Quick WSM water question

[SmokingUPnorth]

I searched and saw people use sand in the WSM water pan but I don’t have any available right now. Would you guys recommend using water or nothing at all? I know my masterbuilt I never needed a water pan or anything. I was thinking of just wrapping it in foil and leaving it empty

 

[SmokyMose]

I searched and saw people use sand in the WSM water pan but I don’t have any available right now. Would you guys recommend using water or nothing at all? I know my masterbuilt I never needed a water pan or anything. I was thinking of just wrapping it in foil and leaving it empty

I think it's done to help stabilize the temps a bit to avoid too much temp swing. Water works but you have to keep it filled.
Try it empty and see what happens. I never used it in my MB gasser when I still used it.

 

[motocrash]

I use a 1/4" steel plate in my WSM 14, it works great.

14.5 WSM deflection plate

Just made this today to be tested after T-day. .25 x 11.5 (same diameter as water bowl) covered in foil already. I know the mini builders use something like this.I'll report back after using.

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

I tried sand. I currently using a clay saucer that sits on top of the water pan. Wrap in foil and easy cleanup. Think it is a 14".

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

I tried sand. I currently using a clay saucer that sits on top of the water pan. Wrap in foil and easy cleanup. Think it is a 14".

View attachment 489930

This is exactly what I do with my WSM. Works like a champ!

Dave

 

[normanaj]

I use a 1/4" steel plate in my WSM 14, it works great.

I also have the 14.5" and this works for me also.

 

[sandyut]

I just foil the empty water bowl and run it dry.

 

[yankee2bbq]

I just foil the empty water bowl and run it dry.

Same here. WSM 22.

 

[noboundaries]

Yep. Run it dry. The water pan is just a heat deflector in my WSM.

 

[SmokingUPnorth]

Thanks for the info guys!

 

[gmc2003]

I'll run water in my 22" WSM if I'm going for lower temps - around 225* to 230*(which isn't often). Most of the time like others mentioned above foil the bowl and run it dry. Mine like to settle in around 250*.

Chris