BBQ Talk #23 - Get Your Smoker Ready for BBQ Season! How to Clean Your Smoker Like A Pro

What's up everyone! Has it starts to warm up and we all get ready for barbecue and grill season, let's make sure we're ready to take full advantage of the season by cleaning our grills and smokers first! In this video I show you guys how I like to clean do my maintenance work to be efficient and keeping your space as clean as possible as we do a dirty job. Hope you enjoy this video!
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[@Burdette305]

wow, never seen someone actually get in there and show all the crud, thank you!

[@knoxavebbq]

Haha. I have nothing to hide. Also, I wanted to get my point across to check your own pits.

[@aaronfriesen7557]

As someone whose passionate about cleaning my grills/smokers, I really enjoyed this!

[@knoxavebbq]

Haha. Glad you enjoyed it. I felt really good after cleaning it.

[@mr.m8539]

Who's*

[@EricsBBQAndMORE]

Well done…you’ve reminded me that it’s time to clean my pit! 😂

[@knoxavebbq]

Lol! I think most ppl are in need of one.

[@gap338lm]

I have used a hard plastic putty scraper to help clean the inside of my smoker and grills. Makes it very easy to scrape off the buildup without damaging the paint.

[@knoxavebbq]

It’s a good idea.

[@NorthernThaiGardenGuy]

One thing you can do with those ashes is spread them around your garden. Will save you a lot of bags and you could even spread gunk at the bottom of the pit out in soil as well. Spread around the base of trees and just let them set. Don't even need to water it in. People may say it will put heavy metals in your soil, but there is an organic way to address that as well. Will not over Alkalize your soil either. You would need to be adding a lot of ash on a weekly basis to your soil for that to happen.

[@knoxavebbq]

It’s a good idea. Thanks for sharing.z

[@Burdette305]

I've been throwing my ashes across the lawn lol

[@theodoornguyen]

You are a legend. Sweet tips on cleaning your smoker

[@knoxavebbq]

Haha. Thanks brother.

[@Harleyforever20]

I’m really glad you addressed cleaning the stack/chimney. I own a smoker that has a square stack therefore, it’s easier to get in there with a 5 in 1 tool.

[@knoxavebbq]

Gotta clean it

[@hankt2792]

Great video. You touched on things that other cleaning videos have not. Thanks for another excellent tutorial.

[@knoxavebbq]

Thanks for watching! May I ask, what’s something that in this video they you haven’t seen in others? Thanks!

[@hankt2792]

@@knoxavebbq What I hadn't seen in other videos was the emphasis you put on cleaning the inside of the smoke stack, this is an excellent tip. Since I had not seen this in other videos, I did not consider it, but your video brought to my attention how dirty it can get and how a dirty stack could affect the draw. Also, mentioning that you clean your smoker in sections was something I did not consider, and watching you pile all that grease, fat and soot into the trash bag was very real to me, it's what's gotta be done and you showed this in all it's (gory) detail, thank you (lol). Lastly, you're a very down to earth and humble guy and I thank you for showing that in your videos, it's like watching a buddy giving me advice. God bless you and your family and have a blessed Holy week and Easter.

[@knoxavebbq]

@@hankt2792 oh man... i appreciate your kind words. it means a lot. this channel is about about showing you guys everything i can, and hopefully we can all get better at cooking in the process. thank you!

[@justindegraffenreid5813]

I’m confused. When does bbq season end?

[@knoxavebbq]

Lol! For true bbq-ers such as ourselves, never. But gotta create a title to speak to the rest. You’ve passed the test.

[@TheDnlnext]

Mike Rowe would approve 👍

[@knoxavebbq]

Lol

[@JamesDym]

You could also use a putty knife to scrape the inside of your pit. That works really well for me. Great video though. Its very satisfying seeing pits get cleaned up

[@knoxavebbq]

That’s a good idea. Thanks for watching!

[@excaluber23]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I wonder if there’s a some sort of chimney cleaning brush that would be good for cleaning the stack. A lot more stuff came out of that stack than I expected, it never really occurred to me to clean that.

[@knoxavebbq]

I’m sure someone has made one, but I feel like just smacking it is good enough for now. Haha

[@mrhalfapino]

Thanks Joe for the video. I just picked up a 120 gal with a warming box. It’s a one off smoker build on a trailer. It definitely needs a cleaning. It was stored outside near the beach. Any tips on cleaning the surface rust?

