Smoking with Wood Chunks

OshawaDave

I just bought my first BGE 3 weeks ago and have used it 4 times. I've using my Weber Genesis for 5 years and decided to go with a BGE. 

This may seem like a dumb question, but, here goes: Do you soak wood chunks in water prior to using them similar to wood chips or do the chunks go on dry? 

Kudos to the members of the this forum - what a wealth of information.

Thanks,
Dave

shtgunal3

Welcome aboard Dave. No soaking here. Chips and chunks both go on dry.

mgmcclain

I soak both. I believe it helps keep the temp more steady and the smoke to last longer while cooking.

lousubcap

Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey.  Above all, have fun.
I don't soak any smoke wood as the degree of moisture penetration into the wood is negligible and all it does is lead to steam until the minimal moisture has evaporated.  Remember-the BGE is an air-controlled (starved) fire-different than a gasser.  FWIW-
But-your rig and your cooks so whatever works for you.  

TN_Egger

No soak here.  And I like how you said "I just bought my first BGE..."  Yes, you will buy a second and you will buy many accessories.  Welcome!

CigarCityEgger

No soaking for me, just one extra step that doesn't seem necessary IMO

dmourati

Amazing Ribs says don't soak:

http://amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/mythbusting_soaking_wood.html

mEGG_My_Day

I don't soak.

StillH2OEgger

I use chunks, but there is no soaking for me.

Focker

Welcome to the playground.

Don't waste your time soaking chips or chunks.

Planks, skewers, toothpicks, are worthy of a soak, to resist some of the heat/burning during the cook.

YukonRon

No soaking here, as mentioned previously, water absorption is minimal, so it goes right to right to boil at 212F. No real advantage.
If wood readily absorbed water, they would not have made boats out of wood, for centuries.