Cleaning Your Weber Smokey Mountain Water Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) water pan can be a challenge to clean, especially if you don't take precautions before using it. The best way to clean it is to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place. Before cooking with your WSM, line the water pan with heavy-duty aluminium foil, which will make cleanup fast and easy. If you're using water in the pan, don't foil the inside of the pan. Instead, just foil the bottom, bringing the foil over the top edge of the pan, and remove any excess material so that the foil does not touch the water. If you're using an empty pan, you can also wrap the inside with foil.

Use hot water to clean the pan

Using hot water to clean the Weber Smokey Mountain water pan is an effective method to remove built-up grease and residue. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is important to let the water pan cool down before handling it for cleaning. Once it has cooled, remove the pan from the cooker. If there are large chunks of grease or residue, you can use a razor blade scraper to gently remove them without damaging the pan's surface.

Next, fill your kitchen sink with hot water and add some dish soap. Place the water pan in the sink and let it soak for a while. This will help loosen any remaining grease and residue. You can also use a non-abrasive cleanser, such as Soft Scrub, to aid in removing stubborn spots.

After soaking, use a scrub pad or brush to scrub the pan gently. Pay special attention to areas with built-up grease, such as the bottom of the pan. Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Finally, dry the water pan completely before storing it. This will help prevent rust and ensure it is ready for your next cook.

Some users recommend using boiling water in the pan to remove tough residue. You can also add baking soda and vinegar to the hot water for extra cleaning power. If you choose to use this method, exercise caution and ensure the pan is secure to avoid spills or burns.

Additionally, to make future cleanups easier, consider lining the water pan with heavy-duty aluminium foil before use. This will catch the grease and residue, allowing for a quicker and less messy cleanup. Remember to dispose of the grease and water responsibly, and always follow safety precautions when handling hot water and cleaning products.

Avoid using chemicals to clean the pan

To clean a Weber Smokey Mountain water pan without chemicals, first, let the pan cool down enough so you can safely handle it. Then, remove the water pan from the cooker.

One method for cleaning the water pan is to fill your kitchen sink with hot, soapy water and then place the pan in the sink to soak. You can also spray the pan with hot water from your kitchen sink sprayer to melt away any grease. If your water pan is particularly greasy, you can also use a non-abrasive cleanser like Soft Scrub, or a degreaser like Simple Green, Purple Power, Greased Lightning, or Dawn Power Dissolver. After applying the cleanser or degreaser, scrub the pan with a brush or scrub pad, then rinse and dry it thoroughly.

Another method for cleaning the water pan is to fill the pan with water and get a good hot batch of charcoal under it to boil the gunk out. This method can also help to steam-clean the lower rack at the same time.

To make cleaning the water pan easier in the future, you can cover the pan with heavy-duty aluminium foil before use.

Dispose of the water/grease mixture safely

Once you've finished cooking with your Weber Smokey Mountain, it's important to dispose of the water/grease mixture safely. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to do just that:

Firstly, let the water pan cool down enough so that you can handle it safely. This is an important safety precaution. Once it's cool, carefully remove the water pan from the cooker.

There are two proven methods for disposing of the contents:

Method 1: Bag the Fat and Water with Cold Ashes

Using a heavy-duty trash bag, place the cold ashes inside. Then, carefully pour the contents of the water pan into the bag. The ashes will absorb the liquid. Securely tie the bag shut and dispose of it with your regular garbage.

Method 2: Separate the Fat from the Liquid

For this method, you'll need to wait for the fat to solidify on the surface of the water. Once it has, skim the fat off and place it in the trash. Then, pour the remaining liquid down the sink. The success of this method depends on the type of fat and whether it gets cold enough to solidify.

It's important to note that you should never dispose of cooking fat by pouring it down the drain. This can lead to clogged plumbing and sewer systems over time. Similarly, while some people dump the pan's contents on their property, this can attract insects and other critters that you probably don't want around.

After disposing of the water/grease mixture, you can move on to cleaning the water pan. Soak it in hot, soapy water to loosen any gunk inside the pan and smoke residue on the outside. You can also use a non-abrasive cleanser to help with any stubborn spots. Make sure to rinse and dry the pan thoroughly after cleaning.

To make cleanup easier next time, consider covering the water pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil before use. This will eliminate the need to scrub off smoke buildup on the bottom of the pan.

Foil the pan to make cleanup easier

Foiling the water pan in your Weber Smokey Mountain cooker makes cleanup a lot easier and faster. The foil catches the drippings that would otherwise fall into the water pan, making a greasy mess that is hard to clean.

When using the water pan with water, only foil the bottom of the pan, bringing the foil over the top edge to secure it. Make sure to keep the water level below the foil. Do not foil the inside of the pan when using water, as water can get past the foil and into the pan through pinholes, small tears or seams. When heated, this water can expand up and over the edge of the pan and into the fire, making a mess in the charcoal bowl and sometimes causing a funky smell.

When using the pan without water, you can foil both the bottom and the inside.

If you are using a disposable Dutch oven liner instead of foil, make sure to use one that is the right size for your water pan.

Clean the pan after the smoker has cooled down

It is important to clean your Weber Smokey Mountain water pan after each use. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do so:

Firstly, always ensure that the smoker has cooled down before attempting to clean the water pan. Once the smoker is cool, it is safe to remove the water pan. Be sure to handle it with care, as it may still be warm, and there may be hot water and/or steam inside.

Next, dispose of the contents of the water pan. One method is to use a heavy-duty trash bag. Place the cold ashes in the bag, then carefully pour the pan contents into it. The ashes will absorb the liquid fat and water. Seal the bag and dispose of it in the garbage. Alternatively, you can separate the fat from the liquid by allowing the fat to solidify on the water's surface and then skimming it off. However, do not dispose of the fat by pouring it down the drain, as this can clog your plumbing.

After disposing of the contents, it is time to clean the water pan itself. Soak the pan in hot, soapy water to loosen any gunk inside and smoke residue on the outside. You can also use a non-abrasive cleanser, such as Soft Scrub, to help remove stubborn residue. Scrub the pan with a brush or scrub pad, then rinse and dry it thoroughly.

To make cleanup easier, consider covering the water pan with heavy-duty aluminium foil before use. This will catch the drippings and grease, so you won't have to scrub the pan after each use. Simply remove the foil and dispose of it, then wipe the pan clean.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your Weber Smokey Mountain water pan and keep it in good condition for future use.

Frequently asked questions