Hickory vs Mesquite are by far two of the most popular types of wood to use on the smoker. They’re used for many similar foods, but they impart a different flavor profile onto your BBQ.

Here we’ll explain how we compare hickory and mesquite. Read on to learn the differences and similarities between these two types of BBQ smoking wood!

Hickory vs Mesquite – Overview

Hickory – What You Need To Know

Hickory wood has a medium flavor strength that pairs well with pork, though it can also be used on chicken and beef when grilling.

The Hickory wood, which is known for its robustness and smoky taste, is widely considered a medium-strength wood.

Despite the fact that it does not have its own distinct flavor profile -the way certain woods like apple and maple do – it is known for its impact on the flavor of smoked meat, especially bacon.

Upon being exposed to the smoke of hickory for a while, you become accustomed to its vaguely sweet, intensely fragrant flavor.

Since hickory is a medium-strength smokey flavor wood that has a little bit of sweetness to it, it makes it a very versatile wood that can be used in conjunction with just about any type of meat on the grill or smoker.

Mesquite – What You Need To Know

Mesquite on the other hand definitely falls into the “strong” category.

It is best used for meat cuts, particularly brisket, that have big flavors that can hold up to strong smokey flavor.

Mesquite-smoked foods, when cooked properly, are so delicious and full of rich smokey flavor that even diners who haven’t tried them before will recognize the flavor the moment they bite into them.

A lighter wood like apple or pecan is often mixed with it to tone down the intensity for less strong foods. When smoking mesquite for the first time, amateurs should be cautious.

There is a certain amount of caution even among BBQ masters because it can overwhelm even a small amount of ingredients. Furthermore, its use should be reserved for low and slow cooking processes.

Which Foods Are Best For Hickory?

The fact that it goes naturally with bacon means that hickory pairs well with most pork cuts. Additionally, it enhances the natural sweetness of beef, and it gives a nice depth to chicken, especially dark meat cuts like drumsticks and thighs.

Interestingly, some grillers have even used hickory to smoke fish and cheese, which can turn out quite tasty when done right.

Which Foods Are Best For Mesquite?

The flavor of mesquite is renowned in Texas, where it is almost exclusively used for hearty beef cuts. Most frequently, mesquite wood is paired with brisket.

However, you can also use mesquite for smoked chuck roasts, beef ribs, or even pork ribs if you want to lay on the smokey flavor.

In addition to intensifying the smoky qualities of pulled pork, this wood can also be used together with a mellower wood to further enhance the taste.

This really is a strong flavored wood that you need to be careful when choosing what to cook with it.

Does Size Make A Difference?

The optimal wood size you should use depends on the type of grill or smoker you have.

Especially when you use a gas or charcoal grill, wood chips or pellets are best for adding smokey flavor. Wood chips burn quickly, so you need to replace them frequently.

We recommend against using them for large cuts like briskets or pork shoulders unless you are infusing other types of wood with their flavor. 

Next, we have wood pellets, which are composed of compressed hardwoods that have been ground into sawdust and reshaped into small cylinders.

If you have a pellet smoker, this is your fuel of choice, since you will have more access to the flavors that come from the wood pellets and how they affect the meat. However, these can also be used in conjunction with a pellet tube smoker on other grill types.

It’s important to remember that chunks of wood work similar to wood chips, but they are bigger and last longer when smoked. This makes them an excellent choice for charcoal grills and offset smokers.

For large offset smokers, split logs provide both heat and flavor. They are the largest of all logs. When you are smoking large amounts of meat and the wood has to burn for hours on end, they are the best choice.

The use of this wood is typical for big festivals if they have a long-lasting program that involves serving food for a long period of time.

Final Thoughts

So which is better? Each has its place in the world of BBQ. The good news is that you can try both!

In fact, we’d recommend that you try both hickory and mesquite at some point – smoke a brisket with mesquite this time and hickory next time so you can taste the difference for yourself.

With virtually any barbecue dish, hickory makes a great choice. Discover your signature flavor with fruitwood and different types of meats.

Hickory vs mesquite burn at about the same rate, so this should be your first point of reference. Because of that, you will not have to adjust your cooking time based on which wood you use.

It will taste nicely balanced if you haven’t over-smoked. The type of wood that you have used can only be determined by experts like you. Smoky undertones could be noticed by some, but others will fail to notice.

The lighter meats should be smoked with mild wood, while the heavier meats should be smoked with stronger wood.

Smoking chicken, fish, or even ribs and pork shoulder with mesquite may be too overpowering. However, you should give it a try.

In general, mesquite does not give meat the same rich color as hickory. Each of these woods smokes well and has its own distinctive flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hickory Or Mesquite Better For Brisket?

As mesquite burns much faster, it’s best to add it at the beginning or at the end in small amounts to avoid overpowering the hickory smoke flavor or making the meat bitter.

Brisket has a richer taste, so it can handle strong smoky flavors. You will typically come to find that mesquite is paired with brisket the most and it delivers great flavor every single time.

Can You Mix Hickory And Mesquite Together?

To make your food taste good, you can mix hickory and mesquite together. Using a mix of hickory and mesquite offers a good middle ground if you’re not sure whether to use either one.

Consequently, you will have a smoke blend that is not as strong as mesquite but contains more flavor than hickory.

Where Can You Get Hickory And Mesquite?

Hickory vs Mesquite are both readily available at grocery stores around the country.

Nowadays, it’s pretty easy to pick some up online too. Places like Amazon and specialty stores can ship your preferred wood type straight to your doorstep.

Most Versatile BBQ Wood

Smoak Firewood Hickory Cooking Wood Logs

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Can You Use Too Much Wood?

You will want to be careful not to overpower the flavor that you add yourself by using too much wood. You should only use mesquite wood sparingly if you have never smoked meat before, or if you have only used the weaker woods. 

You may want to soak dry hickory pieces in water beforehand or burn larger pieces before cooking. The taste of food can be ruined by too much hickory wood smoke.

It is best to use it in conjunction with another wood at a ratio of perhaps twenty percent hickory to eighty percent other wood.

It’s important to be cautious when using these woods or any wood for that matter because the smoke from these woods will bury the raw natural flavors of the meat.

For this reason, before you start cooking, make sure you use the right amount. You will be able to serve your guests a great-tasting meal if you decide to use the right amount of wood.

The post Hickory vs Mesquite for Smoking BBQ appeared first on Own The Grill.

It’s one of the best ways to cut down on your prep time, and also the work that goes into lighting up your fire.  There really isn’t a downside or reason that you shouldn’t get ahold of one!

In this article, we’ve rounded up a best charcoal chimney starter list.  Read on if you want to see our top picks, reviews, and tips for how to get the most out of your charcoal chimney starter.

Best Charcoal Chimney Starter – Quick Overview

One of most common and widely agreed upon pain points associated with charcoal grills is lighting your charcoal briquettes.  If there’s anything that’s a turn off for new grillers to use a charcoal grill, it’s probably the hassle associated with lighting a proper charcoal fire.  Frankly, there aren’t a ton of great options out there to help with it.

You could use an electric charcoal starter, but they can get extremely hot.  So hot that they can actually be pretty dangerous, and serious accidents can be right around the corner if you don’t take extra precautions.

Some recommend that you use lighter fluid with charcoal – but that’s a strategy we generally like to avoid.

A chimney starter is by far the superior way to light your charcoal fire.  With these simple, safe, and straight forward contraptions, literally all you have to do is light it up and let it go to work.  After about 15 minutes, you’re left with a burning charcoal fire that’s ready to grill up some delicious food.

Without any further ado, let’s get into our reviews!  Along the way, we’ll go over the features you should look out for, and how to differentiate between seemingly similar products.

Best Charcoal Chimney Starter Reviews

Weber Rapid Fire Chimney Starter

Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

• Designed to quickly produce hot coals for cooking
• Specialized cone-shaped grate and durable construction for longevity
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable use

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Weber is one of the most trusted names in outdoor cooking, and their Rapid Fire Chimney Starter is deserving of a place at the top of our best charcoal chimney starter list.  They advertise these starters as the easiest and fastest method for lighting all types of charcoal – and they aren’t wrong.

About 20 to 25 minutes is all it takes to get your fire started.  A cone shaped grate design helps to increase the rate at which ignition occurs throughout the stack of charcoal by providing optimal airflow.

The body of the unit is made of aluminized steel that has been hot-dip coated on all sides with aluminum-silicone alloy.  This unique process results in a material that possesses a combination of both steel and aluminum – and it does a fantastic job of lighting your coals.

A couple of really nice safety features are built in around the handle to greatly reduce the risk of accidents.  First, there’s a two handle design that gives you maximum control when you’re pouring your lit charcoal.  A large heat shield also protects the handle from extreme temperatures.

High volume cooking also isn’t an issue here, as this chimney has a high capacity bin and is 12 inches tall by 7.5 inches in diameter.  On top of that, it’s built to last literally for decades with proper care.

Things We Like:

• Simple, straightforward, and effective design
• Aluminized steel is durable and does an incredibly good job of creating a hot environment for your coals
• Safety features abound – two handles and heat shield greatly reduce the risk of accidents
• Cone shaped internal grate helps coals light fast.  Get going in less than 25 minutes
• Ventilation and airflow design features are well thought out
• Great price

Things We Don’t:

• While there’s plenty of capacity for most grilling and smoking jobs, it’s not the largest volume chimney starter available.  Just something to keep in mind if you have a large grill

Oklahoma Joe’s Half-Time Charcoal Starter

Oklahoma Joe's Half-Time XL Charcoal Starter XL

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If you’re in the market for a large capacity chimney starter, the Oklahoma Joe’s Half-Time XL Charcoal Starter is a great choice and one of the easiest chimney starters to use.

In fact, if you regularly use larger lump charcoal in your charcoal grill or kamado grill, this is the probably the perfect choice for you.

The dimensions of the chimney starter are 8 inches tall by 12 inches in diameter.  That’s enough volume to fit up to 100 charcoal briquettes, or a generous amount of lump charcoal.

An intuitive handle design keeps the handle cool and safe even when you have an ignited charcoal fire.  On top of that, great ventilation and airflow through the charcoal bin means that your coals can light in as fast as 15 to 20 minutes.

Stainless steel is the material of choice in the construction of this chimney, and it will last you a long time with proper care and routine cleaning.

Things We Like:

• Oversize coal basket is ideal for high capacity grills or for lump charcoal
• Coals light faster compared to many other chimneys
• Handle stays cool and safe after your fire is hot and roaring
• Stainless steel used for construction is highly reliable and durable
• Oklahoma Joe is a trusted brand in the BBQ space

Things We Don’t:

• When the basket is completely full, it can be a little tough to manage.  As long as you pay attention and use some BBQ gloves, you should be completely fine though

Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter

Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter

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On the other end of the size spectrum, the Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter is intentionally designed to be a more compact fire starter.  It gets our vote for best charcoal chimney starter for on the go grilling – it’s perfect to take with your portable grill on a camping or tailgating trip.

Dimensions wise, it’s 8 inches tall and 5.75 inches in diameter and can light coals in as little as 15 minutes.

As far as the design goes, it’s quite similar to the Weber 7429 Rapid Fire – just smaller.  It’s the ideal choice for smaller grills or shorter grilling sessions.

