Sand?

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fitch

Newbie
Original poster
Oct 27, 2012
29
10
Michigan
I have never used sand only apple juice and water.  I have a Masterbuilt 40 XL propane smoker.  What is the suggested method of using sand.  I like the idea of consistent temperature.  As always, I look forward to the guidance here at SMF.

Mike
 
Fill the water pan with sand and cover with foil so it doesn't get nasty. You can always add a foil pan with water on top of the sand if you want. I never do. Just one to catch drippings.
 
Mike, morning...  consider rinsing the sand before putting in the smoker...  someone, or some cat may have used it....  Play sand at the Big Box store works...  Dave
 
Dave has it right, of course.  It's easier to just buy the play sand.  40 pound bag is about $6 and will last quite some time.

Bill
 
I like just buying the sand and changing it out when I smoke.  I didn't think about the cat dropping issue.  I most likely won't use water either.
 
Mike, The more you use, the longer it takes to heat up.....  and cool down....  Preheat the smoker and you probably won't notice the warm up part....   You can report back on the difference it makes in your smoker, for others to learn from...   Dave
 
I like just buying the sand and changing it out when I smoke.  I didn't think about the cat dropping issue.  I most likely won't use water either.
If you cover the sand with foil you won't be changing it out every time.  Heck, I've had the same sand in my WSM water bowl for 6 months.

Bill
 
I preheat my sand filled waterpan in the oven to the temp I will be smoking at. Saves me some propane on the preheat for the smoker.
 
If you cover the sand with foil you won't be changing it out every time.  Heck, I've had the same sand in my WSM water bowl for 6 months.

Bill
Me Too!!!

I have yet to see a cat get into Lowes or Home Depot and open a bag of play sand, use it then reseal it!
 
Me Too!!!

I have yet to see a cat get into Lowes or Home Depot and open a bag of play sand, use it then reseal it!
Ha! Ha! Ha!  Good answer; I love it!

ROTF.gif
 
The first time I opted to use the no water approach I had no sand handy , so I used about a third of the pan full of pea-stone gravel. (well washed)...
I have been using that ever since. My WSM rides at 250 degrees rock solid for 12 hours on a load of charcoal. No more water for me! :sausage:
 
So after years of wanting to be a smoker, 
icon_lol.gif
, I finally and got a Brinkmann Trailmaster Vertical for Christmas. I know it's very entry level, but it'll work for now.

My question is related to the posts above. The purpose of using water is to keep moisture in the smoker and not dry out the meat. What benefit then does sand provide, other than to help regulate temperature? 
 
So after years of wanting to be a smoker, :icon_lol: , I finally and got a Brinkmann Trailmaster Vertical for Christmas. I know it's very entry level, but it'll work for now.

My question is related to the posts above. The purpose of using water is to keep moisture in the smoker and not dry out the meat. What benefit then does sand provide, other than to help regulate temperature? 


The water pan and water was initiated by manufacturers who couldn't build a smoker that would regulate the temperature below 200 deg...

The sand is thermal mass to reduce temperature fluctuations....
 
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