There are no tricks that I've found; it's just plain 'ol dirty work.What are your favorite tricks for cleaning the grates? It is the only part of smoking I hate. Also what about the creosote that builds up on the water pan do you clean it?
Jake
What Todd Said...Jake,
I soak the grates in the laundry tub, scrape off the chunks and into the dishwasher.
Foil the water pan and lower drip pan next time and clean up is a breeze!
For now, soak your pan in the same water as your grates, and I use a Scotchbrite Pad or a Brillo Pad
Todd
I just used oven cleaner and the fumes are kinda freaking me out. Hav epeople used oven cleaner and then smoked? I considered putting them on my grill to burn off any remaining chemicals.