All of the safety features you like to see are still there.  Namely, a cool touch handle and heat shield are both in place to make sure that your hands are safe while the chimney is in use.

Obviously with this being a smaller unit, it’s best used with smaller briquettes and won’t work for lump charcoal.

Things We Like:

• Compact design is lightweight and great for on the go BBQ
• Coals light really fast since the chamber isn’t that big
• Cool touch handle and heat shield are ideal safety features
• Very affordable
• Weber is a trusted brand and makes high quality products

Things We Don’t:

• Not great for long grilling sessions or lighting for larger grills
• Doesn’t work for lump charcoal or larger briquettes

Char-Griller Charcoal Grill Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger

Char-Griller Charcoal Grill Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger

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The part of using a chimney starter where you have to be the most careful is when you’re dumping your lit coals into your grill.  The Char-Griller Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger went the extra step of creating a design feature to help with that step in the process.

Right in front of the handle is a release lever that will drop your hot coals into your grill’s fire basket with no tipping or messy pouring of your coals.  The release also keeps the hottest coals on the bottom and the least hot ones on top to maximize efficiency of your fire in the grill.

If you’re new to charcoal grilling or are nervous about using a chimney starter, this might be the best charcoal chimney starter for you simply because of this feature.

Aside from that there are plenty of great, if expected, features included with this product.  The handle is made of ABS plastic with a built in heat shield for maximum safety while handling.  Galvanized steel is the material of choice, which is highly durable.

As far as capacity goes, this starter is also on the higher end of the spectrum with dimensions at 12 inches tall and 7.75 inches in diameter.

Things We Like:

• Great price point
• Quick release feature is practical and unique
• Included safety features include cool touch handle and heat shield
• Generous amount of capacity to work with
• Durable ABS handle and galvanized steel body

Things We Don’t:

• You have a lot less control over how your coals come out of the chimney when bottom dumping
• Quality of the moving parts in this unit could be better

Homenote Rapid Charcoal Chimney Starter Set

Homenote Charcoal Chimney Starter Set

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If you’re completely starting from scratch with your accessories, then a starter kit like the Homenote Rapid Charcoal Chimney Starter Set is a great place to start.

In addition to a chimney, it comes with BBQ gloves and an air blower.  The BBQ gloves are very nice to have around – the air blower isn’t really necessary, but it can definitely speed up the process of lighting your pile of coals.

This starter is 11.5 inches tall and 7 inches in diameter, so you’re afforded plenty of space to light a medium to large sized pile.  It’s made of zinc plated steel and has a wood handle design to help prevent burns.

The design of the chimney itself is a little inferior to the others on this best charcoal chimney starter list – mostly due to a lack of airflow and ventilation systems.

Things We Like:

• Comes with BBQ gloves in addition to the chimney
• Built in heat shield and wood handle are great for safety
• Nice capacity for medium sized piles of briquettes

Things We Don’t:

• The extras drive up the price, and a couple of them are pretty unnecessary
• Ventilation could be better and would lead to quicker lighting times

Char-Broil Half-Time Charcoal Starter

Char-Broil Half-Time Charcoal Starter

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Char-Broil is another trusted name in the outdoor cooking space, and their iteration of the half-time chimney starter is worthy of consideration.

Most notably, this unit has a wide diameter at 8 inches and can fit larger coals like lump charcoal.  It is only 8 inches tall though, so volume wise it’s not quite as much as some of the other choices on this list.

There’s also a built in heat shield and the plastic handle rests far enough away from the main bin that you won’t be worrying about scorching your hand.

Things We Like:

• Wide 8 inch diameter unit is ideal for large pieces and lump
• Built in heat shield and far away plastic handle are nice safety features
• Lights coals really quickly – get going in around 15 minutes
• Good price

Things We Don’t:

• Since it’s not as tall, you sacrifice some volume.  Not ideal for large cookers or even standard sized grills
• Dumping is a little harder with the handle so far away from the bin

Don’t Grill Again Without One of These!

There just simply isn’t a good reason to not utilize the best charcoal chimney starter.  Even professionals and experienced pit masters use these tools to light their flame.  There’s no simpler or safer way to do it.

Compared to all of the other ways you could light your charcoal, this is the best way by far.  All you need aside from your chimney and coals is a little bit of newspaper or lighter cubes plus a lighter.  That’s it!  You can leave the lighter fluid at the department store.

What Will a Charcoal Chimney Starter Do For You?

Alright, from a high level it lights your charcoal… obviously.  But what exactly does this little contraption do to accomplish that feat?

Essentially, it’s just a cylinder shell that contains a pile of charcoal set in a basket.  There are holes around the base to promote airflow and also to help light your coals.

From there, once you light the bottom coals, those begin to burn and the flame works itself up the stack until all of the coals have ignited.

How to Use a Charcoal Chimney Starter

In case you were looking for a little tutorial, here’s how to use a charcoal chimney starter in step by step form:

1. If necessary, remove your cooking grate from your cooker (some have hinge mechanisms where this step won’t be necessary).
2. Place a wad of newspaper or fire lighter cubes at the bottom of your chimney starter.
3. Put your chimney either on the bottom of your cooker, fire basket, or on a surface that’s safe to start a fire on.
4. Fill your chimney’s bin with charcoal.
5. Ignite your newspaper or fire lighter cubes through the holes in the bottom of your starter.  You can also use a butane torch if you want more horsepower.
6. Sit back and relax while your fire works its way up the chimney.  After about 15 to 20 minutes, all of your briquettes should be gray and lit.
7. Carefully pour your coals into the bottom of your grill or into the designated fire basket.

Here’s a great video showing how simple and straightforward this process is:

Buying Tips

When you’re comparing different products, it might not seem like there’s much difference between one chimney to the next.  While that’s true to a degree, there are definitely a few things you should keep an eye out for.

Charcoal Capacity

Probably the most important thing to look at is how much charcoal can your chimney hold?  The answer to that question probably has a lot to do with how big your cooker is, whether you’re using a smoker vs a grill, and how long your cooking sessions are going to be.

The other thing to consider here is whether you typically use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal.  Lump charcoal is a lot bigger and will require a wider diameter chimney if you plan on lighting it efficiently.

Safety Features

The whole purpose of using a chimney starter vs other methods is that chimneys are considerably safer, in general.  If your starter doesn’t include basic safety features, what’s the point?

In particular, you should look for a product whose handle is a safe distance away from the main bin and also has a heat shield built in to add a protective layer between your hand and the heat.

Quick release starters sound safer in theory but you have to focus a little bit extra to make sure you don’t accidentally release your coals prematurely.

Ventilation

Ventilation and oxygen flow is a key ingredient to any healthy fire.  Without good ventilation, your charcoal pile will take forever to burn.

On the other hand, a properly ventilated starter will burn at a quicker rate, so you can spend less time waiting around for your BBQ!

Construction Material

Since your chimney will get extremely hot, you need a metal that can withstand the heat and that will also last a long time through repeated use.  Most starters are some kind of steel – but you should double check before you make any sort of purchase.

Also, be sure to stay away from any painted starters, they simply aren’t worth the trouble.  Only super expensive, specialist paints would be able to withstand the repeated heat beating that the best charcoal chimney starter takes.

Safety First

Even though these starters are by far the safest and easiest way to light up your charcoal grill, you still can’t fall asleep at the wheel.  Chimney starters can get your coals upwards of 550°F, and any time you’re handling materials that hot, you need to be careful.

Don’t ever use them with children present, and even make sure all adults in the area are aware of what’s going on.  The last thing you need at your cookout is somebody knocking a hot pile of coals over onto themselves – that would be extremely bad news!

Use care when you pour your coals into your cooker.  Take it slow, and use BBQ gloves.  And take some time to learn how to put out a charcoal grill safely.

Final Thoughts

For all of my charcoal grillers and smokers out there, the best charcoal chimney starter is an absolute must have for your arsenal.  It’s the quintessential way to light your coals, and you can spend more time focusing on the best part – the food!

Even though these contraptions look pretty basic, there’s more than meets the eye.  I’ve found over time that it’s worth the extra couple of bucks to go with a reputable brand compared to a cheap imported piece of crap.  It’s worth it in the long run.

Hopefully after reading this guide, you now know how to differentiate between what’s legit and what isn’t.  For my taste, I’d go with a Weber chimney starter for “regular” grilling and if you need an oversize starter, the Oklahoma Joe is what I use.

Which one did you end up with?  We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.

The post Best Charcoal Chimney Starter – What’s the Best Way to Fire Up Your Grill? appeared first on Own The Grill.

There are so many clever gadgets that make the smoking process smoother. I love discovering new accessories that become my go-to tools. Things like rib racks or drip pans help maximize space and minimize cleanup. The right accessories really do enhance your whole smoker grill experience.

And it’s amazing how much a small thing like a grill brush or spray can improve your end results. Keeping your smoker grills in tip-top shape is key for consistent, crowd-pleasing barbecue. All these helpful accessories enable your equipment to perform its best every time.

I’d encourage all backyard smoker grill smokers to check out the variety of smoker accessories available. Half the joy of this hobby is tailoring your setup. With so many options, you can create a custom rig that perfectly suits your needs. Smoking meat with all the right gear – now that’s living!

12 Essential Accessories for Your BBQ Smoker

Basic Smoking Accessories 

In order to use your smoker in the first place, it is likely that you already possess a few pieces of vital equipment. Food in a smoker has to be checked and sometimes turned, transferred, and placed into the smoker in the first place.

Plus, you’ll need to clean your smoker regularly to ensure its performance and longevity.

You will need a couple of tools to do this. These are the most basic accessories for your smoker which every pit master needs: tongs, and a grill brush. The tongs are used to help transfer, and the grill brush is used to sweep the actual smoker and scrub the grates to clear any debris out of the way.

Probe Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is a crucial part of using your smoker, and it is almost certain you will not get good results without it. You can choose a wired digital thermometer that stays in the meat whilst it is in the smoker or an instant-read thermometer.

An instant-read thermometer is easy to use, and it does exactly what it says it does. This is great to get an instant reading on your food, but you will have to continuously come back to take measurements every few hours.

The wired digital thermometers are great, as they can be left in the meat and will tell you on the digital screen how hot things are.

Additionally, you are often able to download an app to tell you the reading from the digital thermometer. A leave-in thermometer may be the option if you are using a smoker because you are often smoking meats at low temperatures for a significant amount of time.

Top Wireless Thermometer

MEATER Plus | Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth | 165ft Wireless Range | for The Oven, Grill, Kitchen, BBQ, Smoker, Rotisserie

With 165 feet of range and a dual sensor probe, it doesn't get much easier or more accurate than the Meater Plus.

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Heat Resistant Gloves

Heat-resistant gloves for BBQ are another must-have accessory for your smoker. Sure, you don’t need heat-resistant gloves to put food in your smoker, but you definitely need them to take food out.

Heat-resistant gloves are perfect for pulling out that lovely brisket and tearing it apart with your hands. When using your smoker, you are handling a lot of hot food and a lot of that food will need to be carved, prepared, and transported.

Investing in some heat-resistant gloves is a stress-free way to prevent burns, and allow you to have more control over your food, even if it is hot.

