You won't get the direct heat with water smoker that you would with non-water smoker. The water pan also prevents the fire from flaring up caused by the drippings from the meat and the water is suppose keep the meat moist.

However, I prefer to have the drippings to drip into the coals and make smoke.

You can also ways get a water smoker and then you have a choice to use the water pan or not after you use it a few times.

I know one thing it will cook the heck out of hamburgers patties without the water pan. All those good juices falling from the patties drip into the coals and really give them a good flavor. Or, you can wrap up large shrimp in bacon and let the bacon fat drip into the coals, while basting them with garlic butter.

I am about to make myself get hungy now.....