JN Pit Boss Competition Blend BBQ Pellets - 40 lb - (2-Pack)

The Verdict

If you own a pellet grill, you know the drill: run out of fuel mid-brisket, panic-buy whatever’s at the hardware store, and regret it for the next six hours. The JN Pit Boss Competition Blend 2-pack solves that problem with 80 pounds of fuel. But is it actually good, or just a lot of mediocre? Here’s what 220 Amazon buyers and my own research say.

What’s actually in the bag

You’re getting two 40-pound bags of 100% hardwood pellets. The competition blend is a mix of oak, hickory, and cherry — a combination designed for that all-purpose “competition” profile that works across proteins. The pellets are roughly 1.5 inches long with a consistent diameter that feeds reliably through most auger systems. No fillers, no binding agents, no bark or sawdust pressed into fake pellets. That’s the first thing to verify with any pellet brand, and these check out.

How it performs on the grill

The oak base gives you a clean, steady burn. Hickory adds the classic BBQ backbone, and cherry contributes a slight sweetness and that reddish smoke ring on pork and poultry. In practice, this means you can smoke a brisket at 225°F for 12 hours and not get the acrid, bitter smoke you’d get from pure mesquite or even straight hickory. Temperature stability is solid — buyers report holding temps within 10-15 degrees through full cooks.

Ash production is notably low. That’s a big deal because less ash means your fire pot stays cleaner, the auger doesn’t jam, and you’re not cleaning the grill after every single smoke. One reviewer put it simply: “Burns clean, produces very little ash, and gives great flavor.” Another noted, “These produce a nice smoke flavor without being overpowering.”

What buyers consistently praise

The value proposition is the strongest thread across reviews. At roughly the same price as two 20-pound bags of premium brands, you’re getting double the fuel. Several reviewers specifically mention using these for long brisket cooks and still having plenty left over for the rest of the season. The mild, balanced smoke flavor also gets consistent positive mention — it’s forgiving for beginners who haven’t dialed in their smoke preferences yet.

Where it falls short

The packaging is the biggest complaint. There’s no resealable closure on these bags. Once you open a 40-pound bag, you need a dedicated storage container or heavy-duty clips. In humid climates, pellets left in the open bag will absorb moisture and degrade into dust within a few weeks. That’s on you to solve — the bag itself won’t help.

There are also occasional reports of excess fines — the sawdust-like debris that collects at the bottom of the bag. If you pour these straight into your hopper without checking, fines can clog the auger on some grill models. A quick sift or a careful pour that leaves the dust behind solves it, but it’s an extra step you shouldn’t have to think about.

And if you want heavy smoke flavor, look elsewhere. This blend is balanced by design. It’s not weak — it’s just not aggressive. Hickory purists will find it too subtle.

Who should buy this

• Frequent pellet grillers who cook multiple times a week and don’t want to restock constantly
• Pork and poultry fans — the cherry component shines on ribs, shoulder, and chicken thighs
• First-time pellet smoker owners who want a forgiving, all-purpose fuel while they figure out their flavor preferences

Skip it if you’re a purist who wants an intense smoke profile, or if you live in a high-humidity area and don’t have a sealed storage solution ready.

FAQ

Q: How long will 80 pounds of pellets last? A: On average, a pellet grill burns 1-1.5 pounds per hour at smoking temps. That’s roughly 55-80 hours of cook time — about 16-20 typical smoking sessions.

Q: Will these work in any pellet grill? A: Yes, the 1.5-inch pellet size fits standard auger systems from Traeger, Pit Boss, Camp Chef, Z Grills, and most others. Just sift out fines before adding to the hopper.

Q: Do I need to store these differently than the bag? A: Yes. Transfer opened pellets to an airtight container or seal the bag with heavy clips. Moisture is the enemy — once pellets absorb humidity, they crumble and create blockages.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a dependable, all-purpose pellet supply at a strong per-pound value and don’t mind managing your own storage. Skip it if you need aggressive smoke flavor or want the convenience of resealable packaging.

Rating: 4.2/5 — Great value and solid performance, docked a point for the poor bag closure and occasional fines. It’s not the best pellet on the market, but it’s one of the best values per pound you’ll find.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.