Oven cleaners, as the name implies, are specifically designed to clean and sterilize ovens. However, many people also use them to clean electric smokers.
It’s also worth remembering that oven cleaners include caustic soda, which is incredibly dangerous to your health. If not adequately cleansed, these chemicals might leave a residue on your food, polluting it.
Caustic soda can have a significant impact on the flavor of your smoked foods if it comes into direct touch with them.
As a result, it is not advised that you clean the inside of your electric smoker with oven cleansers. You can use it to clean surfaces that do not come into touch with your food if you wish to. Here are some options:
NEVER use oven cleaning chemicals to clean your electric smoker’s interior or cooking surfaces.
Is it possible to clean a Traeger using oven cleaner?
Purchase a cover. Water can enter into the Pellet Hopper if a Traeger is left outside in wet weather. Pellets expand when they are wet and can jam the auger. Furthermore, a Traeger is unable to cook with wet wood. If you don’t have a cover, make sure the pellet hopper is covered and out of the path of any water.
Clean your Grease Drain Pan.
Changing the aluminum foil on the grease pan on a regular basis is a good start, but you also need to clean underneath the foil to get the most out of your Traeger. Scrape the excess grease and debris from the grease pan and grease drain tube with a metal spatula. When grease is slightly warm, it is easy to clean. A grease fire can occur if the grease drain tube becomes clogged or blocked. To avoid build-up, clean certain areas on a regular basis.
Empty your Grease Bucket.
This work isn’t glamorous, but it’s simple. Empty your grease into a container that can be thrown away, such as a plastic cup. Grease should not be poured down the drain or into the gutter. Allow the grease to cool completely before discarding it. To eliminate any residual grease, rinse your bucket with hot, soapy water. Line your grease bucket with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier in the future.
Wipe Down your Grill Exterior.
To keep the powder coating looking new, cut through any grease with warm soapy water. On the outside of your grill, avoid using oven cleansers, abrasive cleaners, or scouring pads.
Remove extra ash from the Firepot.
To clean the ash in and around the Firepot, remove the Porcelain Grill Grate, Grease Drain Pan, and Heat Baffle on a regular basis. Using a regular shop vac, this procedure may be completed quickly and easily. Before vacuuming away the excess ash, make sure all of the grill components are cold. Once every five times you use your Traeger, we recommend cleaning it. These pointers will help you keep your Traeger in top shape for years to come!
Is it possible to clean a smoker with vinegar?
The inner grill is likely to contain the majority of the food residue, stubborn stains, and hardened grease created by smoking methods. If not cleaned on a regular basis, the cooking racks will become an unsanitary breeding ground for a variety of microorganisms.
In extreme circumstances where conventional warm soapy water will not enough, apple cider vinegar can be used to clean.
Apple cider vinegar works wonders as a disinfectant and cleaning agent. Here’s how you can put it to use:
- Fill a spray bottle halfway with hot water and half with apple cider vinegar to wipe the inside of the smoker.
- Spray the inner walls and chamber of your electric smoker, as well as the racks and grill, with this solution. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the solution to break down any tenacious particles or grease.
- Scrub the internal chamber with a plastic putty knife or scrubber to remove oil and dirt residues.
- To get rid of the scent, leave the electric smoker open for a time and let it air dry naturally.
Is it necessary to clean my electric smoker on a regular basis?
If you’ve just gone for the cig and thought, “Ugh, I really need to clean this thing,” don’t feel bad; after all, acknowledging you have a problem is the first step toward recovery!
Maybe it just doesn’t seem to be blazing up or smoking like it used to, and if that’s the case, something inside is probably clogged.
In any case, if you responded yes to either of the aforementioned scenarios, it’s time for a spring cleaning.
Is baking soda effective as a degreaser?
Vinegar is a fantastic sanitizer, liquid soap is a great stain remover and degreaser, baking soda is a gentle abrasive and lightener for tough stains, and essential oils provide a fresh aroma – combine all of these ingredients and you’ve got the perfect degreaser for your kitchen (and other places, too!).
What’s the best way to make a grill cleaner?
Items to clean your grill can be found throughout your kitchen. When you can clean your grill with household materials, there’s no need for specialty cleansers. To get a pristine clean, use these multi-taskers.
You’ve probably used distilled white vinegar to clean your house before. Bring that bottle outdoors to clean up your grill. To avoid the strong odor, combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray container and shake well. Before spraying the solution over the grates, make sure they’re completely cool. Allow 10 minutes for the marinade to soak into the grill’s racks. Because vinegar is a degreaser, resting the solution allows it to break down grease and filth. To clean the grates, take a folded square of aluminum foil and spritz it with extra vinegar. You don’t even need to rinse the racks because vinegar isn’t poisonous.
Is it necessary to clean the inside of a smoker?
Large deposits must be scraped away gently since grease might trap water against the metal. After each usage, a smoker should be cleaned free of ashes and grease deposits, despite the fact that many users neglect to do so. It determines the longevity of your smoker, as well as the flavor of your smoked foods.
