Just bought a 18” Smokey Mountain…do i need to clean cooking grates before 1st cook?


 
B

BSmith

New member
I know you dont have to season the smoker but should i clean cooking grates with soap and water before first cook ?
 
Yes, go with the wash. I brush my grates after every cook while they are still hot. Much easier than when cold. And it only takes a minute to brush a hot grill grate. Periodically, I soak the grates in hot water with Dawn detergent. Then scrape, brush and sometimes use a SS scrubby.
Eating food off a dirty grill is unpleasant and will turn off your guest that gather around the grill as you cook. Tip: is a lot easier to keep your grill scraped, brushed and clean on a regular basis than to try and cleanup a dirty grill that hasn't been tended to in months.
 
BrianO said:
... Tip: is a lot easier to keep your grill scraped, brushed and clean on a regular basis than to try and cleanup a dirty grill that hasn't been tended to in months.
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That tip is called the "wisdom of the ages" -- and applies to all parts of the smoker or grill. Grates are constant and daily (if you grill/smoke every day 😁); the rest is up to you but every few cooks or weeks or or months is about right.
 
Yes. Wash them and then wipe them down with oil. Do this after each cook, and you will have gorgeous grates and your food will never stick. BTW - clean your grates when they are hot.

I use this...


I've been using this brush for years. It is by far the single greatest grill brush I have ever used. Don't waste your $$$ on a simple wire brush. Get this. You fill it with water and when the grates are hot, simply wipe 'em down and your grates will be sparkling clean and free of grease, fat, burnt on sauce, rub, etc.
 
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BenM said:
Yes. Wash them and then wipe them down with oil. Do this after each cook, and you will have gorgeous grates and your food will never stick. BTW - clean your grates when they are hot.

I use this...https://www.amazon.com/RechelxFF0C-Stainless-Brushing-Spotless-Healthier/dp/B01JOI6GPG/ref=sr_1_16?crid=2WNS6IQKBRXWU&keywords=water+filled+grill+brush&qid=1664555261&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjIzIiwicXNhIjoiMi4xMyIsInFzcCI6IjEuODgifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=water%2520filled%2520grill%2520brush%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-16

I've been using this brush for years. It is by far the single greatest grill brush I have ever used. Don't waste your $$$ on a simple wire brush. Get this. You fill it with water and when the grates are hot, simply wipe 'em down and your grates will be sparkling clean and free of grease, fat, burnt on sauce, rub, etc.
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That brush looks interesting, thanks.

And BTW, the link you posted doesn't work as seen because it isn't isolated. Change the part "this...https:" to "this... https:" and it will be good. IOW, insert a space before the https.
 
EricV. said:
If I were you, my primary focus would be getting the WSM dirty, worry about clean-up long afterwards, just my my .02!
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I think for any manufactured equipment a cleansing 30-60 minutes burn while empty of food is a good thing. Follow with a high fat smoke to start the seasoning and sealing process. Until necessary, mine will not face soap, detergent or cleaning products. And if it does become necessary (twice over 9 years with my 18", I think), then start the whole process all over again.
 
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