ProQ question

[wedwards]

I've seen a couple comments on here about how long the proq will run before needing a top up of either heat beads or water. Most have said around 6 hours. Is this really the case? My WSM easily does 12 hours. I was looking to upgrade to the proq elite 20 but 6 hours is a definite deal breaker. Anyone care to share their experiences, or tell me I misunderstood or something?

[StoneX]

I have the Frontier and I top the water up after about 6 hours at 225F as it's getting low. I top the charcoal up around the same time to ensure it'll last overnight but it's definitely nowhere near done.

I'm sure someone else has tested them more extensively and knows how long they last without being topped up though.

[urbangriller]

You'll get 12 hours and some out of a loaded ProQ Excel, top up the water and the charcoal at the 12 hour point and keep going!

Chris

[wedwards]

Awesome thanks chris

[StoneX]

No worries

[2browndogs]

8 hours if you fill the basket - but ive found u can go a lot higher than the basket, as the water pan sits a good fist or so higher, so you can pile the charcoal almost to the top of the bottom section. This would give u 12 easy

[Squinty]

Does everyone always use water in their WSM/ProQ?

I used it for the first couple of cooks then went dry pan and have never looked back. I have filled it a few times since and can notice no difference in the moisture of the meat? I just find it takes ages to get to temp and uses triple the fuel.

[StoneX]

I always use it for low temp cooks as it seems to help keep the temp stable.

I don't use it during a hot cook, like if I want crispy skin on chicken/turkey.

[Hogsy]

I never use water in my WSM, I just foil the pan for easy clean up, once the WSM has a layer of seasoning on the inside I find it holds temp perfectly

[2browndogs]

i always use water for slow cooks - might have to try it without

[wedwards]

The pan doesn't get damaged from having high heat under it with no water? Might have to try this tonight

[Hogsy]

I've cooked with water and without and have found no noticeable difference with the end product. Others may have a different story. I just found clean up was easier without water and I don't have to tend to it as much
I have a 1983 model WSM and the water pan looks as good as the day it was bought

[Squinty]

The pan doesn't get damaged from having high heat under it with no water? Might have to try this tonight

Just be sure to double foil it. Makes for easier clean up. Mine has gone for 18hrs and still had heaps of heatbeads left, some even unlit.

And watch it on the way up as it can overshoot easily. I usually end up with 2 vents closed and one left open 15-25% and then obviously more as the cook goes on.

[StoneX]

The pan doesn't get damaged from having high heat under it with no water? Might have to try this tonight

My pan is all flaking off on the underside and I think I've only gone without water 2-3 times out of about 30 uses.

[urbangriller]

The pan doesn't get damaged from having high heat under it with no water? Might have to try this tonight

My pan is all flaking off on the underside and I think I've only gone without water 2-3 times out of about 30 uses.

The enamel is flaking? It's not the smoke residue de-laminating like it does in a kettle lid?

Chris