Originally posted by Horn
I have this smoker too. One of the mods I made was to eliminate the charcoal altogether and install a electrical element. Prevents those midnight charcoal changes when smoking turkeys.
In the water pan I use slices of orange, lime, grapefruit and usually an inexpensive red table wine mixed with the water.
What do use the sand for?
h
btw, the last three or four of your links give the message "non-public viewing" and generate a javascript error--unviewable.
I think I fixed the links..
How long does your electric element last? What do you put the smoking wood in to smoke?
I dont use liquid in the pan as I dont think it really adds to the cook. But the pan full of sand does act as a heat sink and no cleanup. I just remove the foil I put on top of the sand and replace it:)
From
http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/tipsfaq.html Does Using A Flavorful Liquid Instead Of Water Do Anything?
Most people report that using apple juice, beer, wine, herb/vegetable broth, or other flavorful liquids in the water pan does not result in any discernable flavor being added to the meat. Any subtle flavor is drowned out by the rub and smoke applied to the meat.
You're better off drinking the beer and basting the meat with the apple juice than to waste them in the water pan.
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Water Pan Variations
Not everyone uses water in the pan...in fact, sometimes people don't use the pan at all. Here are the most common water pan variations.
Empty Water Pan
Line the water pan with wide aluminum foil as described above and leave it empty. The pan sits between the meat and the heat, catching any drippings.
Sand-Filled Water Pan
Fill the water pan 1/2 - 3/4 full with clean, dry playground sand and cover with wide aluminum foil. Discard foil after cooking and reuse the sand. Those who use sand say that it acts as a decent heat sink, eliminates the need to refill the water pan during cooking, and makes cleanup easier.