How to Store Wood Pellets for Your Pellet Grill

It just takes one run out of pellets mid-cook to realize how crucial it is to maintain a couple packs of pellets on hand.

You may be surprised to learn that how you store your wood pellets has an influence on how well your pellet barbecue functions.

If you don’t store your pellets correctly, they might grow moldy or moist, clogging up your pellet barbecue and causing costly difficulties.

This post will discuss the best technique to store wood pellets so that they remain fresh and ready to use when needed.

What can happen if you don’t store your wood pellets properly?

Sawdust and a binding agent are combined to create wood pellets. If they are not kept dry, the sawdust will decay and the binding agent will get damp. This can cause the pellets to burn incorrectly, resulting in poor performance or possibly damage to your grill if the auger becomes clogged.

Wet or rotting wood pellets may also destroy your food by giving a bad flavor, therefore it is essential to properly care for and store them.

So, how should you store your pellets?

Ideally, you should keep your pellets in a dry environment with a steady temperature. This would be excellent in a shed or garage. You should also keep them away from sources of moisture like water or snow.

If you’re putting them in a container, make sure it has a good seal so that no moisture gets in. Desiccant packs may also be placed inside the container to assist absorb any surplus moisture.

Finally, carefully inspect your pellets before putting them in your barbecue. If they seem moist or rotting, do not use them and dispose of them properly.

What containers should you use to store wood pellets?

Moisture-proof, airtight containers are ideal for wood pellets. This will prevent them from absorbing extra moisture and will aid in the preservation of their taste. Plastic or metal containers may be used as long as they are adequately sealed.

If you’re unsure about whether containers are appropriate, the BOOM approach should help. BOOM is an abbreviation for:

• Bins or Buckets Airtight plastic containers, such as buckets or bins, are a fantastic method to securely store your pellets and keep them as usable as possible. Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, remove them from the bag, drop them in, and shut the bin. Remember to mark your containers if you use various kinds of pellets.

• Away from the Ground Pellets placed at ground level are more likely to be exposed to moisture. Elevating them off the ground will keep them as dry as possible, particularly if they are still in their original bag.

• When Required Always keep your pellets as securely closed as possible. The longer the bag is open, the more moisture will enter the pellets. Even if you’re cooking with them, remember to open the bag, remove what you need, and then reseal it.

• Avoiding Moisture When it comes to storing wood pellets, moisture is your worst enemy. If you want your stored pellets to survive as long as possible, keep them away from rain, ground moisture, and humidity. The actions outlined above should assist, but you may also take additional measures, such as installing dehumidifiers or moisture absorber packets in the places where you want to keep your pellets.

Traeger and Oklahoma Joe, for example, provide branded storage containers to keep your pellets safe.

I like the Oklahoma Joe design because it has a wire-mesh filter that allows you to pour pellets straight into your hopper without pouring in dush, which may interfere with your burn.

Do wood pellets go bad?

Yes, as previously said, wood pellets go rotten, but they normally give you a heads-up before becoming worthless. Do not use or discard the pellets if they begin to smell bad, get wet to the touch, or seem rotting.

Before using your pellets in your grill, always inspect their condition. Wet pellets or mushy provide an excellent breeding substrate for molds and fungus that may either release hazardous spores, generate an unpleasant smoke when burnt, or even taint your food with poisons.

How long do wood pellets last?

Wood pellets may be kept correctly for up to a year. Pellets that are more than six months old may begin to lose their capacity to impart a smoky taste to your cuisine as they basically get stale, particularly if carelessly kept.

The shelf life of wood pellets varies according on how they are kept and the kind of wood used to make them. Most wood pellet producers will indicate a theoretical shelf life of their pellets on the back of the bag, and this shield life will differ across manufacturers.

However, with certainty, keeping your pellets in a sealed, low moisture environment is the best method to maintain them in peak condition for as long as possible.

Can you leave pellets in the hopper?

In hot, dry weather, you should not keep your pellets in the hopper for more than a week, since they will lose effectiveness over time.

I live in a fairly chilly, dry area, and I’ve kept wood pellets in the hopper for many months without incident.

You should not leave them in there if the weather is humid.

If moisture gets into your pellets while they are still in the hopper, they may solidify and possibly jam the auger that feeds the pellets to the burn pot.

This will prevent your grill from igniting and may cause harm to the mechanics of your barbecue.

Getting the best from your wood pellets

The easiest approach to keep your pellets fresh and ready to use is to store them in a cold, dry area. You can guarantee that your pellet grill will offer years of wonderful meals by following these easy instructions!