Chimney cap and stack heavily coated with black, sticky creosote.

Safety first: Ensure the grill is cool. Wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning creosote.

• Step 1 – Remove chimney cap: Take off the cap and scrape off heavy creosote deposits.
• Step 2 – Clean stack: Use a chimney brush or bottle brush to clean the inside of the exhaust stack.
• Step 3 – Improve airflow: Clean the combustion fan and air intake to ensure strong airflow.
• Step 4 – Adjust cooking habits: Periodically run the grill at higher temperatures (e.g., 350–400°F) to burn off residues and use high‑quality, dry pellets.