Smoker rack cleaning?

[Crow Hunter]

I smoked a pork shoulder yesterday that turned out great, but the rack it sat on took a lot of soaking and scrubbing to get clean afterwards. Got any tricks to keep the rack less crusty? Spray it with Pam before the smoke or??

[thirdeye]

Yes spray it, or wipe it down with an oiled paper towel before you use it.  I use a little ball of aluminum foil to scrub them after the cook, but while they are still warm. They make disposable grill topper grates that are handy too when you are cooking something that is going to be really messy.

[Mike89]

lay them in the grass over night and wipe off in the morning.  the dew soaks in if it's moist out.  other wise lay them out and place wet towels over them for awhile..

[RebelSS]

I use the ball of aluminum foil, too. Works well.

[PurpleFloyd]

That's called seasoning.

Two years ago I took a trip to Germany and we spent a few days in the black forest where I got to see some authentic old world smoke houses dating back to the 1500's and the amount of buildup on the walls, hooks, poles etc is part of what gives their hams,bacon and sausage their flavor. They use juniper wood for smoking. Absolutely delicious. 

But yeah, foil, Pam and other things can help. You can also use a power washer to clean them.

[Grainbelt]

Dishwasher for me if I don't get to them right away like thirdeye.

[smurfy]

I agree with purpleflloyd..........seasoning. I MIGHT use a grill brush twice a year that's it. 

[eyeguy 54]

When mine get caked I nuke em on the gas grill for about 15 minutes. easy peasy

 

[leech~~]

Since my smoker is new for now I throw them in the big wash sinks in the basement with some Dawn and hot water to soak. Then rinse them with more hot water. I'm sure in time once they get more "purplefloyd seasoned". I'll rub them a bit with a grill brush and hit them with a garden hose! 

Edited June 26, 2017 by leech~~

[RebelSS]

I look at it like cast iron....numerous cookings give 'em a perfect seasoning. Gotta leave some residue on IMO.

[Big Dave2]

I never use soap to clean the racks. Just put them on a hot grill for a few minutes and use a brush to get the majority off. 

On 6/24/2017 at 10:34 PM, PurpleFloyd said:

They use juniper wood for smoking. Absolutely delicious. 

 

Hmmm, Gin flavored ham, mmmmmmmm. 

 

 

[PurpleFloyd]

6 hours ago, Big Dave2 said:

I never use soap to clean the racks. Just put them on a hot grill for a few minutes and use a brush to get the majority off. 

 

Hmmm, Gin flavored ham, mmmmmmmm.