Using charcoal AND gas in my Masterbuilt? Ok or not??

[jjodstl]

I have a Masterbuilt vertical gas smoker. I got rid of the smoker box that came with it and now use the water pan that came with it (I just use a disposable pan for water now) and set it right on top of gas fire at the bottom of the smoker. I've found I get best smoke when putting a few chunks of lump charcoal in that pan before adding my wood chips or chunks right on top of the burning charcoal. Has anyone else done this? Am I doing something wrong or unsafe?? Any other ideas for how to get best smoke with the gas smoker are very welcomed!

 

[SmokinAl]

It's definitely OK to put charcoal in with the wood chunks.

Al

 

[ammaturesmoker]

as long as it is lump coal, you should be fine.