Smoker Essentials: Barkeeper's Friend

[SuperDave]

Epic disaster!  Based on several testimonies with different products, I don't think we can effectively clean the outside of our smokers.  I'm wondering what it would cost to have it powder coated. 

[DivotMaker]

I pick up some of the liquid version of the BKF tonight and will try it out tomorrow.  Tony, the clear coat you speak of comes off with Dawn dish soap.  Can you ask Steve if this is a true clear coat (a crappy one) or is it just a shipping film like we burn off on the inside?  I'm having a hard time believing that anyone would bother to put a clear coat on something that comes off with typical non commercial cleaners.  In any event, I'm interested to hear the response.  You can PM me if you'd like.

Here's what Steve told me:

"There is a wax-based clear finish applied to protect the stainless.   It will wear off in time.  A normal stainless cleaner works best wiping with the grain of the stainless.   A plastic pad works best not steel wool as the the wool will imbed steel into the finish."

I guess I haven't worried about cleaning mine enough.     I usually just wipe it down with a wet cloth, and put it up.  The times I have cleaned it, I've used a spray called StyleSelect Stainless Steel Cleaner and Protectant I got at Lowe's.  Works fine, and leaves a little shine.  I would think any of the brands you would use on expensive stainless appliances, in the kitchen, would work.

I also like the powder coating option, Dave!

[Walt]

Epic disaster, really?  I use WD 40 "Specialist rust penetrant" & wipe it down after each use. It is very humid under my house where my unit is setup as well as the normal 98% humidity during summers.  NO PROBLEMS and that's not an absurd overstatement!

[Pork Belly]

Stainless cleaner is pretty much an oil based compound, WD40 is fish oil, likely very little difference. I have only "cleaned" mine with a damp towel I guess I don't obsess about it too much.

[SuperDave]

So, BKF dissolved major areas of the wax finish and smeared it over the entire door surface. And not obsessing over it would be nice but now I'm embarrassed to show it to my buddies.

[DivotMaker]

So, BKF dissolved major areas of the wax finish and smeared it over the entire door surface. And not obsessing over it would be nice but now I'm embarrassed to show it to my buddies.

Sounds like you need a little more BKF and elbow grease to get the rest off.    Then, finish with a good stainless cleaner/polish.  Should be worthy of your friend's viewing then.

[Barrel99]

Sorry to hear that Dave. I know how ticked off you must be. I am sure there is a way to get rid of the rest of wax coat. When I asked about the finish once before, I was told it was clear coat. That's when I had tried Fantastic, a fairly mild cleaning solution that had taken off a bit of the finish. Just to be safe, I used only water since.

[SuperDave]

So here's my question, UWFSAE, where did this go sideways from your technique?

[DivotMaker]

I've had thoughts of doing the exterior of mine in either cerakote or gunkote finish.  Hard as nails, impervious to chemicals, and looks great.  Still in the planning stages, though.

[SuperDave]

Tony, are those materials that are easily self applied? 

[DivotMaker]

Dave,

I've used GunKote to refinish firearms.  It's really good, but requires a cure in the oven.  CeraKote is similar, but I haven't used it.  I believe CeraKote has a non-baked version, but I'm still doing a little research.  Any metal-friendly paint should work, given the exteriors just don't get hot, but I like the finishes offered by those I mentioned, as well as the fact they are pretty much impervious to solvents, so cleaning should be a snap!  I'm thinking a desert camo pattern would be pretty cool!

[SuperDave]

Thought that this was due an update.  After a half dozen trips to the patio with a bucket and a scouring pad, I think I've got things looking respectable again.  Of course, I don't have finger prints anymore.  LOL!  And just as a side note, those door face lock clips are REAL knuckle busters.  A non abrasive scouring pad, like one on a kitchen sponge was the real key to any success on this project.  So, Barkeeper's Friend can do a great job cleaning our SS but don't start it unless you are in for the long haul on it.

Before using a scouring pad:


After:

[Barrel99]

Wow Dave, looks better than new. I knew you would get it worked out. Nice job!

[coachB]

Looks like it came right out of the box!

[DivotMaker]

Give my condolences to your knuckles, and elbows that sacrificed their grease.  Nice job, indeed!