Question about the inside of the smoker.

[redrocker65200]

I have noticed that each of the two times I have smoked the bottom of the water tray has this brownish sticky stuff on it.  So I covered the tray with aluminum foil so it would stay clean.  I opened up the smoker today to get the grate out that I used yesterday and found the same brownish sticky stuff on the door and sides of the box.  Is this normal?  And if so, how do I clean it off, or do I clean it off.  LOL.  Thanks for any info.  Still trying to learn all this new stuff.  

D

 

[chef jimmyj]

The brown coating is the Seasoning developing. It is supposed to be there. The only thing you clean is the racks, cause you may want to smoke fish or cheese, and any grease build up that is near the heat source. Eventually the ceiling of your smoker may have a black deposit start to flake or drip from humidity. This too gets scraped or wiped off but leave the rest alone. My 5 year old MES get's the racks cleaned and the foil in the water pan and grease tray changed. That's it. I still have not had to clean the ceiling. There are decades old pits that have never had the walls or racks cleaned...JJ

 

[redrocker65200]

 
The brown coating is the Seasoning developing. It is supposed to be there. The only thing you clean is the racks, cause you may want to smoke fish or cheese, and any grease build up that is near the heat source. Eventually the ceiling of your smoker may have a black deposit start to flake or drip from humidity. This too gets scraped or wiped off but leave the rest alone. My 5 year old MES get's the racks cleaned and the foil in the water pan and grease tray changed. That's it. I still have not had to clean the ceiling. There are decades old pits that have never had the walls or racks cleaned...JJ

Thank you sir, I was hoping that was going to be the response.  LOL.  I appreciate the info.  

 

[dirtsailor2003]

To add to this though, keep that water pan lined with foil, and change it out after every smoke. If you're using it dry the accumulation of grease in the pan can burn ir smolder and introduce some not so pleasant flavors to your foods.

 

[redrocker65200]

To add to this though, keep that water pan lined with foil, and change it out after every smoke. If you're using it dry the accumulation of grease in the pan can burn ir smolder and introduce some not so pleasant flavors to your foods.

Great info, thanks.  Yea, I dump the water and refoil each time, well, at least the two times I have done it so far.  LOL.  

Thanks. 

D