A Clean Smoker Works Better — Learn How to Clean Yours
Keeping the inside of your smoker clean is super important. Beyond simply making sure the tool continues to work well and isn't affected by residual grease and residue, a dirty smoker can affect the flavor of your smoked meats. Managing buildup inside the smoker can promote good airflow, help evenly heat the appliance, and reduce the presence of bacteria. Make it a point to give your smoker a good cleaning now and then keeps your smoker in top shape and your food safe and delicious.
This instruction applies to charcoal, wood, and offset smokers. If your smoker has electrical components, be mindful of the manufacturer's advice about using water to clean near electrical or digital equipment.
Important note: Don't attempt to clean your smoker while it's still hot after use. Let it cool before cleaning.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Smoker
Remove the grates and drip trays. Start by removing the cooking grates, grill racks, and drip trays from inside the smoker. These components can be cleaned separately using hot, soapy water and a scrub brush. Rinse them thoroughly and set them aside to dry.
Scrape away loose residue and bits of food. Using a grill scraper or wire brush, gently scrape away any loose residue or buildup from the interior surfaces including the smoker walls and the lid of the firebox. You might want to use a paint scraper to get at areas with more buildup of grease residue.
Wash the interior with soapy water. Fill a bucket or large basin with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a heavy-duty scrubbing sponge or steel wool to scrub the interior surfaces. Allow the soapy water to soak into any stubborn residue for a few minutes to help loosen it. Rubber gloves make this job more tolerable.
And then wipe away soap with clean water. Remove any soap residue using warm water and a clean cloth. You can also use a hose to rinse the interior of the smoker, if it's easier.
If it still seems very greasy, sanitize it with white vinegar. A 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water can help break through tough buildup. Allow it to sit for several minutes before wiping it away with a clean, damp cloth.
Let it dry. After cleaning the inside, use a clean towel to wipe away any excess moisture. Allow it to air dry completely before seasoning.
Season the smoker. Coating the interior surfaces with a thin layer of cooking oil helps pretreat and create a protective surface inside the smoker. To season it properly, heat it to a high temperature for a short period of time to set the oil. Not only will it improve the smoking process, but prevent rusting.
How often should you clean it?
Regular cleaning matters. Make it a point to wipe down the inside of your smoker after every use, and also clean the grill grates and drip bowl/tray to prevent grease buildup. If you do a good job with routine maintenance, you'll probably only need to give it a deep cleaning with elbow grease every 4-6 uses.
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Will cleaning my smoker make my food taste bad?
It's important to use safe cleaning products and rinse the inside of the smoker thoroughly after cleaning. Seasoning the smoker before use helps eliminate any lingering cleaning products and odors while preparing the appliance for its next use.
Tips For Keeping Your Smoker Clean
Use drip pans (religiously)
Line surfaces with aluminum foil
Trim excess fat from meats to reduce the amount of grease that can drip and cause buildup
Avoid overcrowding. Proper airflow and reduce the risk of grease splatters.
Lightly coat the grates and interior surfaces with a non-stick cooking spray before smoking
After each use, while the grates are still warm, use a grill brush to scrape off any stuck-on food or residue.
Use wood chunks or chips that produce less ash
When not in use, cover your smoker to protect it from the elements, including pollen and dust
Related: Three Pieces of Cookware to Use Over an Open Flame (Or On Your Backyard Grill)
