Wood type

Characteristics

Use with

Acacia

From the same family as mesquite, but not as strong.

Most meats, especially beef. Most vegetables.

Alder

Very delicate with a hint of sweetness.

Good with fish, pork, poultry, and light-meat game birds.Traditionally used in the Pacific Northwest to smoke Salmon.

Almond

A nutty and sweet smoke flavor, light ash.

Good with all meats.

Apple

Slightly sweet but denser, fruity smoke flavor.

Beef, poultry, game birds, pork (particularly ham).

Apricot

The flavor is milder and sweeter than hickory.

Good on most meats.

Ash

Fast burner, light but distinctive flavor.

Good with fish and red meats.

Birch

Medium hard wood with a flavor similar to maple.

Good with pork and poultry.

Cherry

Slightly sweet, fruity smoke flavor.

Good with all meats.

Cottonwood

Very subtle in flavor.

Good with most meats.

Grape vines

Aromatic, similar to fruit woods.

Good with all meats.

Grapefruit

Medium smoke flavor with a hint of fruitiness.

Excellent with beef, pork and poultry

Hickory

Pungent, smoky, bacon-like flavor. The most common wood used.

Good for all smoking, especially pork and ribs.

Lemon

Medium smoke flavor with a hint of fruitiness.

Excellent with beef, pork and poultry

Lilac

Very light, subtle with a hint of floral.

Good with seafood and lamb

Maple

Mildly smoky, somewhat sweet flavor.

Good with pork, poultry, cheese, vegetables and small game birds

Mesquite

Strong earthy flavor.

Most meats, especially beef. Most vegetables.

Mulberry

The smell is sweet and reminds one of apple.

Beef, poultry, game birds, pork (particularly ham).

Nectarine

The flavor is milder and sweeter than hickory.

Good on most meats.

Oak

The second most popular wood to use. Heavy smoke flavor. Red Oak is considered the best by many pitmasters.

Good with red meat, pork, fish and heavy game.

Orange

Medium smoke flavor with a hint of fruitiness.

Excellent with beef, pork and poultry

Peach

Slightly sweet, woodsy flavor.

Good on most meats.

Pear

Slightly sweet, woodsy flavor.

Poultry, game birds, pork.

Pecan

Similar to hickory, but not as strong.

Good for most needs.

Plum

The flavor is milder and sweeter than hickory.

Good on most meats.

Walnut

Very heavy smoke flavor, usually mixed with lighter wood like pecan or apple. Can be bitter if used alone.

Good with red meats and game.