Sorry for another UDS Water Pan Question

I know that there has been many threads concerning the pro’s and con’s of using water pans in a UDS (and I have read them all) with the consensus seeming to be that this is unnecessary and results in increased fuel consumption and a loss of flavour from not having the juices vaporise on the coals.

My question has a slightly different slant, as my primarily concern is the potential cancer link with smoke being created that contains benzopyrene (and other nasties) from the juices hitting the coals.

Before I get shouted down about being an alarmist, I would just note that I am pretty sensitive to the risks of bowel cancer as based on my family history I am prone to this from a young age (as are my children).

I have my heart set on buying a Gateway UDS, but I am concerned that I am really losing the benefits of this smoker by using a water pan. Would I be better to just buy a WSM or an offset smoker?

I know that a potential compromise would be to use a diffuser rather than a water pan, but my understanding is that the vaporised smoke could still contain some nasties.

Perhaps, I have blown the health risks out of all perspective, and I am definitely not prepared to turn my back on my love of BBQ, but I don’t think it is unreasonable given my family history to take some precautions. Without the family history, I probably just wanted care.

I would really appreciate your advice.

That is good to know. Those pictures are making me salivate.

If my brisket turns out half as good as that, I would be a happy man!

Is the water pan more of an issue if I intend to cook hot and fast (say around 300 to 320F)?

SmittyJonz said:

I just refill every couple hrs. I cooks 300* ish.......

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Doesn't sound like too much of an hassle. The Gateway UDS has a second lower shelf. It sounds like I should just buy a second grate to go on this shelf and to put a water pan (which is big enough) to cover the charcoal basket on that grate.

Would it make much a difference if I just cooked the meat directly over a pan on the top grate, so I could just refill without lifting the food grate?

In Australia, the WSM 22" is a fair amount cheaper than the Gateway Smoker. If I insist on using a water pan, should I not bother with the Gateway Smoker and just buy a WSM 22"?

I am not in a position to make my own UDS.

SmittyJonz said:

WSM is a Fine Smoker.

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What was attracting me to the Gateway Smoker is the larger charcoal basket and the fact that it is better sealed from wind.

... and in Australia, the WSM 22 is about $371 (US Dollars) cheaper than the Gateway UDS.