chance of mold growth.
If moisture levels get too high, the pellets will start to expand and become unusable. To prevent this issue, make sure that the storage area is well ventilated and free from any sources of water or dampness.
If you live in a very humid area, I would also consider adding silica gel packets to your storage container to reduce moisture levels.
Finally, it is also recommended to clean the storage area regularly to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the wood pellets. This will help to maintain their quality and prevent any contamination. As well as help prevent any additional fire risk, after all pellets are made to burn!
Stock Levels
It’s easy to buy up when you see pellets on sale, but it is important to avoid overstocking wood pellets unless you are certain you will use them before they go bad.
So, how Long Can You Store Pellets? If stored properly in a cool and dry place in a sealed container, wood pellets can last for up to 6 months to a year without any significant loss in quality.
That’s why I think it is better to buy smaller amounts of pellets and use them up quickly, rather than stocking up large amounts that may go bad.
I also recommend when storing wood pellets, always be sure to label each container with its contents and date of purchase or production so that you know how long they’ve been stored and how old they are. This will help ensure you can easily rotate your pellets to get the best results when using them for smoking.
How Do You Know If Wood Pellets Are Bad?
Sometimes no matter your best efforts, your wood pellets can go bad! But how do you know if they are okay to use or if you should toss them out?
Here are some signs that your wood pellets may have gone bad:
Snap Test
Before filling my hopper with pellets, I like to do a pellet snap test. I simply pick up a few pellets and try to snap them. If they don’t snap and instead crumble or go powdery, this can also be a sign that they have absorbed moisture and may no longer burn efficiently.
Moisture
If you see any moisture in your storage container or bag, then this is a sign that your pellets have been compromised and most likely gone bad.
Discoloration
If your wood pellets have become discolored, this can be a sign that they have absorbed moisture and may no longer be suitable for use. They may appear darker or yellowish in color.
Foul Odor
If your wood pellets have a musty or sour smell, this can be a sign that they have gone bad and should not be used.
Difficulty in Igniting
If your wood pellets do not ignite easily, this can be a sign that they have absorbed too much moisture and may no longer be suitable for use.
Poor Performance
If your wood pellets do not burn as efficiently as they should, producing less heat or more smoke than usual, this can be a sign that they have gone bad.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard your wood pellets and replace them with fresh ones to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Can I store wood pellets in the hopper?
No, it is not recommended to store wood pellets in the hopper of your pellet grill. While the hopper is designed to hold pellets for use during grilling, it is not airtight and can allow moisture and humidity to enter. This can cause the pellets to absorb moisture, swell, and become difficult to ignite.
Additionally, storing pellets in the hopper can cause them to break down and produce dust, which can clog the auger system and affect the performance of the grill.
Instead, I recommend removing the wood pellets after each cook and retuning them to your airtight, storage container.
