By Breanna Stark of @marriedtobbq
Whether you’ve been smoking meat for years or you just got your first pellet grill, we’ve all got one thing in common: We have to store our pellets! So, how do you do that? Look no further because we’ve got you covered. All we do is wood and we do it well, so here is our guide to storing BBQ pellets.
Keep Your Pellets Clean & Dry
Clean, dry wood is the best for smoking meat, and that applies to pellets for your pellet grill as well. Moisture in your pellets can cause issues like auger jams and it can affect your grill’s ability to produce the proper level of heat and smoke to give you the best cooking experience possible.
Storing your pellets properly is the key to keeping them optimal for smoking meat and preventing any issues during the cooking process.
Store them in a cool, dry place away from water. Additionally, if you live in a humid environment, you want to take humidity into account when determining the best place to store your pellets.
Storing Pellets Outdoors
If you plan to store your pellets outdoors, you want to store them off the ground on a rack or stand of some type. Keep in mind that the bags pellets come in are not waterproof and may leak, therefore it’s important to also utilize a tarp or cover when you’re storing your pellets outdoors.
Many grills come with storage options in the body of the grill, like a cabinet, but keep in mind that a lot of these built-in cabinets are not water-resistant and may expose your pellets to the elements during rainy weather. If you have a cover for your grill, that is a great way to help ensure your pellets stay dry.
Storing Pellets Indoors or Garage
A great choice for pellet storage is your garage in a dry area, like on a shelf or rack. The garage storage will keep your pellets safe and dry from the elements outside.
Keep in mind that if you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you will want to store the pellets off the ground when storing in the garage.
Always Remove Pellets from Grill
Another important thing to keep in mind is you should never keep your pellet grill full of pellets while the grill is not in use. While it may be easier just to let the pellet grill run the shutdown process and leave the remaining pellets in the hopper, this can be an issue when it comes to keeping your pellets dry.
Moisture in the air, especially in humid environments, can cause wood pellets to expand. This can lead to auger jams and can also cause issues inside of your grill. The last thing you want to do is compromise the lifespan of your grill, so it's important to clean those pellets out each time you cook.
Once you’ve removed the unused pellets from the grill, you want to continue to store them in a cool, dry place. A great way to store pellets that have already been removed from their original bag is to place them in an airtight bucket. This will prevent air and moisture from getting into the pellets and causing moisture or expansion.
Proper storage of BBQ pellets is essential for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring a successful grilling experience. Whether you choose to store them indoors, in the garage, or outdoors, keeping them clean, dry and away from moisture is key. By following these guidelines and always removing pellets from the grill after each use, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy flavorful and perfectly smoked meats every time you fire up your pellet grill. Happy grilling!