To Soak Or Not To Soak

[cruiser rod]

I've just started smoking with a MES and a few of my buddies told me that they don't soak their wood chips. I had a Big Chief cold smoker and I always soaked my chips and always had good smoke. Using the MES when I soak the chips I don't see as much smoke. Is it me or should I not soak my chips?

 

[jdwalker]

I don't think smoking chips does anything except create steam.  As far as I can tell, soaking does nothing for quality of smoke and only slows down the process.  It is pretty easy to add more chips to your MES if you want a longer smoke.  Just my .02.

JD

 

[bama bbq]

There's a very similar thread going right now. You might want to ck it out in case some folks answer there and not here to give you the most info to help make your decision: http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/151103/to-soak-or-not-to-soak#post_1077131

 

[daveomak]

In the MES, I have found using less chips, more often, provides a better smoke on food..  a 1/4 cup of chips about every 30-45 minutes works well for me...   I don't soak chips... If you want moisture in the smoker, a small aluminum pan with a 1/4 - 1/2 cup of water, for the first few hours of smoke, will add sufficient moisture to the smoker.... 

Dave

 

[smokinhusker]

 
In the MES, I have found using less chips, more often, provides a better smoke on food..  a 1/4 cup of chips about every 30-45 minutes works well for me...   I don't soak chips... If you want moisture in the smoker, a small aluminum pan with a 1/4 - 1/2 cup of water, for the first few hours of smoke, will add sufficient moisture to the smoker.... 

Dave

He said it all!

 

[cruiser rod]

From my newly recent experience I agree with y'all. I did have a concern with a flavor difference but that has been answered here too. Thanks again!

 

[kenster56]

The only thing you will get from soaking your chips is a few more minutes of smoke. The chips are to thin/small to retain much water and it evaporates quickly. In my opinion it is a waste of time to soak them.