Grilling Gloves - Extreme Heat Resistant BBQ Gloves

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Natural Fire Starters/Lighters

To add some heat to your smoker, you need a source of the fire. Natural firelighters are an excellent way to do this without hassle, as you simply put them in place inside your smoker, and light them with a match or lighter.

Within a second, they burn bright and will keep your smoker smoking for hours. Natural firelighters can be referred to as wood wool, and it is made of thin wood that burns incredibly easily. You can also get gas blocks that ignite in seconds, but these may not be the best option for a smoker due to the smell and chemicals. 

Boning Knife

A boning knife is a good accessory for your smoker, that way you can properly trim meats like brisket so they are optimal for smoker cooking.

Many meats have hard sections of fat that won’t render out even with a low and slow cook – so you need a flexible, nimble boning knife to properly and safely trim your BBQ.

Top Brisket Trimming Knife

Dexter-Russell 6" Boning Knife

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Slicing Knife

On a similar note, being able to slice your BBQ brisket properly before serving makes a huge difference in the eating experience.

A BBQ slicing knife should have a long blade with slightly serrated edges or a Granton style blade – but not overboard because too much jaggedness will rip apart your tender meat.

Victorinox-Swiss-Army 12" Cutlery Fibrox Pro Granton Slicing Knife

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Rib Rack

A rib rack is ideal for your smoker, and you can fit a few racks of ribs inside at once. Ribs take up a lot of surface space, and instead of laying them directly on the surface of the smoker, you can put them in their own holder.

This will save you a lot of space, and it will also ensure that your ribs are cooked evenly at the same time. It is even better for those around smokers such as the Weber Smokey Mountain. 

Basting Brush/Sauce Mop

A basting brush is a great smoker accessory, and you will not be able to go without it once you have once. You can use a basting brush or a sauce mop to continuously baste your meat every few hours.

This will ensure that the meat stays flavorful and delicious, and it takes minimal effort, too. 

Meat Shredding Claws

This one is sure to impress your friends and family. Meat-shredding claws do exactly what they say! After smoking that brisket or pulled pork for eight hours, can you think of anything more tiring than slicing it?

Well, not to worry! You can use meat claws to pull apart your meat. Simply hold them, one in each hand, and shred the meat with both of your hands. 

Spritz Bottle

An alternative to a basting brush or sauce mop is a good old-fashioned spritz bottle. You can fill these with various types of liquid to spritz your brisket, pork, and other BBQ every so often while it cooks.

This will impart some flavor onto your food if you’re using a liquid like beef broth or apple cider vinegar – but the idea here is mostly to ensure that your meat remains as moist as possible while it cooks.

Clear Glass Spray Bottles - Refillable 16 oz Spritzers for Kitchen, Misting Plants, & More

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Butcher’s Block 

A butcher’s block is that missing piece to the puzzle you didn’t know you needed to solve. When getting your meat out of the smoker, you need a surface to let it rest on, or at least put it down for a second or two.

This is especially important if you have a conjoined grill and smoker, as they usually have a resting space. A butcher’s block is a wooden block that you can place your meat on, and let rest. Once it has rested, carve it up, and serve it on that same block. It is a convenient way to serve, slice, and rest your meat. 

Kebab Skewers

Kebab skewers are a great accessory for your smoker because you can preload them with your favorite meats and veggies, place them alongside any other food in the smoker, and leave them to cook all day long.

They are made of metal, and they are reusable, so they are perfect to use when you have leftover chicken and peppers. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with some delicious slow-cooked kebab and brisket!

Check out our skewer recipe ideas next for some inspiration!

Great for BBQ

16.8" Flat Metal Kebab Skewers - 12 Pack

• Designed for use on high heat grills
• Long and sturdy enough for Picanha

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Final Thoughts

There are countless things that you may want for your smoker, but do you actually know what you need?

These must-have accessories will level up your smoker game, with taste-altering effects, and convenience! We hope you’ve liked some of the examples on this list, and we hope you check out all our grilling accessories list!

The post 12 Must Have Smoker Accessories appeared first on Own The Grill.

Having good wood is crucial to putting flavor into your cheese while you’re smoking it. The type of cheese you choose will affect the kind of wood you buy. Oak wood for example does a great job of complementing the flavors that are in Cheddar, Gouda, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.

Other common wood types popular for smoking cheese are apple, cherry, pecan, and hickory. We will go over all the flavor options below, as well as some great brands to choose from when you are ready to start smoking cheese.

If you’re unsure about how to actually flavor your cheese, be sure to check out our guide on how to cold smoke cheese after you read this!

Oak

Oak is one of the most common wood choices for smoking cheese because it flatters so many different kinds and types of cheese. When in doubt, oak is a good place to start if you are new to using wood to smoke cheese.

Keep in mind that oak burns for a long time and can reach higher temperatures than other kinds of wood. If you smoke the cheese for too long, it will begin to melt and not stay intact.

What the Pros Use

Western Premium BBQ Products Post Oak

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Apple

Apple is one of the mildest flavors of wood you can purchase. It keeps more of the natural flavor of the cheese and also sweetens it. It will also add a smoky flavor that is more delicate than what oak adds. The apple flavor will never overwhelm the natural cheese flavor.

Cooking with Applewood is easier than smoking with other wood flavors, so it is great for beginners. Applewood does not get to extremely high temperatures.

Camerons Apple Smoking Wood Chunks

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Cherry

The cheese will absorb many flavors from cherry wood which makes it a unique choice for adding in a sweet, heavy, and heady aroma. It will provide a variety of flavor profiles to your cheese. The flavor is still pretty mild, so it won’t take away from the natural flavor of the cheese.

Camerons Products Cherry Smoking Wood Chunks

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Pecan

Pecan adds a more robust flavor to cheese than many other wood options. Pecan wood is also great for mixing different varieties of wood if you want to experiment and try to create your own custom flavor.

For hard cheeses, pecan wood will give it a mild to medium intensity of flavor. It will also be nutty and savory. While assertive, the flavor from pecan wood will also be delicate enough to balance with the natural flavor of the cheese that you are smoking.

Western Premium Pecan BBQ Cooking Chunks

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Hickory

If you are using a block of cheese with a very strong natural flavor or using hard cheeses, hickory is a perfect choice. The flavor will end up tasting like bacon and it is intense and robust. Some people even make grilled cheese sandwiches with hickory wood.

Hickory wood is paired with cheeses like cheddar and stilton. It will help mellow the cheese’s natural flavors and mask some of the more pungent aromas. Start cooking with low amounts of heat and gradually increase until you have higher heat.

Hickory wood can be tough to get right the first few times, so be patient. Also, try cooking with other woods before using hickory.

Most Versatile BBQ Wood

Smoak Firewood Hickory Cooking Wood Logs

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Peach

Peach wood gives a very unique flavor that other kinds of woods simply do not provide. Peach flavor wood can bring a flavor that is very sweet, mild, and floral.

This makes an ideal choice for cheese that is already mild and needs a special flavor added to it. The peach wood will naturally add a light red coating to any cheese that you smoke which makes it look fancier for entertaining and feeding guests.

Fire & Flavor Premium All Natural Wood Chips for Smoker - Wood Chips for Smoking - Smoker Wood Chips - Smoker Accessories Gifts for Men and Women - Peach - 2lbs

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Final Thoughts

There are several different flavors of wood, and each provides something unique to cheese while you are smoking it. Oak and Apple are the most popular kinds and are the easiest to pair cheese with.

It’s also worth noting here that we are suggesting wood chunks, which are fit for use for most types of smokers.  However, if you have a pellet grill, for example, you’ll need to get the above flavors in wood pellet form instead of chunks.  Learn the difference between “regular” wood and wood pellets right here.

The post What’s the Best Wood for Smoking Cheese? Our 6 Favorite Types appeared first on Own The Grill.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just got through playing sports and need a little boost of energy, beef jerky is one of the tastiest ways to do it.

Of course, you can buy store bought jerky – but it’s pretty expensive and where’s the fun in that?

Making beef jerky at home is a great activity to bring a group of friends or family together.  The big question is though – what kind of jerky are you going to make?  The right cut of meat could be the difference between something that’s pretty good and legendary jerky.

You can make jerky from a lot of different beef cuts and other meats too!  If you aren’t sure which ones to try out first, we’ve created a guide here for all of the best cuts of meat for jerky.  We’ll go over lots of types of the best meats for jerky too!  Read on if you want to hear about all of the delicious options that are out there.

Meat and Jerky – Overview

There are a lot of different cuts that you could use to make your jerky – but what makes some of them better than others?

At the end of the day, the answer boils down to fat content.  You want to work with the cuts of meat that have the least amount of fat content possible.

If you’re grilling or smoking, fat is generally a great thing which adds flavor and moisture to your food.  For jerky though, it’s a different story.

When it’s in jerky, fat will make it spoil way quicker compared to a leaner cut.  On top of that, fat just doesn’t really fit into the texture that we’re going for when we make jerky.

We’ve listed out a few great leaner cuts of beef that are perfect for making jerky right here.  All of these meats are pretty cheap and will make your homemade snack delicious!

Best Cuts of Beef for Jerky

Beef is the most popular type of meat for jerky, by a pretty wide margin.  In fact, we’ve done a deeper dive than this into the best cuts of beef for jerky that you should check out next.  That resource has even more beef jerky ideas!

Top Round

The round steak is cut from the rear leg section of a cow, and is one of the most popular and best cuts of beef for jerky.  The round is divided into a few different cuts, with the top round being one of them.

Top round is great for jerky because it’s tender while also lean and extremely low in fat content.  It’s also packed with flavor, and receptive to seasoning and smoke if you choose to make your jerky on a smoker.

Plus compared to lots of beef cuts, top round is very affordable and one of the best prices on a cost per pound basis.

Bottom Round

One of the other cuts that comes from the round section of a steer is the bottom round.  It’s cut very close to where the top round comes from so they’re fairly similar – but with a couple of distinct differences.

Namely, bottom round is going to be more tough and less tender than the top round.  It’s incredibly lean and has a great beefy flavor.  A little bit of interior marbling is possible with a bottom round cut.

Just like the top round, this cut of beef is very affordable and won’t cost you very much per pound.

Sirloin Tip

Sirloin tip is a little less commonly used than the round steak cuts but still makes a great choice and is one of the best cuts of beef for jerky.

It’s a little bit more expensive than top or bottom round, but you’re rewarded with a super tender, perfectly lean cut that makes some tasty jerky.  A lot of beefiness comes through in the flavor of your jerky, and it’s receptive to seasonings and many different jerky recipes.

Flank Steak

Flank Steak is a personal favorite of mine, and it’s a versatile cut that is delicious even when prepared in extremely different ways.  I use it most for fajitas and beef jerky – that should tell you something!

Flank steak is a cut from the lower chest area of a steer, and may come with a little bit of interior marbling.  It also might come with a little fat that needs to be trimmed before you start your jerky making process.

There is one very important thing to keep in mind when using flank steak for beef jerky.  You have to make sure you cut your slices against the grain.  Your snack will just be flat out more enjoyable if you cut against the grain.  If you don’t, I can guarantee your results will be extremely tough.

