Using the #2 as a steamer?

[va_rider]

Update:
While I've got the smoker parts in the dishwasher this morning, I decided to check on the whole concept of : will it make steam?

So, following Tony's advise, I put the foil pan directly over the heating element after removing the firebox.  I set the rheostat to 235 and hoped for the best. About 10 minutes later, I've got a plume of steam coming out of the top of the smoker. I opened the smoker to take a look, and it's definitely steaming its little heart out.

So, here's the plan. I'm going to use this steamer configuration, with the water pan directly over the heating element. I'll put the meat on a rack right above that. The next rack up, I'm going to cover completely in foil to create a "roof" over the meat to help trap the steam.

But, I'm expecting this to work rather well.

[smokeasaurus]

Sounds like a real good plan.

[va_rider]

Yeah, this is going to work well. I got curious and opened the door. Steam poured out, as if I was opening the dishwasher mid-cycle. The amount of steam coming out of the top is greater than the typical amount of smoke that comes out during a smoke session,yet the steam doesn't seem to make it out the door as easily.

[DivotMaker]

Cool, Aaron!  I thought sitting the pan right on the smoke box rails would be the ticket!  Can't wait to see the finished results!

[va_rider]

It's happening....  It's amazing how tightly you can seal this box up with a rack covered in foil. On the dry run yesterday, I was able to get about 2.5 hours out of the water pan, so I'm probably going to have to add more water at some point. Or, depending on when the water runs out, I may let it go without a refill to let the bark firm back up.

[gregbooras]

Aaron,

How much water did you put in the pan and does the pan seem stable sitting on top of the element?

Thanks Greg

[va_rider]

I filled the pan within 1/4" of the top. It's surprisingly stable sitting up there.  I honestly thought I would have to find something to prop up the front to keep it level, but the rear of the pan (towards the back of the box) is actually lower than the unsupported front.

[gregbooras]

I filled the pan within 1/4" of the top. It's surprisingly stable sitting up there.  I honestly thought I would have to find something to prop up the front to keep it level, but the rear of the pan (towards the back of the box) is actually lower than the unsupported front.

Great job, this gives us yet another option in our trusty smokers!

Greg

[va_rider]

I opened it up to check the water level, and it's holding strong. It's also obvious that it's very effective as a steamer. You can feel and see the effects of the steam on the pastrami, and the walls are coated in a layer of steam.

[smokeasaurus]

Sounds like a rousing success 

[va_rider]

Mmm

[BedouinBob]

Nice looking pastrami Aaron! Turned out well!

[va_rider]

The only thing I'd do different is maybe put some parchment between the foil and the rack that closed off the box. There was a chemical reaction between the foil and the stainless rack...  But that really didn't cause any issues.

But, I'd say that's a definitive answer as to whether these smokers can be used as steamers.

[gregbooras]

Looks tender and juicy!

Greg

[DivotMaker]

There was a chemical reaction between the foil and the stainless rack...  But that really didn't cause any issues.

But, I'd say that's a definitive answer as to whether these smokers can be used as steamers.

Curious to know what the "reaction" was!  This has me intrigued... 

I'm glad to see this was a stellar success!  The pastrami looks really good!