CL find: used 18 WSM - Should I scrub out the middle section?

[Gabe]

Hi folks. I just picked up a 18WSM $125 from a seller on CL.
It looks very shiny, gently used. It has the darkening you'd expect from a used smoker and it smells, well, delicious!
Because it is used, I am going to give the grates a very thorough cleaning, as well as the water bowl. And I'll do a once over on the outside, lid and bottom assembly.

What do you all think about the inside wall of the middle section? Should I scrub the hell out of it and basically start over with the seasoning?
Leave it and build on the existing seasoning?

Thanks in advance!
-Gabe

 

[Chris Allingham]

Gabe, use a stiff bristle brush and brush down the inside of the middle cooking section to remove any loose material. Examine the inside of the lid. If it looks smooth and shiny, do nothing; if it looks flaky, hit it with the garden hose and that stiff bristle brush to wash off any loose stuff.

That's it! Enjoy your new WSM!
Chris

 

[Earl D.]

I used easy off on the inside of my used WSM. I will make my own build up inside the smoker. Just my opinion. Everybody has one.

 

[Bob Mann]

I only clean the grates of my WSMs, never the inside. If I were to buy a used WSM from someone, I would clean it really good before using it.

Bob

 

[Jerry N.]

I only clean the grates of my WSMs, never the inside. If I were to buy a used WSM from someone, I would clean it really good before using it.

Bob

Same here. I think buying a used WSM would get me to try oven cleaner on the entire unit and clean it up real well. I think Chris is right in that all it would "need" is a good brushing (I might add firing it up real hot) but I would feel the need to clean it to make it my own.