WSM water bowl

I'm hoping for some replies to whether you fill the bowl or not, and why? i've tried searching etc, and tried going through the smoking thread, but i'm too impatient i think! Thanks!

I find letting google search LTH is lightning quick. I never use LTH's built in "search".

Use this in a google search box:

site:lthforum.com

Then after the .com use the keyword(s) you are looking for.

here's what I did for looking up your question:

site:lthforum.com wsm water

It returned a bunch of pertinent info,,,see the link below:

http://www.google.com/search?gcx=w&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=site%3Althforum.com+wsm+water

I got my 18" WSM second hand right about 6 months ago. Only for my last few cooks have I felt brave enough to deviate from GWiv's Low & Slow techniques and tried both without water and without the pan at all. Both came out great (but different). I have read on some of the BBQ boards that clay flowerpot bases are a fine water pan alternative and provide some heat stabilizing properties but I'm going to give the empty pan a couple more tries.

Kenji, i consider myself a google freak, and use it for everything. but i learned something new from you and thanks so much!!!!