I am sure Candy Sue can jump in here and give you the uber detail....
But in general, there are a couple things to look for in "non-food grade pellets"
1. Some heating pellets are not 100% hardwood. fillers, other materials for BTUs, etc. and most use binders to hold them together... less stress on the pellet production equipment.
2. Ones that are 100% hardwood could still have binders. Food pellets, since they have no binders need much more pressure for the natural lignin to bind the sawdust.
3. The equipment used to produce the pellets uses lubricants that are not food grade. While there may not be alot getting into the pellets, you dont want any of those lubricants tainting your food.
If you are going to attempt to use a pellet that is not food grade, I would call the manufacturer and ask alot of questions.
Around here we have OHP pellets (ozark hardwood pellet) -- dont know if that is the same brand you are referencing or not... but I believe if it is and you call them, they will tell you that the lube in thier pelletizing equipment is not food grade.
It is hit and miss finding them... I actually havent seen them at a store in several years...but I used them post wrap, and branch creek, prewrap.. with my blend. For the last few years (2007 to now) I have been using BBQ'rs Delight, and couldn't be happier. Consistent BTUs, great color and flavor, and low ash. They are the best I have found. Being up north, the best case is to get a couple of buddies together and buy a bunch. I know guys in the NE that will just buy a whole pallet and split it. Pellets aren't cheap to ship anyway, so might as well go big, get a full freight weight, which is much cheaper per pound. Stick with food grade, and be safe.
OK, Candy, what all did I screw up?
But in general, there are a couple things to look for in "non-food grade pellets"
1. Some heating pellets are not 100% hardwood. fillers, other materials for BTUs, etc. and most use binders to hold them together... less stress on the pellet production equipment.
2. Ones that are 100% hardwood could still have binders. Food pellets, since they have no binders need much more pressure for the natural lignin to bind the sawdust.
3. The equipment used to produce the pellets uses lubricants that are not food grade. While there may not be alot getting into the pellets, you dont want any of those lubricants tainting your food.
If you are going to attempt to use a pellet that is not food grade, I would call the manufacturer and ask alot of questions.
Around here we have OHP pellets (ozark hardwood pellet) -- dont know if that is the same brand you are referencing or not... but I believe if it is and you call them, they will tell you that the lube in thier pelletizing equipment is not food grade.
It is hit and miss finding them... I actually havent seen them at a store in several years...but I used them post wrap, and branch creek, prewrap.. with my blend. For the last few years (2007 to now) I have been using BBQ'rs Delight, and couldn't be happier. Consistent BTUs, great color and flavor, and low ash. They are the best I have found. Being up north, the best case is to get a couple of buddies together and buy a bunch. I know guys in the NE that will just buy a whole pallet and split it. Pellets aren't cheap to ship anyway, so might as well go big, get a full freight weight, which is much cheaper per pound. Stick with food grade, and be safe.
OK, Candy, what all did I screw up?