proper seasoning of a New Smoker

[richoso1]

My bud and I are havinG a "discussion" over seasoning a new smoker. He feels that Heat, Smoke,and a full water pan are the essentialS. I don't think the full water pan would make a difference. CAN YOU SEASONED SMOKERS GIVE US THE SKINNY ON THIS TOPIC?

 

[gypsyseagod]

not sure about the water but coat the inside w/spray oil lightly & run a bit hotter than cooking temps for a few hours-i like to do brisket w/ mesquite for my first cook. it gives it a distinct seasoning (flavor) for it's life.

 

[brennan]

Never in my readings on how to season a smoker have I heard mention of a full water pan being used. I'm not sure what the water would even accomplish since you are just slathering the insides with oil, impregnating it with smoke, and letting it polymerize to an almost teflon like glaze. That being said, I think water would almost be harmful in the seasoning process as the steam could penetrate a possible missed spot in the oil and cause rust. Whats more, you could get the water stuck under the oil when you put your second and other subsequent coats of oil on there, then its just a hole in your smoker waiting to happen. I'd say your friend isn't doing you any favors by suggesting using water to season a smoker.

 

[gypc]

no water pan just a bunch of cooking oil and heat should do a fine job!

 

[richoso1]

Brennan, that's my position. The moisture could be the start of some rusting area. Once the smoker has a seasoned coat, the moisture would not penetrate exposed metal. Thanks for the time.

 

[smokyokie]

I wouldn't want moisture during seasoning. It could prevent the resins from the oil from bonding to the metal. i.e. you wouldn't want to steam a cast iron skillet right before you seasoned it.

Tim

 

[blackhawk19]

No water, spray the inside with Pam, light it up, start some smoke, heat it
good and then use this time to learn how to control your temps

 

[ultramag]

What everybody else said. If a water pan accomplished anything during the curing process it would be to prevent the very thing you're trying to achieve.