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Best Wood For Smoking Ham (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for the perfect way to infuse your ham with a smoky flavor, then you’ve come to the right place. Using wood for smoking ham is a delicious way to take your cooking to the next level. But before you go out and buy a whole bunch of wood chips or chunks, there are a few factors that you need to consider.

Firstly, what type of wood should you use? Different woods will give your ham a different flavor, so you want to choose one that complements your particular taste. Some popular woods for smoking ham include hickory, apple, cherry, and maple. You also want to consider the size of the wood you’re using. Smaller chips will burn faster and create more smoke, while larger chunks will burn slower.

Another important factor is the preparation of the wood. You want to make sure that the wood you’re using is dry, as wet wood will produce a lot of steam and not enough smoke. Additionally, avoid using any wood that has been treated with chemicals or has any mold growth.

Now, here are some questions to consider: Have you ever tried smoking ham with wood before? What type of flavor are you looking to achieve? Are you considering using wood chips, chunks, or pellets? By taking the time to consider these factors, you’ll be well on your way to creating a deliciously smoky ham that your whole family will enjoy.

10 Best Wood For Smoking Ham

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for smoking meat and adding different flavors to enhance taste using a variety of wood pellets.
2
Adds a smoky and sweet flavor to grilled meats and vegetables.
3
The product is ideal for those who enjoy smoking or grilling food on a BBQ.
4
Ideal for adding a sweet and smoky flavor to meats and vegetables when grilling, smoking, or baking.
5
Ideal for adding flavor to cooking, grilling, smoking and BBQing due to its USDA certified kiln dried cherry wood.
6
The product is ideal for adding a smoky, cured flavor to various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, and pasta.
7
The product is ideal for use as firewood due to the type of wood, size and quantity provided.
8
The product is ideal for adding smokey flavor to food when using wood-fired or charcoal smokers.
9
The product is ideal for adding natural sweetness to food and drinks without calories or sugar.
10
This product is ideal for holiday dinners and special occasions.
Ideal for smoking meat and adding different flavors to enhance taste using a variety of wood pellets.
Adds a smoky and sweet flavor to grilled meats and vegetables.
The product is ideal for those who enjoy smoking or grilling food on a BBQ.
Ideal for adding a sweet and smoky flavor to meats and vegetables when grilling, smoking, or baking.
Ideal for adding flavor to cooking, grilling, smoking and BBQing due to its USDA certified kiln dried cherry wood.
The product is ideal for adding a smoky, cured flavor to various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, and pasta.
The product is ideal for use as firewood due to the type of wood, size and quantity provided.
The product is ideal for adding smokey flavor to food when using wood-fired or charcoal smokers.
The product is ideal for adding natural sweetness to food and drinks without calories or sugar.

1. Flavor Feast: Bbqr's Delight Variety Pack

Get a taste of different flavors with this 1 pound bag of each Apple, Hickory, Mesquite, Cherry, Pecan, and Jack Daniel's wood chips! Each bag can be used up to 10 times, with only 1/3 cup of chips needed per use. No soaking is required, making it incredibly easy to use. These wood chips work perfectly with any type of outside grill, whether it's gas, charcoal, electric, or smoker. Made in the USA, this product is sure to enhance the flavor of your meats and make your grilling experience even better!

Pros

  • Includes 6 different flavors to try out
  • Each bag can be used up to 10 times
  • No soaking necessary, making it easy to use
  • Works with any type of outside grill
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • – None

2. Mccormick Grill Mates Applewood Rub, 6 Oz

Achieve a legendary grilled meal with this smoky, savory, and slightly sweet rub that locks in the savory smokiness with a flavor-loaded crust. This grilling seasoning is America's #1 and is made with McCormick herbs & spices. The blend of garlic, peppers, and applewood smoke will enhance the flavor of pork, chicken, beef, or seafood. The dual flip-cap bottle provides the option to shake or sprinkle flavor, while the wide mouth allows for easy measurement with a spoon. For an epic grilled meal, generously coat the meat with the rub before grilling. Elevate your grilling game with this must-have seasoning.

