How To Clean Your Smokers & Grills

Proper Care for Your Pitts & Spitts Smoker/Grill

From the first time you use your Pitts & Spitts smoker or grill, proper maintenance is key. Taking the right steps will keep your grill working efficiently and ensure it lasts for generations. We previously covered how to season your grill properly—now, let’s go over the best ways to clean your smoker or grill.

When to Clean Your Smoker or Grill

After cooking a few times, your pit will need cleaning. Our pellet grills, charcoal grills, and offsets all have carbon steel expanded metal grates, so the cleaning process is the same for each.

How to Clean Your Grill Grates

Remove the grates and scrub them with a non-wired brush. Over time, residue will build up inside the barrel. Use the back of your brush or a putty knife to scrape it off. Push all the debris into the barrel, place a bucket underneath, and rinse it out with warm water.

Deep Cleaning the Barrel

If your barrel has heavy buildup after a couple of years, use a pressure washer to spray it out—but avoid soap or cleaning chemicals. If you pressure wash your grill, re-season it afterward to protect the surface.

Fire Box Maintenance

Clean out your fire box after every cook. Ash left inside is caustic and will degrade the steel over time. Wait for your pit to cool down, then remove the ash to maintain the fire box’s longevity.

Cleaning Pellet Grills

Before turning on your pellet grill, vacuum or remove ashes by hand from the burn pot for a clean startup. When cleaning the grease partition area, pour boiling water into the drain (while closed) to liquefy grease. After a few minutes, place a five-gallon bucket under the drain, open the valve, and let the grease drain out. Dry the area with paper towels afterward.

Avoid washing the burn pot section of the barrel with water. Instead, use a vacuum, scraper, and paper towels. If you choose to pressure wash your Maverick Pellet Grill, remove the hopper first to protect electrical components.

Take Care of Your Grill, and It Will Take Care of You

Pitts & Spitts grills are built to last for generations. With proper care, your grill will serve you well for years to come. Have any questions? Drop them in the comments, and let’s get smokin’!