Best Place To Buy Pellets For Smoker
When I brought my first Traeger grill, I was so excited to get started, the only problem, the store I brought my grill from didn’t have any Traeger pellets in stock.
I ended up spending hours going store to store till I finally found some. It wasn’t a great experience.
Now days, thankfully pellet smokers have become more popular and there are a lot more options available in terms of pellets and places that sell them.
But where exactly is the best place to buy pellets for smoker?
Keep reading as I share with you my best places to buy smoker pellets!
Best Place To Buy Pellets For Smoker
There are a variety of places where you can buy wood pellets for your smoker, including:
Online
Now days pretty much everything can be brought online, including pellets for smokers!
Most pellet grill companies make wood pellets for their smokers sell them directly on their own websites like Traeger and Weber. One thing to consider is the additional shipping costs.
There are also large online sites like Amazon.com that offer a huge variety of brands with low shipping fees.
Specialty BBQ Stores
Specialty barbeque stores may also carry a variety of wood pellets for smokers, including different varieties of woods. Most often they will be affiliated with a specific brand so you may need to check they stock the specific brand you are after.
The benefit of shopping in a specialty BBQ store is that staff are generally very knowledgeable and should be able to assist if you have a specific question about your pellets.
Home Improvement Stores
As pellet smokers have become more popular, it’s not uncommon to find wood pellets for smokers in hardware stores such as True Value Hardware and Ace Hardware.
Major Department Stores
From Target and Walmart to Lowes and Home Depot you’ll be surprised how many of the ‘Big Box’ stores stock smoker pellets.
The downside to buying at these stores is that you won’t be able to get any specific advice from staff, however their pricing is usually very reasonable.
Farm Stores
Farms stores like Quality Farm & Fleet and Blain’s Farm & Fleet generally have pellets for smokers available.
Discount Wholesale Clubs
Discount wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club often have exclusive deals with brands to stock their smokers and pellets. They are generally affordable and able to be purchased in bulk.
I personally like to buy my pellets from both specialty BBQ stores and online. If I am running low, and haven’t organized for a deliver, I’ll buy them instore. Otherwise, I find that there is a great variety online for me to choose from.
What type of wood pellets should I use for smoking?
When smoking with wood pellets, it’s important to use food-grade pellets that are made from hardwoods such as hickory, mesquite, apple, cherry, pecan, or oak.
These types of wood will provide a strong, robust smoke flavor that complements a variety of meats, fish, and vegetables. Avoid using softwoods such as pine or cedar, as they can produce a bitter or resinous smoke that can affect the taste of the food.
Additionally, it is important to use wood pellets that are free from any chemical, paint or any other non-food grade materials which could be dangerous for human consumption.
How much should I expect to pay for wood pellets?
How much you pay for your wood pellets will vary depending on the location, brand, and type of wood. As well as the size of the bag you buy!
Generally, smoker pellets come in 20lbs and 40lbs bags and on average, a 20-pound bag of food-grade wood pellets can cost anywhere from $8 to $20.
You can expect to pay more for premium brands or specialty blends.
Prices also tend to vary depending on where you live and where the pellets are sourced from. It’s also worth noting that you can save money by buying in bulk, purchasing a pallet (typically around 40-50 bags) can save you a considerable amount of money.
Do all pellet smokers use the same pellets?
When using pellets in your smoker, you need to ensure that you are using food-grade pellets.
In terms of do all pellet smokers use the same pellets? Well, truth be told, there is very little difference between the diameter and length of food grade pellets between manufactures.
In fact, if you check the Traeger support page they even advise that:
“You are free to use any brand food-quality grill pellets with your Traeger without fear of voiding its warranty.”
So, whilst you shouldn’t have any issues interchanging food-grade pellet brands, I think it is always best to check the manufacturer’s specifications or consult the user manual before using any new type of pellets in your pellet smoker for the first time to ensure they are compatible and will work properly.
Are there any restrictions on shipping or buying wood pellets?
Obviously, any restrictions on shipping or buying wood pellets will be dependent on your location.
In some areas, there may be restrictions on the types of wood that can be used for making pellets, or there may be local regulations regarding the transportation and storage of wood pellets.
I know in Australia wooden items have to meet stick import conditions relating to biosecurity.
So. it is best to check with your local authorities or with the supplier of the wood pellets to see if there are any restrictions or regulations that you need to be aware of before purchasing. Some suppliers may only be able to ship within specific regions or states, or there may be restrictions on how many bags you can order at once.
It is also worth noting that some places in the US have specific regulations for wood pellet sales and transportation, for example, California has a strict low-emission standard for wood pellets.
Alternatively, you may want to consider purchasing your pellets in store where you don’t have to worry about shipping issues and costs.
And if you loved this guide, then make sure to check out my guide on do you soak wood pellets before smoking?
