Noob Question for Master Forge Electric -- Wood placement?

[vajacket]

Hi,

Long time griller but brand new to smoking.  Got a new Master Forge electric from Santa 

IMG_20121230_095541.jpg

• vajacket
• Dec 30, 2012

and have a couple very basic noob questions.  Where do I put the wood chips... directly on the elements or use a foil pan that sits on the elements, or does it matter?  And, I do not plan to use this a grill so, I don't need the lava rocks, right?  I assumed this was basic knowledge so I searched the forums, read the instruction manual, read my Weber grilling book, and read the 5-day eCourse without any luck.  Any help is much appreciated!

 

[tjohnson]

Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas!!!

 

[jsf0656]

i just got the brinkmann electric at HD and i bought a cast iron smoker box to sit on top of the element. tried it out yesterday using chuncks and a couple pieces of charcoal and it worked great! i also got bigger and better lava rock to replace the small ones that came with it and it has made a noticable difference in my temps for sure. the first time i used it the temps were constantly climbing towards 300 degree mark. but since i started using the better lava rock and switching over to sand in my water pan, the temps have stabilized nicely. my last smoke the temps remained between 220-230 perfectly! 

 

[vajacket]

Thanks.  I have a small metal smoker box that I've used on my gas grill so I'll start out using that.  Thanks again for the tips.  I just finished the curing process and now getting ready to cook some ribs. 

 

[jsf0656]

need some pics of them ribs

 

[danbono]

Hi I have the same smoker for a year now, Use chunks place on the center lava rocks, also put 2 house bricks between the elements one on each side. to stabilize the temps.

I'm happy with mine..so far,. Just make sure you SEASON it 1st.

Dan