We’ve been smoking and grilling meat with smoke for a while now and it always amazes me how fast we go through pellets on our Traeger. Each cook consumes quite a bit of fuel in the form of wood pellets because they are used to maintain a steady source of heat and smoke for the food.
Because of this, you will find yourself restocking your pellets pretty often during the summer months and prime grilling season. During other times of the year, you might not even open the bag of pellets for months. Both of these scenarios begs the question of how long do pellets last – both while burning and while in storage.

In this post, we’re going to go over about how long it takes to go through a bag of a pellets and what you can expect from burn time, plus we’ll show you how to properly store your pellets to have them last as long as possible when you’re not using them.
What are Wood Pellets?
Wood pellets are gaining prominence as a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional charcoal and wood chips among grilling and smoking enthusiasts.
I personally really like the convenience of cooking with pellets, and while you do need a lot of them, they come in a small form factor, so they don’t take up a ton of space and they’re easy to use.
Factors That Affect Pellet Lifespan
Cooking Temperature
One of the most important aspects influencing the longevity of wood pellets is the cooking temperature. The faster the pellets burn, the higher the temperature. This is because the pellets are consumed more quickly at higher temperatures to maintain the optimum heat level.
For example, if you cook at a high temperature of 450°F, you should expect your pellets to last less time than if you cook at a lower temperature of 225°F. Cooking at lower temperatures also provides a more prolonged and gentle cooking experience, which can enhance food flavors.

Grill Type
Another important issue that can influence how long wood pellets last is the type of grill you own. Various grill types have varied designs and features that can affect pellet combustion efficiency.
Certain grills, for example, may have a more powerful fan or a larger firepot, resulting in more efficient pellet use.
Some grills may have more extensive temperature management capabilities that can aid in maintaining a consistent temperature and extending the lifespan of pellets.
It is critical to investigate and compare several grill models in order to choose one that best meets your needs and tastes.
Quality of Pellets
The quality of the wood pellets can also have an impact on their longevity. High-quality pellets are created from premium wood and are free of additives or fillers that can reduce the effectiveness of their burning.
The type of wood used can also affect the quality of the pellets, with some forms of wood burning more efficiently than others.
Hardwood pellets, such as oak, hickory, and maple, for example, burn longer and have a more powerful flavor than softwood pellets, such as pine or spruce.
To guarantee that your pellets last as long as possible, pick high-quality pellets.\

Pellet Storage
Pellet storage conditions might also have an impact on their longevity. Wood pellets are highly absorbent, and moisture can cause them to degrade and lose efficiency.
It is critical to keep the pellets cool and dry, away from any sources of moisture. Many barbecue lovers keep their pellets in an airtight container or bag to keep moisture out.
Pellets exposed to moisture may clump together or produce an excessive amount of ash, reducing their burning efficiency and longevity.
Climate Conditions
The weather can also affect the longevity of wood pellets. In cold conditions, it may take longer for the pellets to reach the correct temperature, resulting in the need of more pellets.
Also, if the pellets are exposed to moisture, they may not burn as efficiently, resulting in the consumption of additional pellets. It’s critical to keep pellets dry and to take precautions against moisture, especially in humid or wet weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 20 lb bag of pellets last in a pellet smoker?
Although the amount of time it takes to burn through a 20 pound bag of pellets varies depending on the factors we listed above, we can give an average to go by.
A pellet smoker typically consumes about 1 to 3 pounds of pellets per hour. Under typical conditions, you can expect 20 pounds of pellets to last anywhere from 6 to 20 hours, with the average being around 12 hours.
The biggest variable here is the temperature at which you’re cooking. For example, if you are smoking at a low temperature of around 225°F, the pellet consumption might be closer to 1 pound per hour. In this case, 20 pounds of pellets could last up to 20 hours.
However, if you are grilling at a higher temperature of around 450°F, the consumption rate might increase to 2 to 3 pounds per hour, and your 20 pounds of pellets may last only 6 to 10 hours.

