Old Smokey
Grease Management / Drainage Issue
Old Smokey electric smoker has grease leaking from the bottom or running down the sides during cooks.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Overfilled drip pan, Misaligned drip pan, Excessive grease buildup on interior surfaces, Smoker not level
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Allow the smoker to cool before cleaning. Hot grease can cause burns and fire.
Steps to control grease leaks:
- 1. Check drip pan placement: Ensure the Old Smokey drip pan is correctly positioned under the cooking grate to catch drippings. Adjust supports if bent.
- 2. Do not overfill the pan: Empty the drip pan between long cooks if it approaches full. A full pan will overflow and leak.
- 3. Level the smoker: Use a small level to confirm the smoker sits flat. Adjust legs or place shims under them so grease flows into the pan, not toward the walls.
- 4. Clean interior surfaces: Regularly remove built-up grease from the walls and bottom with a plastic scraper and degreaser safe for smokers. Excess grease can liquefy and run out seams.
Warning: Heavy grease buildup is a fire risk. Keep the interior reasonably clean, especially around the heating element.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Very Easy
1/5
Advertisements