Can You Use Wood Pellets to Cook?

Pellet grills and pellet smokers are an increasingly popular tool for the backyard barbecue chef. Can you use wood pellets to cook? The answer is yes. Pellet grills inject a wood fired flavor into everything you cook. Learn more about cooking with wood pellets.

Why Use Wood Pellets to Cook?

Pellet grills are among the most versatile kinds of grills on the market today. You can use a pellet grill to smoke, barbecue, grill, braise and even bake.

Because wood pellets are such an efficient fuel source, they can heat up fast. Your pellet grill or smoker will be ready to go in just 10 or 15 minutes. Many pellet grills will let you control cooking temperature to 5 degrees, giving you precise control.

Energy Pellets of America makes a hardwood blend pellet designed to be used for energy and animal bedding. Though our pellets are 100 percent natural and free of chemical additives, you will likely find better results with pellets specifically made for food use. Food grade wood pellets can let you control the wood smoke and flavor of your food.

There are many brands of pellets for cooking on the market today. You might find that different kinds of pure hardwood pellets are best used for different meats.

• Apple: Best for chicken, turkey, pork and baking.
• Hickory: Best for beef, chicken, turkey and pork.
• Alder: The most versatile wood for pellet grills. Best for beef, chicken, fish, turkey, pork, lamb, buffalo and baking.

Other common food grade wood pellets include pecan, mesquite, cherry, maple and bourbon.

Many cooks prefer pellet fuels over wood chips because pellets offer a more efficient burn. Wood pellets are made with very little moisture and ash content, allowing you to get maximum heat from your fuel source.

Wood pellets are a versatile fuel source. Can you use wood pellets to cook? You can use wood pellets to cook, heat your home, and more.