Residue on WSM

[JakeK]

First time poster.....
Ive been getting this residue on my WSM lately. It looks like rust but its flaky. It comes off easy but after a cook, once the cooker cools I opened the lid and could see it blowing in the sunshine. Its on the lid and the top 1/3 of the cooker. Any thoughts on what this is and how to prevent it? Thanks!

 

[Bob Correll]

Welcome to the forum, Jake.
I'll let Chris explain your problem:

 

[Dustin Dorsey]

The brown stuff usually happens due to water vapor. I get a black coating which right now is shiny but i don't use water in the pan. I would just knock off any excess with wadded up piece of aluminum foil. People tend to think their WSM is rusty or the paint is coming off. It's normal. It's harmless other than if it decides to get loose and flake off into your food. The video is great.

 

[JakeK]

Perfect. Thanks! Guess I have been doing the correct thing by just cleaning it off.