Wood sources

[teleskier]

First, I apologize if this is not the appropriate section to ask this and the mods will probably move the topic if that is the case.

My SI2 will be here Monday and I will be anxious to get my first meal going. My question is where to all of you find the best quality of wood chunks, best pricing and selection.  I assume you don't use store bought bags of chunks since there is no telling how old they are and dried out.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Barrel99]

There are two online suppliers many of us use. First is Fruitawood and the other is Maine Grilling Woods. They are both good, and I'm sure each of us has a favorite. Mine is MGW. Hickory, apple, and cherry are probably the most popular favors.

 

[teleskier]

Thank you. Those are the two I have bookmarked already. Great minds must think alike.

 

[Barrel99]

Glad your on top of it Mike. Best of luck with the new box.

BTW, you will get some wood with the smoker. Enough for seasoning and there should be enough for some smoking as well. Probably hickory.

 

[Trip]

I went with the 3 wood sampler on fruitawood in cookshack cut for my first shipment.  Seems like an easy way to get a few good smokes.  I did hickory, apple, and post oak.  Got it fast too.

I wonder if anyone has tried the bourbon barrels.  I have been to the jack daniels distillery a few times and those barrels smell amazing.

 

[teleskier]

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[swthorpe]

I have used fruitawood and MGW.    Fruitawood ships in larger quantities than MGW, so you will have a lot of wood for a long time.  I tried the MGW sampler package and will be going back to them soon to order additional hickory and cherry, among others.

 

[DivotMaker]

What they said... and, I'm moving this to the "What Tree Do you Use" section.

 

[1stlink]

teleskier,

Congrats on the SI-2 You will be pleased, I'm luvin mine.. I Just received my order from Smokin’ Hot,  http://www.smokinhotchipsandchunks.com/  These guys are on the Left Coast as you are.

This is not an indorsement as I have not used any yet but wanted some Red Alder for fish, etc. I can say that Shipping was fast and free. 

From their web site: "Alder is found mostly in the Northwestern States.  We provide Red Alder wood which is native to the Pacific Northwest.  It is a very delicate wood that contains natural sugars which provides a hint of sweetness.  Red Alder has been used for hundreds of years to smoke fish by the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest.  Alder provides the perfect taste for fish such as salmon, sturgeon and rainbow trout.  It can also be used to smoke pork, beef and poultry."

 

[DivotMaker]

Thanks for a new wood link, Ralph!  I'll have to check them out!

 

[1stlink]

No problem I hope to give an update in a few days as I have a plump chicken that is begging to be smoked.

 

[gregbooras]

teleskier,

Congrats on the SI-2 You will be pleased, I'm luvin mine.. I Just received my order from Smokin’ Hot,  http://www.smokinhotchipsandchunks.com/  These guys are on the Left Coast as you are.

This is not an indorsement as I have not used any yet but wanted some Red Alder for fish, etc. I can say that Shipping was fast and free. 

From their web site: "Alder is found mostly in the Northwestern States.  We provide Red Alder wood which is native to the Pacific Northwest.  It is a very delicate wood that contains natural sugars which provides a hint of sweetness.  Red Alder has been used for hundreds of years to smoke fish by the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest.  Alder provides the perfect taste for fish such as salmon, sturgeon and rainbow trout.  It can also be used to smoke pork, beef and poultry."

The prices looks good $15.99 for 5 lbs and free shipping!

Wish they would do a mix like Maine.

Greg

 

[1stlink]

I don't expect them to continue with that pricing policy. I did a UPS price check and it comes up to more($20) than the total price that I paid. WA to FL is a long way and UPS charges by distance (zones)
I should order more but I'm afraid it will dry out too much before I use it..  :-\

 

[DivotMaker]

I should order more but I'm afraid it will dry out too much before I use it..  :-\

Order more, and vacuum seal it (if you have one).  The only thing that twinges me about this company is that they only have alder, ash, cherry and maple chunks.  Very limited selection.  Good price for 5 lbs, though.

 

[1stlink]

Yep, very limited product line but good prices. I'm thinking that I'll order a 10 lb box ($23 delivered) and try vacuum packing most of it.