Soot ???

[pars]

The past few times I have fired up my Masterbuilt xl gas smoker - I have had some serious soot issues. Soot everywhere - on everything - turning my food black.
Any ideas as to what might be going on ?
Thanks for any help

 

[eman]

You are not getting a clean burn. this is what causes soot.

 Sounds like you are not getting enough air mixing w/ the gas causing a dirty burn

check your flame color ,should be blue w/ the tips of the flame being orange / yellow.

 

[harleysmoker]

What Eman said and is the top vent all the way open?

 

[pars]

Thanks for the tips. I will check it out tomorrow.
Tell me more about the top vent. It was and has been almost closed (trying to keep the heat in when it's cold out.)

 

[bama bbq]

You should leave the top vent open some you don't get creosote...producing soot and tarry smoke.

 

[harleysmoker]

I have a Master Forge not the same as yours but have read to keep it all the way open all the time for good air flow or the food will get soot on it. I always run it with top vent all the way open and on mine I close the bottom vents almost all the way. Mine gets plenty of air under the flame.

You want good air flow so the stale smoke can get out or you will have nasty flavored food or a soot build up on it.