Water pans in big offset?

I tried water pans on my RK-250 reverse flow pit just one time... and one time only. The pit took forever to come to temp, clean-up was a hassle and with 16 butts you'll have all the moisture you'll need inside the pit.

My advice.... don't bother with it.

Aaron Franklin does and he has been known to make good BBQ.

In scenario's like this you will probably get mixed answers which means you have to try it for yourself and see what you like :mrgreen:. I don't do it as I haven't seen a better product in my cooks with water. I also must admit that I haven't tried it extensively to a sample size that is statistically relevant :loco:.

Even Mark's comment is valid, but you could also easily get a response of '"XYZ" doesn't use a water pan and he makes good BBQ'. Franklin's pits are not reverse flow so that is different in this scenario. A lot of times those direct flow cookers are hot closest to the firebox so water can add moisture and also help to even out the cooker.

It's fun to play around and see what you get. So I say definitely give it a whirl and see what you like!

I vote no

While I'm all for experimenting in general a 16 butt cook is not something I do as an experiment. Just my $0.02.