Foil methods

[DesertRed]

I am a new owner of a 6 rack Bradley Smoker.....need a little advice.  When it comes to using foil...is it better to wrap the meat in foil, or lay foil on top of the rack and place the goods on it.  I have tried to lay the foil on the rack, but the meat did not seem to come out done, and have smoked the meat for quite some time.  By doing this does it effect how the meat cooks.  THANKS.

[mow_delon]

All depends on what you are foiling for.  If you foil the rack, the heat and smoke are blocked, which is no good at all.  I don't know of any reason to do this with meat.

[Quarlow]

Yeah I am confused. Why are you foiling? And can you post a pic so we can see what you are doing. What kind of meat? Sorry but we need more info to help you. If you are smoking a piece of meat you don't need any foil unless after it is smoked you want to wrap it to finish cooking in foil.

[FLBentRider]

Smoke + foil = futility

Smoke then foil, if you have to.

Some recipes call for foil, I always wrap the food, not the rack.

[DarqMan]

If you're referring to ribs, leave the membrane on and don't foil.  Best ribs ever.

[DTAggie]

No foil while smoking.  After smoke you can foil

[Habanero Smoker]

Be careful, and don't fully foil the racks. That tends to block and reflect the heat towards the bottom of the smoker. This can cause a potential fire hazard. If your goal is to minimize clean up you may want to purchase some Fogmats from Yard&Pool.

As pointed out above, many use foil after the smoke has been applied by either boating (foil pan with open top), or completely wrapping in foil.

[ArnieM]

I don't foil or boat anything anymore except of course for the FTC.

[KyNola]

I'm with Arnie.  I foil nothing.  Used to foil ribs and found I don't need to and I never wrap a butt in foil until it's time for the FTC.  Some folks do.  Never wrong with that. :)

[ArnieM]

One last comment here. 

Never wrap anything in foil for an overnight rest when the rub or slather contains acid, for example mustard.  The acid reacts with aluminum and they don't get along well; the aluminum can start to dissolve.  That isn't good for ya.  Use plastic wrap or a zip top bag.

[DesertRed]

Thanks for all the advice....Cant wait to give some updates...trying first brisket for CFB season!!