Grease Fire in New WSM 22


 
R

RobBBX

New member
Hi Everyone,

After doing a big (and successful) overnight Brisket smoke, I was attempting to burn out the remaining coals in my smoker. In doing so, I decided to leave the lid off, instead of leaving it on and closing the vents. Not sure why I had this mishap, as I would like to think I am somewhat experienced in using a WSM (although this is the first one I have owned).

In either case, my new WSM has taken on some damage as a result. I can post pictures, but the grates appear to be ruined with a slight blueish hue to them. The paint on the inside of the WSM appears to be bubbling/flaking in certain parts. And all of the gasket I installed was incinerated.

I was hoping to see if this would still be salvageable. As I have made some modifications to the smoker, and do not believe I would be eligible for a warranty. I have already purchased some high heat resistant paint, that I used when originally adding modifications. Any help or guidance regarding how I can save my new WSM would be very much appreciated.
 
Leave the lid on and, open all the vents, the bluing of the grates is not that big a deal, Bar Keepers Friend will likely clean that up, don’t sweat it, yes probably need to replace the gasket but, as stated above the bubbling is just grease. A simple scrape should be fine. Don’t over work it.
 
DanHoo said:
original post mentioned painting
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Thanks Dan, I must have missed that! I didn’t see tha when he spoke of using paint when doing some modifications. Which begs the question, “What modifications (other than the aforementioned gasket) ? I guess I’m still somewhat confused, maybe it’s the heat of the last few days!
 
hey @RobBBX can you give more details on the mods for your WSM and what painting you've done?

You probably know this, but the inside should not get painted.
 
Timothy F. Lewis said:
Thanks Dan, I must have missed that! I didn’t see tha when he spoke of using paint when doing some modifications. Which begs the question, “What modifications (other than the aforementioned gasket) ? I guess I’m still somewhat confused, maybe it’s the heat of the last few days!
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Sorry for the confusion regarding paint and modifications. The only "big" modification I have made thus far is adding three latches to fasten the middle cooking section to the charcoal bowl. In doing so, I had to drill some holes, which I touched up with Rust Oleum High Heat semi gloss spray paint.

All of this being said, in my OP, when I mentioned the "bubbling/flaking" paint, I was referring to the inner walls of the cooking chamber. Basically, I was trying to see if I would need to use that high heat resistant paint on the inner walls of cooking chamber, since I was unsure if it was old paint causing all of the bubbling/flaking. As @DanHoo already commented, it appears that this is most likely carbonized grease, so I should not have to worry.

I will also be posting pictures soon, I just haven't had the chance to yet. Appreciate all the guidance so far!

Also, thanks for the warm welcome! @timothy
 
RobBBX said:
Sorry for the confusion regarding paint and modifications. The only "big" modification I have made thus far is adding three latches to fasten the middle cooking section to the charcoal bowl. In doing so, I had to drill some holes, which I touched up with Rust Oleum High Heat semi gloss spray paint.

All of this being said, in my OP, when I mentioned the "bubbling/flaking" paint, I was referring to the inner walls of the cooking chamber. Basically, I was trying to see if I would need to use that high heat resistant paint on the inner walls of cooking chamber, since I was unsure if it was old paint causing all of the bubbling/flaking. As @DanHoo already commented, it appears that this is most likely carbonized grease, so I should not have to worry.

I will also be posting pictures soon, I just haven't had the chance to yet. Appreciate all the guidance so far!

Also, thanks for the warm welcome! @timothy
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Also, when I used paint to touch up the holes I drilled, I dipped a Q-tip into the cup of paint, and only applied it to the outside for the most part.
 
No paint inside, ever!!!! Now, outside? Not so critical.
Nice to have you here. Sorry for no welcome from me, I’m just a grouchy old fart!
I picked up a set of those latches but have yet to install them. I’m a lazy old fart too😉!
 
RobBBX said:
I mean I am honestly not so sure. What do you recommend if there happens to be some on the inside?
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It’s just burned grease, trust me. Don’t worry, give it a scrape with a plastic putty knife and you will see the stuff flake off like bad dandruff.
The interior (the entire thing really) is enamel/ porcelain you need to think of it as glass, it’s extremely durable except from impact. Then it will chip and “flake”. I believe the “official term” is “concoidal fracture” (think flakes of glass). Without pix it’s hard to make any real determinations as to what went on but, as timothy said they are pretty much bulletproof.
You’ve found the right bunch to help with more ideas than you ever considered, trust me, I’ve learned that. These guys can be pretty terrible enablers! But, always with the best outcome in mind.🤣
 
Timothy F. Lewis said:
It’s just burned grease, trust me. Don’t worry, give it a scrape with a plastic putty knife and you will see the stuff flake off like bad dandruff.
The interior (the entire thing really) is enamel/ porcelain you need to think of it as glass, it’s extremely durable except from impact. Then it will chip and “flake”. I believe the “official term” is “concoidal fracture” (think flakes of glass). Without pix it’s hard to make any real determinations as to what went on but, as timothy said they are pretty much bulletproof.
You’ve found the right bunch to help with more ideas than you ever considered, trust me, I’ve learned that. These guys can be pretty terrible enablers! But, always with the best outcome in mind.🤣
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I appreciate the reassurance, I was beginning to get worried!

Also, I thought you were asking about if I got the high heat paint on the inside of the smoker. Which I am still unsure if there was a little bit on the inside, and if I should do anything if there is.

You guys have been nothing but helpful so far!
 
Struggle to think the grates are ruined. Same grates they used to use on the kettles, so certainly can tolerate direct, high heat, and flames. Sprinkle some Bar Keepers Friend on a scotch brite pad and clean the grate. Hoping that will take care of it for you
 
I agree with Keith, BKF and some elbow grease will set the grates to right. The paint that may have gotten on the inside has probably outgassed enough for it not to be a problem anymore, don’t sweat that. What’s done now, is done. You’re not dead or sick so, nothing to worry about. Just don’t paint anything inside again. Let it get greasy, and sealed up, you'll be fine.
NO SCOTCH BRITE ON THE WSM! EVER!! It WILL scratch porcelain !
 
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