Nothing quite tastes the same as food cooked over a wood fire. It’s been something humans have been doing since the beginning of time, and fortunately, technology has come a long way.
Companies like Traeger have been manufacturing grills that turn the open fire process into something we can all enjoy safely and conveniently in our backyards and on our balconies. Wood pellets make this possible, allowing greater control over the food you cook and making it easier to maintain a consistent heat.
But are Traeger pellets the best? Traeger makes their own pellets, but their wood-fired grills are compatible with a myriad of competitors as well. Let’s see how Traeger pellets shape up when compared with two other brands!
Traeger Wood Pellets
Since these are the main pellets we’re evaluating, it makes sense to discuss them first. These are some of the most popular pellets on the market, largely due to the Traeger name, synonymous with wood-fired grills since their inception in the mid-eighties.
Pellets had been around before Traeger began using them, but the grill company revolutionized the way we cook with them, seeking out unique woods for optimal burn temperatures and maximum flavor. You can choose from a variety of woods including mesquite, pecan, and hickory. Their “Signature Blend” mixes several of these, and is great for a less experienced cook new to grilling in this manner, who has yet to pick their favorite flavor.
Are Traeger pellets the best? There is a hefty price to pay for all of this quality and craftsmanship. Being a household name and arguably the industry standard, Traeger can charge a premium for their products. So much like buying a Harley Davidson over a Yamaha, expect to pay for the name recognition.
However, you don’t have to use only Traeger pellets in a Traeger grill. It turns out that you have some other choices!
Bear Mountain BBQ 100% All Natural Hardwood Pellets
These 100% all-natural pellets are the opposite of anything flavor-infused, giving them a unique aroma and making them more environmentally sound as well. This was the west coast company’s main prerogative when starting operations in 1990, and the “wood only” approach has led them to some unique flavor profiles.
They are optimized for use with all grills including Traeger, and this is noted on their FAQ’s since many grills suggest using only their own pellet brands. You can choose between a handful of wood varieties, all pure hardwood, but imparting their own flavor.
Lumber Jack Competition Blend
Lumber Jack produces uniquely flavorful pellets, by leaving the bark on whatever wood you decide to try out. They blend this with oak that has been debarked, which does little to affect the main flavor profile but ensures these pellets will burn at a higher heat.
They are also an affordable option, beating out Traeger and Bear Mountain in this regard. They are touted as being one of the easier to clean brands after you are done cooking since they are all-natural and contain nothing that might leave a residue in your grill. This makes them very user-friendly, and the abovementioned debarked oak allows these pellets to burn for longer than many other brands.
Lumber Jack’s Competition Blend combines maple, cherry, and hickory, alongside debarked oak. They also offer mesquite and hickory options and even produce their own charcoal for those non-wood grillers out there. Finally, they have been tested with a wide variety of wood-fired grills, so you don’t have to worry about damaging any equipment or voiding your grill’s warranty.
The Verdict?
So are Traeger pellets the best? The answer can remain up to the grillmaster’s personal preference, but if there’s one takeaway from discussing two competitive alternatives it’s that brand recognition isn’t everything.
We find Lumber Jack to be the winner in terms of reliability and affordability. These are more robust and better-designed pellets than Bear Mountain’s offerings, and are also 100% natural despite not advertising this as prominently.
Traeger makes excellent products, but by being one of the first companies to take on this section of the BBQ market, they are not afraid to capitalize on this superb brand recognition. Try them all and see for yourself, but if choosing only one, try Lumber Jack first- you and your grill will not be disappointed!