Rust crisis

[jscaldwell07]

Hey guys, can I ask a quick question? Got a used offset smoker yesterday, major rust all over the inside...not even sure my wire wheel will get it all out. Can I still cook with it? Most of the rust is in the firebox, not the cooking area. I was hoping to use this today, and do a detailed 'rebuild' later, possibly getting a new firebox if possible (this thing is also rusted out some on the bottom).

Thanks for any quick feedback.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Fire it up and use it. Best way to keep the rust off is too cook with it.

Knock whatever you can off in the cook chamber spray it down with veg oil. Run a hot fire. Then get to cooking.

 

[jokensmoken]

I had the same issue with a used unit...
I just wire brushed the daylights out of it and got everything LOOSE off in the cook chamber and as dirtsailor says I oiled it up good and used it without issue.
The rust won't hurt the flavor of anything. You just don't want anything loose that can fall into/onto your food.
After a couple good smokes you won't even see the rust in the cook chamber.
Walt