BBQ Wood Blog
Ready for a frolic in the world of BBQ wood? It is an aromatic realm full of nuance, chemistry and smoky possibilities. The landscape may be complex, but it’s not complicated. Especially when you have an expert local to show you around. Not to blow our own horn but we have been in the BBQ fuel game for many decades, so we know our stuff. This being said, open up your eyes and mind and let us be your guide through the wonders of BBQ wood.
What is BBQ Wood?
We have walked this line of inquiry so many times. And for good reason. While the answer might be obvious to many, there is some ambiguity to unravel and definitions to obtain. For instance, is BBQ wood the main heat source in a BBQ cook? Do we define BBQ wood in terms of logs only? Where do chunks and chips fit in? So it’s always worth breaking things down into some easy to understand basics.
We define BBQ wood as any form of wood burned to impart a (usually) smoky flavour infusion into your food. This could be logs, chips or chunks. Now sure, you can use BBQ wood as primary heat source if you so wish, however we believe that this misses the real beauty of what the wood is all about. Your charcoal will provide all the heat you need to cook. Your wood will create another layer and depth to the flavour profile of your food. This is the balanced equation delivering the best results for your palate.
What Are The Types of Wood For Smoking?
All Shapes & Sizes
BBQ wood, or smoking wood as it’s often called, comes in a variety of shapes, forms and sizes. Why? Well various cooks have different culinary objectives, and different types of BBQ wood serve different purposes. For example, you might need pellets for a specific pizza oven, or logs for low n’ slow cooking in an off set smoker, or maybe you just want to add a sprinkle of wood chips to your charcoal – giving a slight twist to your dish. Whatever your goal, there is a BBQ wood to help you get there.
Is Hardwood The Best BBQ Wood For Smoking?
We’re not so keen on the concept of ‘best’. It’s more about purpose, functionality and what’s right for you. Hardwood is the common BBQ wood out there and for good reason too. Hardwoods are denser than softwoods meaning you obtain a stronger flavour infusion from the smoke as there is more ‘material’ to combust.
There are countless species of hardwood, so we can’t dive into the absolute minutia here guys. What we can tell you is that the most common hardwoods are oak, hickory, maple, alder, pecan and mesquite. But why is this the case? Well , these hardwoods tend to burn a little slower producing a richer and more aromatic smoke.
Hickory
Most people have heard about hickory. It’s definitely a favourite for low ‘n slow cooking – gaining fame in the southern regions of the United States. Hickory is definitely versatile and suitable for pretty much any protein. We would say it goes best with pork and thicker cuts of chicken. Check out our hickory chunks and grab the smoky goodness now.
Oak
If you’re looking for something a little more subtle and perhaps neutral flavour profile, oak is definitely where it’s at. Oak BBQ wood is fab with brisket, ribs, sausage, pork, chicken and other beef cuts.
Pecan
Pecan is another versatile character making it an ideal pairing with beef, pork and chicken.
Maple
Some strive for some seriously sweet tones in their BBQ flavour profile. Well, maple delivers in spades – perfect with bacon, cheeses, ham and vegetables.
Alder Wood
This goes great with seafood due its lighter and more subtle smokiness.
Mesquite
Another classic BBQ wood with a deep, rich and sweet flavour. Mesquite compliments chicken, large cuts of pork and bigger cuts of beef.
Fruit & Citrus Woods
Fruit and citrus woods are becoming more and more popular. People are craving that light, tangy and slightly zesty twist to their BBQ flavour. Light yet dynamic, sweet but not overpowering – fruit and citrus woods elevate pork, chicken, desserts, cheeses and cured meats to another level. Use wood chips with charcoal for the best results.
Big K - The Home of BBQ Wood
So where can you find some proper BBQ wood? Forget your axe and map. There’s no need to get lost in the wood-based wilderness. Just go to bigkproducts.co.uk and check out the ‘BBQ Wood’ in our ‘BBQ’ tab. You’ll find a dizzying selection of BBQ wood logs, chips and chunks to choose from. We’re talking applewood, citrus, grape, hickory, whiskey and more.