Pros

  • Made with McCormick herbs & spices
  • America's #1 grilling seasoning
  • Dual flip-cap bottle for easy use
  • Wide mouth for measuring spoon
  • Enhances the flavor of pork, chicken, beef, or seafood
  • Creates a savory smokiness with a flavor-loaded crust

3. Jax Smok'in Tinder Cherry Log Combo

Enhance the flavor of your grilled food using Jax Smok'in Tinder BBQ Grill Wood Logs harvested from Missouri, Texas, and Colorado. These wood logs are kiln-dried to perfection, ensuring the best smoke and aroma for your outdoor cooking. Unlike other firewood logs, Jax Smok'in Tinder does not add any chemicals, making it a perfect fit for your wood smoker grill, outdoor cooking, wood pizza oven, fireplace, or fire pit logs.

Each bundle contains 8 to 12 smoking logs that are shipped in breathable cardboard boxes. The firewood logs are 12 inches in length and up to 3 inches wide, providing a predictable and even burn every time. Choose from cherry, hickory, post oak, applewood, mesquite, pecan, or maple wood logs, and see why customers keep coming back for more.

Jax Smok'in Tinder Firewood Log for Smokers is shipped in a 12" x 12" x 6" box weighing 12 lbs to 16 lbs, depending on the wood type. The company ensures that their products are kiln-dried to prevent molding or spoilage. It's important to keep in mind that smoker wood can absorb moisture in the air, so it's best to store them in a dry area out of sunlight.

Jax Smok'in Tinder is a trusted brand that sells only premium BBQ wood products for competition pitmasters and backyard grillers. With a variety of different flavors available, you can create your own unique combination and take your outdoor cooking game to the next level.

Pros

  • Kiln-dried to perfection for the best smoke and aroma
  • No chemicals or additives, making it safe for cooking
  • Predictable and even burn every time
  • A variety of flavors available to create unique combinations
  • Trusted brand for competition pitmasters and backyard grillers

4. Smoak's Usda Certified Pizza Oven Wood

Upgrade your wood-fired cooking game with the Cherry 8-inch Mini Splits from Smoak Firewood. These mini splits are made in the USA with competition-grade quality wood that is completely organic and USDA certified kiln-dried without using any chemicals. The box measures 12x12x12 and weighs around 25-30lbs, containing wood pieces with an average width of 1-3 inches and an 8-inch length. These thin wood splits burn hot and can be used for grills, pizza ovens (such as CRU 30, CRU 32, CRU Champion, Ooni Karu 16, Gozney Dome & Alfa One), vertical and offset smokers, PRIMO XL400, or any wood-fired cooking method that can accommodate 8-inch wood length.

Using wood-fired cooking with Smoak Firewood's Cherry Mini Splits will give your food a unique and delicious wood-fired flavor. As wood is an essential ingredient in wood-fired cooking, using quality wood is crucial in producing quality food. Smoak Firewood's Cherry Mini Splits are perfect for those who want to take their cooking to the next level and experience the difference that competition-grade quality wood can make.

If you have a larger firebox, you may want to consider Smoak Firewood's 12-inch or 16-inch lengths which are also available on our storefront. For a blazing fire, you can also add a box of Smoak Firewood's kindling to your order.

Smoak Firewood is a family-owned and operated business established in 2011 by the Smoak family. Order now and taste the difference of using premium quality Cherry Mini Splits from Smoak Firewood in your wood-fired cooking.

Pros

  • USDA certified kiln-dried organic wood without chemicals
  • Competition-grade quality wood made in the USA
  • Wood pieces with an average width of 1-3 inches and an 8-inch length, perfect for small to medium-sized fireboxes
  • Ideal for grills, pizza ovens, vertical and offset smokers, and other wood-fired cooking methods
  • Adds a unique and delicious wood-fired flavor to food

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger fireboxes

5. Alma Gourmet Speck Alto Adige Igp 5 Lb

Indulge in the rich and savory flavor of Speck made from a deboned pig's rear thigh, expertly cured with a dry-cure of salt, pepper, garlic, juniper, pimento, and sugar. This deliciously cured meat is lightly smoked and aged for approximately 6 months, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for any meal.

Crafted with high standards of quality control, this Speck is a product of Italy and ships from New York with ice packs to ensure freshness upon delivery. At approximately 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms), this Speck is a great addition to any charcuterie board, sandwich, or pasta dish.

Pros

  • Rich and savory flavor
  • Expertly cured with a dry-cure of salt and various spices
  • Lightly smoked and aged for approximately 6 months
  • Crafted with high standards of quality control
  • Product of Italy
  • Ships from New York with ice packs to ensure freshness upon delivery
  • Great addition to any charcuterie board, sandwich, or pasta dish

6. Old Potters Kiln Dried Firewood – Hickory, 1100 Cu. In, 18 – 20 Logs. ~ 8" X 2.5" Logs.

These all-natural hickory logs are perfect for cooking enthusiasts who want to add a smoky flavor to their dishes. The logs are kiln dried, which means they are free from any moisture and have a low chance of producing mold. Each log measures around 8 inches in length and 2.5 inches in diameter, making them the perfect size for most cooking equipment.

