How to Clean an Electric Smoker

Posted On Tuesday, 19 October 2021 19:43

Your smoker is excellent at adding flavor to your food and creating a healthier meal. But there is a problem. It can also accumulate burned grease and has the potential to start rusting. Thankfully, regular maintenance will stop this from occurring, keeping the smoker working properly. Here are some of the things that you will need to do. 

Clean the Detachable Parts

It’s a good idea to have the smoker hot before you start cleaning it. This will make it easier for you to dislodge the debris. Wait until it is cool enough to touch the components without hurting yourself. 

Once it’s cool enough, it’s time to take out the removable parts. These are things like the smoker box and drip pan. You will be able to put these items into warm soapy water. This should start to remove any built-up dirt and grime. Sometimes, you will find some grime is stuck to the smoker. In this case, you will need to use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to get rid of it. 

Once you are finished, leave these parts to dry. Make sure that they are completely dry before you put them back in the smoker. This can run the risk that they will start to form mold. Here are some other tips to keep mold out of your home. 

Cleaning Inside the Smoker 

Next, we can turn our attention to the smoker box. This is where the fire will be lit. The first thing to do is remove the ashes. As you are doing this, it’s best to exercise some care. Use a metal dustpan. If there are large embers, put them into a bucket of water first. This ensures that they have been extinguished properly, so there is no risk that they will start a fire in your bin. 

While the ashes are gone, there will still be residue sticking to the sides of the smoker box. Before you start removing it, you should put a tarp down. This will catch all the residue, so you don’t end up making a mess. 

The first step of this process is to use a scraper. This will allow you to get rid of the thick layer of residue that is stuck to the smoker. It will coat all five walls of the smoker. It will just take a bit of elbow grease to get rid of it. 

Once you have gotten rid of the thicker debris, you’ll need to use a sponge and some warm water. This should allow you to cut through the rest of the grime. The longer you have been using the smoker, the darker the walls will become. This is normal and is known as the seasoning process. So, you don’t need to get the smoker box shiny and clean. 

Then, you can turn your attention to the glass door. If it has been a while since you have cleaned it, there will often be a layer of residue. You will need to use a scraper to get rid of this. Use one that has been made from wood or plastic. If you use one that is made from metal, there is a chance that you will scratch the glass door. Once you’ve gotten rid of the bulk of the residue, you’ll need to start scrubbing the door. If you use some warm soapy water, you should be able to cut through the rest of the grease. 

Finish by drying off the interior. You can rub it down with a paper towel. Then, leave the door open, so it will be able to air dry. It should take at least an hour before it is fully dry. 

Cleaning the Smoker Exterior

Now the hard work is done, you’ll just need to finish by taking care of any dirt that has accumulated on the outside of the smoker. To do this, you’ll just need to run a damp cloth over the outside. This will remove any dust. Pay particular attention to the seals. If they get covered in dirt, you might not be able to close the door properly. As a result, some of the heat and smoke will escape. 

Getting Rid of Any Excess Water

Once you have finished cleaning the smoker, it’s time to get rid of any excess water. This is fairly simple to do. You’ll need to fire up the grill. This will cause any moisture to evaporate away. You shouldn’t need to run the smoker for long to do this. Once you have finished, you’ll need to add the interior components back into the smoker. 

Add Oil to the Grates

Before you put away the smoker, add a bit of oil to the grates. This will stop your food from sticking to the grates. It will also protect them from damage caused by rust. You don’t need to wait for the grill to cool completely. You can put some oil onto a paper towel and use a tong to apply it. 

You’ll then be able to put it away safely. This will ensure that there is no risk of mold or other fungal growth. If you are planning on storing it for a long time, you should consider putting a cover onto the smoker. This will stop it from getting covered with dirt. 

How Often to Perform this Maintenance?

It’s important to make sure that you are taking care of your smoker fairly regularly. How often you need to do this cleaning routine will depend on how often you are using it. Generally, though, you’ll have to clean your electric smoker after every two to three cooks. Here are some of the signs that it’s time to clean the smoker

Conclusion

Electric smokers are one of the best ways to prepare your food. It will have a rich, smoky flavor and will burn off most of the fat. If you want to try this method of cooking for yourself, check out this list of electric smokers. As long as you buy a high-quality device, and you maintain it regularly, it should last for a long time.

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Agent Resource

Limited time offer - 50% off - click here

Realty Times

From buying and selling advice for consumers to money-making tips for Agents, our content, updated daily, has made Realty Times® a must-read, and see, for anyone involved in Real Estate.