How to Clean a Smoker (The Ultimate 3-Step Guide)

Grease and other nasty debris can cause your smoker to rot or even break down. So, the key to prolonging its lifespan is keeping it clean.

To help you do so, our grill masters created this quick guide on how to clean a smoker. Here are your step-by-step instructions.

Quick Summary

How to Clean a Smoker in 3 Steps

Before we get to how to do a deep clean, I want to give you some tips on regularly maintaining your smoker. They’ll save you a ton of time in the long run.

Here’s what you should do before each use:

• Brush the grill grates using a grill brush.
• Remove any residue using paper towels.
• Coat the grates with vegetable oil to prevent food from sticking.

And here’s what to do after each use:

• Wipe spills off the surface using a damp cloth.
• Remove the loose ash if needed.
• Wash the removable parts (the drip pan, grease bucket, racks, etc.).

Finally, it’s time to see how to do a deep clean.

Remember that the cleaning process for electric smokers is a bit different. Read the instructions carefully to ensure that a step applies to an electric smoker.

1. Clean the Interior

You need to cool most smokers before cleaning them. But cleaning an electric smoker is easier when it’s slightly warm.

So, if you have an electric smoker, heat it to its maximum temperature until it warms up.

Turn the smoker off, let it cool completely, and follow these steps to clean the smoke chamber:

1. Take out all removable pieces, including the smoker box, glass door, water pan, drip tray, and racks — Place them in a tub filled with warm water and dish soap.
2. Spray stubborn debris — Spray the debris with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and hot water for a faster breakdown. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
3. Scrape the particle buildup on the interior surfaces — Remove food, carbon, and grease buildup using a putty knife. If you have an electric smoker, use a soft bristle brush instead.
4. Clean with hot soapy water — Use a sponge, damp cloth, or paper towel to wipe the interior surfaces of your smoker.

Now, allow the smoker to air dry. You can wash the parts you’ve taken out in the meantime. Let them dry completely before putting them back in the smoker.

2. Clean the Exterior

Cleaning the exterior of your smoker is more straightforward.

Simply wash the outside surfaces of your smoker using a cloth, soap, and water. Don’t forget to clean the door seal because it tends to hold smoke residue.

3. Clean the Other Parts of Your Smoker

Finally, clean the thermostats and grease chute:

1. Use warm soapy water to clean the interior of the thermostats and grease chute.
2. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to wipe the interior dry.

Many people skip this part and clean only the inside and the outside of their smokers. That’s why I want to explain why it’s important.

The grease channel or chute connects the drip tray to the grease bucket. If the chute gets blocked, you’re in danger of a grease fire. So, you want to clean the chute for your own safety.

On the other hand, cleaning your thermostat will prolong its lifespan and make it more efficient. In turn, this will improve your entire smoking process, so don’t skip this step.

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