When it comes to cleaning your Masterbuilt smoker, there are no experts greater than the manufacturer themselves.
However, if you have lost your instruction manual or don't want to waste time finding the best method, the question remains, how do you clean your Masterbuilt smoker?
Masterbuilt, the manufacturer of the smoker in question, suggests using a half and half mixture of water and apple cider vinegar to clean the smoker's interior.
It is stated explicitly that you should not use harsh chemicals for cleaning. Removable components can be washed in a dishwasher.
Since there are multiple components to smokers, it is only natural that there will be various ways to clean this smoker.
The best source of information on how to do this is the frequently asked questions section on Masterbuilt's website. However, after looking at Masterbuilt's suggestions and doing some more research, I have summed it all up.
Quick Summary
- Cleaning a Masterbuilt smoker involves using a half and half mixture of water and apple cider vinegar for the interior, avoiding harsh chemicals.
- Removable parts like smoking racks can be washed in a dishwasher, and collection trays should be cleaned after removing dirty tinfoil.
- The interior should be cleaned with a vinegar and water mixture, and the smoker should be reassembled after all parts are dry.
- Masterbuilt smokers are known for their good quality. Check out our list of the best propane smokers where three Masterbuilt made it.
Steps For Cleaning Masterbuilt Smoker
Below are the basic steps to clean any of the Masterbuilt smoker models. The instructions for cleaning might differ based on the model that you have.
Masterbuilt states the following as a guideline: “It is very important not to use harsh chemicals to clean your smoker.”
- To clean the window of your Masterbuilt smoker, you will want to start while the smoker is still somewhat warm.
If you have a metal glass scraper, that would be the best tool for this job. While your smoker is still warm but cold enough not to cause burns, use your glass scraper to clean off any hardened particles or dirt from the window of your smoker.
If you do not have a glass scraper that you can use to clean the window of your smoker, the next best option is to use a mixture of half apple cider vinegar and half warm water and a sponge to remove as much fat and oils off your window as possible.
If you are struggling to clean the window properly, it is advised that you use a spray bottle to spray the affected areas and to let it rest and soften for a bit.
- After the smoker has cooled, you should start by removing any loose or removable parts of the smoker, like the smoking racks inside the smoker.
To clean the smoking racks, you can use a dishwasher or use hot and soapy water. It is also essential to ensure your smoking racks are rinsed after you have washed them to remove any soap or foam and ensure that you do not affect the taste of the meat you smoke.
- After removing and cleaning your smoking racks, it is time to remove your collection trays. Collection trays are generally used to collect fat and grease released during the cooking process.
If your collection trays are wrapped with tinfoil, cleaning them is easy. Remove and discard the tinfoil used to cover your water bowl and drip tray.
If there is built-up debris below the tinfoil, make sure to wash your water bowl and drip tray with hot and soapy water.
If your water bowl and drip tray are not wrapped with foil, wash them in hot soapy water as well.
John Macklemore from Masterbuilt says, "Before you smoke that next recipe wrap your water bowl and drip pan in aluminum foil and always remember to poke a hole in that bottom drip pan.”
- The interior of your smoker should be cleaned by using a mixture of apple cider vinegar and hot water.
Make a one-to-one mixture in a spray bottle and spray the interior of your smoker. Once your interior is covered, you can use a sponge to remove as much residue as possible and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Make sure to give your smoker and all its parts time to dry before the next step.
- The last part of the cleaning process is to reassemble your smoker and return all trays and racks to their original places.
How Often To Clean Your Masterbuilt Smoker
Cleaning your smoker, as with the rest of your appliances, is incredibly important to ensure the highest quality of meat.
However, not everyone will have the time to clean their smoker after every use.
As a meat smoking enthusiast and after researching the topic, including the use of forums, I have taken note of the guidelines experts use to know when they need to wash their smokers.
Many people believe that, depending on the type of smoker, the residue left behind after smoking something helps improve the taste of your meat and is called "seasoning." [1]
It is good practice to clean removable parts of your smoker after every use. The removable parts of your smoker include things like the smoking racks or grates, the drip tray, and the water bowl. As mentioned above, these components are easy to clean.
It is also advised that you clean the thermometer in your smoker, if you can, after every use. Cleaning this part of your smoker will ensure accurate temperature readings.
The glass is another part of your smoker that you should keep relatively clean as too much build-up will block your view and defeat the purpose that the window serves.
Depending on the type of smoker, it might be okay not to have regular cleanings. If the grease build-up could become a fire hazard, it is definitely time to clean your smoker, but other than that, it is okay to wash your smoker after every three to five uses.
Read More: Masterbuild Smoker Problems
References:
- https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/how-often-should-i-clean-the-smoker.84985/
