How to Store Grill Pellets

Keep pellets dry, sealed and away from heat. That's the whole job, and the details below are how makers say to do it.

Pick the place

Makers agree on dry, but they differ on where. Traeger says unopened bags can sit in a garage in arid places. In a humid region, though, moisture can seep even into unopened bags kept there¹. Z Grills says the spot should be well away from moisture in the air, so rule out sheds². It calls a garage likely okay, and a utility room or mudroom better still².

So the answer depends on your climate. A spot inside the house is the safest bet in a damp area. Your grill's manual may have its own advice, and it overrides any general page like this one.

Keep it away from heat

Pellets burn. Pit Boss says to store them with caution. In a garage, it adds, they should be away from areas that can be exposed to high heat, such as cars or a water heater³. Z Grills adds a few more to avoid: direct sunlight and the air conditioner unit².

Choose the container

Makers differ on unopened bags. Traeger's advice is to keep pellets dry and airtight¹. It says unopened bags can stay in a garage in arid places. In a humid garage, it suggests a large airtight storage bin¹.

Pit Boss goes further. Its page says not to leave pellets in the original packaging, because even indoors there can still be moisture in the air. It suggests a bucket with a sealable lid instead³. Z Grills agrees on an air-tight container such as a bucket or a plastic tote with a lid, with the lid secured tightly². The trade-offs between these are laid out in Storage Containers for Pellets.

A simple routine

1. Carry the bag straight to the storage spot after buying it.
2. Check your grill maker's advice on unopened bags. Traeger allows them in an arid garage; Pit Boss says to move pellets out of the original packaging.
3. Pour the pellets into a lidded container, as Pit Boss advises, once the bag is open at the latest.
4. Press the lid on all the way.
5. Store the container away from sun, cars, water heaters and other heat³².
6. Before each cook, look at the pellets, as the damp-pellet checks describe.

These steps are a plain summary of the maker guidance above, not a replacement for it. If your grill's manual says something different, follow the manual.

What about the hopper?

Pit Boss says the outdoor environment can rot unused pellets left there³. Traeger says a short stay is fine in dry weather¹. Z Grills is stricter, and doesn't say a stay is fine². For the trade-offs, read the page on hopper care.

Also keep in mind that a sealed bag or lid only helps while it stays closed. Reseal it each time you open it, and check the seal when you pick it up next.