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wcr130

Newbie
Original poster
May 23, 2013
4
10
My name is Bill from Iowa. I bought a new propane smoker, Masterbuilt I believe. Did the whole cure thing and smoked a couple of times and did OK. Then I tried to get tricky and put some wine in the water pan to maybe add some different flavor to the meat. Backfired! As it was smoking it put a black film all over the meat. I cleaned the water pan and grates and all that but the next time I tried smoking it did the same thing and I just put water in the pan. Is there something else I need to do to stop this from happening? I need some advise please.
 
 
Glad you joined us wcr130, :welcome1: from North Dakota!

Sounds like creosote residue from too much smoke and moisture.

- Is the wood your using for smoke dried and seasoned or fresh and green?

- Propane also gives off moisture as it burns, the water pan may not be needed.

- The smoke coming from your smoker should a very light blue, barely able to see but yo can smell it. White, billowy smoke will leave a bitter creosote taste to the product you smoke. Remember, smoke is just a small ingredient in your recipe.

- Low and slow temps are what your looking for when smoking, unlike hot and fast for grilling. With most smoking, controlling temps between 225º and 250º is what is desired. Once you control your temps and smoke, your neighbors will be flocking to your yard!
 
I am using wood chips that have been soaked in water. Should I just use chips straight from the bag without soaking and a water pan, or soaked chips and no water pan?
 
Welcome Bill... IMO it's fairly worthless to add anything besides water to a water pan.  Rubs, sauces etc...would mask any taste that you would add to a water pan. 
 
welcome1.gif
to SMF!  We are so glad you joined us! Would you mind updating your profile to show the other SMF members where you are located?  You will get better answers to your questions in regards to your climate.

Jeff offers a free 5 day E-Course.  It's packed with great information to use...no matter what your experience level might be!  [color= rgb(0, 0, 205)]http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse[/color]  

If you didn't read the "Terms of Service" notes.....please do.  There are a few things that everyone should know about those pesky little rules before plunging into the forums. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/terms-of-service

I have a Camp Chef Propane smoker...and I just use water in the pan.  Going to try sand one day soon! I used to soak the chips...I use "chunks" now and don't soak.  The chunks....IMHO....will not "smoke" until they dry....so why soak!

If you need any help roaming around the forums....just holler!  Happy to help out!

Kat
 
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Mossy is right and remember smoke is a seasoning and moisture makes smoke stick easier to the meat so take it easy on the smoke....you just want TBS coming out the exhaust.
 
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Welcome to the forums, Bill!  Glad you've joined us.  You've found a great place to learn and share ideas on our favorite pastime...grilling and smoking great food!  There are lots of friendly and knowledgeable people here who really enjoy helping one another.  Just ask when you need help and you'll get plenty!

Red
 
Hi Bill! :welcome1: to SMF!!! We're happy you joined us!

Mossy hit the nail about the smoke!

Dump the water and fill the pan with sand, you will find you get a lot more consistent temps and you can put a disposable pan with some water in it on top of the sand pan to catch drippings!
 
Please fill me in, what is AMNPS?
AMNPS:  A-Maze-N Pellet Smoker from A-Maze-N Products, a sponsor of the site (link at the bottom of the page).  It's a little smoke generator that will produce hours of perfect smoke without reloading.  They're great, and Todd, the owner, is a member here too, and a great guy.

Red
 
AMNPS:  A-Maze-N Pellet Smoker from A-Maze-N Products, a sponsor of the site (link at the bottom of the page).  It's a little smoke generator that will produce hours of perfect smoke without reloading.  They're great, and Todd, the owner, is a member here too, and a great guy.

Red
Exactly!!!

Bear
 
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