Drip tray question

[pwven]

I have read somewhere not to put a foil drip tray under the food you are smoking as this can damage the smoker. Why is this? as I see on some photos that drip trays are used sometimes.

[watchdog56]

I use a foil pan filled with water and apple juice sometimes. I would say just make sure it does not touch the sides so the juice runs down and could catch on fire.

[Grouperman941]

What you don't want to do is use foil on the racks or V-tray. This can inhibit air flow, causing hot spots, and pool fat.

A properly sized pan to catch drippings should not be a problem.

[cherrybergher]

I place a foil tray on a rack (not the v-tray),  to this point i've only used water but frozen apple juice concentrate seems like a good idea

[tskeeter]

The reason for the foil warning is to prevent people from blocking the circulation of heat and smoke in the smoker.   As long as you allow for adequate circulation, you should be OK.

[pwven]

Thanks for all the feedback, appreciated. What I read between the lines is to keep the foil tray as small as possible and put water in it or what sounds nice is the apple juice.

[cherrybergher]

Thanks for all the feedback, appreciated. What I read between the lines is to keep the foil tray as small as possible and put water in it or what sounds nice is the apple juice.

Yes, just make sure it's large enough coverage to catch the drips

[pwven]

Thanks for all the feedback, appreciated. What I read between the lines is to keep the foil tray as small as possible and put water in it or what sounds nice is the apple juice.

Yes, just make sure it's large enough coverage to catch the drips

Thanks cherrybergher.