Why Cleaning Your Vertical Electric Smoker is Important

Regularly cleaning your vertical electric smoker ensures that grease and residue don’t affect the taste of your food. Over time, buildup can create unwanted flavor. With regular cleaning, you’ll keep your smoker working efficiently, allowing you to enjoy consistent results. 

How Often to Clean Your Smokehouse

For the best vertical smoker performance, deep clean after every five smokes or after heavy use. Routine cleaning after every use will keep your smoker in top condition and improve its durability. Always clean the drip pan thoroughly after each use to ensure safe and efficient operation. Pro tip: Wrap your drip pan in aluminum foil for easier clean up. 

Pro Smoker's Pro Classic and Pro Max Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Properly cleaning your Pro Max or Pro Classic starts with gathering the right tools and following a careful cleaning process. Before starting, make sure to turn off and unplug your smoker. 

Follow along with this helpful video: 

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies 

For thorough cleaning, you’ll need: 

• Mean Green Smokehouse and Grill Cleaner: This powerful, non-toxic cleaner quickly removes grease, soot, and grime, making it perfect for maintaining your smoker. It is a biodegradable formula that penetrates deeply, lifting residue from surfaces safely and effectively.  

• Paper towels 

• Plastic scraper (avoid metal to protect the smoker’s surfaces) 

• Non-scratch scrubbing pad  

• Aluminum foil 

Step 2: Remove the Shelves, Drip Tray and Humidity Pan 

• Take out the shelves, drip tray, and the humidity pan from your smoker. 

• Turn the empty, clean sawdust pan upside down and place it over the burner coil to protect it from any falling debris. 

Step 3: Scrape off Residue from Shelf Racks and Bottom of Smoker 

• With the shelf racks still attached inside the smoker, use a plastic scraper to gently remove any residue on the shelves and bottom of the smoker.  

Step 4: Apply Cleaner to Interior Surfaces 

• Spray Mean Green Cleaner on all interior surfaces, including the doors. 

• Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to break down grease and residue. 

Step 5: Clean the Shelves, Shelf Racks and Drip Tray 

• Remove the shelf racks and apply the Mean Green Cleaner to them and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes.  

• Wash the shelves in a sink with soap, water, and a scrubbing pad, or place them in the dishwasher.  

• Discard any old aluminum foil from the drip tray, spray it with Mean Green and let it sit before wiping it clean. 

Step 6: Wipe Down Interior Surfaces 

• After the cleaner has penetrated, use paper towels to thoroughly wipe down all interior surfaces, removing any remaining grease and residue. 

Step 7: Clean and Polish the Exterior 

• Wipe the exterior of your electric vertical smoker with Mean Green Smokehouse and Grill Cleaner 

Step 8: Reassemble Your Smokehouse 

• Replace all the internal components, including the shelves, shelf racks, drip tray, and humidity pan. You will need to re-season your smoker to burn off any cleaner residue before your next use. Refer to this video for tips on how to season your smoker. 

Protecting Your Smoker from Outdoor Elements 

Proper storage and protection for your smokehouse can extend its life and keep it looking new. Follow these tips to keep your electric vertical smoker in top condition: 

1. Wipe the outside of your smoker with a stainless-steel cleaner for shine. 
2. Store your smoker in a shaded area away from direct sunlight, rain and wind, and for added protection, use a cover specifically made for your Pro Classic or Pro Max model.