Water pan for pellet smokers?

[ReDDoG]

Hello,I have the Camp Chef P24.Works great for the price and value.I have been checking out some YT videos on pellet smokers and i came across some that had a version of a water pan/bowl ect off to the side.Anyone tried/use a water pan?If so could you tell the difference?I know it couldnt hurt,Ive never tried it.Mostly a rib/boston butt cooker with chicken now and again.Thanks

[Pirate Scott]

I am new to the Pellet Grill, so I am anxiously awaiting the opinions on this. For right now, I am going without water.

[DWCowles]

I have never used a water pan in my RecTec but I might try it and see if it does make a difference.

[Flat Rocker]

I have used a small water pan for turkey breast and chuck roasts on my Blaz'n. I also put it in for the last 4 butts I did and I "think" it helped, they were the best I've ever done. I put mine on the side of stack vs closer to the hopper. For a long cook, check the pan and make sure it's still got water in it. Give it a try and see what you think.

[BBQCentralShow]

I don't see where this would benefit anything. If the water isn't boiling then it really isn't adding any moisture to the air. Water pans (in any form) are used for heat sinks. Pellet cookers have deflector shields to help with this. IMHO, I think that pan is just taking up useable space on the cooker.

[phrogpilot73]

My Pitmaster Q3 has a built-in water pan. With the original controller, if the water pan was empty - I'd have +/-20 degree temp swings. With it filled, I'd have +/- 10 degree temp swings.

Since upgrading to the Pellet Pro controller, I have +/- 3 degree temp swings with the water pan filled. I can test it with the water pan empty, my expectation is that I'd have slightly larger temp swings.

[Troutman]

I own a Pellet Pro PID controller, I get the same +/- 3* swings. Adding a water pan does nothing to my temperature swing. I put one in to try and humidify the air for the sake of the meat but noted very little water evaporation so I quit using one.

[phrogpilot73]

The design of the Pitmaster Q3, the water pan sits in the grease tray, so exposed to a lot of high heat. A 6-8 hour cook will empty the water pan. Of course, I don't know if that's really changing the humidity all that much.

[Stevo]

I've used a water pan in my PG24. I don't have any confirmed data that it helps, but I think it does. I'm still trying to get just the right setup for maximizing the smoke. I use a tube with pellets laying underneath the drip pan and directly touching the burn pot. This keeps the pellets smoldering more, I think. And I use a small pan with water. But again, I haven't concluded anything as of yet.

[ReDDoG]

Thanks everyone,i think im going to test this out over the weekend.Stevo i use the Amazn tube smoker and the original square amazin for longer smokes.The tube last maybe 2 1/2 hrs and the original will last 4 hrs smoking give or take.I did find if you dry out the pellets like in the microwave for 3-5 minutes in my case they stay lit longer.Your mileage may vary.


I bring this water pan question up because ive seen other smokers that are out of my price range like Myron Mixons smokers that have a water pan inside to add moisture.

[sorensen_j]

I used to put a water pan in my Rec Tec to add moisture, but didn't find it helping. I did a little research and found the Rec Tec has a 75 CFM fan, and given the Rec Tec's size, it takes about 6 seconds of the fan running to completely cycle all of the air out of the Rec Tec. With such a high rate of air turnover, it seemed the added moisture didn't really stand a chance, and that the space I was using for the water pan would be better filled with a hunk of meat.

[vandy]

I used a water pan in my Traeger when I first got but stopped doing it because I could not tell any difference without it. Then again you have nothing to loose by trying it for your self to see if it makes any difference in your grill.

[choffert]

I used a water pan in my Blaz'n Grid Iron this last cook and did have smaller temp swings (and it was quite windy) and slightly better smoke flavor. That said, I didn't need to refill it like my propane smoker running at the same temps, so less humidity. Positioning could be a factor...need more testing...