Best Game and Exotics Cuts for Jerky

Boar

Wild boar meat jerky is a great choice, albeit a little harder to get ahold of than some of the other cuts on this list.

Boar is known for it’s naturally sweet and nutty flavor, which is a nice change of pace from your more common cuts of beef for jerky.

Buffalo

If you’ve never had buffalo before, jerky is a great way to try it for the first time.  Buffalo is actually one of the healthiest cuts of meat for jerky.  It’s very high in protein but low in cholesterol and fat.

Buffalo is also super receptive to smokey flavors – and it will interact well with even the strongest woods for smoking like hickory or mesquite.

Elk

Elk roast is one of the more common cuts of wild game meat that you’d be able to find at a butcher or supermarket.  It makes a great choice for jerky due to its lean and tender properties – you’ll also find very little marbling inside, if any.

The great thing about elk too is that it doesn’t give off a strong gamey flavor.  The gamey flavor is so mild, in fact, that a lot of people wouldn’t even know it was elk if you didn’t tell them the difference.

Venison (Deer)

Venison (or deer meat) is by far one of the most popular and best cuts of meat for jerky.  It’s because venison is typically that perfect blend of tender and lean with minimal to no interior marbling, which is ideal for making jerky.

It’s also pretty widely available, especially if you’re a hunter!  One of the best ways to get the most out of your hunt is to preserve a big portion of your deer’s meat as jerky.

Yak

Tibetan Yak is an all time great when it comes to the best cuts of meat for jerky.  Even compared to buffalo, it’s one of the healthiest – if not the healthiest cuts you could use.  It’s incredibly delicious too.

All of that is thanks to the fact that Yak is lower in calories and higher in protein than cuts from pretty much any other animal – including chicken!

So if you’re looking for a healthy, low-fat, and high-protein exotic jerky – give Yak a try!

Best Cuts of Pork for Jerky

Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a fattier cut than most, if not all of the cuts of meat for jerky on this list.  You can definitely get away with it though, you just might need to trim a little bit before you start.

The great thing about pork tenderloin is that it works extremely well with sweet and/or spicy jerky recipes.  So if you’re the adventurous type or know you love your jerky sweet and spicy, give pork tenderloin a try.  It’s also one of the most inexpensive cuts on this list!

Bacon

Ok, so I didn’t even know this was a thing until not that long ago.  Bacon is an all time favorite food of mine (and many others), and as it turns out – it’s a pretty good candidate for jerky.

Bacon has a relatively high fat content but it actually makes some incredibly delicious bacon jerky.  Similar to tenderloin, there’s an endless world of possibilities when it comes to seasoning and flavoring your bacon jerky.

You can go the sweet and spicy route.  The leathery pepper route is spectacular too.  Bacon jerky is super easy to make at home too!

How to Make Jerky at Home

To make jerky at home, you’ll need some equipment.  Most notably, you’ll need a food dehydrator to make your jerky at home.  Food dehydrators are a little bit pricey, but are essential for good homemade jerky.  They also have some other practical applications so they’re nice to have around.

If you enjoy smokey flavor, it’s also ideal to have a smoker to cook and flavor your jerky low and slow.  A smoker isn’t 100% necessary – it’s just the best way to add smokey flavor to your jerky.  Some recipes might also call for you to use your oven.

Last but not least, it’s handy to have a food vacuum sealer machine on hand.  This way you can make your jerky in big batches and air seal to preserve it for later.

Of course, you could store your jerky in zip loc bags or other simple food containers.  Jerky will typically last for 2-4 weeks like this, depending on which cut of meat you used.

Best Cuts of Meat for Jerky – Final Thoughts

All of this jerky talk has me pretty excited for the next time I get to make some at home.  Whether you choose beef, game, or pork, the best cut of meat for jerky is ultimately up to you.  Figure out which flavors you like and fine tune your recipe. Choosing the best grilling accessories will also help make it fun to dehydrate.

This list is a great place to start if you’ve never made jerky before!  Try out one of our suggestions and find a simple recipe if you’re new to jerky at home.

Which ones did you end up trying?  Let us know about it in the comments section below!

The post Best Meat for Jerky – Our Complete Guide appeared first on Own The Grill.

So if you’re the type who appreciates and enjoys the addition of wood fired smoke flavor to your food, this is a must have accessory for you.

In this article, we’ve highlighted some choices for the best pellet smoker tube.  From there, we’ll go over some helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of your pellet smoker tube.  By the end, you should have a really good idea of how these things are used and how they can add value to your outdoor cooking toolbox.

Best Pellet Tube Smoker Reviews

Lanney Pellet Smoker Tube, 12” Stainless Steel

Lanney 12" Pellet Smoker Tube

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When it comes to the top pellet tube smoker choice, it’s hard to argue with the 12 inch Pellet Smoker Tube by Lanney.

The goal with any pellet tube is to provide a consistent supply of smoke into your cooking chamber.  The Lanney is designed with a hexagonal shape and a perforated design which in combination help your wood pellets stay lit and burn evenly.

Dimensions wise, this tube is 12 inches long and 2 inches wide, which is enough to hold enough pellets for about 5 hours of consistent smoke.  That’s plenty of capacity for many smoking jobs, and even for a 10 hour brisket smoke you’ll only have to refill one time to get the job done.

A high quality 304 stainless steel was used to construct the tube, which will last a long time even with heavy use.  Even though it’s durable, the Lanney Pellet Smoker Tube is very lightweight at only about 10 ounces – so it can be easily transported and used in combination with many types of grills and types of smokers.

Last but not least, it comes with a basting brush, tube cleaning brush, and a couple of S hooks to help conveniently hang the tube while it’s not in use.

A-MAZE-N AMNPS Maze Pellet Smoker

Alright, so the A-MAZE-N Maze Pellet Smoker isn’t technically a tube, but it deserves a place on this list because it serves the exact same function as the best pellet tube smoker.  In many ways, it even performs better.

The maze design allows you to get up to 12 hours of consistent smoke, which is enough to handle even the longest brisket smoking sessions.  Most other pellet tube smokers have about a 4 hour smoke capacity.

Not only that, but the maze is 5 inches by 8 inches and weighs less than a pound.  Because of that, it’s incredibly easy to store and take on the go if you ever need to.

LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube 12″

LIZZQ 12" Pellet Smoker Tube

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A worthy competitor is the LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube, which shares a lot of the same characteristics of the Lanney tube.

It shares identical dimensions and a very similar weight, so the results you’d get are going to be pretty similar.  Stainless steel is the material of choice and will last for years with proper care.

The hexagonal shape is ideal for a few reasons.  First, it ensures that your tube will remain in place while you grill or smoke, unlike the circular shaped tubes out there.  Not only that, but the shape also promotes a slow and even burn of your wood pellets – guaranteeing a steady and predictable output of smoke.

KampFit Pellet Smoker Tube 6 Inch

KampFit Pellet Smoker Tube, 6-Inch

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Sometimes a full size pellet smoker tube isn’t necessary, and when it’s not the KampFit 6 Inch Pellet Smoker Tube is a great choice.  At only 6 inches long, it’s even easier to take on the go and is ideal for taking with you camping or tailgating.

Not only that, but it can be ideal for some of your smaller cold smoking cooks.  For example, when you cold smoke cheese you don’t necessarily need a total 5 hours of smoke.  Using a smaller tube like this can make things just a little bit easier and more manageable.

Of course, a smaller tube comes with its limitations.  The most obvious one is the tube’s wood pellet capacity.  You can expect for a fully loaded tube to provide about 2 hours of smoke, less than the 4 or 5 hours you can get off of a 12 inch tube.

All around, this is a great choice for the best pellet smoker tube if something a little smaller and more portable fits your needs.

A-MAZE-N Oval Expanding Pellet Tube

A-MAZE-N Oval Expanding Pellet Tube Smoker

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If you’re looking for maximum smoking time, the A-MAZE-N Oval Expanding Pellet Tube is a great choice.  It features an innovative design that allows for you to adjust the tube length between 12 inches and 18 inches long.

While in the 12 inch position, the tube will hold enough pellets for about 4 hours of smoking.  But when extended, the 18 inch position will house enough wood pellets to smoke for up to 6 hours at a time.  The extra space can come in really handy for those longer BBQ smoking jobs.

Even though this tube features a round design, it’s actually oval and not a circle.  So when it is placed on the broad side of the oval it will stay in place and not roll away.

Dimeshy Pellet Smoker Tube – 12”

The Dimeshy Pellet Smoker Tube is another solid choice for the best pellet smoker tube and is made of sturdy 304 stainless steel.

Instead of a circular or round shape, this tube is square and most certainly won’t be a risk to roll around inside of your grill after it’s lit.  The opening of the tube is 2 inches wide and holds enough pellets to provide a solid 4 hours of smoke per refill.

On top of that, this tube comes with a scrub brush and is backed by a lifetime warranty.  It’s also dishwasher safe if it ever gets dirty enough that you feel like it needs to take a run through the dishwasher.

A Quick Note About Wood Pellets

Wood pellets are hardwood fuel capsules designed originally for use inside smoker grills.  With the explosion in popularity of pellet grills over the last decade, wood pellets have become more widely available and affordable as a fuel for outdoor cooking.

Because of this, people began to naturally find other applications for wood pellets, which is how pellet smoker tubes came about.

If you want to learn more about wood pellets, check out our comparison of wood pellets and wood chips next.

Final Thoughts

I hope by now you have an idea of what the best pellet smoker tube can do for you!  Pellet tubes are one of the most versatile and often used tools in my outdoor kitchen.  Whether it’s a simple flavor add or a full on BBQ smoking session, nothing beats the addition of a little bit of wood fired flavor.

Did we miss any products in our review?  Let us know what your suggestions are in the comments section below.

The post Best Pellet Smoker Tube – For Extra Flavor On Any Smoker or Grill appeared first on Own The Grill.

Smoker pellets come in all sorts of flavors and varieties.  It can be a little overwhelming at first to know where to start.  We’re here to point you in the right direction!  Welcome to our round up of the best wood pellets for smoking.

I also want to point out that you don’t need to stay with the same brand of pellets for smoking that your grill manufacturer makes despite some of the literature that pellet grill manufacturers put out there.  We’ll get into this a little more, but don’t be afraid to branch out and try a few different brands!

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Best Pellets for Smoking – Our Reviews

CookinPellets 40PM Perfect Mix

CookinPellets 40PM Perfect Mix

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CookinPellets has been one of the best selling brands of pellets for smoking for quite some time.  That should come as no surprise, as the CookinPellets 40PM Perfect Mix is a fantastic hardwood blend that can be a tremendous compliment to your pellet grill.

Their Perfect Mix is a blend of four of the top and most popular hardwoods for pellet smoking: Hickory (base), Cherry, Hard Maple, and Apple.  This mixture will give you a consistent, delicious smoky flavor when put to use.

One thing we love about the CookinPellets mix is that the bag they come in is designed to be resealable and used for storage.  That might not sound like a big deal, but the same can’t be said for many other pellet bags – so going with the PerfectMix eliminates the hassle of having to store your pellets in a bucket or other secondary container.

Also, what you see is what you get with CookinPellets.  Many manufacturers (even prominent brands) will use cheap wood as a filler to bulk up their product offerings.