[@knoxavebbq]

Thanks for watching! Mmm… I’m not sure. I haven’t had to do that. I’m sure there are plenty of videos on that if you look it up.

[@janiceberger4851]

Okkkk!! I’m definitely going to get on my offset and get that baby cleaned up!! I do keep my other grills tidy bc they’re so much easier to clean. But my poor offset - well it’s her turn! Great video!! Thanks for sharing that. I need that blow torch though.

[@knoxavebbq]

Haha. Glad you enjoyed it. I’m kinda happy I was extra nasty after my last pop up. I wanted to show how dirty the offsets can get if you don’t take care of it. But yes, a torch helps a lot. Thank you so much for watching!

[@valleyspicebbq1534]

Great video, and well done. I would add it's a great time to check the calibration of the thermometers.

[@knoxavebbq]

Good call. Thanks for watching!

[@doctajuice]

In the first part of the cook, before you get through the stall, while there's still a decent amount of water cooking out of your meat, the steam will carry some rendered fat with it and just swirl around in the air and deposit grease everywhere. That's why your offset is getting so dirty in weird places.

[@treythorsen225]

WOW Thanks so much for the video!!!

[@knoxavebbq]

Of course. Thanks for watching. Don’t let anyone tell your their dirty pit is seasoning. Haha

[@glennevitt5250]

Thanks Joe for this information 😎 I'm Still My Smokers Two 😂😂😂

[@knoxavebbq]

I’m not sure what that means, but thanks for watching! Haha

[@glennevitt5250]

Well I have bought an old offset that's been neglected and I'm slowly coming around getting everything back together to get to run again😎

[@safwan78]

Keep a shovel or dust pan and broom for when you scrape it out

[@SuperPfeif]

Good video man!

[@knoxavebbq]

Thanks! Hope you find it helpful!

[@reuben5570]

Yeah I rusted out my first smoker by not cleaning it. I clean like crazy now, but I probably should clean my smoke stack.😂 good video

[@knoxavebbq]

Lol! Basically did that with my very first smoker.

[@mikealberti9726]

Joe, what offset are you cooking on? I love your content. Thank you very much.

[@knoxavebbq]

Yoder kingman

[@VTBBQ]

How often should the grates be clean? I had a pellet smoker and cleaned the grates before every smoke, but moving to an offset it’s a little more challenging to remove and clean for every use.

[@knoxavebbq]

It depends on how often you use it. If you’re using it at least 3-4 days a week, I would do it once a week. If you’re only using it every now and then, I could still clean it with a brush during every use, but once a month would be good especially during warmer months.

[@VTBBQ]

@@knoxavebbq awesome! Thank you for the tip. Keep up the great videos. Very helpful.

[@starofgracebbq]

So, I know this video was all about the cleaning process, but rusting and protecting the metal wasn’t addressed. After you clean it up you spray it or wipe it down (inside and out) with some oil to keep it from rusting right?

[@knoxavebbq]

Yes. I would take your probes out, spray the outside with some oil and get it really hot. You can do the same to the inside, but I think the outside is more important.

[@mattbenskin538]

Professor Yim class is in session

[@knoxavebbq]

Haha. I didn’t know I had that title. Thanks for watching.

[@TheStefdaddy]

Do you still have your 1,000 gallon smoker?

[@jimmylee8368]

Is there a reason why people doing use soap and water to remove more grease on the inside then throw on some veggie oil on top after drying especially the grates? Im used to all the other kitchen utensils that gets washed with soap and water, or at least scrub with water like cast iron. How does a smoker differ from all other equipment? Just curious, hard to fine an answer to this.

[@knoxavebbq]

It’s all about building those “layers of flavor” while still keeping it sanitary for future cooks. Also, as long as your grated are clean, you’ll be good.

[@backyard_pitmaster2893]

👍👍👍Are you currently working at any BBQ spots/your own spot, or have you moved to making content full time?

[@knoxavebbq]

I am not working anywhere. Just content at the moment

[@ClarkSell]

I was shocked to see you using that Yoder. I have the same one. FWIW I got so frustrated with how it pulls air, I sealed up that stack and put a collector and new stack on. It made a world of difference. Whole new pit now.

