WSM Top Vent Cleaning

[cullenbranson]

The top vent on my WSM needs cleaning. I've not considered the buildup between the dome and the vent an issue until I noticed a couple drips from it on my food. When it's too tough to open by hand, I just tap it open with something. But I don't want the buildup dripping on my food when it melts away. I don't want to clean-away any seasoning on the dome, just want to clear the vent. I'm reluctant to use most cleaners meant for this purpose or solvents. How do you all handle this, if at all? Thanks.

 

[yakdung]

Cheap food oil spray like Pam. Wallymart brand works just fine. It also works great when using a chimney starter. Just give the bundled paper a few hits and let the fun begin.

 

[krex1010]

I haven't noticed this before but if I wanted to get rid of some of the gunk around the top of the dome I would just use a dry rag and wipe it out when it's warm and the grease is soft.

 

[dadsr4]

If you don't want to use solvents, be careful forcing it. They bend easily, and then you have to drill out the rivet to replace them. Better to drill it out now, clean things, and use a ss bolt and lock nut to reinstall. Then next time will be easy.
If you hold the lid upside down when using a spray solvent on the outside, the seasoning will remain on the inside.

 

[cullenbranson]

I should clarify that I'm not concerned about opening and closing the vent, but rather the gunk that gets trapped in the top vent which has a potential (and has been for me the last couple cooks) to melt away and drip on food.

I've not done anything yet to remedy it, so maybe it's a simple solution.

 

[KevinJ]

Mine always open when food is in the smoker, I can't see there being a problem with drippings. It is hard as heck to get it closed sometimes when snuffing out a fire.

 

[zanna5910]

Mine gets "stuck" and takes some serious force to open. I suspect from some grease buildup or heating expansion or something as well. I dont think it drips.

All I've done is to move the vent closed, clean holes, move again, clean, move again, clean trying to get the gunk out.

Would love to know how to clean it up.

 

[Harbormaster]

Pick up some Greased Lightning at HD or an orange oil based degreaser. Spray it in the vent, work it to break up the grease, hose it out with water.

If you are concerned about the build up inside, rinse any drips right away. Personally, I clean the inside of the domes all the way to porcelain about once a year. I found when it gets too thick it hoses up air flow and temps.