Meat sticking to grill

I usually just pull the racks with a couple of pot holders and dump the butts into like a plastic dish tub then either use some tongs to get the rest off or scrape the burnt stuff off into the trash if needed. I usually don't have burnt stuff on butts, just sticky from the brown sugar and rub. Brisket rub on the other hand is a different story.

I do try and power wash my racks fairly often to get the heavy buildup off. Not a big fan of wire brushes since the wire seems to break off eventually. I usually just wad up a piece of heavy aluminum foil and use that to scrap off the heavy stuff.

If they get to bad and I don't think the power washer will even take it off then I throw them into my Traeger grill at highest setting for about 30 minutes to char the material on the racks then it will come right off by scraping it with a wad of foil.

Just move the meat around. If it sticks in the same spot too long it just melts into the grate. Move it say every two hours if it's an issue.

use Frogmats; makes it easy to put anything into or take out of the smoker. They are nonstick and super easy to clean in soapy dish water or the dishwasher. The small mesh will have less 'push-thru' as the meat cooks and the fat melts; tho' not fool proof I do find that there is much less 'pull-apart' from the meat sticking when using the Frogmats.

When I need a good cleaning on the grills I just throw then in the kitcchen oven on the clean cycle.

+1 on the Frogmats.

JN

The parts that stick to the grill and get left behind are the cooks "treats". We get to pull them off and eat them while the meat is resting. I soak my grills every week or so in a solution of water, soap, and a little simple green. Usually overnight and they wipe clean. Then I rinse with hot clean water. Practically new.

This is exactly why I love these forums! Thanks for the input. I think on the next run I'll make an effort to slide the meat a bit every couple hours. It's hard for me to open that door though. Always afraid of adding any time to the cook.

I'm also going to look into those Frogmats. Anyone have a good source online? I see from Frogmats website that they no longer deal direct.

I'm very new at this and finding I need to invest in a few more tools such as a couple large tubs to soak my grills in. Might be time to hit a local restaurant supply place.

Thanks to everyone

I bought my soaking tubs at WalMart. $5 or $6. I think they were tubs that are for storage that you can slide under a bed.

quote:

Originally posted by Padrefan98:
I bought my soaking tubs at WalMart. $5 or $6. I think they were tubs that are for storage that you can slide under a bed.

Even better!

with my frogmats i can fix my meat in the house with a mat sitting on a sheet pan bring it outside on the pan and slide the mat and meat in one shot off a the pan and onto the rack .

then when cooking turn the meat by slidin the mats around and when finished slide the whole thing back onto a sheet pan . all this moving around without ever lifting the meat .

no more bustin up tender ribs when turning or butts sticking to the rack .

quote:

Originally posted by JC123:
with my frogmats i can fix my meat in the house with a mat sitting on a sheet pan bring it outside on the pan and slide the mat and meat in one shot off a the pan and onto the rack .

then when cooking turn the meat by slidin the mats around and when finished slide the whole thing back onto a sheet pan . all this moving around without ever lifting the meat .

no more bustin up tender ribs when turning or butts sticking to the rack .

Thanks JC123. I've got them on my list of items I need to procure soon. It seems I add something to that list after ever smoke. I'm afraid the accessories might eventually add up to the price of the smoker.