Meat in the smoker during pre-heat

Not sure about the meat in at pre-heat, IMHO I don't think it would be a problem. On the other hand it really shouldn't matter at start-up.

I worry more about heat loss during mid-smoke. As far as flare ups, I have a Masterbuilt XL propane smoker and I would get them all

the time ! I would have to keep a squirt bottle of water by the smoker and found myself opening the door more than I should to knock-um

down. After asking the fine folks here at SMF I found out a lot of guys and gals put a cast iron skillet on top of the chip tray that comes

with the smoker. After a trip to Bed Bath & Beyond with one of my 20% off coupies I got a C/I fry pan for 12 bucks . PROBLEM SOLVED !!

Now I am looking for one of those expandable smoke tubes that I saw CrankyBuzzard got his hands on. Hope this helps ya out bud !!