heat sink

[Pete Vance]

For my last smoke I used sand instead of water in the water pan. (WSM 18") I noticed that the butt was a little dryer than usual. It was raining so I didn't wrap the butt.
I have read that a lot of folk use sand instead of water so what went wrong?

 

[kilo charlie]

In all my years I have never heard of anyone using sand... until now. The vertical style of your smoker is designed to have water in the water pan... why not use it? You can fill it with just about any liquid.. but sand? Really?

 

[JLeonard]

@kilo charlie @Pete Vance I have the Masterbuilt propane vault and I loaded the stock water pan with sand and covered with HD foil. I also use a 9x13 aluminum pan for a water pan. It has really helped with temp stabilization and temp recovery after opening the door. I got the idea for the sand from reading the masterbuilt thread here on SMF. Not saying i'm right, but it works for me.

 

[chopsaw]

I do the same. Just thermal mass . I don't use water in mine .

 

[SmokinAl]

I use a combo of lava rock & water in my WSM and Smoke Vault. In my Lang I put a pan of water on the grate next to the firebox. My opinion is you get a better result with a water pan with water in it.
Al

 

[GATOR240]

I have used sand in mine for 3-4 years. Seems to help stabilize the temperature.

 

[sandyut]

i used water in my WSM at first then just wrapped it in foil. the purpose is to control temp swings by thermal mass. I never wrapped my butts and stopped the water a long ways back. kinda doubt that was this issue.

 

[3-2-1]

Just don't let any cats get near your kitty box smoker

I've never heard of using sand or any thermal mass in a vertical smoker that replaces the water tray function. why do you need a thermal mass? I've found the few times you open a smoker the better the end product turns out. We don't open a smoker to take a "look", we have temperature probes in the meat to know the state of wellness.

 

[JLeonard]

I'm guessing its all a matter of what works for you. And i'm not a "peeker"
Jim

 

[chopsaw]

I've never heard of using sand or any thermal mass in a vertical smoker that replaces the water tray function

Pretty much the same idea . The water or the sand heats to the same temp . The sand doesn't evaporate , but will hold heat .
I run mine dry in a 14 " wsm most of the time .

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

How thick was the fat cap?
What was the final IT? Was the butt probe tender?
Did you wrap the butt in foil and then place into a towel lined cooler for an hour or two?

I run with an empty water pan in my electric smoker unless the humidity level and dew point temp are in the low teens.