Selecting the right butcher paper is a critical step for any smoking enthusiast aiming for that perfect bark and tender, juicy meat. The ideal paper acts as a breathable barrier, trapping in savory smoke and heat while allowing excess steam to escape, preventing your brisket or ribs from becoming soggy. It’s a simple tool, but using a subpar product can mean the difference between a good smoke and a great one.
With various options on the market, from different colors to roll lengths, finding the best fit for your smoker can be daunting. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting eight top-tier butcher papers, each chosen for its quality, performance, and value. Whether you’re a competition pitmaster or a weekend griller, the right roll is here to help you achieve professional-level results in your own backyard.
The Best Butcher Papers for Your Smoker
- Pink Butcher Paper Roll 18″x175′ – Food-Grade Peach Paper
- Bryco Goods White Kraft Butcher Paper Roll – 18″ x 1200”
- Smokin’ Pink Kraft Butcher Paper Roll With Dispenser Box
- DIY CREW Pink Butcher Paper Roll – 18 Inch x 200 Feet
- Brown Butcher Paper Roll (17.75 inches x 100 feet) by Paper Pros
- Pink Butcher Paper Roll – 18″ x 200 Feet (1000 Sq Ft)
- Peach Butcher Paper 18 Inch x 200 Feet
- Butcher Paper Roll 18″ x 200ft – Unbleached Pink Butcher Paper
Pink Butcher Paper Roll 18″x175′ – Food-Grade Peach Paper
This USA-made pink butcher paper is a favorite for its superior performance in the smoker. Its ultra-durable and strong construction means it won’t easily tear when wrapping a hot, heavy brisket. The paper is engineered to do a superior job of trapping smoke around your meat while simultaneously releasing steam, which is the key to developing a perfect bark without steaming the meat.
Being uncoated, unwaxed, and unbleached ensures that no unwanted chemicals or residues transfer to your food. This makes it a safe and reliable choice for direct food contact during long smoking sessions. Beyond the smoker, its food-grade quality makes it excellent for serving, storing, and cooking a variety of meats.
Bryco Goods White Kraft Butcher Paper Roll – 18″ x 1200”
Bryco Goods offers a substantial 1200-inch roll of white kraft paper designed to elevate your BBQ results. This paper is crafted from high-quality virgin pulp, making it stronger than ordinary paper and even leak-proof for particularly juicy cuts. Its breathable nature is ideal for creating an enticing brisket crust, as it effectively traps smoke while releasing steam.
The unbleached, unwaxed, and uncoated formula guarantees food safety during smoking and resting. Its strength and quality also make it a versatile pick for other uses like sublimation or packaging. For those who smoke frequently, this large roll offers excellent long-term value and consistent performance.
Smokin’ Pink Kraft Butcher Paper Roll With Dispenser Box
Convenience is key with this Smokin’ Pink Butcher Paper, which comes in a user-friendly dispenser box. The wide 24-inch size provides ample coverage for large cuts of meat like full packer briskets or for use as a table runner during a crawfish boil. The dispenser box makes it easy to tear off sheets without the roll unraveling, keeping your workspace neat.
Like all high-quality smoking papers, it is unbleached, unwaxed, and uncoated for safe food contact. The pink kraft paper allows for the right level of breathability, helping you achieve a tender and flavorful result. This combination of a large size and practical packaging makes it a top choice for both home use and larger gatherings.
DIY CREW Pink Butcher Paper Roll – 18 Inch x 200 Feet
Proudly made in the USA, the DIY CREW pink butcher paper roll is a versatile and food-grade option for all your smoking needs. Its primary function is to enhance flavor and moisture retention during the smoking process, leading to a more succulent final product. The 18-inch by 200-foot size is a practical amount for regular use without requiring excessive storage space.
This paper is not just for wrapping brisket; it can be used for a variety of tasks in the kitchen and beyond. The guaranteed unbleached, unwaxed, and uncoated composition means you can use it with confidence for direct food contact, knowing it won’t compromise the taste or safety of your meals.
Brown Butcher Paper Roll by Paper Pros
Paper Pros offers a classic brown butcher paper that excels in both smoking and resting meat. Its breathable design is specifically intended to allow smoke to penetrate the meat while letting moisture escape. This process helps you avoid the soggy texture that can sometimes result from using traditional foil, promoting a superior bark formation.
The paper boasts high wet strength, meaning it remains durable and intact even when exposed to meat juices and heat. It is completely food-safe, being unbleached, unwaxed, and uncoated. As an added benefit, this paper can be recycled after use, making it an environmentally conscious choice for your BBQ setup.
