How to Clean an Outdoor Smoker Properly?

15 minutes read

To clean an outdoor smoker properly, start by removing any leftover ashes and charcoal from the smoker. Next, scrub the interior of the smoker using a wire brush to remove any built-up residue or grease. Use warm soapy water and a sponge to clean the exterior of the smoker. Rinse off all soap residue and allow the smoker to dry completely before using it again. Periodically check and clean the smoker's vents and chimney to ensure proper airflow. Lastly, cover the smoker when not in use to protect it from dirt and debris. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your outdoor smoker will continue to produce delicious smoked meats for years to come.

Best Outdoor Smokers of September 2024

1
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421

Rating is 5 out of 5

Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421

  • Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
  • Digital controls to easily set cooking time and temperature up to 275°F
  • Four chrome-coated smoking racks
  • Removable water bowl to add moisture and catch food drippings
2
EAST OAK 30" Digital Electric Smoker, Outdoor Smoker with Glass Door and Meat Thermometer, 725 Sq Inches of Cooking with Remote, 4 Detachable Racks Smoker Grill for Party, Home BBQ, Night Blue

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

EAST OAK 30" Digital Electric Smoker, Outdoor Smoker with Glass Door and Meat Thermometer, 725 Sq Inches of Cooking with Remote, 4 Detachable Racks Smoker Grill for Party, Home BBQ, Night Blue

  • 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿: The smoker features a side wood chip loader for continuous smoking for 2-3 hours without opening the door and adding chips, preserving the internal heat, and locking in the smoked flavors
  • 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗝𝘂𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲: The 800W power heating tube in the electric smoker creates consistent smoke from wood chips, guaranteeing tender, juicy meats through low and slow cooking. Follow EAST OAK's website for more delectable recipes
  • 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱: The visual glass door allows you to directly observe the food in the smoker, and the internal light also aids in illumination. The meat probe detects food temperature and keeps track of smoking progress and heat in real-time
  • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: The digital smoker features a casing made of three layers of high-quality materials. Additionally, aluminum plating along the edges reduces deformation and damage, ensuring long-lasting durability for outdoor use
3
Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker, Bluetooth, App Enabled, 7-in-1 Master Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, Woodfire Technology, 2 Built-In Thermometers, Black

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker, Bluetooth, App Enabled, 7-in-1 Master Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, Woodfire Technology, 2 Built-In Thermometers, Black

  • 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors​ all in one place.
  • WOODFIRE TECHNOLOGY: Powered by electricity, flavored by real wood burning pellets for all the flavor and none of the flame. Add woodfire flavor you can see and taste. ​
  • FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Authentic BBQ bark and flavor—fast and easy with just ½ cup of pellets.
  • DUAL THERMOMETER COOKING: Includes 2 built-in thermometers so you can cook 2 different protein types to 2 different doneness settings from rare to well.
4
Ninja OG701 7-in-1 Outdoor Electric Grill & Smoker - Grill, BBQ, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate & Broil - Uses Woodfire Pellets - Portable & Weather Resistant

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Ninja OG701 7-in-1 Outdoor Electric Grill & Smoker - Grill, BBQ, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate & Broil - Uses Woodfire Pellets - Portable & Weather Resistant

  • MASTER GRILL, BBQ SMOKER, & AIR FRYER: All in one with 100% real smoky flavor..Voltage: ‎120 volts
  • MASTER GRILL: Get all the performance of a full-size propane grill with the same char and searing.
  • FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Create authentic BBQ bark and flavor fast and easy with just 1/2 cup of pellets.
  • OUTDOOR AIR FRYER: Add smoky flavor to your air fried favorites and cook all your side dishes outdoors.
  • WEATHER-RESISTANT: Cook and store outdoors year-round.
  • 1760-WATT ELECTRIC POWER: No charcoal, propane, or flareups. Balcony & apartment friendly.
5
Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature & Smoke Control, Four Removable Shelves, 36", Black

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature & Smoke Control, Four Removable Shelves, 36", Black

  • Product Dimensions: 19.3" L x 18.1" W x 38.6" H | Weight: 69.5 lb
  • FOUR 14 X 14-INCH REMOVABLE STAINLESS STEEL SHELVES: Four stainless steel racks can be easily removed for smoking whole birds or large cuts of meat. Racks are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
  • BUILT-IN THERMOMETER: Features easy-to-read thermometer on the front door for accessible monitoring of the internal temperature.
  • SEAL-TIGHT TWIST-LOCK DOOR AND HANDLE: The door stays tightly sealed with a twist of the handle.
6
Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316

  • Vertical propane smoker with 960 square inches of cooking space
  • Ignition button to easily light fuel with the push of a button
  • Four chrome-coated smoking racks
  • Woodchip tray to add delicious smoky-flavor to food
  • Adjustable air damper for smoke control
7
Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Cooking Grates, 454 sq inches Cooking Area in Total, 1350W Output, Outdoor BBQ Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control, Black

