Cleaning a new smoker

[Av8er]

I just picked up my Shirley and was curious as to how should I clean this thing prior to the first cook? Also, the trailer wiring tube runs directly under the grease drain, how do you guys prevent grease fro traveling after hitting the tube under it?

[Av8er]

Don’t know why the pic is sideways!

FIXED IT!!

[SmittyJonz]

I just wash the inside and grates with a brush on a long handle with soap n water, rinse with water hose then blow it out with air hose and spray down with Pam and fire it up.

[SmokerKing]

thread an elbow on the end of the valve, or hang or place a small bucket under it

[Av8er]

thread an elbow on the end of the valve, or hang or place a small bucket under it

Can’t fit a small bucket, will have to get a elbow.

[JWool]

thread an elbow on the end of the valve, or hang or place a small bucket under it


This is what I did on mine, elbow and a short straight pipe.

[txsmkmstr]

You'll likely have to visit a plumbing wholesale house to find the right fitting. So you don't sound like a total noob be sure to ask for "[proper size} 45* street ell" You shouldn't even need a threaded nipple then.

[bschoen]

Rig up a short (5-10 inches?) piece of 3/4" garden hose to whatever fitting screws into the valve.

[InThePitBBQ]

I use a 2 quart hand help pump sprayer to steam clean, you can get the pit hot and that doesn't put out enough volume of water to risk cooling the steel and welds to the point bad things could happen.

Not that I think you could hurt a Shirley Fab, but it's a *thing* with another popular brand splitting the RF plate seams when using a hose.

Congrats on finally getting your new cooker!