Is soaking chunks/chips important?

Borders

I usually soak the wood, but sometimes I forget or decide to use different wood at the last minute. Does it make a difference?

The Naked Whiz

Borders,
I think you will find half say yes, half say no. Being the lazy sort, I say no.[p]TNW

BlueSmoke

Borders,[p]I use unsoaked chunks 9 times out of 10. For the 10th time, I want a burst of smoke and use unsoaked chips.[p]Ken

Borders

BlueSmoke, I think you meant to use "soaked" on one of those times you used "unsoaked". Could you please clarify? Thanks, Scott

Hammer

Borders,
I think that Blue Smoke and The Whiz has given you the answers you need. Me personally, depends on the time involved, and the way I feel at the time, re lazy or not.
Hammer

BlueSmoke

Borders,[p]Just checked: nope. What I didn't say was I don't soak either chips or chunks.[p]Ken

Shelby

Borders,
Notice the difference...chips vs. chunks. The chips will light and smoke much faster but also burn up much faster.[p]Personally, I used to soak all the time...now I hardly ever do.

Marvin

Borders,
From my understanding, and checking the scientist in me, soaking only allows the production of steam along with real smoke. The steam does very little.

Dave

Borders,[p]I always thought that the main idea was to give your meat flavor by using the hot ashes of the wood instead of raw wood, wet or dry.[p] Dave

QBabe

Borders,[p]I never soak the wood, chips or chunks...[p]Tonia
:~)