new with used

[scoopbooty]

Well, looks like I get to join the fun. I just purchased a used 4 rack digital, after spending countless hours trying to convert and old fridge into a smoker. I thought it'd be a synch, but it's proved to be more challenging than I figured. I'll finish it someday, but a couple of days ago, when looking for a new heating element on craigslist I ran across this for $200... couldn't pass up a good deal.

So, quick question. I've washed the racks and the inside is pretty sooty from the last user, although he claimed to have only used it a few times. Should I leave the soot on the inside as a seasoning, or do I need to wipe it down. From what I'm reading it appears that is the "seasoning" that the smoker needs in the beginning. I've cleaned the wood loader and vent, but thus far I've left the inside alone.

I'm stoked about making my first deer sticks. I've got all the seasonings, deer, casings, and initiative, just gotta fire it up!

As soon as I do I'll post a report. Thanks!

[Tenpoint5]

Sounds good Welcome Aboard.
Just knock off any loose stuff on the sides and you should be good to go.

[FLBentRider]

W E L C O M E  to the Forum scoopbooty!

I'm with Tenpoint5 on this one.

You've got questions. Ask.

[OU812]

Sounds good Welcome Aboard.
Just knock off any loose stuff on the sides and you should be good to go.

Use a loosely wadded up news paper to knock the stuff off and do it out side, that black crap goes everywere.

Oh Ya, welcome to the fun.

[kinyo]

Welcome to the forum & congrats on your purchase!!

[SouthernSmoked]

Congratulations on your find and welcome to the forum...Enjoy!

http://www.susanminor.org

Remember we like pic's!!

[beefmann]

welcome to the forum,

wash the racks, and remove any flakes and  loose drippings, do a test run to be sure that  every things works before you  cook anything for 10 hours, if it  lasts that  long  most likely it  is a good unit and be fun to use

[ArnieM]

Hi SB and welcome to the forum.

Clean up the V tray but be careful of sharp edges. 

[OU812]

Hi SB and welcome to the forum.

Clean up the V tray but be careful of sharp edges. 

Yes, clean the V tray before each use.

You dont want any grease build up down there.

[RAF128]

You might also want clean the vent.

[Shasta bob]

Welcome to the club.

[GusRobin]

Welcome - as with the others, I would clean the V tray, the racks, rub the inside of the cabinet with a newspaper, wipe around the door seal and the inside of the cabinet where the door seal touches, clean the vent, look on the puck burner to make sure there isn't a build up on the guide the pucks slide on, do a test run with about 1 hr of smoke and 4-5 hours of heat to make sure it is holding temps and then you are on your way.

When I ever do any type of test run I usually throw in a small chicken. They are cheap and at the end of a successful test you have good chicken to eat. ;D

[TestRocket]

Welcome scoopbooty and it looks like everyone has you on the right track!

You may want to take a look at this to help in getting your PICs posted:
http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=768&postcount=11

[scoopbooty]

Thanks for the replies gang, today is the day and I'll give a report on how it goes. I like the idea of a chicken test run... hadn't thought of that. Kills two birds with one stone. Well, one bird and one deer that is. <grin>. I'll keep you posted, pun intended.

d