Q&A for How to Use a Charcoal Smoker

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What are some ways I can lower the temperature of a smoker if it's too high?

Mark Nichols
Classically Trained Chef & BBQ Expert
Mark Nichols is a Classically Trained Chef & BBQ Expert and the Owner of Arizona BBQ Company in Gilbert, Arizona. Mark has over 30 years in the hospitality and culinary industry. Mark and his wife, Colette, opened their first business, JC’s Catering in 2011, catering many private and corporate events. In September 2017, Mark and Colette opened their second business, Arizona BBQ Company, to share comfort food while infusing the flavors of the Southwest with their community. They are known for their high-quality smoked brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, St. Louis Ribs, smoked wings, Green Chile & Bacon Mac n’ Cheese, and signature Arizona BBQ sauces. Arizona BBQ Company has been featured on local news outlets including Fox 10 News, The New Times, East Valley Tribune, and Gilbert Sun Times. Additionally, Arizona BBQ Company had the pleasure of being featured on PBS’s "Check Please” hosted by Chef Mark Tarbell. Mark is a graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Le Cordon Bleu.

Mark Nichols

Classically Trained Chef & BBQ Expert

Expert Answer

The easiest way is just cracking the door to let the heat out, depending on the kind of smoker. You can also scatter your coals, or you can put a pan of water at the very bottom. That will actually help regulate your temperature a little bit more evenly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I put the wood chunks or chips in a different pan?

Community Answer

I don't soak mine, as it tends to dampen the fire. Instead, I wrap my wood chips in tin foil with small holes in it and place this directly on the coals. This keeps them from burning and allows the fire to get hotter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9
Question

Should the wood chips be wet or dry?

Community Answer

Soak them for 30 minutes, then drain. Dry chips or chunks are more likely to burst into flames and make temperatures soar.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
Question

Can you tell me how to print this page?

Community Answer

Simply press Ctrl and the letter P (Ctrl+P). You can use this short cut in any portal that has printable content.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8
Question

I use normal BBQ briquettes and apple hickory wood when cooking ribs. When they are done, they look good, but the meat always seems to have the hint of a "fuel" type taste. What am I doing wrong with the cooking?

Community Answer

Use lump coal for smokers. It does not give off fuel vapors like regular coal briquettes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
Question

My smoker doesn't have a water pan. Does this matter?

Community Answer

No. You can use an aluminum roaster tray. Just fill it with water and put it under the racks against the smoker box hole.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
Question

Should I put the water into the bottom or the top pan?

Community Answer

The bottom, under the meat and vegetables so the vapors can rise and cook everything.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 4
Question

Do I need to have a water pan to use a smoker?

Community Answer

It is not absolutely necessary, but it will help you with temperature control.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

What is the metal tray called that holds the charcoal on my rectangle smoker? It rusted and I need a new one.

Community Answer

It's called a Replacement Charcoal Grate. Make sure that you get one that fits the size of your smoker; 14", 18", 22", etc.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

Is it safe to smoke without a bottom vent?

Community Answer

It is a little more challenging to control the heat but it works! Just use the top vents to control the temperature. Start with the vents about half way open and adjust in small increments. The further open, the higher the temperature inside the smoker.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How many hours does it take to smoke 8 Cornish game hens?

Community Answer

When smoking, there are no absolute time to cook anything. Always use a "instant read" temperature probe to read the 'done-ness' of the meat.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0