Novice's Question

[thotshammer]

Greetings All:

since I am a very novice "smoker," I've been reading all I can about smoking procedures.  Quite a few of the sites state that the use of the water pan is not need and, in fact, may increase the time to complete the smoking process.  A couple have also indicated that in could aid in the development of mold in the smoker.  Additionally, most of the recipes that I have read none of them say anything about adding water to the water tray.

You experienced smokers ...... what do you say?

Thanks

Donn 

 

[s2k9k]

I think water has it's good points and bad points. It will add humidity to the air inside the smoke chamber which will aid in smoke penetration of the meat. It is good to catch drippings so they don't just burn in a dry pan. I don't think it is a very good thermal mass because it is constantly changing (evaporation) and it cannot get above 212*. 

I don't really see how it can increase cook time and since all meat cooks at different times I don't know how you could even measure it.

I have used water in my smoker and I do not have any mold growing in it. I think the only way that could happen is if you left a pan of water in the smoker after you were done for a very long time.

Here is a link to a method I have adopted and found works very well, it will explain a lot about what water can do while smoking:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...t-dry-smoke-chamber-q-view-method#post_830635

 

[pineywoods]

I find using the water pan keeps the smoker temps more stable. Whether it adds any moisture to the smoker has been debated back and fourth and I personally haven't been convince one way or the other. Another thought is if they design the smoker to use a water pan then why not use it

 

[davidhef88]

I use sand in the water pan and can't tell the difference between that and water. Keeps temps more stable than water and you don't have to refill.


David

 

[whistlepig]

I always like a little moisture in my smoker. Water in the pan most times. When doing beef I always make Chef JJ's Au Jus. If you were to take moisture completely away from smoking then Chef JJ's Au Jus would be out of the question. And that would be a bad thing.    

 

[thotshammer]

• Thanks to all of you.  Your observations help me a great deal.  S2K9K your link was extremely helpful.   Thanks.  Time to enjoy my "Adult Beverage."   
  

Donn