Water Pan- Yes or no

[mook07]

Hello Everyone!  I will be smoking a corned beef brisket and a pork butt this weekend.  Still pretty new at smoking but I think I got most of the directions I need from other discussions throughout the forum.  Anyway, I wasn't sure if I should fill the pan with water or not.  I have heard both yes and no but wasn't sure if either of these would benefit having water in the pan or not...?  Since I am going to be smoking both of these together, I just wanted to get your take on it.

Thanks!

 

[woundedyak]

Use the pan! It will keep you from chasing temps. Once you learn the WSM then run it with out the pan.

 

[dougmays]

easier temperature control in the WSM with the water pan

 

[daveomak]

If you use water for the first 4-6 hours then pull it to form the bark, the meat will still be moist and you will have great bark.... See the method developed by Eric... (forluvofsmoke).....

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/140362/another-brisket-forluvofsmoke-erics-method

 

[mook07]

Thanks guys, good stuff!