Soaking wood

[walshman]

Hi people. First post so go easy please. I'm putting together my new master touch today and going to experiment with some cherry wood I'm expecting from amazon. Is it best to soak the wood first or shall I put it on the charcoal dry?
Thanks

[AZ Monsoon]

I wouldn't waste my time with soaking. What kind of cook are you doing? Grilling or smoking?

[Matt_T]

Are they chunks? If so put them in dry next to but not directly in the burning coals. If you are doing an indirect cook then the other option is to put the chunks on the cooking grate directly above the burning coals.

If the wood is too close to the fire and/or you are taking the lid off a lot the wood will ignite and not smolder/smoke. Putting the lid back on should kill that flame but just be aware of that.

Good luck and take notes (even if they are mental) so that with each cook you develop a new understanding and an increased level of confidence.

Cheers -

- Keep it simple stupid -

[walshman]

What kind of cook are you doing? Grilling or smoking?

A little of both if that's possible?

[MFBinNH]

this should help....greatest info site ( besides this one) out there....http://amazingribs.com/table_of_contents.html

[DirectDrive]

IMHO, soaking smokewood is an Old Wive's Tale that keeps coming around.
Good luck with your new MT and welcome to the forum !

[Travis]

Chunks - no soak

Chips - soak. Just so they don't ignite too quickly


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[walshman]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Well pleased with my first BBQ with lid. I'll post pictures tomorrow evening

[fljoemon]

What @Travis said :-)

[bigdaddyII]

I've only ever used chips prior to my current Weber. I used to soak them and read somewhere it doesn't matter so I quit soaking them. Never noticed a difference, I always put them directly on the coals and haven't had any catch fire. I've had a few pieces of apple and hickory catch fire but it went out when the lid was replaced.

[jeffrackmo]

Before I went "hardcore" charcoal, I used to use a smoke box for my Gasser (May you rest in peace), I soaked the chips.  Got smoke, just not the degree of smoke flavor and ring that I preferred.  Only Chucks for me. Dry Dry DRY!!!  SO yes... "What Travis Said"..

TIA

Jeff

[Big Dawg]

What @Travis said :-)

Agree.





BD