Used Smoker

[ov10fac]

Just bought an Oklahoma Joe Smoker. Its pretty dirty and I need to do a deep clean before I do any smoking. What is the best way to clean these offset smokers?
Thanks.

 

[Cattoon]

Rain suit and pressure washer, then soapy water or degreaser and pressure wash again would be quickest.

 

[mike243]

Dawn dishwashing does well if no pressure washer and a brush

 

[ov10fac]

Thanks for the advice. I have used Dawn on Vintage woodworking tools, and it really does work well. I am just concerned that the heat may have made removing it difficult, and the possibility that there is a lot of creosote inside the smoke chamber and fire box. I was actually thinking about using OFF oven cleaner, but not sure how to use it in a grill/smoker.

 

[DougE]

Wire brush on an angle grinder is how cleaned my OKJ when I got it. Both inside and out.

I then seasoned the cook chamber with canola oil and lit a decent fire in the firebox to bake the seasoning in. Then I applied a few coats of Rustoleum High Temp ceramic paint to the outside and again got a hot fire going to cure the paint.

 

[jcam222]

Depending on how "dirty" it is I would consider just a good scraping and wire brush followed by seasoning and a high temp run.

 

[TNJAKE]

Thanks for the advice. I have used Dawn on Vintage woodworking tools, and it really does work well. I am just concerned that the heat may have made removing it difficult, and the possibility that there is a lot of creosote inside the smoke chamber and fire box. I was actually thinking about using OFF oven cleaner, but not sure how to use it in a grill/smoker.

Oven cleaner is extremely toxic. I wouldn’t use it in my oven and most definitely wouldn’t use it in my smoker!

 

[DougE]

Oven cleaner is lye in a sprayable foam formulation.

 

[normanaj]

Dawn Power Wash. Great product.

 

[ov10fac]

Well I spoke too soon. The seller changed his mind the day I was going to pick it up. So back to square zero. I love my Char Griller BBQ grill, so what is the opinion on Char Griller offset smokers?

 

[normanaj]

Well I spoke too soon. The seller changed his mind the day I was going to pick it up. So back to square zero. I love my Char Griller BBQ grill, so what is the opinion on Char Griller offset smokers?

Well that sucks.

 

[ov10fac]

I agree, but not a new thing. I've had it happen many times on Craigslist and Market Place. I'll just be patient and something will pop.

 

[DougE]

Well I spoke too soon. The seller changed his mind the day I was going to pick it up. So back to square zero. I love my Char Griller BBQ grill, so what is the opinion on Char Griller offset smokers?

Well, that sucks.

The char grillers can make some decent BBQ, but they are harder to run due to the thinness of the steel the firebox and cook chamber are made from.

The main reason the more expensive pits are easier to run is because they are built from heavier steel, which retains heat better.

 

[ov10fac]

Thanks Camp Chef. Appreciate your comments!

 

[chopsaw]

. I love my Char Griller BBQ grill, so what is the opinion on Char Griller offset smokers?

Which one do you have ? I had a Char griller Pro . Made great Q , but like said above takes a whole day of tending and a bunch of fuel .
You should be able to add the side fire box to yours . Mine came with it , but they should be set up on the right side with a removable plate . Take that off and bolt the side box on .

 

[ov10fac]

Which one do you have ? I had a Char griller Pro . Made great Q , but like said above takes a whole day of tending and a bunch of fuel .
You should be able to add the side fire box to yours . Mine came with it , but they should be set up on the right side with a removable plate . Take that off and bolt the side box on .

I didn't know that. I may look into just adding a fire box. Might be cheaper and will be a good interim smoker. Thanks.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

Well I spoke too soon. The seller changed his mind the day I was going to pick it up. So back to square zero. I love my Char Griller BBQ grill, so what is the opinion on Char Griller offset smokers?

I love mine also. My most used grill. Put some SS grates on it. So much better than those that came on it. I think chopsaw has used it with smoke attachment?

Whoops all ready covered. Would be good for quick smokes. I have smoked some things without the attachment but fuel does burn quickly.

 

[DougE]

I didn't know that. I may look into just adding a fire box. Might be cheaper and will be a good interim smoker. Thanks.

If you were close by, I'd give you one. I have a char griller firebox just laying around the barn collecting dust and is still solid. I used it on a smoker I cobbled up years ago.

I scrapped the rest of that rig, but kept the firebox thinking I may use it as a standalone grill (it is designed to be used as a standalone tabletop grill or as a firebox), but I will never use it.

There should be a "Football" shaped knockout on the side of your grill. That is where the firebox mounts.

 

[ov10fac]

If you were close by, I'd give you one. I have a char griller firebox just laying around the barn collecting dust and is still solid. I used it on a smoker I cobbled up years ago.

I scrapped the rest of that rig, but kept the firebox thinking I may use it as a standalone grill (it is designed to be used as a standalone tabletop grill or as a firebox), but I will never use it.

There should be a "Football" shaped knockout on the side of your grill. That is where the firebox mounts.

Wish I was a little closer too. Thanks and I'll keep looking around for a firebox.