How I Clean My Rec Tec Pellet Smokers

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

One thing I forgot to mention is that I do a 400 degree burn off after a cleaning like this, but I had an appointment so I ran out of time. I will do the burn off tomorrow afternoon before we start cooking tomorrow night.

[@Aristogrub]

Bad Beast Barbecue That makes a lot of sense. I look forward to seeing that.

[@Zytri92]

Is that with or without the drip pan covered with the tin foil?

[@treenatal2]

Well done, thank you

[@FrankRoy-xw7po]

I just literally finished watching a Recteq video just now and they said NEVER clean like you just did. Now you need to re-season it.

[@ZaideZaide770]

great video....thanks for posting...

[@tedbohlman2953]

Awesome video…..thanx

[@JAM-cl7ed]

Just got my first Recteq. I appreciate you taking the time to do this video. I had no idea how to clean it. Very detailed.

[@joeyleerobbins]

Thanks for the video! I used to use the foil method but I found it was just a waste of money. I just use it as is and leave it for the next cook. When I am preheating the smoker for the next cook I remove the grates and then I let it go for about 10 minutes. I just then go out and scrap the junk from the last cook off the heat deflector and toss it in the trash. I then throw the grates back on and let it continue preheating. Just seems to be less of a hassle for me.

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Yea I agree...I don't foil any more...I do like you...heat the smoker and scrap the gunk off the deflector with a clean scraper or a wide putty knife

[@robertcaid2642]

Thanks for posting this sir!

[@petethehandyman9185]

Good video thanks

[@joshphares4671]

I like how you clean it like you want it to last forever. My newer RecTeq is to the point where it's time for that first cleaning, and this is probably the most comprehensive cleaning video I've seen. You da man!

[@petethehandyman9185]

That’s how to do it,thanks

[@charlieweiler1107]

thanks for the info

[@terrypredmore4867]

Helpful video...My tip...After foiling the drip pan, lay 3 or 4 sheets of foil on top of the newly foiled drip pan. Just lay them on top, don't shape them or manipulate them. After a few cooks just lift off one of the top sheets of foil and you have a clean surface. Do this until you reach the original sheet or until smoker is ready for another complete cleaning.

[@leepaulus1210]

Very good

[@cbeserra]

2 Recteq grills!!! Nice!

[@coolmoodee]

Thanks for the tips bud.... I just bought the 2500 rectec.. been shopping for a long time for a pellet grill. Can't wait to try it out .

[@Jp21577]

I’ll be doing this to mine! I think I will use a plastic scraper..scratching with a metal one may cause corrosion.

[@herrero5621]

Recteq recommends not to pickup the ashes cuz it will act as a natural insulation. They recommend removing the ashes once it gets to the burner level but no to take all of it, only to maintain the burner area free of ashes.

[@lelavender]

I just received my new 1250. I’m trying to watch as many videos as I can, never owned a pellet grill before. Just curious if the degreaser affects your seasoning.

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Not that I can tell, but I only clean it like this once a year, usually before winter sets in. The rest of the year I just wipe it down

[@Snicklefritz83]

I keep seeing ash on food in my RT700, do you have that problem...i only cooked maybe 4 or 5 times on it and i clean ash after every cook....am i doing something wrong?

[@texasiguana]

Maybe this will help? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3TEc4OAl82Sn6c

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Thanks for the video link, that is something I never thought about, sifting the pellets. Thanks!

[@PaintedSkyDweller]

Good video! I clean my Rectec with a paint brush to sweep up the ash, I still get fires because the pellets in the auger get ignited and starts smoking up through the hopper??? I am done with wrecktech

[@taymanffb]

Did you reach out to them? Did they make it right?

[@PaintedSkyDweller]

@@taymanffb Funny you ask… I had to get the credit card company involved to return the replacement wrecktech sent me because it had worse problems. Chinese junk do not buy.

[@glennrogers5568]

Glad I found this, I have had my 700 for 3 months now and needed training on pro level cleaning.. Following

[@mikeo5657]

Wouldn't this essentially be un-seasoning the smoker?

[@timcapell]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Wouldn’t this affect the flavor of the smoker as it builds a smoke profile over the years? I only ever owned a WSM and i never cleaned the inside of the smoker just the grates and the wood basket.

[@papatonysworkshop6584]

Well explained, Thank You so much, Best of luck on your catering gig!!!

[@bajamedic]

Fantastic video!

[@eldoradocaddy1236]

Real Lemon lemon juice works great to remove grease, soot, etc. Just spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and then hit it with a green scrub pad. No chemicals to worry about, and no rinsing or burnoff. Just wipe it with some paper towels after scrubbing.

[@qorton]

I'm doing research into buying a RecTec. Great video. Very informative. Keep up the great work!

[@SpecOp8]

So glad I found this. Great video, love the Krud Kutter

[@ΚωσταςΣχοιναρακης]

Hi, i am new on the sport of BBQ, may i ask why not use a pressure washer?

