Need some advice please

[cornman]

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything and I’ve been debating whether to do this with my 14 inch WSM. I’m thinking of putting sand in my water pan but was curious how it’s worked for others. On long smokes, I hate having the pan go dry resulting in temperature spikes.

I also hate dealing with the mess of the water pan and unwanted drippings (there are times I catch the drippings, but other times I don’t want them). I do foil my pan to help with cleanup, but was wondering if the sand helps/hinders cleanup. Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Braz]

Don't have a WSM, but... On my Masterbuilt electric I filled the water pan with sand and covered it with a couple layers of heavy duty foil. I have a shallow disposable foil pan on top of that to catch drippings and it does not break my heart to toss it out when it gets too ugly. Can't recall if I have ever had to clean out the sand filled water pan.

 

[JWFokker]

Use 18" foil. The air gap will be sufficient and no drippings will get in the pan.