How many pellets do I need to smoke for 12 hours?
On average, it takes about 20 pounds of pellets to smoke for 12 hours, but that is greatly dependent on all of the variables at play. If you are smoking low and slow, you might only go through half of a bag in that time.
If you are smoking at a high temperature, which is very unlikely for 12 hours, it could require more than 20 pounds of pellets.
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual pellet usage may vary depending on your specific smoker and the conditions you are using it in. It’s always a good idea to keep extra pellets on hand to ensure you don’t run out during a cookout.
Do pellets go bad?
Pellets, made from compressed sawdust or wood, can last a long time if stored properly. However, they can go bad or lose their effectiveness if exposed to moisture, high humidity, or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Moisture can cause the pellets to swell, disintegrate, or develop mold, which negatively impacts their burning efficiency and can produce unpleasant flavors when used for cooking.
How to Keep Pellets From Going Bad
To keep your pellets in good condition, follow these storage tips:
- Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your pellets away from direct sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. A cool, dry environment such as a garage, basement, or a dedicated storage area is ideal.
- Use airtight containers: Transfer the pellets from their original packaging to airtight containers, such as plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. This helps keep moisture and humidity at bay.
- Keep off the ground: Store the containers off the ground, preferably on shelves or pallets, to minimize the risk of moisture damage from the floor.
- Use older pellets first: Practice the “first in, first out” principle when using your stored pellets. This ensures that you use the older pellets before opening new bags, minimizing the risk of spoilage over time.
Top Pellet Grill Brands
Pellet grills are specifically built for use with wood pellets and are gaining popularity among grill enthusiasts.
These grills provide a quick and easy way to smoke and grill meat, fish, and vegetables with little effort and maximum flavor. Traeger, Green Mountain Grills, Pit Boss, Camp Chef, and Weber are some of the best pellet grill brands.
Each of these brands has a variety of models and sizes to meet a variety of cooking demands and budgets.
- Z Grills is a renowned brand in the world of outdoor cooking, offering a range of high-quality pellet grills that are designed to elevate your grilling experience. These versatile grills combine the convenience of gas grilling with the rich, smoky flavors associated with traditional wood-fired cooking.
- Traeger is a pellet grilling pioneer that has been creating high-quality grills and pellets for over 30 years. These grills include innovative temperature control capabilities that provide a steady and precise heat source for optimal cooking results. Traeger grills are also famous among grill fans due to its durability and user-friendly design.
- Green Mountain Grills is another top pellet grill brand, with a variety of models suitable for both smoking and grilling. These grills are equipped with advanced temperature control features and can be remotely operated via a smartphone app. Green Mountain Grills also provides a variety of premium wood pellets with a powerful and smokey flavor.
- Pit Boss is a relatively new company, but their high-quality grills and pellets have swiftly acquired favor among grill fans. These grills are built to last and have superior temperature management capabilities to provide a dependable and constant heat source for smoking and grilling. Pit Boss also provides a selection of quality hardwood pellets that are free of additives and fillers, resulting in a pure and natural flavor.
- Camp Chef is another popular pellet grill manufacturer that offers a variety of models to meet a variety of cooking needs. These grills include superior temperature control features and may be used for smoking, grilling, or even baking. Camp Chef also provides a variety of premium wood pellets with a variety of smells and scents.
- Weber is a well-known barbecue manufacturer that has lately entered the pellet grill market with its SmokeFire grills. These grills have excellent temperature control features and offer a constant and precise heat source for smoking and grilling. Weber also provides a variety of premium wood pellets with a variety of smells and scents.
Before You Go
You seem like you’re interested in pellet grills, so I can’t let you leave without mentioning that we have a ton of other related content that you might be interested in!
- How Does a Pellet Grill Work
- How to Season a Pellet Grill
- Pros and Cons of a Pellet Grill
- 8 Best Smoker/Grill Combos
What Pellets to Use for the Smoker?
You’ll also need pellets for your smoker, if you’ve got a pellet grill like we do. Pellets come in many different types that you can choose from. I like to use the Bear Mountain Gourmet Blend, hickory wood, or cherry wood pellets for mine. They also have a bourbon wood pellet that’s very good. My friend Todd swears by the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey pellets.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.