This comes at the detriment of the quality of your pellet mixture and therefore the food’s resulting flavor.  CookinPellets uses zero filler – so everything in the bag is 100% Hickory, Cherry, Hard Maple, and Apple.

Something to note as well, the PerfectMix is sold in a 40-pound bag, whereas it’s pretty common for other brands to sell 20-pound bags.  The 40-pound bag will obviously cost more, but on a price per pound basis, the CookinPellets PerfectMix is very competitive in price too.

Things we like:

• 100% flavored hardwood with no filling or bark
• Great price point for the volume and quality of the 40-pound bag
• The preset blend is a great introductory pellet – you don’t have to blend yourself
• The bag is designed for immediate storage
• The smoky flavor works well with a multitude of smoked foods

Things we don’t like:

• Pre set blend means no experimenting (more advanced pit masters may want to do this)
• 40 pounds is a lot of pellets and might be excessive if you don’t use your pellet grill often

CookinPellets 40H Hickory Smoking Pellets

CookinPellets 40H Hickory Smoking Pellets

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We’re sticking with CookinPellets for the next choice on our list of the best pellets for smoking, but this time it’s their 100% hickory bag.  It’s once again very important to note that there is zero Oak or Alder filler, so you will get a true flavor off of these pellets.

Similar to the PerfectMix, this bag is resealable so you don’t have to worry at all about storage after use.  So there’s no need for a bucket, bin, or other storage container to keep your pellets ready to smoke.

The 100% Hickory bag is a great option for both beginner and expert pit masters.  For beginners, the Hickory smokey flavor is delicious and a wonderful compliment to almost every single type of food you can smoke.  On the other hand, it’s the perfect base to blend with other flavors, so if you have a little more experience or want to experiment, it’s also a great option for you.

This is also a 40-pound bag, which is a lot of pellets, but I’m sure you will find a way to put them to good use!

Things we like:

• 100% flavored hardwood with no filling or bark
• Great price point for the volume and quality of the 40-pound bag
• Hickory is a great introductory pellet and also a great base for doing your own blending
• The bag is designed for immediate storage
• The smoky flavor works well with a multitude of foods

Things we don’t like:

• 40 pounds is a lot of pellets and might be excessive if you don’t use your pellet grill often

Camp Chef Smoker Grill Competition Blend BBQ Pellets

Camp Chef Competition Blend BBQ Pellets

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When it comes to value added in the flavor that comes from the best pellets for smoking, Camp Chef is at the top of the list.  You can clearly taste the deliciousness that results from smoking with their Competition Blend Hardwood Pellets.

The blend itself is a combination of Hickory, Maple, and Cherry wood and is a perfectly balanced mixture.  It’s great for smoking just about anything really – including beef, chicken, pork, fish, and even baked goods.

There are also no filler pellets, so everything in the bag is 100% food grade and high quality.  These pellets also have low moisture content which helps for a more efficient burn and less ash clean up on the back end of your cook.

Camp Chef is a trusted brand in the grilling space, and they also offer Apple Hardwood and Hickory BBQ flavored pellets for smoking in 20-pound bags if you want to experiment with different flavors.  These pellets in tandem with their Woodwind Series Pellet Grills are a dangerously tasty combination.

Things we like:

• 100% flavored hardwood with no filling or bark
• The price is on the lower end
• The competition blend is really good and so are the Apple Hardwood and Hickory BBQ flavors
• You can buy two, four, or six 20-pound bags depending on your needs
• Works well with a bunch of different food types

Things we don’t like:

• Pre set mixtures don’t allow you to experiment with mixing on your own
• You’ll need to store opened pellets in a bin or sealed container

BBQrs Delight Super Smoker Variety Value Pack

BBQr's Delight Wood Smoking Pellets Variety Pack

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To us, the BBQrs Delight Super Value Pack is a great choice for beginners.  The pack comes with six different flavors, each in a 1-pound bag (so 6 pounds of pellets in all, which is enough for approximately 60 uses total.

There are a couple of reasons that we love this value pack if you are just getting started.  First, the 1-pound bags are super easy to manage, and you aren’t super committed to one flavor if you end up not liking it.  Nothing is worse than buying 40 pounds of something that you don’t end up liking.

Second, and more importantly, the variety pack is great for beginners because you get to easily taste and see how different pellets and smoke will make your food taste different.

It takes time to get the hang of how a different pellet will make your food taste, and to me the best way to accelerate that learning process is to have a bunch of different flavors (in this case 6!) to switch between on subsequent cooks.

And who knows, you may end up liking all of them a lot and buy the variety pack again!

Things we like:

• 1 pound bag of each flavor: Hickory, Apple, Mesquite, Cherry, Pecan and Jack Daniel’s
• No soaking is necessary and high quality pellets
• You can mix, match, and experiment with the different flavors
• Great additives to other hickory based pellets on this list
• A perfect way to try different flavors without committing to a high volume bag

Things we don’t like:

• On a per pound basis, the price is on the expensive side

Traeger Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets

Traeger Grills Hickory 100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets

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If you’re looking for a great budget option, the Traeger PEL319 Hickory All Natural Grill Pellets gets our vote for best pellets for smoking on a budget.  It’s the best pricing on a per pound basis compared to the other pellets for smoking on this list.

Now, there is one downside to these pellets.  Traeger is a brand known for their quality – they make some of the best pellet grills on the market, period.  But surprisingly, when it comes to their pellets, they do use oak (or alder) filler in their pellet bags.

This filler is really just there to add bulk.  It doesn’t enhance the flavor and as such, the end result in your food isn’t quite as delectable as some of the other pellets on this list.  All of that being said though, you can still make delicious food with Traeger pellets and they are very affordable.

Things we like:

• Great price point
• Quality smokey flavor
• Good pellet for beginners and/or if you’re on a budget

Things we don’t like:

• Oak/alder filler is used

Bear Mountain BBQ 100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets

Bear Mountain Premium All-Natural Hardwood Pellets

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Last but not least on our list of best pellets for smoking is the Bear Mountain BBQ 100% Hickory Hardwood pellets.  These pellets are a tiny bit more expensive than the Traeger pellets but are composed of 100% Hickory with no added fillers for a richer flavor.

Similar to the other Hickory mixtures we’ve discussed already, these pellets work great as a stand alone pellet or as a base to mix with other flavors.  Hickory is a perfect pellet for just about any meat, fish, poultry, or veggie.

Things we like:

• Great price point
• 100% all natural Hickory with no fillers or additives
• Great base pellet to use on its own or as a base for mixing
• Quality, robust flavor profile

Things we don’t like:

• Many customers have given feedback that these pellets can be difficult to light

Best Pellets for Smoking – Buying Tips and FAQ

When it comes to smoking and using pellet grills, it’s helpful to have a base of knowledge and information before you light the fire!  Pellet grills use specially designed wood pellets, which are essentially compressed sawdust, instead of traditional charcoal.

Smoking Pellets vs Heating Pellets

Make sure you’re buying the right kind of pellets!  Heating pellets are wood pellets that are made from hardwoods with insecticides or chemicals and are supposed to be used in a pellet stove to heat a home.

Food grade hardwood pellets, on the other hand, are what we are looking for here.  These are the pellets that are made from food grade hardwoods and are designed for use in pellet grills and vertical pellet smokers.

What are the Best Pellet Flavors?

The short answer?  It depends!  A lot of the flavors that are good for smoking have already been touched on in this post, but here is a list of the more popular flavors used for smoking pellets:

• Hickory (an all around versatile species – great for grilling steaks all the way to low and slow BBQ)
• Maple
• Mesquite (great for smoking strong cuts like brisket on the pellet smoker)
• Apple
• Cherry
• Oak
• Alder
• Pecan

Each flavor compliments different types of meat in different ways, and it’s best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for which foods will work best with the pellets you’re purchasing.

Can I Mix Pellet Flavors?

Yes!  And it’s highly encouraged.  One of the most fun parts of pellet grills is mixing and matching different pellet flavors and experimenting until you find that perfect blend.

Of course, some brands market pre blended mixtures that take the guess work out of it for you if you don’t want to mix on your own at first.

How Important Are Quality Pellets?

Very important!  In fact, a lot of issues that arise from your pellet grill are very likely a function of running poorly made pellets through your grill.

When smoking pellets are cheaply made, they can fall apart easily and won’t burn at a steady rate.  This means that you can have volatile, inconsistent temperatures which will ruin your cooks.

All of the pellets on this list are made of high quality.  And just to clarify what I mean by quality in the answer to this question – I’m talking about how well the pellets themselves are put together.

You see, pellets are essentially compressed sawdust that gets meshed together in a high pressure situation then cut to size.

If the manufacturing process is flawed, the pellets will be prone to fall apart.  Pellets which fall apart create a lot of headaches for you in every part of the cooking process – they lead to inconsistent temperatures and smoke.

How Do I Store Smoking Pellets?

This part might seem like overkill, but I promise you it’s not.  Since many pellets are sold in 20 or even 40-pound bags, you’ll want to make sure you maximize the shelf life for all of the pellets you paid for.  Safe storage of your smoking pellets will also prevent the possibility of mold growing on your pellets over time.

Use an Air Tight Container

Some brands, like CookinPellets, designed their pellet bag to be resealed and used for storage.  Unless you are buying their pellets, we highly recommend you don’t keep pellets in the same bag they came in.

The reason is, the original bag is likely to expose the pellets to oxygen and moisture via the original opening or a subsequent puncture.  You want to create an environment for the pellets where they can rest in storage undisturbed.

As far as containers go, I recommend a lidded 5-gallon bucket or even a repurposed charcoal caddy.

Moisture and Oxygen Exposure are Bad

On that note, oxygen exposure and moisture will lead to rapid deterioration of your smoking pellets.  That’s really the reason why you should use an air tight storage container.

The oxygen and moisture essentially break down the hardened capsules that the pellets are enclosed in, which will eventually lead to crumbling.

Another pro tip is to ONLY open your storage container when it’s needed, i.e. when you are using pellets to grill something.  Each time you open your storage container is another little bit of oxygen exposure.

How Long Do Wood Pellets Last for Smoking?

As a general rule of thumb, a pellet grill will use a half pound per hour the smoker is used.  This burn rate can vary depending on a variety of factors, most notably which type of wood your pellets are and what the temperature and windiness is like in the surrounds of your grill.

How Are Wood Smoking Pellets Made?

This part is pretty cool.  The best wood pellets for smoking are made from repurposed sawdust and bits of wood that are byproducts of the lumber cutting process at lumber yards.

The scrap is collected, compressed, and hardened into cylinders which are then cut to the size of the pellets you and I are familiar with!  Pretty cool that something that makes our food so delicious is actually repurposed.

Should I Soak Wood Smoking Pellets Before Use?

No! Moisture is actually a detriment to smoking pellets, so it’s best to keep them dry and not soak them before use.  Soaking in water breaks down the pellets and makes lighting them and fire management after the fact much more difficult.  The best pellets for smoking are ready to use straight out of the bag.

Other Wood Pellet Resources:

• Wood pellets vs wood chips
• How to Use Wood Pellets in a Charcoal Grill

Wrap Up

Are you ready to fire up the pellet grill or what?!  After all of that talk, I know I am.  Let us know in the comments section which brand you ended up going with and how it turned out!

