water, no water, concrete.


 
PeterZ

PeterZ

TVWBB Pro
Ok, I understand that there has been a lot of talk about water or no water in the water pan. I personaly use water
in both smokers but I think I just may try go no mater just to see what happens.
How about concrete in the water pan? Its less money then clay pot, does not brake or crack like a clay pot.

Peter
 
I think the bottom line Peter is that many of us prefer a different heat sink than water. Some use clay saucers, some use sand, steel dics and/or gravel. I think the problem with concrete would be the moisture and the potential for spalling. The moisture will boil within the concrete and it could chip, flake or crack. It might even explode.
 
Concrete can explode when heated.
If you don't want to buy a clay flower pot base, try sand.

I use a foiled clay flower pot base in the foiled water pan, it works great.
 
I use lava rocks for a gas grill, bought them at Home Depot. Just cover it with foil to keep the grease off the rocks.

Works for me....

RonW.
 
Ok, concrete no good =).
Maybe I will try sand or foiled clay flower pot base. Water is a little pain in the a$$. Im just worrie about the tendernes of meat with
no water. Only one way to find out I guess.
Thank you everyone for your input.

Peter
 
I found a pizza stone on sale that was cheaper than the clay saucer. Covered both pan and stone with foil, works pretty good.
 
What size Clyde and who was carrying it? Probably not available here but, you never know. I really like the idea of the steel disc that one of the members here uses I just have not found anybody who would cut me one.
 
Peter, don't you have both smokers running on an ATC ?
I've never used or owned one but I always read that a heat-sink isn't necessary, just a foiled pan with an air-space.
Like George L that's all I use. I did the clay pot flower thingy my first year and then found it wasn't necessary.
Tim
 
timothy said:
Peter, don't you have both smokers running on an ATC ?
I've never used or owned one but I always read that a heat-sink isn't necessary, just a foiled pan with an air-space.
Like George L that's all I use. I did the clay pot flower thingy my first year and then found it wasn't necessary.
Tim
Click to expand...

Hi tim.
Yes I do run controlers on both smokers and its working fantastic. I think I just need to try this no water deal and see
what happens. I just dont want my bbq all dry without the water in the pan.

Peter
 
Yea Peter I would just try it both ways and see what you think.
I only use the water when I need to keep temps @ 225 for spiral sliced hams.
Otherwise my WSM runs nicely @ 275 with minimum fuss.
To me the use of a heat sink on anything over 250 is counter-productive..
Let us know how it works out:wsm:

Tim
 
timothy said:
Yea Peter I would just try it both ways and see what you think.
I only use the water when I need to keep temps @ 225 for spiral sliced hams.
Otherwise my WSM runs nicely @ 275 with minimum fuss.
To me the use of a heat sink on anything over 250 is counter-productive..
Let us know how it works out:wsm:

Tim
Click to expand...

Thank you Tim. I sure will post after I try it.
Peter
 
PeterZ said:
I think I just need to try this no water deal and see
what happens. I just dont want my bbq all dry without the water in the pan.
Click to expand...

UDS's run without water and pan, and meat does not come out dry. Run it without water and you'll never look back. :)
 
I saw a post on the web where a guy was using shale as a heat-sink in a smoker since it was prevalent near his house in PA and that's a bomb in the waiting. We built a fire-pit in boyscout`s back in the late 70s from shale stones at Letchworth state park in NY. Stones heated up and one of them exploded shooting rocks and sparks everywhere. Nobody was hurt but we learned shale isn't good near heat if it has moisture in it...

I don't use water in my 22 and have had good luck with temp control so far.
 
Gary S said:
What size Clyde and who was carrying it? Probably not available here but, you never know. I really like the idea of the steel disc that one of the members here uses I just have not found anybody who would cut me one.
Click to expand...

It was 15", I think it was from Kitchen Collection. $9.57.

Have you looked at Agri Supply for a disc harrow blade? You can order solid blades from them, just don't know about shipping.
 
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