[@superglide918]

I have had my RT680 for 7 years and I am impressed with the performance and also the tec people at the company. The only thing that I could recommend is make sure the auger tube is clean of pellets. I live in Florida with a lot of humidity and last weekend I had a problem where the shear pin broke because the pellets had gotten wet and caked up inside the tube. It took about 3 hours to get the auger out and clean it. I would recommend if you live in a humid environment make sure the tube is clear.

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Thanks, good advice, I use my smokers so much cooking for friends and folks at work that the pellets never sit in the hopper long enough to get wet, even in the winter months....LOL I love Rec Tec products also, great customer service and their smokers are built like a tank. Thanks for watching.

[@scottt9535]

I just ordered a Stampede and live in Florida as well. How often do you think the auger tube needs to be cleared? How do you do that? Thanks

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

What... no buffing compound? No polish? Ha ha. Love 💕 mine. No complaints. Best grill I’ve had by far.

[@hcamardelle]

Very informative. Good job!!

[@billgale2264]

Looking forward to learning some BBQ tips from you. I’m getting my Rec Tec early next year, still debating whether to get the 700 or 2500. Congratulations to your friend, her promotion is a huge accomplishment.

[@bobrowe3273]

The rectecs are designed so that the heat/smoke come up from the front and back side of the drip pan. When you put foil over the top edge it restricts that air flow. I do add foil to my 680 but stop at the top of the pan. I do what was done here but fold the edge of the foil back to the inside. Don't have any way to measure the difference but I believe that the Rec Tec people will tell you the same thing. I totally agree with the rest of the cleaning other than I take the time to clean the glass cover over the light. Other than those two little things good job.

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

That's a great point about the foil, I will have to check that out, I did forget to take the light cover off, it needs a good cleaning as well, thanks for checking out the video.

[@richardg4817]

Rec Tec has told me to fold the edge of the foil inside the drip pan.

[@TheBradleyd1146]

I have a RT590. I was wondering do you ever have issue going from a high temp to shutdown and the pellets burn in the auger ? I'm having that issue.

[@HoundDogCatia]

Bradley Davis, yes I had that issue as well at first. What I do know though is lower the temp to like 225 first, and I keep the lid open. Once it hits that, then I shut it down.

[@oceres]

Great video! Super helpful thanks.

[@jwhoa1733]

What brand pellets are you burning?are you noticing any flake off paint on the 700?

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

I use LumberJack and Rec Tec Premium pellets, I have only cooked on the RT-700 twice so far, so no signs of flaking yet, I will keep an eye out.

[@danny4271]

@@BadBeastBarbecue Does this comment really go with this video? You mention several times that you need to scrape off loose paint and it appears that the paint has peeled away around the hot box. My point is the grill looks like it has been used way more than twice. Also why is there so much rust on it? Great video, the footage alone was very informative on the build quality, I was just about to order one, its loaded in the cart as I watched this but will hold off for now. I had a Traeger that the electronics failed on just after a months use. Replaced with a Pit Boss but the paint on it peeled and melted away around the hot box just after first use. I had high hopes for the Rectec but if this is what it looks like just after 2 uses, its not worth the money in my opinion. Pit Boss claims its normal for the paint to peel away around the hot box because of the high temps in that area, if that's true then why paint the area in the first place. The Traeger was used more than a dozen times and hit did not show any signs of peeling or rusting however the electronics were crap.

[@AlpineWarren]

@@danny4271 he was asked about his 700. We saw him clean the 680.

[@Tx10speed]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your cleaning techniques. I just got a Rec-Tec 590 and this is very helpful

[@heathenhalflings]

is that rust on the front lip?

[@TheBradleyd1146]

I was wondering that.

[@bradcallaghan8099]

Good video! Thank you for sharing.

[@doccalkin]

Great video. Thank you. My RT 340 is in transit and I'm super excited. Other than a super cheap propane grill, my first grill. Can't wait.

[@xmlviking]

Outstanding cleaning guide! I love it. Keep up the good work.

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Thanks a bunch!

[@Aristogrub]

I need to take the time to clean my pellet smoker but I can’t imagine using degreaser on the interior parts without adding a film of cooking oil. Not unlike seasoning a cast iron pan I think you are just inviting rust. That said, I can’t argue with you that your smoker looks showroom ready. Thanks for taking the time to share this! Scott

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Believe me when I tell you that the small amount of degreaser does not remove a lot of the seasoning build up. It really just gets the loose stuff. The smoker is well seasoned. The one thing I usually do is run the smoker again after cleaning, besides I don't clean it like this every time, just after a large cook or after many cooks, a build up of grease can cause an unexpected fire, seen that happen.....

[@mikeshevlin]

Love your video. Question. I just got the r700. It's set to 225. The fan is going on and off but not completely off when it gets at 225.so it doesn't completely stop. It's 95 out. I have ribs on and don't know if I should stop the cook. Oger is working fine. The feed rate is 65 default and for some reason I can't change it on the app. This is first cook other than 2 x I cooked a quick steak. Thanks

[@StevesStrayStuff]

The 'Extreme Smoke' mode causes the fan to cycle on/off.

[@RayMacksKitchenandGrill]

Great tips my brother...

[@CitizenPerkins]

👍👍

[@FreAkLeFtY555]

Is this the stainless steel model ?????????