Don’t be afraid to venture out and experiment with different blends.  Half the fun is discovering new, delicious ways to prepare your food.

The post Best Wood Pellets for Smoking – [Our Picks for All Types of Meat] appeared first on Own The Grill.

Outdoor pizza ovens are made different ways.  You’ll see some that are fueled by gas, some by charcoal, and some by wood.  A lot of models actually can be fueled by either of those 3 sources or a combination thereof!

Wood fired pizza is without a doubt superior to the other fuel methods though.  The reason is, when done properly the wood burns very hot (perfect for pizza) and imparts a delicious wood smoked flavor that you just can’t replicate without the real thing.

You may not know but the wood you choose matters for making the best pizza.  Each type of wood has different properties and will pass along a different flavor profile to your food.  In this article, we’ll go over the best wood for pizza ovens to get you started on the right track for making delicious pizza at home.

Best Wood For Pizza Oven – Overview

Really the only type of woods that should be used for any cooking, grill, pizza oven, or otherwise, is pure hardwoods.

Hardwood burns hotter, longer, offers better flavor, and is way safer than using softwood types of wood.  There’s just simply no reason to not use hardwood – especially when there’s no shortage of great options to choose from.

You also want to make sure that you aren’t buying wood or logs that use fillers.  We want to use real, pure wood when heating up our pizza oven!  If you don’t, you’ll be able to tell the difference in the flavor of your food.

Oak (Overall Best Wood For Pizza Oven)

Oak is an all around solid cooking wood gets our top pick for overall best wood for pizza ovens for a few reasons.

On a practical level, it’s really easy to find and super common across pretty much all US states.  It’s also very cost friendly and won’t break the bank each time you have to go to resupply your wood.

One thing you’ll learn as you smoke with various types of wood is that each one has a slightly different strength and flavor profile.  As far as oak goes, it’s kind of in the middle – which makes it versatile and great for pizza since you might have to make a bunch of pizzas with all different kinds of toppings.

It has a lighter flavor than hickory or mesquite but is a little stronger than fruitwoods like apple or cherry.  Oak will provide plenty of delicious flavor without overpowering the taste of your artisan style crust, sauce, and toppings.

The other great thing about oak is that it’s a perfect wood to use in a blend.  So if you want to mix with cherry, apple, pear, maple, or anything else – oak is a perfect base to do that.

What the Pros Use

Western Premium BBQ Products Post Oak

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Apple

When you think about the flavor of apple wood, it’s easy to associate the taste of apple the fruit.  In reality, apple wood makes a fantastic companion and is one of the best woods for a pizza oven because it gives off a lighter, delicious smoky flavor.

Apple wood is a great choice for complimenting super cheesy pizzas for precisely that reason.  The flavor profile that comes off of apple wood is a complex light smoke with almost a little bit of sweet.

If you’re just starting out and new to making wood fired pizza, apple is also a great option because you’re highly unlikely to overpower your pizza with smoke flavor when using apple.

Cherry

Cherry is one of the best woods for pizza ovens for many of the same reasons that apple is.  It’s on the lighter end of the smoke spectrum flavor so it definitely won’t overpower your pizza’s flavor.

Compared to apple, cherry wood is a little more robust and deep in flavor.  The sweetness is still there, but it’s just overall a more “full” tasting smoke.  It’s truly a versatile wood for pizza, but because of the robustness it’s probably a slightly better fit for pizzas with meat on them.

So if you’re the type that loves sausage, pepperoni, bacon or other classic meats, be sure to give cherry wood a try!

Hickory

Hickory is one of the overall most popular woods used for smoking all kinds of foods.  In fact, it got our top vote for the best wood for smoking ribs.

It’s also great for pizza!  As far as flavor goes, hickory probably provides the most traditional BBQ smoky flavor with sweet and savory notes.  It’s on the stronger end of the spectrum though, so you don’t want to over do it when using hickory in a pizza oven.

With that in mind, hickory is probably not ideal for pizzas without meat – a margarita pizza for example could be a little over matched for hickory.

The types of pizzas that pair great are the ones that have meats on them that can hold up to the hickory flavor.  So if you’re into hamburger beef, pepperoni, bacon, or any other stronger meats then hickory is a great choice.

Hickory is also a great candidate to blend with other lighter woods like cherry or apple to soften the amount of smokey flavor.

Most Versatile BBQ Wood

Smoak Firewood Hickory Cooking Wood Logs

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Pecan

Pecan is actually a part of the Hickory family – so these types of woods both share quite a few qualities.

Pecan is a nice choice though because it falls in between hickory and fruitwoods in terms of smoky flavor strength.  So if you’re finding hickory to be too strong and cherry to be not quite enough for example, pecan might be a winner.

Its flavor profile is darker and very much akin to the “traditional” smoky flavor you’d find on smoked ribs or BBQ.  It works best pizza wise with meat toppings like chicken or pepperoni.

Maple

Maple is another fruitwood that’s lighter and less robust than cherry and apple woods.  It has a light, sweet flavor that works really well with most pizzas and on a practical level is pretty easy to find.

It works great with chicken, ham, pork, and sweet BBQ sauces outside of pizza, and the same holds true for pizza toppings.  Maple is my wood of choice in the pizza oven for making BBQ chicken pizzas, and it also goes great with bacon and ham.

Alder

Alder is traditionally a wood used for seafood and veggies, so if you’re into veggie pizzas or have some seafood on your pizza (no judgement ), then give alder a shot.

It’s a pretty light flavor profile and won’t overpower the pizza, but the downside is that the flavor doesn’t have a ton of character compared to some of the others on this list of the best wood for pizza ovens.

That being said, I know plenty of people who love using alder in their pizza oven – so don’t be afraid to give it a shot!

Peach

Peach is yet another fruitwood that has a really nice and light, sweet flavor profile.  It’s perfect for pork, and makes a great blending component with some of the other woods on this list.

Honestly, it would be higher on our list of the best wood for pizza ovens if not for one thing.  It’s pretty hard to find due to seasonality.  When it’s in season, it can be a little expensive too.  So if you ever come across a box of peach wood for smoking don’t be afraid to snag it and try it out, especially if the price is right!

Best Wood for Pizza Oven – Buying Tips

Definitely Don’t Use These Woods In Your Pizza Oven

If you haven’t picked up on this by now, you can’t just throw any type of wood into your fire for making food.  In fact, using the wrong types of wood will likely ruin your food or worse, could cause bad chemicals and toxins to contaminate your food.

Stay away from these:

• Cedar
• Cypress
• Elm
• Eucalyptus
• Fir
• Pine
• Redwood
• Sycamore

This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you are curious about trying a wood not on this list then you should check to make sure it’s safe before use.  Remember, no softwoods!

Quality Is Your Friend

You want to make sure you are buying pure, high quality hardwoods.  If you buy a bag of wood chips that also includes fillers, it’s only going to take away from the taste of the end result.

Make sure any wood for smoking pizza you buy is high quality and at a reasonable price.  There are a lot of wood chip bags on the market for less than $10.  I certainly appreciate that you might be on a budget – but often times these deals are too good to be true.

Don’t Be Afraid To Mix With Charcoal (If Your Pizza Oven Is Built For It)

Charcoal and wood can be a great combination.  Charcoal fires are typically more predictable and easier to manage, whereas wood is the superstar of flavor.

If you can find the perfect balance, you can make incredibly delicious flavored pizzas by harnessing the positives of these two fuel sources.

Of course, flavor comes down to preference a lot of times – so you may not like how charcoal fired pizza tastes.  That’s ok!  You just might love it though.

Best Wood For Pizza Oven – Wrap Up

I hope this article helps you on your journey do delicious at home wood fired pizza.  If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our post on the best outdoor pizza ovens if you need a new one or an upgrade!

Let us know which wood you chose and how it went!  We’d love to hear about it in the comments section.

The post Best Wood For Pizza Oven – Take Your Pizza Game To The Next Level! appeared first on Own The Grill.

As it turns out, lump charcoal is more than just an alternative to briquettes.  Some people absolutely swear by it and compare using lump charcoal to going organic with your ingredients.

In a nutshell, lump charcoal is more natural and doesn’t contain any additives or lighter fluids like many briquettes do.

On top of that, lumpwood has its own distinct flavor that can greatly enhance your BBQ to deliver the sort of legendary results that your friends and family can’t stop talking about.  It has a uniquely deep, woody, smoky flavor that you just can’t quite replicate with briquettes.

You’ve probably spent a decent amount of money on your charcoal or kamado grill, so now it’s time to do your grill justice by working with the best fuel possible.

In this post, we’ll go over our picks for the best lump charcoal you can buy, followed by some tips for how to use it along with answers to some frequently asked questions.

In a Rush?  Here’s Our Top Picks:

1. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – Top Choice!
2. Kamado Joe All Natural Argentinian Lump Charcoal
3. Fogo Premium Oak All Natural Charcoal
4. B&B Oak Lump Charcoal
5. Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal

Best Lump Charcoal – Reviews

Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

• 100% natural - pure, dense South American hardwood blend
• Low ash and superior burn (max temperatures over 1,100ºF
• Waterproof & dustproof packaging with carry handle and zip top closure

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When it comes to the best lump charcoal, it’s hard to not see the case for Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal.

It’s made from a South American wood called “Quebracho Blanco” that’s insanely dense and is logged using sustainable methods.  No fillers, chemicals, or scrap were added to the bag at any point in the process.

The great thing about the really dense wood is that it burns incredibly hot without any sparks or crackling like you might get with other woods.  In fact, the maximum temperature of this wood can go north of a scorching 1170(!!) degrees Fahrenheit.

The density of Jealous Devil also lends it to burn for a long time.  In an open grill, you can get around 4 hours of burn.  In a more enclosed smoker, it’s not uncommon to see this lump charcoal burning for up to 20 hours.

The bag itself also has a couple of nice little design features that come in handy.  Namely, it’s waterproof and dustproof and also resealable with a carrying handle on top.

Flavor wise, expect that traditional, deep smoky flavor to come off of Jealous Devil.  You’ll have to experiment to get the perfect amount down, but for reference the flavor and intensity is akin to smoking with oak.

Things We Like:

• Has the ability to burn very hot and/or long depending on your needs
• No sparking, no popping, and low ash output
• Great flavor
• No chemicals, fillers, or scrap added
• Bag is resealable with a convenient carry handle

Things We Don’t:

• Because of the density, this lump charcoal can be challenging to light if you are using a traditional chimney starter

Kamado Joe KJ-Char Hardwood

Kamado Joe KJ-Char 20LBS Big Block XL Lump Charcoal, 20-Lb. - Quantity 1

• Made from a blend of hardwood - Guayacan, Guayaibi, Mistal, and White Quebracho
• Can burn for up to 18 hours

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For those of you who might not be aware, Kamado Joe is one of the best kamado grill manufacturers on the planet.  In particular the Kamado Joe Classic is a best seller year after year, and the Big Joe is a personal favorite of mine.  When it comes to charcoal grilling, they really know their stuff.

