hello all
here is some photos of my through cleaning of my smoker the before and after pictures, mainly to remove excess grease and look for any problems that may need attentition.
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/DSC00018.JPG)
just befor disassembly
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/DSC00019.JPG)
corner grease build up
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/DSC00020.JPG)
heater cover removed and better view.. and yes that is a 900 watt finned heater
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/DSC00021.JPG)
hinged side grease build up in back corner
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/DSC00022.JPG)
better shot of the smoke generator side with grease buildup
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/DSC00023.JPG)
smoke generator with grease build up between the generator and cabinate
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/DSC00024.JPG)
heater and blower cover with grease build up
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/26.JPG)
after a steam cleaning in the cabinate
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/27.JPG)
fan / heater cover after cleaning
(http://usera.imagecave.com/beefmann/smokercleaning/28.JPG)
smoke generator after cleaning
Guys.,, Do your wipe downs after each use and do a through check for excess grease build up.. if you have excess grease build up or your BS has became excessivly dirty.. or greasy .. its time to do a through cleaning
and make it happin to ensure a long, and happy use of your bradley smoker... 30 to 45 minutes of cleaning twice a year is not that much to protect you, your loved ones and your property...
for my cleaning process i did use a steam shark and rags no chemicals were used in the cleaning just steam.
totall time after i has steam was 30 to 45 minutes including disassembly and re-assembly.. this cleaning was my second in a year and half and the first was right before i did the heater mod over a year ago
Beef,
That's good advice. One thing though and believe me I'm no expert and certainly not critisizing but I don't see how grease can be building up between your smoke generator and the cabinet. I suspect that is smoke "resin" buildup and if it is, you can really destroy your smoke generator. Maybe just maybe you need to be opening your vent a little more. Again, I could be and most likely am totally wrong but that just seems a bit odd to me as I don't have that type of build up and I use my smoker quite frequently as well.
I mean no offense at all.
KyNola
KY
you are correct it is wood resin and that is why i brought it to everyones attentitioin it still needs to be cleaned along with the rest of the unit to prevent any problems...I by no means am saying that it has to be spotless and remove the smokers personailty and seasoning .. just remove the excess to the point of where you wont have to do it for a while...
Beefmann
Good info Beefman,
I have been thinking of using a steamer also. How did yours work?
Thanks, Brad
Brad..
it works great..cuts right through the grease and creasote of the wood, in some cases you might have some spots that might need some extra work but all and all very easy.
the process is heaat up the steamer and let it get hot.. once you have steam and some rags ( the throw awaw kind ) chose an area to work about the size of 1/4 to 1/2 the bottom of the smoker... use the steamer to losen / heat the grease .. some of the grease might be cooked on requireing more work... after a few seconds you will see the steam working on the grease work the area then turn off the steam.. and wipe with rags,, then move to the next area and repeat untill the job is compleated..
my 4 rack to 30 to 45 minutes to disamble cleaan and reasamble after i have has steam
Beefmann
The cleaning is a great idea with that type of collection. After more than two years I have come no where close to that kind of build up or streaking on the back walls - condensation runs ???. The build up on SG also looks like vents being closed too far. No offense ment just thinking along the same lines as KyNola
The steamer does seem to be a great tool.
WCK,
the streaks on the back are from over spray of apple juice and orange soda... and some from grease like the rest of the unit...
I will admit after thinking about it .. i might have my vent closed to much during the smoking proces I useally have it half open... should be enough !??!?!?!!