Q: Hi Dr. BBQ:
I am just getting started learning to barbeque or smoke food. A friend of mine helped me build a smoker out of an L.P. tank and I have a non-removable expanded metal grate inside. He told me not to clean between cookings, and to squirt it down with lighter fluid before the next cooking to burn off all the old grease. I was wondering if this is a good way and if it may affect the food taste the next time I cook? By the way, I bought your book and am looking forward to trying everything out.
–Shane
A: Hi Shane,
The lighter fluid trick will work, just let it all burn off well before you put the food on. A better way, and more fun, is to get a propane weed burner torch from Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. They’re great for starting your fire, and also for burning all the crud off the grates of your smoker. Just take a brush to the hot grates to finish up. Thanks for buying the book, glad you like it.
–Dr. BBQ