How to Prepare Smoker Wood

Hardwood Preparation

• 1). Remove the bark from the wood. Insects, worms, and mold are often found between the layer of bark and the surface of the wood. When burned, these materials may add an unpleasant flavor to the smoke. Peel the bark from the wood with the blade of an axe.
  
  
• 2). Immerse the wood in water for a minimum of three hours. For best results, soak the wood overnight. A trashcan works well for soaking smoker wood.
  
  
• 3). Lift the pieces of smoker wood from the water and set them aside. Let excess water drip off each piece, before adding them to the smoker.
  
  

Chunks, Chips, and Pellet Preparation

• 1). Soak chunks in water for three hours, or overnight. Lift the chunks out of the water and set them aside. Let excess water evaporate, before you add the chunks to the smoker.
  
  
• 2). Pour smoker chips into water and let them stand for an hour; then lift them out and set them aside to drain off excess liquid. Add them to the smoker as needed.
  
  
• 3). Dampen pellets thoroughly with a spray bottle, or immerse them in water for a few seconds. Pellets left to soak in water too long may become mushy.
  
  

Log and Slab Preparation

• 1). Measure the length of logs and slabs, to make sure they will fit in your smoker. Use a tape measure to check each piece, and a chainsaw to ensure uniformity.
  
  
• 2). Remove the bark from logs and slabs carefully. Watch out for broken spikes, nails or other hard materials embedded in the wood, as these can damage an axe blade.
  
  
• 3). Dampen logs and slabs with water, only if the ends flake easily with the blade of an axe. Generally, smoker-sized logs and slabs absorb an adequate amount of moisture from the atmosphere.