Is cooking wood near me safe?

Yes! Cooking wood is not only safe but also a reliable choice when used correctly and purchased from a reputable distributor like us.

What kind of wood is best for cooking?

Kiln-dried hardwoods are the best cooking wood near me for a few reasons. For starters, kiln-dried hardwoods produce little smoke and creosote – both of which can ruin the flavor of meats, causing them to taste soured. Second, hardwoods like hickory, cherry, apple and oak impart distinct flavor profiles to any food cooked with them. That’s how barbecue gets its mouth-watering, smoky flavor!

Can I mix different types of wood together for cooking?

Absolutely! Many people like pairing different types of cooking wood near me together to create a unique flavor profile. For example, the combination of cherry and hickory produces a smoky, slightly sweet taste perfect for pork! Another intriguing idea is to mix apple wood with oak for wild game with a sweet yet subtle flavor.

What types of wood are best for smoking or grilling meat?

We recommend hardwoods for all types of wood cooking. We highly recommend hickory for smoking because it has a long burn time and a delightfully smoky taste. For grilling, it depends on what you’re cooking. However, oak, hickory, cherry and apple are all excellent options. You can read more about the best woods for specific cooking scenarios in our guide.

Can I use any type of wood for cooking?

No, you shouldn’t use just any random wood for cooking. Cooking wood near me is specifically designed to be safe and effective for these purposes. Other wood (like that found outside, newly cut or “seasoned”) might be contaminated with pesticides, other chemicals, mold, mildew or pest infestations. All these can be hazardous to human health when inhaled or consumed, so it’s best only to choose options labeled cooking wood specifically.

How should I store cooking wood to maintain its quality and flavor?

For the best results, store your cooking wood in a dry, safe area to maintain its pristine condition. Avoid anywhere that’s excessively humid, damp or prone to rain. Otherwise, you may sacrifice the wood’s low moisture content. You’ll also want to keep cooking wood off the ground, away from walls and protected from pest infestations. However, you should never use pesticides near cooking wood.

Are there any safety concerns or health risks associated with using certain types of cooking wood?

Yes. Certain woods can contain unwanted, potentially hazardous contaminants, as discussed above. The potential hazards for these contaminants, when consumed or inhaled, include:

• Pesticides: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), consuming pesticide residue can induce adverse effects like cancer, reproduction issues, immune diseases and nervous system disorders.
• Mold, Mildew and Fungi: These airborne spores can be harmful when breathed in or eaten. In some people (especially those with penicillin allergies), these contaminants can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening reactions. In all people, the consumption of mold, mildew, and fungi can cause severe respiratory and digestive problems.
• Bug Infestations: The potential complications of eating food contaminated by bug-infested wood vary based on the type of bugs. Some insects are poisonous, while others may technically be safe for consumption. However, nobody wants to bite into food to discover bug carcasses!

To avoid these potential hazards, you should only use wood designated for cooking. Choosing kiln-dried options not only allows for greater taste but also greater safety, as these contaminants are eradicated during the kiln-drying process.

What are some tips for achieving the best results when cooking with wood?

A few tips and best practices for cooking with wood include:

• Contrary to popular belief, there’s no need to soak your wood before using it to cook with (as long as it’s kiln-dried)
• Keep your fire small to flavor your meat effectively
• If using a smoker, keep it shut as much as possible to keep the heat from escaping
• Use a good digital thermometer to verify the temperature inside your cooker (and your meat)
• If grilling, build your fire on only one side so you can use the cool side to move your meat if you believe it’s cooking too quickly
• Allow the fire to burn down a little before adding your meat
• Always clean your barbecue grill, pizza oven or smoker before using it so you don’t get an old, musty taste to your meat

How much does cooking wood near me cost?

The cost of cooking wood varies based on your distributor, location, wood type, etc. For the most accurate quote on your cooking wood near me needs in Chicago, contact Lumberjacks.

Why should I choose kiln-dried cooking wood?

Kiln-dried cooking wood goes through a special process that does two crucial things: it drops the moisture content below 20% and purifies the wood.

The lower the moisture content of your wood, the better – especially when cooking with it! Low moisture means less smoke and creosote, plus a longer, slower burn. As a bonus, this also means you’ll need less wood for longer cooking times, which can save you money and hassle!

Purifying the wood means eradicating any mold, mildew, chemicals or pests that might be present. This is important for the many reasons we’ve listed beneath earlier questions!

Where can I find kiln-dried cooking wood near me?

If you’re looking for “cooking wood near me” in Chicagoland, we’ve got you covered! Lumberjacks sells high-quality, kiln-dried cooking wood from our two convenient locations in Woodstock, IL, and Lake in the Hills, IL. We’d be happy to provide you with the cooking wood needed to elevate your grilling game!

However, if you’re in Minnesota, check out ProCut Firewood for your kiln-dried cooking wood needs!