Question about using a water pan in my offset smoker

I tried putting a big water pan right next to the firebox in my Oklahoma Joe's last weekend, thinking it would help keep my brisket moist. It actually made the bark on my point completely soggy and the temp swings were crazy, like 50 degrees up and down. Has anyone else had a bad time with a water pan in an offset, or should I just stick to spritzing?

3 comments

3 Comments

wright.kevin1mo ago

Yeah man I had the exact same problem with my offset haha. It's like the water pan just turns your smoker into a steamy climate that ruins the bark. I've noticed this is one of those things that makes sense on paper but in reality it's like trying to use a spoon to dig a hole, it just doesn't match the tool. @charles919 nailed it though, I moved mine to the middle of the chamber and the temp swings settled down a lot. The water pan still adds moisture but without making the firebox side a swamp.

nina_harris393mo ago

Try moving the pan farther down the grate next time.

charles9193mo ago

Honestly nina_harris39, that method never works for me. Tbh I get better results keeping it closer to the middle.