Made from premium hickory wood, these logs produce a strong and authentic smoky flavor that will enhance the taste of your meats, vegetables, and other dishes. Whether you're using a smoker, grill, or oven, these hickory logs will give your food an irresistible aroma and taste that your family and friends will surely love.

In addition to their great taste, these hickory logs are also eco-friendly and sustainable. They are harvested from responsibly managed forests and are free from any chemicals or additives. You can use them with peace of mind knowing that they are safe for you and the environment.

Pros

  • Kiln dried to ensure low moisture content and prevent mold growth
  • Produced from premium hickory wood for an authentic smoky flavor
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable, harvested from responsibly managed forests

7. Carolina Pecan Smoker Wood – Large And Natural

Get ready to take your grilling and smoking experience to the next level with these locally sourced and naturally cured smoking logs. Unlike fireplace or campfire wood, these wood pieces are specifically designed for smoking meat to enhance its flavor instead of providing quick combustion and high heat. Each piece of our 6-inch wood for smoking is a thick-cut wood split, typically not less than 1 inch thick on the narrowest edge and as much as 4 inches thick, though size and shape may vary due to the splitting technique. These large natural smoking wood logs are perfect for vertical, offset, larger kamado style, gas, and some unconventional smokers. Carolina Cookwood dense smoker wood splits will burn slower and last longer than smaller chunks you may find in plastic bags in your local hardware store or online. Our thick smoking wood logs are BBQ competition worthy and used by professional pitmasters and serious backyard grill masters alike, making them an excellent choice for smoking enthusiasts.

Each smoking log is carefully crafted to ensure that it provides the perfect amount of smoke and flavor to your meat. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting with smoking meat, these logs will help you achieve delicious and mouth-watering results. They are also easy to use and can be added to your smoker or grill with minimal effort.

Made from high-quality wood, these smoking logs are free from any harmful chemicals or additives that may affect the taste of your meat. They are naturally cured to ensure that they are safe for use and will not produce any harmful fumes or residues. With our smoking logs, you can rest assured that your meat will be infused with the perfect amount of smoke and flavor, giving you a unique and unforgettable grilling experience.

Pros

  • Locally sourced and naturally cured smoking logs
  • Thick-cut wood splits for smokers
  • Excellent choice for vertical, offset, larger kamado style, gas, and some unconventional smokers
  • Burn slower and last longer than smaller chunks
  • BBQ competition worthy and used by professional pitmasters and serious backyard grill masters
  • Free from any harmful chemicals or additives

8. New Packaging Siraitia Grosvenorii Luo Han Guo 罗汉果 3pcs

Experience the natural sweetness of Luo Han Guo tea with this premium quality product. Made from carefully selected large-sized fruits, each bag contains three pieces of dried Luo Han Guo fruit. To prepare, simply break one fruit into small pieces and boil in hot water for a few minutes. The result is a refreshing and delicious tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold. The fruits are conveniently packed in a rice paper bag, ensuring that they stay fresh and flavorful for longer periods of time.

Luo Han Guo has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its numerous health benefits. It is known to have antioxidant properties that can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Drinking Luo Han Guo tea may also help improve digestion and relieve constipation.

This product is a great addition to any health-conscious individual's diet. It is a natural and healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Try it today and experience the natural sweetness and health benefits of Luo Han Guo tea.

Pros

  • Made from high-quality large-sized Luo Han Guo fruits
  • Conveniently packed in a rice paper bag to ensure freshness
  • Can be enjoyed hot or cold
  • May provide numerous health benefits

9. Omaha Steaks Spiral Sliced Ham + Seasoning (Spiral Sliced Ham And Omaha Steaks Seasoning)

Make your next holiday meal stress-free with the premium Omaha Steaks Spiral Sliced Ham. This 8-pound ham is expertly slow-cooked and smoked for 24 hours, ensuring a juicy and tender meat that's perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. It also features a delicious torch-glazed brown sugar crust that adds a touch of sweetness to every bite.

This ham is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator, unwrap it, and cook it in the oven. You'll have a mouth-watering ham that's ready to serve in no time. And because Omaha Steaks products are flash-frozen and individually vacuum-sealed, you can be sure that your ham will be fresh and delicious every time.

