Chrome vs Stainless Racks

I run my racks through the dishwasher every three or four smokes. Never noticed any rust on them.

The stainless racks will go through the dishwasher without rusting, but to get them spotless and clean you'll have to use some elbow grease.

I guess I'm a bit too much of a clean addict and wore the plating off my originals. My dear wife bought me a stainless set for Christmas and I can clean them now with no regard to wearing them out.

My SM025 smoker is not new. It is about 21 months old. I bought it from a friend that just bought a FEC100. He said he used it about 10 or 12 times (he also has another smoker he has been using). I have used it twice. My old smoker was stainless, but I had to get a little elbow grease out each time I cleaned it so I know I will be scrubbing on them in the future. I may call CS and see what it would cost to buy a couple of stainless ones.

Here is the link for stainless grills, I assume this price is per grate? LINK

I usually soak mine in hot water and soap until the water cools and they come clean with a just a little effort. But I guess my original plated ones din't like my cleaning routine.

quote:

Originally posted by cal:
Here is the link for stainless grills, I assume this price is per grate? LINK

I can't recall how much I paid for my SS grills a couple of years ago, but I would buy them again because I like them that much. And I can see why SS grills are not standard issue with CS smokers as that would raise the price another 100 bucks.

I bought two SS racks for regular use and add the 4 chrome for when I smoke jerky & nuts. Had I known, I would have bought all SS when I bought my smoker. I didn't know that was an option.

Ordered a couple of stainless grates. Would rather have something I can scrub the heck out of and not worry about it.

quote:

Originally posted by DeanOK:
Ordered a couple of stainless grates. Would rather have something I can scrub the heck out of and not worry about it.

SS is the best way to go, worth the extra cost by far

quote:

Originally posted by DeanOK:
Ordered a couple of stainless grates. Would rather have something I can scrub the heck out of and not worry about it.

All you need for cleaning for standard issue grills or SS grills is a plastic scrubbie-type sponge. Sponge on one side scrubbie-type stuff on the other side. The thing with SS is you can soak 'em overnight and they won't tarnish or rust.

Probably already universally performed but the most important part of cleaning the grills is spraying them with PAM before you start.

I picked up a relevant tip somewhere along the way that others may find useful.

Any folded or spot welded metal will retain moisture after cleaning/drying and will try and rust. Sheet pans, cake pans, cookie cutters, cooling racks, and of course grill racks.

After a soak, clean, rinse and surface dry, I put them in the oven to completely dry. If oven is not already warm I'll turn it on for a few min. Let stuff dry overnight.

Note: Oven is warm but OFF.

Works for me.

Regards,

Dave