PROQSMOKERS.COM
10
Waterpan
The waterpan (included with your smoker) is used mainly to stabilise the
temperature inside the unit, keeping it running at 225°F - 250°F/ 105°C - 120°C
when used with water. This is an almost fool-proof method for regulating the
temperature inside the BBQ. However, a lot of people have been experimenting
with different methods in the waterpan which you may want to try out.
Replacing the water with sand or terracotta/ceramic plates in the pan can be
an advantage in that you won’t have to top up the waterpan during long cooks.
It’s also possible to foil the pan over and use it empty, the temperature in these
methods is controlled using the bottom vents (2 fully closed and the third
adjusted is usually quite stable), this works especially well with forced air systems.
You can also run at higher temperatures if desired but be aware it may over run.
Cooking in the pan is also possible, paella and stir fry are fantastic things to try
cooked over an open fire.
The ProQ
®
Ranger Elite
comes with a wok handle for the
pan to make this easier. It is also possible to roast vegetables or potatoes in the
pan with a little fat, just be careful not to overheat this as you will end up with a
chip pan fire. Use lard or rapeseed oil as it has a higher flash point.
