Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: Curtchann on July 13, 2019, 12:03:04 am

Title: Smoker cleaning
Post by: Curtchann on July 13, 2019, 12:03:04 am

What works best to clean the tar like substance that builds up on your smokers. Mostly it builds up around the cap area. Whenclosing the cap it is very hard to get back open. Broke a new smoker that I need to repaired because of this.

Title: Re: Smoker cleaning
Post by: iddee on July 13, 2019, 05:53:33 am

I scrape it with my hive tool or pocket knife. If it isn't brittle, I use a propane torch to burn it and make it brittle enough to chip away.

Title: Re: Smoker cleaning
Post by: Bakersdozen on July 13, 2019, 07:51:17 am

Good question, Curtchann.  I have noticed a build up in my favorite smoker lately.  I would hate to damage mine.

Title: Re: Smoker cleaning
Post by: Some Day on July 16, 2019, 09:22:14 am

I use this 100,000 BTU weed burner to burn the crud out of my smoker, then scrape with a hive tool.

I also toast my hive tools with it to sterilize them.  I am going to mention you will want to let your hive tool cool before grabbing it.

You can also start your smoker real quick with it.

If you need to start a bon fire this is the ticket.

If you have ever wanted to use a flame thrower on small hive beetle or wax moth larva here is your ticket.


Red Dragon VT 2-23 C Weed Dragon 100,000-BTU Propane Vapor Torch Kit from Amazon.

Title: Re: Smoker cleaning
Post by: treeman4646 on July 20, 2019, 08:08:17 am

My smoker builds up the creosote as well. The lids sticks too. I just use my propane torch (I use for lighting the smoker) pass it around the cover a bit and the heat loosens the lid easily.
For cleaning (that I don't do often) I just burn off the creosote with the torch as well. Scrape off the soot and I'm ready to go.