How to Remove Ash From a BBQ Smoker

A clean barbecue smoker performs better.

When charcoal or wood fuel burns down inside the bottom of a barbecue smoker, only ashes remain. When these ashes get wet, they turn into a caustic base or lye. Lye is a highly corrosive material that can eat through the metal base of the smoker. To avoid this problem, remove ash from your smoker after every use. An ash shovel can be used for this purpose. The removal of the ashes also improves airflow inside the smoker. This airflow allows for more efficient smoking and more flavorful food.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mask
• Ash shovel
• 5-gallon bucket
• Wire brush
• Screwdriver
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Allow the ashes in the smoker to cool until the heat has dissipated and the barbecue smoker is cold.

2. Remove the grills from the smoker. You may have to twist or angle these to get them out. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to accomplish this.

3. Put on a dust mask. Scoop the bulk of the ashes into a bucket with an ash shovel.

4. Brush the remaining ash on the sides and bottom of the smoker into a corner and scoop them out.

5. Remove the screws from the drain holes in the bottom of the smoker.

6. Rinse the remaining ashes out of the smoker. Slide a piece of wire up and down in the drain hole to empty the water and ashes into the bucket.

7. Leave the lid of the smoker open until the water evaporates.

References

• Housewife Bliss: How Well Do You Know Your BBQ?