On Mon, 1 Mar 2004 07:35:00 -0600, "~ ElektraMan ~" >
wrote:

>In regards to the sand in the water pan;
>
>Could a guy, or a gal, use rocks in the pan instead? I am under the
>impression that the sand functions as both a heat sink and a heat
>stabilizer. Has anyone tried rocks in the pan instead of sand? I would think
>that rocks may hold heat better than sand?
>
>Thanks,
>Steve
>

I think the whole idea of the water pat is to act as a temperature
stabilizer. Water will only reach it's boiling point before turning
into steam. It doesn't matter how much heat is underneath the water
pan, the water will only be 212 degrees (uncorrected for barometric
pressure).

A pan full of sand or rocks will reach the same temperature of the
fire underneath.

If you learn to use the dampers properly, you can adjust the heat to
where you want it without the water pan. The pan does make it easier
for the novice to keep from cooking at too high a temperature.

I have my water pan covered in foil and I leave it empty. I let the
dampers control the heat. I also find that I prefer not to have steam
in the chamber when smoking. Just my two cents worth.

Mike