Beginner Question

[waterswat]

Hi all, I am a beginner, meaning I have never smoked anything ever before. So Im sorry if this is to elementary, but I have a MES 30 electric smoker. Got it as a gift with 4 bags or different wood chips to use. Do most soak their wood chips in something before putting them into the smoker or do you just put the wood chips in dry? Thanks and look forward to doing my first smoke ever soon!

 

[chef jimmyj]

Can of Worms there! You will get as many opinions on that as there are members at SMF...

I have had an MES 40 for over a year and found there is no benefit to soaking the chips. Wet chips just take longer to get smoking. I have found that any more than 1/4Cup of chips will either make too much smoke or catch Fire after huffing and puffing and blowing the chip loader out to side of the unit, You will have to add chips about every 30 minutes which is a pain on a 12-16 hour Pork Butt or Beef Brisket Smoke. You may consider keeping the chips for short, <2 hour smokes, and get an AMNPS Pellet Smoke Generator. http://www.amazenproducts.com/ The company owner is a member and has the best service available. The AMNPS will burn 100% flavor wood Pellets for up to 10 hours without a reload. Good luck with your new toy and don't forget the free eCourse to give you the basics on smoking. Anything else you think of try the Search Bar or ask...JJ

 

[kathrynn]

I used to soak them because I thought you were supposed to do that.  I do not now.  There are just as many folks that soak that don't soak.  Personal preferences I guess.  Chef is correct of course.....

Kat

 

[humdinger]

Best advice I can give on such a touchy topic is that if you have four bags of chips, experiment. Smoke some ribs with soaked chips, and then smoke some without and see what you like. I use the wood chunks, but will throw in some chips from time to time for a twist.

Most folks who used to soak em end up doing it without b/ it's just one less step to have to do. Totally up to you though, it won't hurt wither way.

 

[pgsmoker64]

We recently had a member vehemently proclaim that you will gain some time and smoke residence and quality from soaking the chips.  His scientific reasoning was very sound and could not be disputed...scientifically.  Unfortunately he did not relate to many members in a personal manner; however, if you like I will share his scientific opinions with you in a PM.  

Just cause I don't wanna open that can of worms again!  LOL  

Like Kurt said...experiment and see what works for you.  I have an MES30 analog unit and I found that I can get the chips smoking quicker and at lower temps when leaving them dry.

Good luck and let me know if you want to know the science behind the wood!

Bill

 

[jp61]

With the MES40 I always used soaked chips. Never had a problem, but you have to stay on top of it and keep adding more.