Master Forge Vertical Smoker

[frankiej]

Hi all.  New guy here.  Wanted to try my hand at smokin meats for some time.  After some research on smokers, here, and other sites decided on the Master Forge Vertical Charcoal Smoker.  Yes, I know, charcoal smokers are a bit challenging for the beginner but I want to try my hand at it anyway.  Also bought a Maverick ET-73 dual probe so I can know what's going on without lifting the lid.

Read about the use of wood chips and most say not to soak them.  Anyone have input on this?  I was always told that wood chips should be soaked before adding to the coals.  Thanks in advance. 

 

[vaquero01]

FrankieJ, welcome to the forum. Soaking is a bit of a wives tale. You want clean combustion to give clean smoke. Wet wood doesn't burn clean and hinders your ability to maintain heat. Smoke from wet wood (chips in this case) give off a bitter taste as well. Make sure that you hit the front page here on the forum and introduce yourself on roll call and add your location into your profile so folks know a little about you. Good luck and you'll enjoy lots of information here.