Smoking in a pan question

[cheez59]

Ok so I see a lot of folks smoking their food in foil pans with the wire racks in them. All I have ever done was to just put the food right onto the smoker grate. This method requires some work to get the grates clean when the cooking is done. Is there any measureable difference in the way that meat takes in smoke if you use the pans? If not I can see myself doing this and saving a lot of work in cleanup. Pros and cons please.

 

[Mdboatbum]

Unless the meat is pretty much totally covered, it'll take in pretty much as much smoke as putting directly on the grate. Think of the smoker as a bucket and the smoke as water. If the bucket is full of water, whatever's in there is gonna get wet. In other words, the smoke chamber fills with smoke and then it flows out the vents. It's not making a beeline from the firebox to the vent.

 

[Doug Crann]

I use Q-Mats from
http://www.amazenproducts.com/mobile/default.aspx

They work very well, just keep them away from flames. Always amazed that right after removing the meat I can remove the mat from the smoker bare handed...

 

[Ribeye Republic]

Unless the meat is pretty much totally covered, it'll take in pretty much as much smoke as putting directly on the grate. Think of the smoker as a bucket and the smoke as water. If the bucket is full of water, whatever's in there is gonna get wet. In other words, the smoke chamber fills with smoke and then it flows out the vents. It's not making a beeline from the firebox to the vent.

Good analogy.

 

[cpw]

If you're looking for real easy cleanup, just smoke directly in the pan without an added rack. The downside to that is the bark on the bottom of the pan will get a little soggy from the juice, but if you're just cooking at home that's not a big deal.

 

[pjtexas1]

i have been using foil balls to raise the wire racks in the pans a little more to get more of the meat directly in the smoke. the bottom of the meat wasn't getting enough color. the wire racks are a little bit of a pain to clean but at least the cooker stays clean. some even foil over the foil pan and reuse the pans.

 

[IamMadMan]

Ok so I see a lot of folks smoking their food in foil pans with the wire racks in them. All I have ever done was to just put the food right onto the smoker grate. This method requires some work to get the grates clean when the cooking is done. Is there any measureable difference in the way that meat takes in smoke if you use the pans? If not I can see myself doing this and saving a lot of work in cleanup. Pros and cons please.

You still have to clean the grates in the foil pans, however they fit easily in the dishwasher.

http://www.equippers.com/1-2-size-footed-wire-grate-for-steam-table-pan-8-x-10/pg-810.asp

 

[nmeyer414]

there is absolutely no difference smoking in or out of a pan with a wire rack. I have personally stopped buying the aluminum disposable pans and gone straight to steam table pans that have lids that fit perfectly. yeah I have a bit of clean up afterwords, but the almighty $$$ is still in my pocket after a 1 time purchase.

 

[Bludawg]

Not a pan fan weed burner take care of the grates.

 

[ITBFQ]

You still have to clean the grates in the foil pans, however they fit easily in the dishwasher.

http://www.equippers.com/1-2-size-footed-wire-grate-for-steam-table-pan-8-x-10/pg-810.asp

I use racks just like those that I bought on amazon. They come out of the dishwasher as clean as the day I bought them. And if they get rusty over time, they are cheap enough to replace without breaking the bank.

 

[Zin]

Not a pan fan weed burner take care of the grates.

One of the best and easiest ways to cook a brisket.

 

[pjtexas1]

there is absolutely no difference smoking in or out of a pan with a wire rack. I have personally stopped buying the aluminum disposable pans and gone straight to steam table pans that have lids that fit perfectly. yeah I have a bit of clean up afterwords, but the almighty $$$ is still in my pocket after a 1 time purchase.

I have the steam table pans and they turned brown from the smoke. Can't get them clean.

 

[Bludawg]

I have the steam table pans and they turned brown from the smoke. Can't get them clean.

comet, brillo pad, & good old fashioned elbow grease. once you get 'em shiny again rub 'em down with dish soap before use they'll wash up clean I do it with my SS camp cook set.

 

[Doug Crann]

One of the best and easiest ways to cook a brisket.

Kinda hard to get it cooked evenly....

 

[markrvp]

I tried using wire racks in a pan elevated by tinfoil balls. The meat was soggy on bottom... way more than if I just put the meat directly on the grates. Not sure why this happens.

At HEB they have mesh wire mats for $1 that are convenient for pulling meat in and out of the smoker.

My dad uses these racks: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Bradley-Set-4-Xtra-Racks/dp/B000FJZ1BY"]Amazon.com : Bradley Set of 4 Xtra Racks : Grill Racks : Patio, Lawn & Garden@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41xRJ78%2BIhL.@@AMEPARAM@@41xRJ78%2BIhL[/ame]

 

[cowgirl]

I don't generally use a pan unless I want to catch the drippin's.
Smoked duck drippin's makes for some fine gumbo. :thumb:

 

[pjtexas1]

I tried using wire racks in a pan elevated by tinfoil balls. The meat was soggy on bottom... way more than if I just put the meat directly on the grates. Not sure why this happens.

At HEB they have mesh wire mats for $1 that are convenient for pulling meat in and out of the smoker.

My dad uses these racks: Amazon.com : Bradley Set of 4 Xtra Racks : Grill Racks : Patio, Lawn & Garden

may have to flip the meat if not enough heat/smoke is reaching the bottom of the meat. i have this issue to a small degree in my cabinet cooker without foil pans. the heat travels from the top down and the bottom is never as done as when I cook in an offset.

 

[Zin]

Kinda hard to get it cooked evenly....

Not hard at all, elevate your grate, me personally just sit the grate on top of the pan.

 

[RevZiLLa]

I can taste the difference and am OK with the extra clean up in return for the better flavor