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Cooking Grates, 454 sq inches Cooking Area in Total, 1350W Output, Outdoor BBQ Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control, Black

  • Better Smoked Flavor: The bottom heating tube works with a removable stainless steel water pan and a chip box to add smoked flavor and make it more tender.
  • Outstanding Heating Performance: 1350-watt heating power and an insulated chamber provide an even and consistent heating experience.
8
Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature Control, BBQ Smoker Grill Outdoor Heavy Duty Three Removable Smoking Shelves, Black

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature Control, BBQ Smoker Grill Outdoor Heavy Duty Three Removable Smoking Shelves, Black

  • With its simple design and a large smoking chamber, this vertical gas Smoker is the perfect choice for any enthusiast of smoked food, its compact design fits nicely on most patios or decks.
  • Incredibly solid and well-built, this sturdy smoker’s door seals in the smoke. The extra wide racks allow for ample airflow around the meat. Both the water bowl and wood chip tray are easy to access.
  • Smokers with wider racks to allow for larger-format smoking or big cuts of meat. The door of the cooking chamber can seal tightly shut, to trap smoke inside with minimal leaks.
9
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control, Chrome Smoking Racks and 535 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070210

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control, Chrome Smoking Racks and 535 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070210

  • SPACIOUS VERTICLE DESIGN with 535 cooking square inches that fits up to 3 chickens, 2 turkeys or 3 racks of ribs
  • REMOVABLE WOOD CHIP TRAY – Add rich smoky flavor to your food and experiment with different wood chip types.
  • THREE chrome coated smoking racks included


How often should I clean my outdoor smoker?

It is recommended to clean your outdoor smoker after every use to ensure it stays in good working condition and to prevent buildup of grease and residue. Additionally, it is important to do a deep cleaning every few months to remove any built-up residue and grease to keep your smoker running efficiently.


What is the best method for cleaning the air vents on an outdoor smoker?

The best method for cleaning the air vents on an outdoor smoker is as follows:

  1. Allow the smoker to cool completely before attempting to clean the vents.
  2. Use a wire brush or a grill brush to scrub off any built-up residue or ash on the vents.
  3. For stubborn buildup, you can use a mixture of hot water and dish soap to soak the vents and then scrub them clean.
  4. Rinse off the vents with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
  5. If the vents are still not clean, you can use a degreaser or a specialized smoker cleaner to help break down the buildup.
  6. Remember to clean the vents regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged and affecting the airflow in your smoker.


How do I clean the propane tank on an outdoor smoker?

To clean the propane tank on an outdoor smoker, you can follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the gas supply to the smoker and disconnect the tank from the smoker.
  2. Inspect the tank for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. If there are any issues, you may need to replace the tank.
  3. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior of the tank, removing any dirt, grease, or grime. You can also use a mild detergent or a solution of water and vinegar to clean the tank.
  4. Rinse the tank thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue.
  5. Allow the tank to air dry completely before reattaching it to the smoker.
  6. Once the tank is dry, reconnect it to the smoker and check for any gas leaks. You can do this by applying a soap and water solution to the connections and looking for any bubbles, which indicate a leak.
  7. Once you have verified that there are no leaks, you can safely use the smoker again.


It's important to clean the propane tank regularly to ensure safe and efficient operation of your outdoor smoker.


What is the best way to clean the ash pan on an outdoor smoker?

To clean the ash pan on an outdoor smoker, follow these steps:

  1. Allow the ash pan to cool completely before attempting to clean it.
  2. Once cool, remove the ash pan from the smoker and dispose of the ashes in a safe manner.
  3. Use a brush or scraper to remove any remaining ash or debris from the pan.
  4. Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and soak the ash pan for about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub the ash pan, paying extra attention to any stubborn spots.
  6. Rinse the ash pan thoroughly with clean water.
  7. Let the ash pan air dry completely before reassembling it back into the smoker.


It is important to regularly clean the ash pan to prevent buildup and ensure proper functioning of the smoker.


How do I clean the firebox on an outdoor smoker?

  1. Allow the firebox to cool completely before attempting to clean it.
  2. Remove any leftover ashes and debris from the firebox using a metal scoop or shovel. Be sure to dispose of ashes properly in a fireproof container.
  3. Use a wire brush or scraper to remove any built-up grease, creosote, or residue from the walls and grates of the firebox. You may also use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the surfaces clean.
  4. For tougher stains or grease buildup, mix a solution of warm water and dish soap or a grill cleaner. Use a stiff brush to scrub the surfaces until clean.
  5. Rinse the firebox thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap or cleaner residue.
  6. Allow the firebox to dry completely before using the smoker again.
  7. Regularly clean the firebox after each use to prevent buildup and maintain the efficiency of your outdoor smoker.
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