Frequently asked questions about Branch Creek BBQ wood pellets

 

What flavors do you offer? 

Branch Creek pellets contain the highest % composition of real flavor-wood to oak ratio on the market.

  • Hickory (75% Hickory, 25% oak)
  • Mesquite  (60% Mesquite, 40% oak)
  • Apple  (50% Apple, 50% oak)
  • Cherry  (70% Cherry, 30% oak)
  • Pecan  (75% Pecan, 25% oak)
  • Oak  (100% Oak)
  • Osage Orange  (100% Osage orange)
  • Branch Creek pellets use only the actual wood for flavor - we do not use artificial flavoring agents.

    Our pellets are offered in 20 and 40 lb bag sizes.  We use a high-quality bag to help eliminate ripping/tearing.

    We also offer custom milling - any combination/percent of wood(s) - we can make to your specifications (minimum 1 ton).

    Why are blended pellets produced?

    1. Flavor woods are blended with milder woods to reduce an over powering taste.

    2. Oak and alder contain properties to burn hot and cleaner than most flavor woods, such as mesquite and apple.  Many flavors of no-blend (100%) pellets can burn poorly and leave excessive ash.  Oak burns hot and will leave less ash in the burn pot of smoking grills.  Many competitive pellets contain as much as 60 to 80% oak or alder.  These high oak/alder blends sacrifice the flavor intensity many are looking for from their bbq experience. 

      - Branch Creek pellets contain a very high percent of the actual flavor wood enhanced with just enough of the positive attributes of oak so that flavoring and grill/smoking performance is not hindered.

      - We state exactly what is in our pellets. If the manufacturer lists a "flavored" pellet without the percent of actual flavor wood it contains, it is likely to be as much as 80 percent Oak or Alder pellet.

      - We offer two mild 100% pellets, oak and osage orange, to blend with our flavor-wood pellets as an option should the flavor-woods be too strong for personal perference. 

    3. Some pellet manufacturers use cheaper mild woods as fillers to reduce costs. 

    4. Branch Creek does not offer a "one size fits all" blend pellet that contains a mixed percentage of several flavors. We have found that everyone has their own tastes and preferences, especially for specific types and cuts of meat. We allow you the freedom to mix your own smoke flavor. Should you have a specific smoke blend you like we can custom manufacture it into a single pellet blend! 

    What woods are used for blending?

    Any mild flavored wood can be used.  Typically alder or oak are used.  We use oak in our blends.

    Should one be concerned that BBQ wood pellets might contain chemicals or other contaminants?

    Home heating and animal bedding pellets are inexpensive because they are typically mixed and/or non-hard woods. Some of these energy renewable companies may collect wood from outside industries as a by-product. Some of these by-products are not food grade material and should not be used for cooking and/grilling.

    Our specialty is manufacturing food-grade pellets for BBQ's - we do not make home heating pellets or animal bedding. We use sources of wood that meet our high standards for wholesomeness and only process wood that is free of harmful chemicals and contaminants.

    How are wood pellets made? 

    Wood is chipped, dried, and ground to a saw dust consistency.  The pellet is formed by pressure and heat when forced through a pellet die.  Only moisture (water) is added.       Branch Creek pellets does NOT add binders or glues.

    Can wood pellets cause problems with the feeding mechanism of a pellet grill?

    Pellets that are too long can bridge or block the feeding mechanism.  Our pellets are screened to remove long pellets as well as short pellets and fines.  The pellets we sell are generally between 3/8 and 3/4 inch in length.  Pellets that are too hard may jam the feeding mechanism.

    What other quality problems can exist in BBQ wood pellets?

    Pellets that are too hard can be difficult to light and may not continue to burn.  Pellets that are too soft may crumble and will not produce as much heat.  The density of our pellets is closely monitored, and only pellets with the proper weight per cubic foot are sold.  

    Pellets that are packaged with excessive moisture or were not properly cooled can sweat in the bag, this will cause the pellets to crumble and may even cause the pellets to mold.  We properly dry and cool our pellets before packaging.

    Can we contact you if we have questions or need further clarification about your pellets or would like volume and wholesale pricing?

    Feel free to contact us at 1-888-235-4116 or email at sales@bbqwoodpellets.com

    How can pellets be used in barbequing?

    1. Pellet fired BBQ smokers burn the pellets for the heat source and for flavoring.

    2. In charcoal grills place a few pellets directly on charcoal several times while grilling.

    3. For gas, electric and charcoal grills wrap about 1/2 cup of pellets in aluminum foil.  Poke one small hole in the foil with an ice pick.  Heat the foil pouch in the grill.

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