Ironwood 885 Water Pan

[BigHildy53]

Does anyone use a water pan when coming a brisket, or other long cooking meats, with a pellet smoker? I have an Ironwood 885. If you use a water pan, please post a picture.

 

[traeger860]

I use a disposable aluminum pan. I put the meat on the top rack and the pan right below it.

https://a.co/d/dd3k8qm

 

[BobbyQ]

I've cooked brisket with and without a water pan. I tried a small pan to the side, a large pan under the meat and no pan and honestly I can't tell the difference in the final quality. But I cook using the Weekday Brisket recipe which is fat side up and very low (190-200) at first until it's time to wrap. They usually take about 16-18 hours to cook. If you're going for a faster cook time at a higher temperature a water pan is probably a good idea. I will say that a water pan makes for easier clean up.

 

[traeger860]

I've cooked brisket with and without a water pan. I tried a small pan to the side, a large pan under the meat and no pan and honestly I can't tell the difference in the final quality. But I cook using the Weekday Brisket recipe which is fat side up and very low (190-200) at first until it's time to wrap. They usually take about 16-18 hours to cook. If you're going for a faster cook time at a higher temperature a water pan is probably a good idea. I will say that a water pan makes for easier clean up.

I agree with BobbyQ. I don't notice a difference in the final quality either. But cleanup is a LOT easier.

I usually put my brisket trimmings in the pan and use the tallow to brush the paper and brisket when wrapping.

 

[RayClem]

With most cooks, I do not use a water pan. I have a 885 and do most of my cooks on the top rack. I place a foil lined baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch the drippings from the cook. That way, I can roll up the foil and toss it in the garbage. I do not have to clean the Traeger drip tray, grease chute, or grease bucket. That make the clean-up job a breeze.

For longer cooks, I do occasionally use a meatloaf pan half full of water. If I do not use it, I will occasionally spritz the meat with a combination of apple cider vinegar, apple juice and water in equal portions.

Those living in an arid environment like Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake, San Diego, or West Texas, the water pan might be needed, but in Richmond, VA, it is less necessary.

 

[Torstenlaw]

I don't use a water pan at all. Isn't another reason for using one to help lower the temperature in the BBQ? If so I definitely don't need that help in my Ironwood.

 

[BigHildy53]

I don't use a water pan at all. Isn't another reason for using one to help lower the temperature in the BBQ? If so I definitely don't need that help in my Ironwood.

It's to add moisture not impact temperature.

 

[MagOutdoors]

Hey guys, would anyone like to try a prototype bamboo lower shelf that I designed and made for Ironwood 885 and Pro Series 780. It's my understanding that the lower leg dimensions are the same for these two Traegers. I confirmed that this shelf dimensions fit a Pro 780, now just looking for someone with an Ironwood 885 to try it out. Let me know if your interested. It's yours to keep, just want some feedback on how well it fit, etc. Direct message or reply to this post if your interested. It will look similar to the attached image.

 

[Shedd]

Hey guys, would anyone like to try a prototype bamboo lower shelf that I designed and made for Ironwood 885 and Pro Series 780. It's my understanding that the lower leg dimensions are the same for these two Traegers. I confirmed that this shelf dimensions fit a Pro 780, now just looking for someone with an Ironwood 885 to try it out. Let me know if your interested. It's yours to keep, just want some feedback on how well it fit, etc. Direct message or reply to this post if your interested. It will look similar to the attached image.

Just for curiosity, why bamboo over cedar?

 

[RayClem]

You might get a different response from the designer, but cedar is a soft wood that is quite porous. It has to be sealed or stained every couple of years to protect it from the weather. If you spill grease on it, it is going to stain.

Bamboo is often used for cutting boards. It is hard. It is non-porous. It does not need to be sealed or stained. It should last as long as your grill. Thus it is a far better material to use for this purpose.

 

[BobbyQ]

I wasn't impressed with bamboo. I bought a Pit Boss magnetic bamboo cutting board that fits on the hopper lid. I gave it several coats of food grade mineral oil and left it on the covered Ironwood and it developed mildew after a few months. I made a shelf out of cedar but I found it's too close to the ground for me for easy access (bad back). It has ended up being a dust magnet so I wouldn't consider storing anything important on it.