[dave from mesa]

Ok After reading the post "true or false" I get not soaking chunk. Lots of replies like "Soaking wood chips, however, is a different story but that's another thread."
Well I tried to do a search on it and it came back to this same thread. If someone could point me to that
thread, thanks.
So do you soak chips, sawdust or not. I have all 3 and have been soaking them cuz I don't know any better (that's why I'm here).
I understand about the chunks just not the others.

thanks

[jim]

If you want some moisture in the wood trying buying the wood a little greener or find someone cutting down -- say -- apple -- peach -- cherry tree.

[Tek465]

Soaking wood is only needed if you are dealing with a high heat source. You want to soak wood chips when you're grilling so they don't burst into flames.

When you BBQ, you're trying to control the fire usually by controlling airflow. Wet wood really doesn't help with that.

Saw dust is mostly used for cold smoking and burns at a fairly consistent rate. So soaking isn't needed here either.

[force]

just don't  soak drift wood.......

[skou]

Soaking wood is only needed if you are dealing with a high heat source. You want to soak wood chips when you're grilling so they don't burst into flames.

When you BBQ, you're trying to control the fire usually by controlling airflow. Wet wood really doesn't help with that.

Saw dust is mostly used for cold smoking and burns at a fairly consistent rate. So soaking isn't needed here either.

QFT.

He's right.  Since you are controlling the airflow, (oxygen supply) the wood is going to burn at a rate guaranteed to smoke.  However, if you want to add some flavour there, by soaking in something besides water, you can certainly do just that.  (Or, buy the JD chips.)

Oh, if you soak your sawdust for cold smoking, then you'll need a constant heat source to keep the sawdust smoking.  (Which might defeat the whole cold smoke theory.)

steve