Pink Butcher Paper Roll – 18″ x 200 Feet (1000 Sq Ft)
This pink butcher paper roll provides a generous 200-foot length, offering great value for dedicated grillers. The peach color is not just for show; it is a sign of a quality paper that is typically unbleached and free of dyes, making it a reliable choice for wrapping food. Its primary design is for smoking meat, where it helps manage moisture and smoke flow effectively.
The large surface area makes it suitable for wrapping multiple briskets or large batches of ribs. As a fundamental tool for the smoking process, this roll focuses on providing the essential features needed: breathability, strength, and food safety without any unnecessary coatings or treatments.
Peach Butcher Paper 18 Inch x 200 Feet
This standard-sized peach butcher paper is a solid workhorse for any smoking session. The 18-inch width is a common and convenient size for handling most cuts of meat, from brisket to pork shoulder. The 200-foot length ensures you have plenty of paper on hand for many cooking projects before needing a replacement.
Its purpose is straightforward: to serve as a reliable barrier that holds in heat and smoke flavor while letting the meat breathe. This helps in achieving the desired texture and doneness without overcooking. It’s a no-fuss, essential product for achieving consistent results with your smoker.
Butcher Paper Roll 18″ x 200ft – Unbleached Pink Butcher Paper
Completing our list is a reliable unbleached pink butcher paper roll. The “unbleached” quality is a key feature, indicating a more natural paper production process without harsh chemicals. This is particularly important for products used in direct contact with food at high temperatures for extended periods.
The 18×200 foot dimensions offer a great balance of usability and value. This paper performs the core function of butcher paper for smoking: it protects the meat, allows for smoke infusion, and manages moisture to help you finish your barbecue with excellent texture and flavor. It’s a trustworthy option for pitmasters of all skill levels.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Butcher Paper for Smoking
Choosing the right butcher paper for your smoking projects can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. I have learned through trial and error that not all papers are created equal, and the right choice can make a big difference in your final product. The main thing to understand is the difference between waxed and unwaxed paper. For smoking, you almost always want unwaxed, pink butcher paper. The waxed kind is great for wrapping cold cuts and cheeses, but if you put it on a hot brisket, the wax will melt and ruin your meat’s bark and flavor. Stick with unwaxed for the smoker.
Next, consider the paper’s thickness and strength. You want a paper that is sturdy enough to hold a large, juicy brisket without tearing when you wrap it. A lot of the best butcher papers for smoking have a high wet-strength rating, meaning they can handle the moisture and fat without falling apart in your hands. A flimsy paper is a recipe for a mess. I also look for paper that is breathable. Unlike aluminum foil, which steams the meat, a good butcher paper allows some steam to escape while still trapping enough heat to power through the stall. This helps you get that perfect bark—crisp on the outside, tender on the inside.
Finally, think about the roll size. If you are a weekend warrior like me, a standard-sized roll will last a long time. But if you are smoking for a crowd or competing, you might want to invest in a larger, commercial-sized roll. It is more cost-effective in the long run. I also prefer paper that is FDA-approved for direct food contact, just for that extra peace of mind. By focusing on unwaxed, strong, breathable paper from a reputable brand, you are setting yourself up for smoking success.
FAQ
What is the difference between pink and white butcher paper for smoking?
While both are typically unwaxed and food-safe, pink butcher paper is generally more popular among pitmasters. It is slightly thicker and has better strength when wet, which is crucial when wrapping a hot, fatty brisket. White butcher paper is often a bit thinner and can be more prone to tearing. For the heavy-duty job of smoking, I usually reach for the pink stuff.
Can I use aluminum foil instead of butcher paper?
You can, but you will get different results. Aluminum foil creates a tight seal that steams the meat, making it very tender but often at the cost of a soft, less-defined bark. Butcher paper is breathable, protecting the meat while still allowing excess moisture to evaporate. This helps preserve that coveted crispy bark. I use foil for certain things like ribs, but for brisket, I am team butcher paper all the way.
Why is my butcher paper tearing when I try to wrap my brisket?
This usually comes down to the paper’s quality and thickness. A thinner, less durable paper simply cannot handle the weight and juiciness of a full packer brisket. Make sure you are using a paper specifically designed for smoking, which has higher wet strength. Also, practice your wrapping technique! A double-layer wrap can provide extra insurance against tears and leaks.
Do I need to soak butcher paper before using it?
No, and I would not recommend it. Soaking the paper is unnecessary and will likely make it weak and prone to ripping. The paper’s purpose is to wrap the meat in its own juices, not to add external moisture. You use it dry, straight from the roll.
Where can I buy good butcher paper for smoking?
You can find it at many places. Restaurant supply stores are a great spot for large, affordable rolls. Big-box hardware stores often carry it in their outdoor cooking sections, and of course, online retailers have a huge selection of the 8 best butcher papers for smoking brands. I usually buy mine online because I can read reviews and get it delivered right to my door.