I also generally retain 2 large aluminum plans under my bottom grate for water pans/drippings catchers. That helps continue to keep the temps a little bit a lot more secure and the bottom with the smoker clear, so I hardly ever have to scrub the inside of my smoker. brisket-1.jpg https://ppg10072swirlingsmoke38262.kylieblog.com/16959078/not-known-facts-about-old-country-bbq-pits-over-and-under-smoker