Cheap Smoker

[bcoop]

I bought the cheap brinkmann smoker at HD over the weekend... worked a lot better than my ghetto ass side smoker.

how much water do i keep in the water pan? or is it even necessary?

Yes, you need water, citrus, beer, or all three in the water pan. Otherwise it will dry out.

[Lone Sailor]

I usually keep mine at half or better. If you need to add liquid during the smoke it needs to be hot, or warm at the least, otherwise it will bring down your temps slightly for about 10 minutes or so.