The 10 Best Wood For Smoking Brisket

Made for big units that can handle a large cut of meat, Western Premium Post Oak (appx. $15) is a dependable choice for slow and low cooking. If you want to add even more flavor, you can experiment with their other varieties and create your own signature blend.

If you want to wow the neighbors with something unusual, Out Walkabout (appx. $19) offers these manuka chunks from New Zealand . They give off a light flavor that isn't overpowering, and come in big pieces perfect for keeping the flames going all day.

Oklahoma Joe's (about $20) has eight pounds of mesquite that's cut and ready to be tossed on the fire. Imparting a pungent scent, this is one of the go-to fuels for authentic Texas barbecue, and can also be paired with other varieties for a smoother taste.

Though they may be small, these Traeger Pellets (about $19) are 100% wood, and can be packed into a hopper for a long, steady burn. Twenty pounds of them can net you up to 40 hours of cooking time, more than enough to make that meat fall right off the bone.

For a big bag at a low price, look no further than these Weber Chunks (appx. $7), available in apple, cherry, hickory, mesquite, and pecan. You can experiment with different flavors, and once you find one you like, you'll have enough left over for next week.

To move beyond the routine of a single variety, these assorted FireStar Chips (appx. $19) let you mix and match from five different types of trees. You can create your own custom blend to add on top of the big logs of oak or hickory you're using.

Pecan has a tendency to be too sweet for some people, which makes the small size of these CharcoalStore Chunks (appx. $22) perfect for pairing with a stronger option, like hickory. They can also be used in a steel box on an outdoor grill.

These sixteen-inch logs from Smoak Cooking (around $90) may be too big for some units, but if you're willing to split them, you'll have a full 60-70 pounds of kiln-dried white oak that can last you an entire summer of cookouts in the backyard.

As you might expect, apple wood imparts a sweet, fruity flavor. This ten-inch box by Roaster's Own (appx. $28) comes from pure wild trees grown on a family farm in Maine. It's organic, pesticide-free, and harvested using sustainable methods.

You won't run out anytime soon if you go with the 10-pound version of Cameron Products (about $30) hickory. It's perfect for chefs who prefer strong flavors, though be warned it does impart a powerful smoky taste, so those who aren't used to it may find it a bit much.