Should I clean my smoker?

[jds22]

I've used my electric smoker twice. It has quite a bit of gunk, for lack of a better word, on the smoke box and around the water pan. Should I clean that off as best as I can or leave it alone? 

 

[jack07]

I always clean my MES after it cools down. I clean the grates, and remove any chunks of meat/fat. Wipe down the meat probes with soap and water...and that's it! 

 

[roller]

To each his own...If you are the type person that thinks you need to clean it then by all means do so...Me well thats another story...

 

[jds22]

Thanks for the replies. I read a little bit about this before I got my smoker. Some say don't cause it needs to be seasoned, others say it doesn't matter. I think I'll probably fall in the middle. I'll clean it a bit but I'm not going to spit shine it.

On a side note, tomorrow I'll being smokin' a butt for the first time. Got my rub ready, going to make up a batch of finishing sauce. I need to stock up on Sam Adams though.  

 

[jack07]

Thanks for the replies. I read a little bit about this before I got my smoker. Some say don't cause it needs to be seasoned, others say it doesn't matter. I think I'll probably fall in the middle. I'll clean it a bit but I'm not going to spit shine it.

On a side note, tomorrow I'll being smokin' a butt for the first time. Got my rub ready, going to make up a batch of finishing sauce. I need to stock up on Sam Adams though. 

Take pics of your project tomorrow and post the q-view!  Remember if you don't...

 

[jds22]

Will do.