Vent Gunk...

[La Quinta]

How do I get the vent gunk off? Everytime I smoke (could be me only?) I wash the racks and the pan but...the vent gets "gunked" and the next time I smoke I have to unscrew the vent...take it off...clean it...and put it back on because it sticks. I don't want to force it...tried lightening up on the "re-screw down" (don't want to break that either). I can only assume (God help me) that this is a normal issue and someone way smarter then me has an answer? Help?

[Arcs_n_Sparks]

I keep mine loose and wait for the heat to soften the tar. I've thought about spilling Jack Daniels on it to see if that would help, but I usually have none left in my glass.   :o

Arcs_n_Sparks

[Stickbowcrafter]

Ha ha, went to wipe mine off early this morning after an overnight smoke on kielbasa and the water from the sponge immediately turned to ice. It was a bit chilly this morning. I'll be paying attention to this one. The gunk and steam have actually discolored the finish (or built up, not sure which) around my vent. Need to figure something out myself...

-Brian

[Wildcat]

I have the Stainless Steel BS.  On mine, I simply take an SOS pad to the vent and a damp rag to the smoker.  I also use and SOS on the bowl, pan underneath the bowl, and the V tray.  Works like a champ.

[West Coast Kansan]

You can use a longer screw and add a spring that will allow you to pull it up from the outside and wipe under it.  If have pretty much stopped cleaning mine.  It loosens during preheat and a few spins when cooled down knocks down the big pieces.  :-[

[La Quinta]

I guess I'm glad that I'm not the only one with gunk-a-rama! I've sprayed all kind of cleaners on the unit itself...took the vent in and cleaned it ...but still am stuck in gunk world!! A longer screw sounds good...(I won't try to comment further on that!!!) I'll just suggest it to the hubby and see what he thinks!!! :) :) :)

[Arcs_n_Sparks]

"I'm remain, drinking at a distance"

Arcs_n_Sparks

[West Coast Kansan]

  :D  :D   :D

[La Quinta]

We have talked about it for years before the Bradley!! :) :)  We had another kind of smoker ya know! I don't know what everyone else is thinking here!! :) :) Thanks for the advice WCK...I couldn't agree more!!!

[Arcs_n_Sparks]

"I still remain, drinking at a distance"

Arcs_n_Sparks

[West Coast Kansan]

  :-[ Not sure about the talking for years. Watch the spirals on the retaining springs so you dont get cut. Who is Brad.  ;)

[Arcs_n_Sparks]

"I am, again, drinking at a distance"

Arcs_n_Sparks

[Stickbowcrafter]

I pretty much follow WCK's method of forgetting about it. I do wipe the seal and surface of the cabinet where the seal meets after each smoke. And I'll run the racks and bowl through the dishwasher as needed. Other than that, the inside of the Bradley looks like my other smoker and grill...we'll just say "well seasoned"  ::)

-Brian

[NePaSmoKer]

I'm like WCK

The more gunk and grease the better the smoker  ;D  ;D

nepas

[La Quinta]

Look...guys...we like to clean...it's a...well...gunk and grease is not good,,,you gotta agree with that? Going with a longer screw seems like a well thought out plan!! I spoke with my hubby about it...he wasn't sure? Not sure why...:)