First Use Questions

[JRAiona]

I just purchased an 18.5 WSM and am planning to try it out on some chicken thighs tomorrow. I know to cook by IT but for a time reference I was thinking 1.5-2 hours. Does that sound correct? Also if I'm only doing one rack of meat do I use the top or bottom? Lastly, should I use the water pan and what are your thoughts on the use of the water pan on both short an long cooks? I greatly appreciate any advice you can offer.

 

[Bob Ivey]

First off, welcome to the site. Enjoy that smoker.
Are you planing on smoking high heat or low and slow. Remember that if you want crispy skin it will need high heat. That will also determine the cooking time. If you are doing high heat, don't use water in the pan and foil the pan. Makes for easy cleanup. I would use the top rack if everything will fit there. Good luck.

 

[Bob H.]

Chicken thighs are good to break in the new smoker. They tend to run hotter until is is used enough to seal itself up a bit.
I would use the top rack for this cook, til its broken in and ready to go. Enjoy your new wsm!

 

[Teddy J.]

I just purchased an 18.5 WSM and am planning to try it out on some chicken thighs tomorrow. I know to cook by IT but for a time reference I was thinking 1.5-2 hours. Does that sound correct? Also if I'm only doing one rack of meat do I use the top or bottom? Lastly, should I use the water pan and what are your thoughts on the use of the water pan on both short an long cooks? I greatly appreciate any advice you can offer.

Unless I need the space, I always cook on the top grate.

 

[S.Six]

For stuff like that i remove the water pan.