Is it possible to pressure wash the inside of an electric smoker?
On Planet Barbecue, there are folks who would never cook in an oven covered with carbonized grease and spillage, but who insist on calling the same detritus “seasoning” when cooking outside on their smokers or grills. No. Simply say no. By-products of the smoking process, such as tar, creosote, and soot, can build up and flake off on your meals.
Annual maintenance doesn’t have to be a hassle if you have the correct tools, as well as some music and an alcohol beverage. And, once you’ve completed the project, throw an amazing BBQ to keep you motivated.
(Note: This advice is only for smokers.) Also see our gas grill and charcoal grill spring cleaning suggestions.)
- A decent cleaner/degreaser, ideally organic, such as Simple Green or SAFECID; stainless steel smokers may require special cleansers.
Consult the owner’s handbook that comes with your smoker for detailed instructions before beginning. Are you unsure where your paperwork is? The majority of large manufacturers make their manuals available online.
Please note that the instructions below are for smokers who do not have any electrical or digital components.
Put on rubber gloves, set a large tarp down where you plan to work, and move the smoker onto the tarp unless you want to power wash your deck or patio after you’ve cleaned the cooker. (First, empty the cook chamber of any unspent fuel.) If you need it, enlist assistancesome smokes are rather hefty. Set aside a plastic tub filled with hot water and dish soap or your preferred cleaning.
Using a grill brush, clean the grates. (If the grates are porcelain-coated, use a brush with brass bristles to avoid nicking them.) To soak, place in the tub. If your smoker has one, scrape and brush the heat diffuser plate. Remove the dome from the chimney and place it in the tub, along with the diffuser plate.
Clean the inside of the chimney with a paint stirring stick, long-handled wooden spoon, or stiff brush.
With a putty knife or paint scraper, scrape the inside lid of the firebox and cook chamber. Wipe up any oil and/or carbonized food pools in the bottom using paper towels. Scrape the bottom half of the cook chamber, paying particular attention to the corners. With the paint stirring stick, clean the grease gutter. Using a wet/dry vac, vacuum the loose ash and particles.
Clean out any drippings from the grease catcher. Fill the tub with the grease catcher. Using hot water, hose off the firebox, cook chamber, and the smoker’s exterior surfaces. A pressure washer is even more effective. Using a scrubby and degreaser, remove any tenacious debris. Wipe the gasket clean.
Using rags or paper towels, absorb any surplus water. Allow the smoker to air dry with the lids up and vents open. If the smoker has rust, sand it down with steel wool or sandpaper, prime it, and paint it with a high-quality high-temperature paint.
Scrub the smoker parts that have been drenched in soapy water in the interim, changing the water as needed. Allow to dry naturally. Assemble the smoker once more. Vegetable oil should be used both indoors and out. If the vents are sticky, lubricate them. (Tip: Line the grease bucket with heavy-duty aluminum foil for quick cleanup.) After each use, replace it.)
- Scrape out any grease that has accumulated in the bottom of the smoke chamber when the smoker is barely warm to the touch. Remove the drip pan or oil bucket and empty it. Using a wet rag, wipe the gasket that covers the lid clean.
- Clean out the expended ash after the grill is completely cool, preferably into a metal ash can.
- Scrape off any scale that has formed on the inside of the lid on a regular basis to avoid it getting on your meals.
It’s critical to keep the inside of your pellet smoker completely dry. Not only are the electronics vulnerable to moisture, but if the pellets get wet, they will disintegrate, perhaps converting to wood “cement” in the augur and blocking it.
Make sure the cooker is fully cold and has been unused for at least 24 hours. Set aside a large plastic tub filled with hot water and dish soap or your preferred cleaning. Place the grill rack, as well as the chimney dome, in the water. Remove any foil from the drip pan and flame deflector, as well as any debris, by scraping and/or brushing. Only put them in the tub if they’re particularly filthy. Remove any solids from the grease bucket and place them in the tub. Scrub all of the pieces as needed and let them air dry completely.
Clean out the grease shoot with a paint stirring stick, long-handled wooden spoon, or stiff brush. Scrape the inside of the chimney using a scraper. (You’d be surprised at how much junk builds up here.) Wipe clean the inside of the chimney using a damp scrubby attached to the end of the spoon or a brush held together with rubber bands. Scrape any flakes of smoke or soot off the interior of the lid.
Vacuum the inside of the smoker, including the firepot, with a shop vac. Make sure the firepot’s side holes are free of obstructions. Wipe off the inside of the smoker with a damp scrubby or rag doused with Simple Green cleaner. Wipe the temperature probe, which is normally on the left side of the cook chamber, with a soft cloth.
With a damp scrubby, clean the outside of the smoker. Stainless steel polish should be used to clean any stainless steel parts. If desired, apply auto wax to any powder-coated parts.
Fresh heavy-duty aluminum foil should be used to cover the drip pan. Reassemble the grill, making that the grease bucket is hung on its hook. (You may make it easier to clean by lining it with aluminum foil.)
