Modify water pan?

[JeffW]

I understand the theory behind water pans for my vertical smoker. Essentially, they act as a heat sink to provide more even heating of the unit. I don’t believe that the steam they produce makes any difference in the product that the smoker produces. I had a charcoal, vertical smoker, and hated cleaning up the greasy Mess floating around in the water pan. I have the same dislike of the water pan in my vertical five smoker. With the old smoker, I replaced the water pan with a clay flower pot base – it was round – and wrapped that with foil to catch the grease. It worked wonderfully. Has anybody tried something similar in a vertical pellet smoker? Would filling the water pan with sand and then covering that with foil to catch the grease be effective?

 

[Kyle22388]

I find that the water pan also dried up too quickly and this increases the risk of a flare up if Grease has collected. I'm also looking for ideas or upgrades as well

 

[Mike From R.I.]

I understand the theory behind water pans for my vertical smoker. Essentially, they act as a heat sink to provide more even heating of the unit. I don’t believe that the steam they produce makes any difference in the product that the smoker produces. I had a charcoal, vertical smoker, and hated cleaning up the greasy Mess floating around in the water pan. I have the same dislike of the water pan in my vertical five smoker. With the old smoker, I replaced the water pan with a clay flower pot base – it was round – and wrapped that with foil to catch the grease. It worked wonderfully. Has anybody tried something similar in a vertical pellet smoker? Would filling the water pan with sand and then covering that with foil to catch the grease be effective?

I just use plenty of 18" wide heavy-duty foil, it's easiest way. Dump the greasy water somewhere, then trash the foil.

 

[MrJRoz]

The water pan's primary function is to stabilize the spacial pit temperature variance for a uniform ambient temperature more so than to provide moisture. Lined baking sheets (with edges) work well too. You can also place a rack in them to raise the product and catch the drippings in the cooking sheet. There are also foil versions available too.

 

[Steve In Pa]

I just use plenty of 18" wide heavy-duty foil, it's easiest way. Dump the greasy water somewhere, then trash the foil.

I put similar foil over the grease diverter tray and poke holes in it
Never get grease in the water pan

 

[GeekChef]

I understand the theory behind water pans for my vertical smoker. Essentially, they act as a heat sink to provide more even heating of the unit. I don’t believe that the steam they produce makes any difference in the product that the smoker produces. I had a charcoal, vertical smoker, and hated cleaning up the greasy Mess floating around in the water pan. I have the same dislike of the water pan in my vertical five smoker. With the old smoker, I replaced the water pan with a clay flower pot base – it was round – and wrapped that with foil to catch the grease. It worked wonderfully. Has anybody tried something similar in a vertical pellet smoker? Would filling the water pan with sand and then covering that with foil to catch the grease be effective?

I just use two aluminum pans on the bottom rack. Put some water in them and it eliminates all the mess with grease dripping and really evens out the temp of the cook chamber. Never runs dry because u can add so much more water.

 

[JeffW]

I just use two aluminum pans on the bottom rack. Put some water in them and it eliminates all the mess with grease dripping and really evens out the temp of the cook chamber. Never runs dry because u can add so much more water.

Great idea!