As it turns out, they also make one of the best lump charcoal blends on the planet too!  The Kamado Joe KJ-Char Hardwood Extra Large Lump Charcoal is a proprietary blend of South American Hardwoods that can burn extremely hot and long.

More specifically, Guayacan, Guayaibi, Mistal and Quebracho Blanco are the hardwoods of choice in this lump charcoal blend.  We learned about Quebracho Blanco in the previous review, and the other woods used share a lot of characteristics.  Namely they are pure, extremely dense hardwoods.

In the bag you’ll find all kinds of different sized pieces.  Small pieces are included that light quickly and help to get the fire going.  Pieces so large that they can burn for up to 18 hours and be reused 3 times are also included to provide heat and longevity.  There are also plenty of pieces in between those two ends of the spectrum.

The flavor profile is a robust, deep wood-fired flavor that you’d expect from an award winning BBQ restaurant.  All around, this one gets our vote for best lump charcoal for kamado grills.

Things We Like:

• Dense hardwoods burn incredibly hot and long
• No sparking, no popping, and low ash
• Robust, deep smoky flavor
• Nice mixture of small, medium, large, and extra large sized pieces
• Some large pieces can be reused if you shut your vents off in time after you’re done cooking

Things We Don’t:

• With so many different sized pieces, some being extremely large, it can be tough for beginners to get the hang of properly using this charcoal.  After you get it down, the sky is the limit though

Fogo Premium All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

FOGO Super Premium Oak Restaurant Quality All-Natural Large Sized Hardwood Lump Charcoal for Grilling and Smoking, 17.6 Pound Bag

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A worthy challenger to the title of best lump charcoal is the Fogo Premium Oak Restaurant All-Natural Lump Charcoal.  They aren’t kidding when they describe this stuff as restaurant grade.

One attribute that makes Fogo Premium lump charcoal stand out is how fast it lights up.  Relative to other lump charcoals, it lights up incredibly easy and quickly – allowing you to reach searing temperatures pretty fast.

The oak flavor is a great, all around versatile type of wood that will impart delicious flavor on all kinds of food.

Medium to large sized pieces are provided in the bag, which are ideal for long lasting, consistent fires.  It’s an ideal lump charcoal for any kamado grill, kettle style grill, or drum shaped charcoal grill.

Things We Like:

• Lights easily and gets hot fast
• All natural oak hardwood provides fantastic traditional smoky flavor
• Medium and large pieces included

Things We Don’t:

• Occasionally you will get a piece so large that you need to break it with a hammer to get it to a usable size

B&B Charcoal Oak Lump Charcoal

B&B Charcoal Oak Lump Charcoal, Oak

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If you’re looking for an easy to use, all around solid lump charcoal, the B&B Charcoal Oak Lump Charcoal is very much worth a look.

The nice part too, is that this bag comes at a very reasonable price point.

The oaky flavor profile is similar to what you’d get from smoking with oak wood.  It’s a versatile flavor that works with just about any type of food.

As you’d expect, the contents of this bag are 100% natural with no additives or fillers.  It burns hot, long, and clean – everything you want out of the best lump charcoal.

Things We Like:

• Good price point
• Oak hardwood has a versatile smoke flavor profile
• Burns long, hot, and clean – great for searing or smoking

Things We Don’t:

• These bags are prone to having too many small pieces and/or dust in them
• Coals are harder to light than some other brands
• A few customers have reported sparks and popping coming from the coals – not ideal

Big Green Egg Lump Charcoal

BIG CP Natrual Lump Charcoal

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Big Green Egg is another brand name that you’ve likely heard of.  They’re also one of the top manufacturers of kamado grills.  Like Kamado Joe, they’ve taken the time to curate what they believe to be the best lump charcoal.

The BIG CP 20-Pound Bag Of Natural Lump Charcoal is a great choice for kamado grills and traditional charcoal grills alike.

As far as wood goes, their lump charcoal is comprised of a blend of hickory and American oak.  It’s easy to light and burns hot and long.  One thing to note, if you’ve ever smoked ribs using wood (or any other type of BBQ really) you’ll know that hickory is one of the strongest flavored smokes.

There’s nothing wrong with it at all.  On the contrary, proper amounts of hickory yield delicious results.  I just bring it up because if you aren’t careful with this lump charcoal blend and use too much, you could end up with bitter results.

All of that said, Big Green Egg undoubtedly makes one of the best lump charcoals on the market, and their bag is very much worth a try.

Things We Like:

• Coals are easy to light and burn long and hot
• All natural oak and hickory blend is as pure as it gets.  No additives or chemicals
• Minimal ash produced from burning, which makes cleanup relatively easy
• Great taste when used in the proper amounts

Things We Don’t:

• Very expensive – a 20 pound bag costs more than most other brand’s 35 pound bags
• The inclusion of hickory makes it easier to overpower your food with smoke flavor.

Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal

Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal, 20-Pound

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If you’re looking for a budget choice, Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal is very much worth a look.

It’s a hickory and oak blend that leads to really nice tasting, traditional smoky BBQ flavor.

For those who grill with lump charcoal multiple times per week, your bank account might not like you very much if you’re constantly buying super expensive bags.  On a per pound basis, Cowboy lump charcoal offers a really nice value.

The coals burn long and light quickly, which is all you’re really needing from a value pick like this.

Things We Like:

• Cheap price – your dollar goes a long way
• Oak and hickory blend imparts nice flavoring onto your food

Things We Don’t:

• Lots of customers report receiving bags with way too many small pieces and/or too much dust

Picking Out the Best Lump Charcoal

There are a few things you should definitely look out for when shopping for lump charcoal.

First, you should make sure the bag clearly states that it’s 100% all natural with no additives.  Otherwise, you’re buying a knock off.

You also want a bag that has medium to large size hardwood lumps.  It’s also ideal for the charcoal to be uniform in size.  You want to steer clear of any brands that deliver bags with small pieces or dust at the bottom.  If you buy multiple bags with this problem, you should definitely try a new brand.

When you pull your the best lump charcoal out of the bag, it should look like charred or burnt logs and branches.  You might even see something that resembles a burnt piece of furniture – that’s ok!  Some of this stuff is repurposed wood.

What you can’t have is dust or little tiny bits of wood that are any smaller than a credit card.

What is Lump Charcoal?

After all of this talk you might be wondering what exactly is lump charcoal and what makes it so special?

It’s made from natural hardwoods with high carbon.  This hardwood is taken and burnt in an oxygen free environment until all impurities are gone and only coals remain.  Visually, lump charcoal looks like burnt or charred wood logs.

Burning the wood in an oxygen free environment purifies it as any oils, moisture, chemicals, and other impurities vaporize out of the wood during the burning process.

This process is not as easy as it sounds, and many aspects of the process are manual and not the most efficient.  It takes an especially long time and lots of effort to yield large pieces.

In fact, only about 16% of the initial volume of wood that begins the burning process ends up turning into the lump charcoal you’d find in a bag.  In other words, it takes about 125 pounds of wood to fill a 20 pound bag of lump charcoal.

When it comes down to it, lumpwood charcoal is the most natural form of fuel you can use for grilling your food.  There are no additives, chemicals, or fillers anywhere to be found, making it an all natural fuel that is perfect for at home and professional pit masters alike.

Lump Charcoal Pros and Cons

Simply put, here are a few benefits and drawbacks to using lump charcoal:

Pros:

• It’s is all natural, with no additives, fillers, or chemicals.  This attribute translates to the quality of your food.
• It lights quickly, burns hot, and burns long.  You spend less time messing with your fire and more time paying attention to the food you cook.
• The best lump charcoal is very reactive to oxygen, so you can easily control your temperature with a grill that has a good ventilation system.  Lumpwood is the ideal fuel choice for kamado grills.
• There is little to no ash produced from lumpwood, so the cleanup process is pretty easy.
• Much of the wood used is repurposed, so in a small way you’re helping to put use to something that would otherwise be scrapped away.

Cons:

• Lump charcoal is more expensive than briquettes.  Could be an issue if you grill multiple times per week.
• Bad manufacturers will sell bags with a high proportion of unusable small pieces or dust.
• Beginners might get overwhelmed by how hot the coals get.  It’s not hard to manage your temperature, but you do need to pay attention and know what you’re doing.

Lump Charcoal vs Charcoal Briquettes

We’ve already touched on the fact that lump charcoal is more natural than briquettes, which are known to have additives and chemicals like lighter fluid added to them.

On top of that, lump charcoal actually lights faster and will produce hot coals in just minutes.

Lump charcoal also burns hotter and leaves less ash compared to briquettes.  The hotter burn helps you get a better sear on your steak or a delicious crust on your burger.  It’s by far the fuel source of choice compared to briquettes for searing steak, as some species of lump charcoal hardwood can reach temperatures near 12oo°F.

Last but not least, the best lump charcoal is better for temperature control.  This is because it’s more reactive to oxygen, and therefore can be controlled and managed precisely by your grill’s adjustable vents.  This makes lump charcoal particularly great for kamado grills, as the best one have highly adjustable air vent systems.

Read our full breakdown of lump charcoal vs briquettes here.

What Makes the Best Lump Charcoal?

High quality lump charcoal should always be 100% pure all natural hardwood that’s free of chemicals, additives, and fillers.  The best lump charcoal bag will have little to no dust or small pieces in the bottom of the bag.  On the contrary, it will be loaded with medium to large sized pieces that are ideal for burning long and hot with minimal ash.

Lighting a good charcoal should be hassle free.  Personally I like to usefire starters for maximum convenience, but the best lump charcoal should also light easily with a chimney starter.

After you’ve lit your charcoal, it shouldn’t spark, crackle, or pop.  That’s a sign that that either your wood is low quality or a poor job was done during the carbonization process.

Another aspect of a quality lump charcoal is its smell.  The scent of lumpwood doesn’t necessarily directly translate to your food, but it should generally smell like smoky wood and BBQ.  If you light your coals up and get chemical-like smells, something is probably wrong.

How Was It Sourced?

In this day and age, with the amount of resources we all have access to, there really isn’t a reason to buy sustainably sourced “things” – other than sheer laziness.

When it comes to lump charcoal, unfortunately there are manufacturers out there who import wood that was sourced by destroying rainforests.

For U.S. manufacturers (typically oak and hickory wood), this isn’t much of a problem because most use sustainable farms or scrap as their sources of wood.

You should be careful though with brands and importers from around the globe, particularly South America.  If buying from an international brand, do your part and research to make sure the lumpwood charcoal was sourced with sustainable methods, and not illegally.

*Note* all of the choices on this best lump charcoal list are sustainably sourced.

Storage

One of the most overlooked aspects of using lump charcoal is storing it properly.

After all, it would kind of be a waste to buy an expensive lumpwood bag and potentially take away from the quality of it because you didn’t store it the right way.

Not storing your opened charcoal properly can lead to it absorbing moisture.  That’s not great because moisture can make it not burn properly or worse, contract mold and definitely ruin your food.

You want your charcoal to remain extremely dry.  It will last a very very long time if stored properly with this in mind.

The way to do this is simple – you just need to place any unused charcoal into a sealable container.  That could be a plastic bin, a new bag, or if you’re lucky, the original bag your lumpwood came in will have a resealable top.

Does Size Matter?

