Generally speaking, if the ring in the bottom section of the smoker is filled with lit charcoal, and the water pan is nearly filled, the … The less air you allow into the smoker, the lower the temperature will go. Let your grill come to temperature. If you are worried about chips catching on fire when you add them directly to the grill, make a smoke … If you put chips in a pan of water, you’ll see steam before you see any smoke. (Note: When smoking cheese, add ice to the water pan so the cheese doesn't melt above it.) Wet wood takes longer to smoke. Once your water pan is in place, and your wood chunks ready, replace the grill grates and turn on the burners in your hot zone as designated earlier. Food: Place food in the center of the cooking grate above the water pan … Check the water pan when you add charcoal-a watering can makes replenishing easy. 4.7 out of 5 ... Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Black. Depending on your target smoking … You can use a water pan with charcoal and gas grills, too. 4.3 out of 5 ... Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill … Water Pan Cover, Smoker Accessory Compatible with WSM 18/18.5" Smoker.