[@knoxavebbq]

I’ve been cooking on it over about 8 years now. It’s by no means the best pit, but I know it better than most other pits which makes it one of the best. Haha. It just takes time and A LOT of practice

[@ClarkSell]

@@knoxavebbq I’ve got almost 8 in as well on it. But the mod, I’m telling ya. Made it twice the cooker. It doesn’t backdraft anymore and I can run a much more stable fire even with the door closed. Keep on kicking ass, love the content. And if you ever want a pic I’m happy to pass along pics and specs.

[@knoxavebbq]

@@ClarkSell glad to hear! i'm good. im happy with how it cooks now. haha. thanks though.

[@osvaldosolis3068]

Yoe muchas felicidades por los vídeos Amigo un abrazo desde Naucalpan Estado de México

[@georgehall2345]

Thanks 😊 👊🏿

[@traviscallaway9675]

Just a thought, could you burn a charcoal fire in the cook chamber to burn all that off then brush and clean?

[@knoxavebbq]

I guess you could. But you would have to get in there to scrape out all the grease first, then heat it up, wait for it to cool down to clear it out again. I think it makes the process unnecessarily long. If anything, I would build a really hot fire in the firebox instead.

[@traviscallaway9675]

@@knoxavebbq just asking cause I'm wanting to build something I can use as offset and direct heat as well. Wondering if one method would take a little work out of the other. I well understand the grease fire issue.

[@knoxavebbq]

@@traviscallaway9675 i see. yea... the grease fires are really the issue for me. that's why i don't even use the fire box as a grill, even though manufacturers give you a grill grate to cook on the fire box. i try to avoid it as much as possible. i've definitely thought about it as well.

[@tyy7760]

I blast my WSM with high heat. Scrape and dump all the burnt seasoning/fat/proteins. Part of spring cleaning.

[@knoxavebbq]

Perfect. Gotta keep it clean!

[@clips65]

I usually head to my local dollar tree and purchase plastic putty knives, bowl brush, rags, wipes and some cleaning solution if needed. Total spent maybe $10 bucks and throw it all away after!!

[@knoxavebbq]

Cool. Glad to hear.

[@AngelGramillo]

Exactly how I clean my 250g offset

[@knoxavebbq]

Great minds think alike. Thanks for watching

[@wells1784]

Great tip about wearing all black. Crazy dirty job!

[@knoxavebbq]

Just trying to save people from ruining good clothes. Haha.

[@wells1784]

@@knoxavebbq yeah, I have several shirts that are forever greased stained.

[@j.l.wilson2337]

I don't know about the rest of y'all, but for me every season is BBQ season. I'm literally using my smokers at least twice a week, every week.

[@knoxavebbq]

👍 I agree. There’s no end to football or bbq season.

[@okielawnguy]

How’d you clean the inside of the stack?

[@knoxavebbq]

I hit the sides of the stack lightly and you’ll see a bunch of stuff fall down the stack.

[@jhosoi808]

You should redo your cleaning video with your new pit - would be good to see with a bigger pit

[@chrishabgood8900]

Do you do this once a year or twice?

[@knoxavebbq]

I would definitely do it more often than that. lol! But it depends how often you it. But if it haven’t used it in a while, I would do a quick clean before you start cooking again.

[@texaspipeman8973]

So no power washer?

[@knoxavebbq]

Don’t have one. 🤷‍♂️

[@JohnSmith-qy2wm]

👍

[@knoxavebbq]

👍

[@seansmith3747]

Leaving old ashes in your box causes rust

[@wells1784]

As long as the ash doesn't get wet it won't start rusting

[@samsonhorvath3614]

Ash attracts moisture, so even if it was dry it will eventually start rusting. Left over charcoal or logs will also attract moisture like a sponge. Definitely not worth leaving it in there.

[@AndrewLeeMovies]

I don’t have a flamethrower…

[@knoxavebbq]

You could build a big fire, and try to scape it down while it hot….. but I would recommend just getting one. Lol. Makes the job a lot easier.

[@extremexconcepts]

Shop vac

[@knoxavebbq]

👍

[@bryanvuong931]

Dirtu jobs

[@knoxavebbq]

It is but it’s gotta be done! Haha.