As with many things in life, size makes a big difference.

Larger pieces will burn longer and hotter.  Some really big pieces can actually be reused multiple times!

It’s important to pay attention to how big your lumps are.  If you buy from a certain brand and they consistently deliver bags with small pieces and/or dust, it might be time to move on and try something else.

Dust and small pieces, in addition to not burning hot or long, will be prone to clogging your air vents and fire grates.

Which Types of Wood Make Lump Charcoal?

There are actually quite a few different types of wood that can make up a bag.  In fact, many bags are blends of multiple woods.

What you’ll find across the board is that all of the woods used are hardwoods.  Some woods are more predominant than other simply due to supply.  That is, how many trees and scrap is there available to source for creating lump charcoal.

With that in mind, here is a short list of some of the most common woods used for lump charcoal:

USA:

• Alder
• Apple
• Cherry
• Chestnut
• Hickory
• Maple
• Oak
• Walnut

South America:

• Guayacan
• Guayaibi
• Mistal
• Quebracho Blanco

Honestly, it’s pretty rare to find a bag that’s truly 100% of the exact same wood.  Blending is perfectly fine, but the best lump charcoal bag will be comprised of woods that all burn at a similar heat and rate.

Do Different Woods Have Different Flavors?

Yes, they do.  I would say though that the differences in flavor are pretty inconsequential if you are cooking something quick, like a steak, burger, or some fish.

If you’re smoking on the other hand, that’s where the choice of wood might make a difference.  Take a look at our post on the best wood for smoking ribs for some guidance on which woods produce which types of flavor.

Generally speaking, oak is a great starting point and provides a robust, traditional smoky BBQ flavor.

Can I Use Wood Logs or Chips With Lump Charcoal?

Absolutely!  It’s very common for pit masters to use wood chips for extra flavoring.

It’s something that is completely subjective, so you should experiment with which flavors work the best for you and the foods you like to make!

Personally, I like to add fruitwoods like apple, peach, or cherry to my fire if I’m looking to add a sweeter note to the flavor of my BBQ.

Wrap Up

When it comes to smoking meats or using charcoal as a grill fuel source, the best lump charcoal is the way to go.

It’s all natural, burns hotter, burns longer, and the best ones are as consistent as they come.  The quick light up and consistent burn means you can spend less time messing with your fire and more time grilling and smoking.

I hope this post has helped point you in the right direction for the best lump charcoal, and that it’s helped you a little bit on your journey to delicious brisket, ribs, chicken, or whatever else you’re whipping up for dinner!  Let us know which one you chose and how it went in the comments section below.

The post Best Lump Charcoal [For Smoking and Grilling] appeared first on Own The Grill.

These BBQ canopies are specifically designed to go over grills, and provide both shelter and ventilation so that you can grill safely under the surface.

In this article, we’ve done the research and compiled our top picks for the best grill gazebo on the market.  We’ll review each of our choices, then offer a few buying tips to keep in mind when you compare different grill gazebos.

What is a Grill Gazebo?

If you’ve never heard of a grill gazebo before, they’re basically your traditional outdoor canopy with a few upgrades specifically designed for use over a grill.

Most are designed with a dual tiered roof to allow for maximum airflow and extra ventilation.  The idea here is to make sure smoke from your grill or smoker has a path to escape instead of damaging your canopy’s fabric.

The best grill gazebo is ideal for grilling and smoking both in rainy and sunny weather.  When it’s sunny out, the canopy will shield sunlight and UV rays from pounding down onto you while you grill.  It definitely can cool the temperature of your outdoor cooking station by a significant amount.

BBQ canopies are also ideal for grilling in the rain or using smokers in the rain, electric or otherwise.  A proper grill gazebo will do a fine job of keeping rain off of your grill and your food while you cook.

In addition to all of that, they can provide a great aesthetic and presence to your patio or outdoor cookout!

Best Grill Gazebo Reviews

Mastercanopy Grill Gazebo

MASTERCANOPY Double Tiered Outdoor BBQ Canopy

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For our top choice for the best grill gazebo, it’s hard to look past the Mastercanopy Grill Gazebo, which is a great option for both rainy and sunny weather.

The powder coated steel frame is rust proof, and 6 poles are used to support the top gazebo shelf giving it plenty of structure and stability.  The canopy is also vented and double tiered, which is a critical design element for use over a grill.

Not only does the vented and double tiered top allow for grill smoke to escape, the ventilation also helps to provide stability in windy conditions.  The grill top fabric is UV treated, water resistant, fire retardant, and does a great job of repelling light to medium rain.

Another design feature that comes in handy is the inclusion of two shelves that can be used to place beverages or food on.  One of the shelves also comes with 8 accessory hooks where you can organize and store your grill accessories.

The footprint of this grill gazebo is 8′ x 5′, so it’s large enough to cover almost every type of grill, but it’s also a manageable size to transport and store while not in use.

It’s also offered in a few different colors, depending on your taste!

• Khaki
• Brown
• Burgundy
• Khaki with brown stitching
• Brown with khaki stitching

Coen Double Tiered Grill Gazebo 

Coen Soft Top Brown Double Tiered Canopy

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The Coen Grill Gazebo is fantastic from an all around quality perspective – but it comes with a downside.  The price is pretty high relative to the other choices on this list.

Even though the price is high, this gazebo still offers great bang for your buck.  It just might be more ideal for experienced pit masters or those who are going to use their BBQ canopy on a more consistent basis.

Every component of the Coen Gazebo is heavy duty and built to withstand even the most adverse weather conditions.  In particular, the roof and drapery is a significant upgrade over the other models on this list.  It’s made out of polyester outdoor performance fabric that does a fantastic job of blocking sunlight and even heavy rain.

The powder coated steel frame is thick, rust resistant, and comes with a few great features built in to help make life easier for you as the pit master.

It’s designed with multiple hooks and baskets for easy access tool storage, and two large area shelves are built into either side of the frame.  You can easily prepare your meal, serve buffet style, or just place your drinks on these shelves.

The extra area footprint and open design makes this the best grill gazebo for entertaining large groups of guests, rain or shine!

Kozyard Outdoor 10’x13′ Grill Pergola

Kozyard Outdoor 10'x13' Extra Large BBQ Grill Pergola

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If you’re in need of a larger solution, the Kozyard Morgan Extra Large Grill Pergola is an ideal choice for your patio.  It’s designed to be a more permanent solution in your outdoor cooking area at home, and is not ideal for on the go grilling.

But, if you’re looking for the best grill gazebo for use at home, this is undoubtedly a great option to look at.

With a footprint of 10′ x 13′, you’ve got a more than generous amount of space to work with underneath the pergola cover.  In fact, you’ll likely be able to fit your grill, a table, and 4 chairs all beneath the same cover.

The canopy fabric blocks UV rays and is fire resistant.  The material is versatile and can easily be folded and stretched without damaging the fabric.

Since the general design of this canopy is so open, you really don’t need to worry too much about smoke damaging your cover.  It’s got great natural airflow and ventilation while blocking sunlight and rain over your grill set up.

This is also one of the best grill gazebos purely based on aesthetics – the rustic design looks great on just about any patio.

Sojag Outdoor Dakota Hardtop Gazebo

Sojag Hardtop Gazebo Outdoor Sun Shelter

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The Sojag Outdoor Dakota Steel Hardtop Gazebo is another premium choice that’s meant to be a permanent addition to your outdoor patio.

This product takes the term “heavy-duty” to the next level.  As far as durability goes, you aren’t going to find a better choice.  You could grill under this thing in snow and sleet, let alone a little rain.  It goes without saying that this thing does not move at all in the wind.

If you’re in need of a true all season grill gazebo, you’d be hard pressed to find something that will better suit your needs.

The entire gazebo is made of galvanized steel – including galvanized steel roof panels.  It’s a strong and beautiful design, and makes a statement in your backyard.  There’s also a protective powder coated finish on all of the poles and roof panels – which eliminates the risk of rust and corrosion building up over time.

The tiered roof and open design provide maximum air flow and ventilation, ensuring that smoke has plenty of paths to escape your cooking area.

It also comes with two built in extra large side shelves that provide ample space to help prepare or serve your food.

Gazebos for Patios 8’x 5′ BBQ Grill Gazebo

Gazebos for Patios 8' x 5' BBQ Canopy

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If you’re on a budget, the Gazebos for Patios BBQ Grill Gazebo gets our top budget choice.  It’s the most price friendly option we could find out there while also maintaining an appropriate level of quality.

With 8′ x 5′ dimensions, it offers a reasonable amount of space to work under.  It also has a double vented roof that’s made of an oxford fabric with UV protection for use under the sunlight.

The downside of this grill gazebo is that it’s really only good for use in sunny conditions or light rain.  Compared to the other products on this best grill gazebo list, the Gazebos for Patios can’t handle very much rain.  Anything more than light rain will likely result in water dripping through to you and your grill.

Aside from that, this is a solid BBQ canopy, is easy to set up, and comes with two shelves built in for organization space while you cook and serve your food.

Things To Look For When Comparing

While many of the gazebos on this list might seem similar, there are a few nuances that differentiate each of them.  Here are some things to pay attention to when looking for the best grill gazebo.

Portable vs Permanent

Are you looking for a gazebo to take with you on the go to tailgates or on camping trips?  Or are you looking for a more permanent covering in your patio at home?

The answer to those questions can make a huge difference in which product is best for you.  Some grill gazebos are suitable for both on the go use and daily use at home, but some are better suited for one or the other.

Generally speaking, the more permanent at home gazebos are a little more expensive – but also much more durable.  That’s just something to take into consideration.

Roof Quality

The material used to construct the roof of your gazebo is probably the most important thing you should pay attention to.  If you live in a cold weather climate, you’ll want something more durable that can handle heavy rain and snow.

On the other hand, if you live in a more moderate climate where it doesn’t rain quite as much, you can probably get away with a cheaper, lighter fabric on your roof.

Not all grill gazebo roofs are created equal, and if your primary purpose for purchasing one is to be able to consistently grill in the rain, just make sure that the roof is rated to handle the rain levels you plan to grill in.

Footprint

Obviously, you should measure out how much space you’d like to be covered by your BBQ canopy.  Bigger grills and smokers will require a bigger canopy to be fully covered.

Also think about if you hope to be able fit chairs and tables under your canopy.  If you do, just make sure to measure out the space needed and get a canopy that’s big enough for your needs.

The standard grill gazebo size is 8′ x 5′ which is plenty of space to adequately cover most grills.  Sizes go up from there depending on the manufacturer.

Extras

Picture the sort of cookouts you plan to have with your grill gazebo – what do they look like?  Do you have a need for storage space and other organization features.

Things like accessory hooks and tool storage might be a must for some but take it or leave it for others.  Some BBQ canopies come with lots of storage features and some come with none.

The other extra we like to look at is shelf space.  Shelf space can come in really handy in a few different scenarios.  It’s ideal to have lots of space to aid while you prepare your food, and it’s also ideal for serving food buffet style too.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has helped to point you in the right direction in your search for the best grill gazebo!  These contraptions are great compliments to any outdoor patio or grilling set up, and can be extremely valuable during rainy days or the scorching hot summer.

Which one did you end up with?  We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!

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