- Allow 10 minutes for the smoker to run on High, then brush the grill grate with a brass-bristled brush. As directed by the manufacturer, cool down and turn off the smoker. Remove the grease bucket from its hook and place it somewhere out of reach of animals (raccoons love grease buckets).
- Replace the foil on the drip pan if needed once the grill has totally cooled, i.e. the next day, to avoid a grease fire. This is particularly crucial when cooking fatty meats such as bacon or hog shoulder.
- If you find any peeling paint, treat it once away to avoid rusting the unit.
It’s crucial to keep the electronics that control electric smokers dry, much like pellet smokers. Before cleaning the smoker, please refer to the owner’s manual for your specific model.
According to certain manufacturers, the racks, drip pan, and water bowl can be washed with hot soapy water or even in the dishwasher after each use. Allow to air dry thoroughly. Clean the smoker box by emptying it and wiping it down with a moist cloth. (Do not put in the water.)
Brush any loose bits of food, ash, or dirt to the smoker’s floor with a soft bristle brush (like a whisk brush) on a regular basis. Sweep everything out. Wipe down the internal metal walls with a damp sponge, excluding the glass front if it has one. (Do not expect to re-create the interior’s gleaming finish; it will fade with wear.)
Wipe down the temperature probe, the button-shaped inner thermometer, and the gasket on the inside of the door using a soft cloth.
Clean the glass front of the smoker with a moist sponge. Some manufacturers have certified cleaners designed specifically for ceramic cooktops.
Several experienced electric smoker owners suggest running the smoker with a vinegar or lemon juice and water mixture in the water pan until the interior steams up, which takes approximately an hour. Allow the smoker to cool before wiping out any smokey residue on the internal surfaces (including the glass window). Allow to dry completely while propped open the door. When the interior of the smoker is completely dry, reassemble it.
What’s the best way to clean a moldy electric smoker?
When the weather begins to warm up, allowing for a more comfortable grilling experience, you may be shocked when you open the lid. MOLD!!!
A cover is always a smart idea for keeping the outside of your smoker clean, but it also restricts air flow.
If you plan on storing your smoker for an extended amount of time, clean it well with a degreaser and a plastic scraper to remove any grease that could absorb moisture. When you get rid of the grease, you also get rid of the mold.
Mold will not grow in the smoker if you cook frequently, but there is no excuse for poor cleaning habits.
After cleaning, ensure sure all vents are fully open. To aid air circulation, prop the lid open slightly with a tiny piece of wood.
How to rid your smoker of mold:
- To burn out any grease and mold, heat it up as high as possible. You can inhale a lot of spores and have an allergic reaction if you try to scrape it off or power wash it first.
- Allow it to cool before scraping and scrubbing every surface, including the drip pan and grate, using a brush or a power washer (s).
- Finally, turn it on one last time to burn out any remaining mold, grease, or soap. You’re all set to cook now.
- Note: If you have a ceramic grill, your only option is to scrape away any excess grease using a plastic scraper and then light a fire.
- Never clean your ceramic with a degreaser or a pressure washer.
How do you clean the grates on a smoker?
This is the quickest and most straightforward way to clean grill grates. Grill scum, get out of here!
- After you’ve finished cooking, turn your burners up to high and remove any residual food or grease (or shuffle the coals if you’re using a charcoal grill).
- Brush the grates clean with your grill brush (or another tool) after 15 minutes.
Clean with Hot, Soapy Water
We recommend washing your barbecue grates with hot, soapy water once a month in addition to using the burnoff procedure. This manner, you can make sure your grates don’t have any leftover accumulation. Plus, by using this procedure, you get two birds for the price of one: clean grates that are also cleansed by the heat.
After it’s warmed up, scrape any remaining debris off the grates with your grill brush.
Use Vinegar or a Grill Spray
While we recommend cleaning your barbecue grates with soapy water, other people prefer vinegar or a grill spray. This method is also effective.
Brush your grates clean using a grill brush when the 10 minutes are upno rinsing required.
*Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle if you’re using a grill spray.
Steam-Clean
Cleaning your grill with steam is always an option. This procedure only requires water and a sponge.
Place a tin of water on the grates, such as a large vegetable can or a small coffee can.
While you’ll still need to clean your grill thoroughly before and after each barbeque, you may make it easy on yourself by oiling your grill grates ahead of time. Simply rub oil on the grill gates with a paper towel.
Do you clean the grates on your smoker?
Greasy grill grates and carbon buildup on the lid, contrary to popular belief, do not increase the flavor of your food. I don’t see rancid fat garnished with scale on restaurant menus too often. Grease produces bitter smoke when it burns, which can ruin a meal. And grease accumulation has sparked a number of fires. A good grill is one that is clean.
To keep your grill or smoker working at its best, avoid off odors, and extend the life of your cooker, undertake a quick cleanup before each cook. Then, once a year, you’ll need to clean and maintain your equipment more thoroughly. If you use it frequently, clean it thoroughly twice or three times a year and before storing it for the winter.
Check your grill’s manual for any particular instructions before you begin. If you can’t find it, you might be able to download it from the manufacturer’s website.