How much water in the pan?

[Jim Babek]

In reading some posts I just realized something. And yes this may sound stupid but...

When my water pan has less water Im able to control the temp into the 225-250 range much better than if it is filled up and not boiling. Is it just a concidence or is there some logic to this?

 

[Russ Hazzon]

If less water works then use less water. The whole idea of adding water is temp control.

Now the logic part - when you fill the pan up do you have a hard time keeping temps up or down? Are you using enough fuel? If using the minion method are you using enough lit coals for the current conditions? There are lots of variables here.

Bottom line is use whatever works for you!

 

[Jim Minion]

If your water pan is full and the water is not hot yet then the pit temp is not as high as it will get because your still heating water. While the water is heating and the pit temps are climbing is also the time that smokering is being produced, there is some benifit in not having the pit temp climb quickly to 225 to 250?.
Jim