need professional help

[morgy1]

should i use a water pan with a smoker with a side firebox. or is a dry smoke better for lets say,brisket

 

[mossymo]

Controversial question and you are going to hear answers both ways. Personally I generally use a water pan with just water in it. I feel the water pan provides no flavor with additives so I put the additives into the spritz which does actually touch the smoked product. Just my humble opinion.....

 

[morgy1]

thanks 4 your help MossyMo

 

[richtee]

Water pans are there for two reasons: First, it helps regulate heat in the smoker by virtue of the evaporation process removing heat from the airflow.
Second, while it does not "moisten" the meat, the water vapor/steam it produces keeps some of the moisture from evaporating from the meat by keeping a close to saturated atmosphere in the smoker.

If you have trouble maintaining high enough temps, don't use a water pan, but DO mop more often after the rub has set on the meat.

If you can crank 250 ish with a pan...use it.