FAQ’s About Wood Pellets and Our Famous Grills & Smokers

What kind of pellets should I use with my pellet grill?

food grade wood pellets

Use only 100% food grade wood pellets. They are available in mesquite, hickory, oak and fruitwood 20 lb. bags. For warranty validation, you must use approved hardwood barbecue pellets.

Do not use pellets designed for furnaces. It is critical to use only pellets rated for food consumption. Heating pellets are chemically treated, imbued with oil, emitting smoke dangerous for consumption. For tastier results, pellets should be flavored and clean burning.

The pellets need to remain dry so they will not swell and clog the auger.

Do I need to soak my wood pellets before using them?

Forget what you have been told about soaking wood before smoking. With Cookshack smokers, wood pellets need to be put in dry. In fact, wet pellets will jam the auger motor.

Why not use gas or charcoal to smoke or grill?

Gas and charcoal are great for grilling, where there is plenty of air circulation. They are not good for smoking in an enclosed environment such as a smoker. Stick to honest-to-goodness real wood chunks or pellets for best results. Go here for a comparison.

What other products does your Company manufacture or market?

residential smokers pellet grills

We have electric smoker ovens and pellet-fired smokers for home and commercial use as well as a complete line of barbecue sauce, spice blends, smoking woods, cookbooks, gear and accessories.

We have great units for home use:

  • The Smokette SM009-2
  • Smokette Elite SM025
  • SuperSmoker Elite SM045
  • AmeriQue SM066.
  • PG500
  • PG1000
  • FEC100

Where are Fast Eddy’s™ by Cookshack Pellet Grills made?

They are hand crafted in our facility in Ponca City, Oklahoma! Unlike our competitors that use a foreign manufacturer with cheaper materials, we like to maintain control of our raw materials and craftsmanship. We believe in supporting the US economy.

Beware of knock-offs! Other companies have copied our pellet grills and are having them manufactured in third world countries. Customer Service, materials and construction of these pellet cookers are not up to Cookshack’s high standards. For protection and peace of mind, buy a Fast Eddy’s™ by Cookshack Pellet Grill!

Do the grills get hot on the outside?

It depends on which grill you purchase. Our PG1000 does not get hot on the outside, so children and pets are safe. The heat stays on the inside, thanks to the 850° F Spin-Glas® insulation sandwiched between the inner and outer walls in top and sides. The PG500, however, does not have an insulated hood which means it will be hot to the touch on the outside.

How do I season my pellet grill?

Break In or season your grill before you cook your first load of meat. Let the pellet grill smoke without meat for a minimum of 1 hour at 400ºF before you do any cooking for consumption.

  1. Fill the pellet hopper with pellets provided by Cookshack.
  2. Plug your grill into a power source.
  3. Flip the power switch to the ON position.
    • Always be sure the fire diffuser is in place over the fire pot before turning the power switch to the on position.
    • Leave doors open when igniting. Close when you see flames from the pot.
  4. Use the arrows to set the temperature to 400ºF.
  5. For the first cook, it will take several minutes for the pellets to drop into the fire pot.
  6. Once the grill is above 400°F, brush the grill with oil to season.
  7. Let pellet cooker run for at least 1 hour.

What is LHt?

pellet grills

LHt stands for Low Heat Time. The factory setting of LHt is 10 for 400°F degree cooking. You have the ability to change the LHt up or down as your smoking and grilling needs dictate. See details on zone cooking here.

What is HHt?

HHt stands for High Heat Time. The factory setting of HHt is 100 for 400°F degree cooking. Changing this setting up or down allows you to fine-tune the precision of your grill. See details on zone cooking here.

How can I purchase a Fast Eddy’s™ by Cookshack pellet grill?

There are several options for purchasing a pellet grill. Call Cookshack at 1-800-423-0698, order online or visit a dealer in selected areas.

Can I use my grill inside?

We recommend using your grill in your garage or outside on a driveway or patio; the smoke is aromatic and delightful outside, but not so great permeating your drapes. They are great for installing in an outdoor kitchen.