How to Clean Electric Smoker at Home 1
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How to Clean Electric Smoker at Home

There is no better and easy way to enjoy a perfectly smoked steak with the best electric smoker. But the problem is, the electric smoker gets dirty when used a lot which can lead to malfunction. Therefore, it is essential to clean your electric smoker for the best performance. Experts recommended cleaning the smoker after every three to five uses to enjoy great-tasting foods. Here are effective ways to clean an electric smoker.

How to Clean Electric Smoker at Home

Cleaning Removable Components

  • If you have just finished using an electric smoker, allow it to cool down properly. Cleaning a smoker is very easy when you are just done with smoking.
  • Debris and buildup are easy to remove when they are warm.
  • If you haven’t used the smoker in a while, turn it on for one hour and then let it cool down.
  • There are different types of electric smokers available. However, the maximum temperature of an average electric smoker is 125 degrees centigrade.
  • When it cools down properly, you can touch all the surfaces and components inside the smoker.
  • Take out all removable parts from the smoker. A water pan, removable racks, and drip tray are available inside the smoker to collect grease and debris.
  • Take hot water and add some dish soap to it. Now soak all removable parts in the kitchen sink.
  • Soaking helps to loosen the grease and debris for effortless cleanup.
  • Don’t use the dishwasher for cleaning these parts as they are not dishwasher safe.
  • Wash them by hand using hot soapy water. Depending on the size of the smoker, a water pan, drip tray, and racks should be easy to place in the dishwasher.

Cleaning Inside the Electric Smoker Box

how to clean electric smoker

  • First of all, dump all ash out of the electric smoker box. Don’t dump the ash, which can catch fire.
  • You can use a regular trash can for cold ash. Take a clean damp cloth and wipe the smoker box clean.
  • Place a trap under the smoker to catch debris. Scrape the debris out of the smoker.
  • Use a plastic scraper or soft bristle brush to remove big chunks of debris from the floor and walls of the smoker.
  • Brush the debris into the small pile and then wipe it into the trap.
  • It is essential to scrape the inside of the smoker gently.
  • Make sure to clean the corners inside the smoker box.
  • Don’t forget to wipe down the walls and surface in the smoker. Try to squeeze most of the water out of the sponge and then wipe inside the smoker to remove grease buildup.
  • The smoker walls get darker with usage, don’t scrub them to clean. The darkening prevents rust and helps the smoker to perform better.

Cleaning the Outside of an Electric Smoker

  • Start by cleaning the Glassdoor of the Smoker. Take a damp cloth and wipe the outside of your smoker. Whether you use the smoker inside or outside, the dust will collect on the smoker.
  •  Wipe the top and sides of the smoker to improve the appearance. Wipe away any cobwebs and dust from the back.
  • Make sure to clean the door seal. A grease build on the smoker’s door can affect the overall performance.
  • Dry the inside and outside of the smoker with a big wad of paper towels. You can use old newspapers for drying too. Open the door of the smoker and allow it to dry with air for at least an hour.
  • Make sure to dry the racks, water pan, and drip tray with a paper towel. It will help to absorb any residual moisture.
  • Put all removable parts back inside the smoker box. The best way is to put the components back from the bottom to the top.

Useful tips for cleaning the electric smoker

  1. Brushing the removable racks in vegetables before smoking your food makes them convenient to clean.
  2. Always store the electric smoker indoors when you are not using it to prevent mold.
  3. It is better to wash removable components after smoking food. It helps to clean the smoker efficiently and quickly.

Things to Avoid while cleaning the electric smoker

  1. Don’t use caustic cleaners as they can ruin the taste of smoked food.
  2. After cleaning, check the smoker for plastic bristles that may dislodge from the soft bristle brush.
  3. Wipe down the temperature probe of the smoker using a damp cloth rather than immersing it in water.

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