With its impressive size and mouth-watering flavor, the Omaha Steaks Spiral Sliced Ham is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Don't stress over the main course – let Omaha Steaks take care of it for you.

Pros

  • Premium quality ham that's slow-cooked and smoked for 24 hours
  • Features a delicious torch-glazed brown sugar crust
  • Easy to prepare – simply thaw and cook in the oven
  • Flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed for maximum freshness

Best Wood For Smoking Ham FAQs

Can you use any type of wood for smoking ham?

No, you cannot use any type of wood for smoking ham. The type of wood you use for smoking ham plays a crucial role in the final taste and aroma of the meat. Some types of wood such as hickory, apple, and cherry are perfect for smoking ham because they impart a sweet and smoky flavor that compliments the meat. Woods like mesquite and oak are better suited for beef and pork because they produce a strong and intense flavor that may overpower the delicate taste of ham. It is important to note that the type of wood used for smoking also affects the color of the ham. For instance, hickory wood produces a dark brown or mahogany color while apple and cherry wood produce a lighter pink color. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right type of wood to achieve the desired flavor and color for your smoked ham.

How does the moisture content of wood affect the smoking process for ham?

The moisture content of wood plays a crucial role in the smoking process for ham. The ideal moisture content for smoking wood is between 20-25%, and anything above or below this range can greatly affect the taste and quality of the smoked ham. If the wood is too dry, it tends to burn quickly and produce a harsh, bitter smoke that can ruin the flavor of the ham. On the other hand, if the wood is too moist, it can produce a thick, heavy smoke that may not penetrate the meat properly, resulting in an unevenly smoked ham.

The moisture content of the wood also affects the temperature of the smoker. Wet wood tends to produce more steam, which can lower the temperature of the smoker and increase the cooking time of the ham. This can lead to an overcooked, dry ham with a burnt taste. Conversely, dry wood produces less steam, which can cause the temperature to rise and cook the ham faster than desired.

Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of wood with the appropriate moisture content for smoking ham to achieve the perfect flavor, texture, and aroma.

How long should you smoke ham with wood?

The length of time that you should smoke ham with wood depends on various factors, such as the type and size of the ham, the type of wood used for smoking, and the temperature of the smoker. Generally, it is recommended to smoke ham for at least 4-6 hours with a hardwood such as hickory, applewood, or cherry wood. However, if you are smoking a larger or thicker ham, you may need to smoke it for a longer period of time, up to 12 hours or more. It is important to monitor the internal temperature of the ham and ensure that it reaches a safe minimum temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming. Additionally, the flavor and texture of the smoked ham can also be affected by the amount of smoke and the type of seasoning used. Therefore, it is recommended to experiment with different smoking times and techniques to find the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness for your smoked ham.

What are the flavor profiles of different woods used for smoking ham?

Different woods used for smoking ham can impart unique and distinct flavor profiles. Hickory, for example, provides a bold and smoky flavor that is ideal for ham. It is one of the most popular woods used for smoking ham due to its potency and ability to penetrate the meat. Maple is another popular wood used for smoking ham, and it provides a sweet and delicate flavor that complements the ham's natural flavors. Applewood and cherrywood are also commonly used woods for smoking ham, and they offer a sweeter and milder flavor profile that is perfect for those who prefer a subtle smokiness in their ham. Mesquite is a wood that is known for its strong and intense flavor, but it is not typically used for smoking ham due to its overpowering taste. Ultimately, the choice of wood for smoking ham comes down to personal preference and desired flavor profile.

What type of wood is best for smoking ham?

When it comes to smoking ham, the best type of wood to use is one that will complement the flavor of the meat. Some of the most popular woods for smoking ham include hickory, apple, cherry, and maple.

Hickory is a strong and bold wood that provides a rich and smoky flavor to the ham. It is a popular choice for smoking all types of meat, including ham. Apple and cherry woods are fruitwoods that provide a sweet and mild flavor to the ham. These woods are ideal for those who prefer a sweeter taste. Maple is another great option as it provides a subtle and sweet flavor that complements the saltiness of the ham.

It is important to note that the type of wood used for smoking ham is a matter of personal preference. If you are new to smoking meats, it is recommended that you experiment with different types of wood to find the one that best suits your taste. Remember, the type of wood used will ultimately impact the flavor of the ham, so it is important to choose wisely.

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