Water or No Water?

[brickguy221]

For those of you that have a MES, do you use water in the water pan or do you leave the water pan dry and .... why do you use water or no water?

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

I don't use the water pan in my MES, as I use it for low temp stuff like bacon, cheese, etc.
Water pans are for a heat sink or temp control ! I don't think most use the water pan though !

 

[padronman]

Don't use the water pan.  You want to smoke not steam the meat.  Fill it with sand and it will help with temp swings.

 

[brickguy221]

..... OK, I will try no water next time. Without water, the meat won't be too dry then??? 

 

[kiska95]

Your smoker expends a lot of energy heating the water so can cause it to struggle to temp and use more fuel too the water dosent last that long anyway. ts not a steamer so use sand or a terracota saucer as a heat sink. getting the right meat and temp will keep it moist

 

[daricksta]

I haven't used water in two years. I foil over the empty water pan and keep it in place on the bottom rack.