Can You Use Any Pellets in a Traeger?

Can You Use Any Pellets in a Traeger?

Any pellets used in Traeger smoking devices come from somewhere reputable.

Since the mechanism in pellet smokers operates differently from that in conventional smokers, these pellets can be used anywhere in the system.

Some manufacturers make special blends of pellets that are made for specific uses, like in frozen desserts.

So, can you use any pellets in a traeger? Yes, you can use any pellet in a Traeger grill.

However, keep in mind that certain pellets work better with certain types of grill and weather.

For example, hickory pellets work well in cold temperatures while mesquite pellets work better in hot temperatures.

For the best results, it’s best to use wood pellets that are specifically made for a Traeger grill.

Contents

Can You Use Any Pellets in a Traeger?

In your Traeger smoker, you can use any brand or quality.

You may find that some blends burn hotter or cooler than others, leaving you with a few saute options to select from when you are grilling outdoors.

However, you should not worry too much about this. While quality wood pellets are certainly preferable to low quality wood pellets, there are some differences in smoke flavor that can be attributed to pellet type or brand.

If you are after specific flavors in your food, it is best to look for a specific blend for your smoker rather than purchase a random brand of wood pellets.

Is It OK to Use Any Brand Pellets in a Traeger Grill?

With a Traeger barbecue, you do not have to worry so much about the brand of wood you use to cook your food.

Because most pellets have the same shape and density as traditional wood chunks and logs used for barbecuing and other cooking methods, it is easy to substitute them when preparing your dishes.

Of course, not all brands are equal when it comes to the flavor of the smoked food they produce.

And, despite the fact that they are relatively cheap to produce, some companies spend a lot more on their packaging than on the quality of their products.

How Do Traeger Pellet Grills Work?

When you switch on the grill, an auger moves the wood pellets from the hopper to the firebox, where the heat releases their flavor and the smoke condenses and leaves the cooking chamber.

A fan moves the air around to keep the fire and smoke moving, and a thermostat keeps the firebox at the right temperature.

Everything is controlled by controls that you can access from a panel mounted on the front of the unit.

Which Pellets Work Best in a Traeger?

The finest pellets to use in a Traeger grill come directly from a manufacturer that produces them specifically for these devices.

It’s better to use hardwood for smoking foods than softwood because the flavor of smoked foods is stronger.

Wood pellets are preferable to wood chips because they don’t have all of the sawdust and bark that wood chips have.

Can Regular Wood Pellets Be Used in a Traeger Grill?

You may use normal wood pellets in a traeger smoker.

Furthermore, low-quality wood pellets may not give you the same smoky flavor that you get from premium hardwood products.

How Many Pellets Should I Use in a Traeger Grill?

The hopper of a Traeger grill can typically hold between 18 and 20 pounds of fuel.

Pellets are sold in bags containing anywhere between 20 pounds and one ton of fuel.

And how quickly you get through a bag of pellets depends on how much you use at a time, the size of the pellet, and the ambient temperature outside.

How Long Does a Traeger Pellet Bag Last?

Traeger smokers consume between one and four pounds of fuel per hour of operation, so a 20-pound bag of pellets will typically last about seven hours of use.

As a result, a 20-pound bag should supply enough fuel to cook about one and a half pounds of meat or fish at a time.

When compared to a 20-pound tank of gas that would supply the fuel for a gas barbecue to run for about five hours, the cost of using a pellet smoker is much higher.

What Should I Do If My Traeger Runs Out of Pellets?

If you get a pellet low-level message, check to make sure that your auger is turning when you push the “set” button.

When the auger stops, it drains all of the pellets from the firebox, which means no more cooking.

You can purchase bags of pellets from the store, but if you need to stock up, you can buy large quantities of fuel through a Traeger dealer.

Just open the lid of the hopper and look inside for anything that might be blocking the funnel chute inside the hopper.

Also Read: How to Remove Pellets from Traeger Auger

Conclusion

To get the most out of a Traeger Pellet Grill, it’s important that you use a quality product made from premium hardwoods.

In addition, the type of grill you use and the weather conditions where you position it when you cook also affect the flavor of the smoked meat or fish.

If you have to change brands or types of wood that you cook with, make sure you understand that the smoke flavor will sometimes change noticeably.

We addressed our original question about whether you could use any sort of pellets in the cooker.

Scroll to Top