How/When to Clean Smoker

mikekilian1947 · Posted: Oct 05 2005 Post subject: How/When to Clean Smoker

Hey All

I have a Brinkman smoker with the side firebox. I empty ashes every time, but in the cooking/smoking section, I just use newpaper to wipe down the interior surface. I have read that some with mobile units stop by a car wash and use the high pressure wash wand. I seasoned my smoker first per manufacturers recommendation, but wonder how aggressive I need to get in the smoker area. Just hose it down? I don't want to mess with the seasoned surface too much, but maybe it's not a big deal.

You thoughts/comments are appreciated. Smile

Mike
_________________
"I can smell the future." Nostrildomus

OkieJay · Posted: Oct 05 2005 Post subject:

Mike,

On my backyard offset, I would use a plastic ice scraper (like for car windshields) and scrape the bottom of the cook chamber and then just hose it out.

I never used soap. I would rinse the sides and roof, but not scrape.

Hope this helps,
Jay
_________________
OkieJay
Founder of the seldom seen Touch Of Smoke BBQ team.

Lost Nation · Posted: Oct 05 2005 Post subject:

The way I clean my larger off-set is to fire up the hottest fire you can. Then hose off the inside and the pit will steam clean it self. Let the pit get hot again and keep repeating. Then spray the inside with Pam. It helps if you scrape out the heavy gunk before you start.

Rich Decker

allsmokenofire · Posted: Oct 05 2005 Post subject:

On my Kingfisher Kooker, I remove the racks from the rotisserie and the heat deflector from underneath(which also acts as a drip pan) and powerwash them. I then reassemble, build a hot fire, and let it go for a couple hours to dry everything out good. I use a rag to wipe down the racks with vegetable oil as it cools. I've never washed out the walls or the top of my cooking chamber, but it doesn't appear there's too much cooties in there Laughing

_________________
Mike
Team Enoserv

dholcomb1946 · Posted: Oct 05 2005 Post subject: Clean up

My pitt has a drain valve, so I open it before it gets cold, scape the sides and push it all out the drain. Every once in a while I take out the grates & take them to the power wash & clean them. Makes stuff stick for a cook. I start a hot fire 300 -400 degrees everyonce in a while & burn out the crud.

Scotto · Posted: Oct 05 2005 Post subject:

The best time Ive found to clean it is right after my cook, while the meat is standing I use the steam method mentioned earlier. If I clean it right away its easy to do. Then I put it away clean and next time I want to cook its ready to go. I never use soap, just steam, wipe and oil. Once it cools I scoop out the ash and put er away.
_________________
One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him!

mikekilian1947 · Posted: Oct 05 2005 Post subject:

Gentlemen

Thanks for the great information! I have hosed it out, but only just a quick rinse, usually when cold. I like the idea of getting it up to temp and then using a scraper and hose -- super idea.

Again, thanks all -- I really appreciate the help. Very Happy

Mike
_________________
"I can smell the future." Nostrildomus

Rosco · BBQ Fan Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 184 Location: NW IN

Uhhhhhhh................you're supposed to CLEAN these things?
_________________
When they say "Do not use Gas to start grill"...They mean it!

(SIC) BBQ · Posted: Oct 06 2005 Post subject:

Yeah I should probally clean mine sometime, it's been 8 months since I've picked it up and have yet to clean anything. This weekend I will probally pull the power washer out, spray her down and then I will light a fire in both boxes and brush it out with peanut oil. It breaks my heart to wash all that flavor out of her. Crying or Very sad

Jason
_________________
sicbackyardbbq@gmail.com
Backyard Rubs "Rub It With The Best"

[Sci]ence + A[r]t = (SIC) BBQ

bigabyte · Posted: Oct 07 2005 Post subject:

I only had to clean mine out after using a certain brand of charcoal. What kind of charcoal do you ask? Well, let's just say its a very popular brand with a letter imprinted on each and every briquette! I don't want to mention the name, because when I do, people come out of the woodwork to defend its reputation. After 2 years of using various brands of lump, I only had a patina build up in the cooker and had absolutely no reason to clean it. After the other stuff, I had to clean it after each cooking session.
_________________
--Chris Baker
--Mad BBQ Scientist
--When my lab fills with smoke, that means it's working!

garonafly · Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 16 Location: Jonesville, VA

I have used a large steam water hose. It looks like a car washing set up but uses a pump and puts out steam and real hot watter. This is used to clean engines and does not use chemicals. It makes one hell of a mess with the high water pressure and steam but does a great job at cleaning the gunk. I heat it up after the Steam clean and dry with a good hot fire.
Dave