- Feb 16, 2008
- 113
- 11
I have a Smokevault that has performed very well for me, then after having a few months off (first part of the winter) I put it back into service. everything came out tasting good, BUT the color was not what I expected. It was more grey than that nice dark brown I was expecting. Almost looked like soot, and it had a ....charcoal-like smell. the next time I used it a week or so later I got the same results - on a chicken this time (the color difference was easier to notice - and profound).
I did a search of the forums, and found one thread about soot being the result of not enough oxygen getting to the fire. I should mention that first time I got it out again there were little tiny baby spiders that came scampering out as it heated up... So I'm wondering if maybe it's not getting all the oxygen it needs? Is there is any maintenance or cleaning I need to do to get it back in proper working order, or do I just need to open the air vents a bit? Does a smoker need cleaned out periodically?
I have a couple racks of spareribs, and a brisket I'm thawing to do and I'd like to have this ironed out first.
Thanks!
I did a search of the forums, and found one thread about soot being the result of not enough oxygen getting to the fire. I should mention that first time I got it out again there were little tiny baby spiders that came scampering out as it heated up... So I'm wondering if maybe it's not getting all the oxygen it needs? Is there is any maintenance or cleaning I need to do to get it back in proper working order, or do I just need to open the air vents a bit? Does a smoker need cleaned out periodically?
I have a couple racks of spareribs, and a brisket I'm thawing to do and I'd like to have this ironed out first.
Thanks!