Hello friends,
I've done some good smokes on my Masterbuilt but the last three have left my meat and ABT's with black soot all over and pretty much ruined it. I've done some searching on here but can't seem to find anything that helps. Many have said to make sure to leave the vents open but my vents are open. I can also do a pretty good job of keeping the smoke blue and preventing the white "fire" smoke, but it happens from time to time (and has happened on my good smokes).
I'm wondering if anyone has the same problems and how to fix it. I have a few theories and questions.
1) I think I'm supposed to have a small blue flame, but my flame is usually red/yellow. I don't remember if this was the case when the smoking was good. How can I get a blue flame on this smoker?
2) I'm wondering if my wood is causing it. I usually soak my wood for a little while then wrap it in foil before putting it in my cast iron skillet above the flame. Should I not be soaking it, or simply try a different wood? My wood has never been consistent as far as brand.
3) Should I give my smoker a deep cleaning? What soaps/oils/etc should I use to do this? I'm guessing I should re-season the smoker after this is done if this is suggested. OR should I just let it run for a few hours with nothing but water in the drip pan to let it "steam" out? I think I tried this for awhile last summer to no avail.
Any help will be appreciated. I used to have excellent smokes from this smoker and all the sudden WAM...my life has not been as good since!
I've done some good smokes on my Masterbuilt but the last three have left my meat and ABT's with black soot all over and pretty much ruined it. I've done some searching on here but can't seem to find anything that helps. Many have said to make sure to leave the vents open but my vents are open. I can also do a pretty good job of keeping the smoke blue and preventing the white "fire" smoke, but it happens from time to time (and has happened on my good smokes).
I'm wondering if anyone has the same problems and how to fix it. I have a few theories and questions.
1) I think I'm supposed to have a small blue flame, but my flame is usually red/yellow. I don't remember if this was the case when the smoking was good. How can I get a blue flame on this smoker?
2) I'm wondering if my wood is causing it. I usually soak my wood for a little while then wrap it in foil before putting it in my cast iron skillet above the flame. Should I not be soaking it, or simply try a different wood? My wood has never been consistent as far as brand.
3) Should I give my smoker a deep cleaning? What soaps/oils/etc should I use to do this? I'm guessing I should re-season the smoker after this is done if this is suggested. OR should I just let it run for a few hours with nothing but water in the drip pan to let it "steam" out? I think I tried this for awhile last summer to no avail.
Any help will be appreciated. I used to have excellent smokes from this smoker and all the sudden WAM...my life has not been as good since!