My first smoke.

[smokingbobv]

Do I use the water pan with water smoking my ribs. And how much do u open damper on top. I have a masterbuilt smoker

 

[raymo76]

I would say that you can use a water pan for anything you smoke. The way I understand it is that the water pan is more for regulating your temperature and the benefits of having the added moisture in the smoker may or may not make a difference. I've never had a smoker with a water pan so I wouldn't have any personal information to give you.

I'm not sure on your unit but I leave my exhaust vent fully open.

I'm sure someone with more experience with your smoker will be along shortly to offer better advice.

 

[SmokinAl]

Personally I put sand in the water pan, covered with foil. It works the same as water for a heat sink and is much easier to clean up. Keep the top vent open all the way all the time.

 

[sprky]

 to SMF. You have come to the right place for smoking info. This site is loaded with great info just use the search bar at top of page to find what you are looking for. If you can't locate the answer just ask folks here are willing to share there knowledge. I suggest you take  the 5 day e-course on smoking its chuck full of great info.Smoking Basics 5-Day eCourse

Al gave ya good advice. Personally I use both sand and water, My water pan is filled 3/4 full of sand and covered with foil. I then add a disposable pan of water on a rack above that. I have smoked both with and without water. There isn't allot of difference in the moisture but there is some.

 

[eman]

The only time you need to close the vent on your MES at all is when preheating and while storing.

 You can use water or sand in the pan for heat distribution . If you smoke something in a pan you don't need water or sand . If your smokes are coming out mushy try it w/o water ,if they get to dry then you know you need the water to fit your cooking style.

 If you are doing 3-2-1 ribs i really don't think you need water as you are putting moisture in the ribs during the foiling, step (2).

 

[barflyngrill]

I've always put beer in my pan instead of water.  Cant go wrong there!  And sometimes (when in season) I snip off twigs of fresh herbs and throw in it as well.  Happy smoking!

 

[alelover]

Leave the exhaust wide open and regulate the air at the intake.

 

[scarbelly]

Al's sand solution is a great one and like Bob and  Scott said, leave the exhaust open 

 

[ecto1]

Welcome to SMF glad you can join us.  We are big on Pics and love to help everyone out.  Remember the only question that is dumb is one not asked.  You will not find a friendlier place to talk Que on the web.

You are going to fit in just fine.

 

[jrod62]

  TO SMF.  great place here and great folks that love to help. I see your right up the road from me (about 30 min. drive)

 

[papa g]

Welcome to the site, you will find yourself on here a lot.

g

 

[sunman76]

hello and welcome

 happy smokes