Smoking on Grates VS directly on the Racks

[ice1374]

I have a Bradley electric smoker and I am pretty new still to the smoker.  Does it matter if I use aluminum pans for smoking rather then placing items directly on the grates?   I have done butts, ribs, beans so far.  I want to attempt some hot dogs, chicken and veggies.   Just looking for some advise on whether or not it matters?

 

[oldschoolbbq]

This depends on if you are Anal about you Smoker being clean. I opt to cook with no foil(maybe a Frog Mat) and get Smoke all around the Meat. The pan will prevent the bottom from absorbing Smoke as it sits in the liquid of the cooking , like Braising in the Oven. Just MHO .