Heat smoker/cooker to at least 250°F and keep between 250-300°F. I add Apple juice when I foil and put back in the smoker or oven for 2 hours. This seems to crisp up the bark a little. Let’s cut to the science here. What to Put in a Water Pan It’s called a water pan for a reason. I think adding juice while foiling will fix your problem Check the accuracy of your MES Todd . There’s a common misconception that if you put beer or fruit juices in your smoker’s water pan, you’ll impart a bit of flavor to your barbecue. Never use your water pan as a drip pan. Unless you’re a super-taster, you’re not going to notice any flavor from whatever juice or beer you put in your water pan. Pour 2 cups of the apple juice in water pan to steam the ribs with. Amount of smoke is up to you. Would putting beer in my smoker's water pan have a similar effect to putting a beer can in a chicken's cavity? A water pan is called a water pan because it only needs water placed in the pan to produce humidification or moisture in the cooking environment. One Response to “THE WATER PAN IN SMOKER” Smoking Wood TipsTOP … I was told by a "Smoker Master" that I … Some guys unfoil and finish 1 hour in the smoker, but I like to finish on the gas grill for about 5 minutes per side on low. Ah, the water pan controversy! Apple Cider Vinegar and Water In Water Pan - When preparing the water pan, wrap it in aluminum foil for less mess.Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 8-10 cups of water and pour into the smoker water pan. Remember- drip pans = a collection unit for residual or run off grease from the cooking process; a water pan = water for moisturizing foods. What does water pan do in a smoker? Don’t waste your beer, wine, apple juice or whatever by putting it in the water pan. Spraying The Pork Butt During The Stall - You'll spray the pork with half apple juice and water when double wrapping it in aluminum foil.This process helps add additional moisture and flavor. So I have a Weber Smoky Mountain, which comes with a water pan to regulate temperature fluctuations, and keep the meat moist. A water pan induces moisture directly into your smoker as an ally for the indirect dispersion of heat. Lots of people will post recipes that put all sorts of liquids in the water pan in order to infuse flavor to the meat. Add soaked hardwood chips or smoking wood of your choice to the smoker. I've recently tried smoking beer-can whole chicken, where you stick half a can of beer in the cavity, while smoking. Save your money because it simply doesn’t work. Put water in it! When I do my ribs (full slabs not baby back) I fill the water bowl located in the bottom just above the smoke box with a mixture of apple cider, apple cider viniger, orange juice, water, a whole head of garlic and some Jack or Jim Beam. This is a false misconception- most of the flavor is going to come from the rub, smoke and any sauce you use. Dec 28, 2011 #14 eman Smoking Guru.