Traeger Pecan BBQ Wood Pellets vs Bear Mountain BBQ Hickory Pellets

Both are pure hardwood pellets with no binders or fillers, so the choice comes down to flavor and how you cook. Traeger Pecan is the milder, more versatile bag: low ash, a slow steady burn, and a nutty smoke that suits chicken, pork, vegetables and even baked goods. Bear Mountain Hickory is the bolder pick, with a robust smoke built for smoking and grilling poultry and big summer cookouts. Traeger has the longer track record and far more owner ratings; Bear Mountain's smaller but near-perfect rating reflects a loyal following among pellet smokers.

• Choose the Traeger Pecan if you want a mild, all-purpose smoke for chicken, pork, vegetables and baking, with low ash and a predictable burn.
• Choose the Bear Mountain Hickory if you want a robust hickory flavor for smoking and grilling poultry and you like a strong smoke profile.