Wood pellets are a renewable energy source. When purchasing these, it is best to consider the quality and storage methods that will fit your budget. A lot of the challenges when dealing with them involve moist or degraded pellets.

To avoid this, our outdoor kitchen experts have shared their tried and tested storage tips to extend the wood pellet shelf life and keep it fresh.

How to Properly Store Your Grill Pellets 

These wood pellet storage ideas will help you keep these items dry, and in general, humid-free. 

Ensure that the Area is Dry

To store pellets, make sure that the space does not have too much moisture. It should be a dry place, free from flooding and getting soaked, has low humidity, and free from mold. Examine your house and identify candidate areas for storing wood pellets. 

These areas may include the garage, near fireplaces, and shed. Make sure these areas are free from moving parts such as an auger which are dangerous. Identifying such areas for wood pellet storage is the first step to keeping pellets safe. 

Keep it Off the Floor 

One of the most important wood pellet storage tips is to keep the pellets off the ground. This way, you will minimize the chances of accidental punctures and getting water from the floor. It is best to keep it in an elevated place such as a cabinet, surrounded by a dry area. 

Ensure Minimal Exposure to Other Elements 

It is best to keep the pellet grill safe from rain to make sure that pellets stay dry. Store these pellets in their bags to keep minimal exposure to moisture. It is also best to keep the bags away from heat sources such as water heaters and stoves. This may produce unwanted sparks to set pellets blazing. 

Keep in the Hopper If You’re Going to Use it Soon 

If your stove has a hopper, the hopper can keep pellets safe and dry. If the pellet grill or pellet stove is used often, it is generally okay to keep the pellets in the hopper. This is another good way of storing pellets close to the stove that is frequently used.

Tried and Tested Storage Ideas for Wood Pellets

#1: Sealed Bags 

Setting aside pellets by keeping them sealed inside pellet bags or other similar receptacles will lessen the chance for moisture to get in. 

Pellet bags are an effective way of keeping them dry. You may use the original pellet bag or use a new bag. These pellet bags will make storage easy and also offer convenience in terms of sealing and pouring. Furthermore, you may stack them in a criss-cross pattern. 

#2: Gallon Buckets 

Another container to use for keeping pellets are gallon buckets with lids or multi-gallon plastic containers with a lid. This will also help store pellets away from moisture and getting wet, and you can get one from a hardware store.

You can stack these buckets inside the garage which allows the storage of different flavors of pellets at any given time. It would be best to include a scoop in the bucket too.

#3: Pellet Bucket 

The use of a bucket for storing is a good idea. Traeger makes a 5-gallon bucket with a lid but needs heating in warm water for it to fit and seal. You can easily stack these buckets as well. It would be best to include a scoop in the bucket as well.

#4: Dry Storage Bag 

Another alternative to store these items is by using dry bags [1]. The bag should be durable to store pellets in. 

Before using the dry bag, pour in some pellets or some water to test it first for holes and leaks. 

#5: Feed Bin 

The feed bin, storage, or recycling bins offers another effective way of storing. The opening creates easy access for pellets. The lid keeps out unwanted water and should be best kept in a dry location.

#6: Ice Melt Container 

Another pellet storage we recommend is an ice melt container. If you don’t want to store them in bags, this is a good encasement to leave pellets in. It is waterproof and has a spout and handle to enable an easy pour. 

#7: Organizer 

It is best to keep track of pellets and organizers such as labels will help keep track of old pellets from the new. This will help identify which pellet to use first.

FAQ 

You can store wood pellets outside by placing them in an airtight receptacle and making sure that it is covered. Also, ensure that it is placed off the ground.

Wood pellets can be stored depending on the brand and strategy you are using. This is usually highly dependent on the brand. But, with the right storage strategy like the ones we mentioned above, these materials can last and be kept for a very long time. 

Conclusion 

Achieving a quality grill depends on how wood pellets are sheltered from external factors. Whether you keep them indoors or outdoors, it is best to handle them and maintain their durability to get your money’s worth every time you use them. Our outdoor kitchen experts have recommended several wood pellet storage ideas for keeping pellets dry.