Using Wood Chips

Wood chips add great smoky flavor to just about any food, even food cooked on a gas grill! Wood chips are simple to use and make you look like a pro. Here is how to use them and some of our recommendations for pairing chips with different foods:

Gas Grill:

1. Soak several handfuls of chips in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Put one or two handfuls of chips in a smoker-chip box and place the box on the grill.
3. Wait for the chips to begin visibly smoking.
4. Cook using either the direct or indirect grilling methods. If you are using the indirect method, add another handful or two of chips once every 45 minutes.

Charcoal Grill:

1. Soak several handfuls of chips in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Place one or two handfuls of chips directly on the ready-to-cook coals.
3. Wait for the chips to begin visibly smoking.
4. Cook using either the direct or indirect grilling methods. If you are using the indirect method, add another handful or two of chips once every 45 minutes.

Certain wood chips are better for different foods. Here are our suggestions, but feel free to experiment:

Apple Wood - A lighter wood with fruity flavor. Uses: Poultry or pork.

Hickory Wood - A full smoky flavor, the classic smoking wood. Uses: Everything, especially meats.

Mesquite Wood - The strongest smoke flavor, very popular in Texas. Uses: Red meat.

Maple Wood - Maybe the sweetest smoke flavor. Uses: Poultry or pork.

Cherry Wood & Other Fruit Woods - Distinct mild-sweet flavor. Uses: Poultry or pork.

FireCraft carries an extensive selection of wood chips and smoker-chip-boxes. We wouldn't ever grill without them!