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Nope, this was the RT-680 which was before they went to the stainless steel version, the RT-700 is stainless steel....thanks for watching

[@anastypuppy]

Good stuff!

[@diver165]

I do the same but I don't use degreaser. To be quite honest I sweep it out, wipe any grease up with paper towels and replace the foil. The grill grates I wash in hot soapy water (my hot water runs off Satan's backside) and are rinsed thoroughly. I just don't want to spray any kind of chemicals in the pit at all.

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

I do that after every couple of cooks. I change the foil out for each cook depending on how bad it is. I only use the degreaser for that once in a blue moon cleaning when the build up is bad. Then burn the smoker again at 400 degrees

[@diver165]

Bad Beast Barbecue Rock on bud! How do you like the RecTec overall? I love mine!!

[@stephenthomas8317]

Love your videos. I have had the mini for over 3 years now and want to upgrade. Family of 4. Considering either the Stampede or Bull. I know you like the bull but do you have any thoughts on the stampede? Thanks!

[@pawpawstew]

Hold on. Is that rust on the front lip of the grill body????

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Yep, that was before they started making them out of stainless steel. This smoker is my older 680, I don't have any of these issues with my 700. I plan to sand it down this spring, prime it and paint it.

[@stevelitteral]

Good Info.That KRUD KUTTER did nice job on that probe. I always forget to clean it. Really like

[@shanelindquist7930]

Thanks! I just got my first grill and did not know how to maintain it.

[@rnmike1569]

You the man! Good luck on that cook brother!

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Thanks!

[@gtsbarbecueandcuisine4837]

Wow first of all Congratulations to Cherita! Hope I spelled that right. Quite an accomplishment. And she must trust you a ton to have you do this. I’m thinking of starting a catering business when I retire in a couple years. One thing I always wonder is how to reheat good Q and serve it later?

[@vikp6115]

You know i have same problem even though i use foil my drip pan still look like crap , not sure it catches smoke under the foil and it just sticks there like smoke and lungs lol

[@dougiefresh9618]

Nice job on the clean. I've got the mini & the 700 is on its way. Definitely going to use these tips.

[@nigel8499]

Fantastic Daryl! Very helpful.

[@matthewsummy9036]

I would watch it with using degreaser on the smoker box it can burn the paint causing it to be just like paint remover. But good video I wounder how you cleaned up a Rec Tec gill...

[@4Vanks]

Great video as always! Also, on a random side note... looks like your losing weight! Keep it up, brother.

[@mr.kojack1295]

Do you ever worry about introducing chemicals into your smoker? Even after the burn off I would think it would leave traces of some of the chemical behind.

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Not really, I usually do a burn off at 400 degrees or higher for over an hour and it usually does the trick. Keep in mind that I don't clean it like this ever time, This is a once a season cleaning or when the grime and grease has built up too much afer a massive cook. After the smoker cools off from the burn off, I sometimes take a clean wet towel and wipe down the inside ot the lid and any other areas we may have used any cleaner. Thanks for watching.

[@pamatt1965]

Man, I need your good habits. Sure makes your equipment last longer.

[@billwyko2392]

I own 5 rec tec grills, I can promise you, this thing will be outstanding. One of mine is on its 8th year of use, still works perfectly.

[@warren6119]

What are thoughts on rec tec 2500 bfg

[@MandalorianFanboy]

I was getting ready to order one of these, but seeing that rust there in yours makes me skeptical now. How old is your unit there?

[@chrishayes7551]

Just happened to see your comment..... I own the RT-700 and have had it for about 6 months and use it at least twice a week. Mostly for smoking (LONG slow cooks) The newer models are constructed of almost all stainless steel now (including the drum portion. These are HANDS DOWN the BEST pellet grills/smokers money can buy!!! Do your research and you will find out no other holds a candle to these!

[@StevesStrayStuff]

I have an RT-680 that is three years old with absolutely no rust. I never scrape mine, I just break solid stuff loose with the plastic shop-vac nozzle.

[@cookingisamazing9213]

Great video! Great tips! Always a great idea to clean up the smoker!

[@Iamchriskidwell]

Congratulations Sherita! God bless our United States Military

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Ash clean up...Camp Chef gives the impression that all of the ash ends up in the fire pot. As if they forgot about the circulation fan? 😬🧐 Have to leave some grease for rust prevention and flavor. 😎

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

I only do the degreasing once a year, usually at the end of the so called BBQ season, or after a major cook.... other times I just wipe things down....although I haven't had any problem with flavor even after the clean.....I never used a Camp Chef, so I don't know about the ash....thanks for watching and commenting

[@denaliking6426]

haha degreaser inside a grill that's a new one - I would never use chemicals - if you clean your grill while its hot you don't have to use any chemicals - never use foil either - hot grease scraps right off and you keep all the seasoning and again NO CHEMICALS

[@BadBeastBarbecue]

Good points, but I only do this type of cleaning once every blue moon and I burn my smoker out at high temp after that type of cleaning just like with the initial burn when it's new to remove any oil and residue left from the manufacture. I like the foil, makes it easy to clean up. But everyone does it different. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@MondaytoMonday]

Thank you for the video. It was very helpful!!