soaking wood?

deck

Newbie

Original poster

Mar 4, 2008

10

10

Upstate NY

• Mar 5, 2008

• #1

Hey guys this is my first post and I recently bought a smoker. I am going to smoke my first brisket this weekend and I have all the tools. I have heard u need to soak the wood before you smoke? if this is true can anyone here help me out? all thoughts are appreciated guys. I have hickory wood for the brisket by the way.

 

smok'n steve

Smoking Fanatic

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Jan 11, 2008

921

14

Maine

• Mar 5, 2008

• #2

What Kind of Smoker?

 

deck

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Mar 4, 2008

10

10

Upstate NY

• Mar 5, 2008

• #3

char griller

 

j-rod

Fire Starter

Jan 14, 2008

56

10

White Pine, TN

• Mar 5, 2008

• #4

I have seen this question pop up in several threads. I have read what these guys think, and to be honest, I really don't think it matters. Even if you soak prior to smoking the heat is going to evaporate all the moisture out of the wood and then it will start to smolder. Personally, I have always soaked in apple juice with maybe a touch of bourbon but after my last smoke I have come to the realization that it isn't really changing anything. I keep a juice/water/sometimes bourbon mix in my water pan so whatever flavor (if any) is added by soaking you will get the same results when the water pan starts to evaporate. I think the real secret is knowing how much wood to add to keep a nice thin blue smoke, you don't want to load down the wood pan because it can make the smoke flavor overwhelming. Hope this helps, maybe some of these guys that know what they are talking about can clarify.

 

deck

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Mar 4, 2008

10

10

Upstate NY

• Mar 5, 2008

• #5

I have a ton more questions lol. I have the same smoker in my avatar. When people talk about water should i put something in there to steam on the side box? also I use coal as well the wood.

 

smok'n steve

Smoking Fanatic

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SMF Premier Member

Jan 11, 2008

921

14

Maine

• Mar 5, 2008

• #6

Chargriller w/ side firebox? I am thinking that with that set-up, you would just start with charcoal and mix your would chunks in with it and let them burn.

No need to soak them in a wood burner like that.

You may want to change your thread title to "Attention Chargriller owners" and you can get some really specific advice on your cook and how your machine works:-)

 

deck

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Mar 4, 2008

10

10

Upstate NY

• Mar 5, 2008

• #7

its in my avatar bro. thanks for the help guys.

 

travcoman45

Master of the Pit

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Jan 19, 2008

4,118

34

A Holler in North Iowa

• Mar 5, 2008

• #8

I personally don't soak my wood. My theroy is you then just have to wait for it to dry out so it well create smoke. Just my opinion.

 

ron50

Master of the Pit

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SMF Premier Member

May 14, 2007

2,357

143

FL

• Mar 5, 2008

• #9

Either way will work fine, makes no difference.

 

richtee

Epic Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Aug 12, 2007

10,682

29

N. Oakland County, MI

• Mar 5, 2008

• #10

Hey make a Roll Call post and we'll be able to help better. Smoker type, location, experence.... etc

 

deck

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Mar 4, 2008

10

10

Upstate NY

• Mar 5, 2008

• #11

i did bro. check it out. already got some advice on mods for my chargriller. this place is great so far.