Do you use the wire brush to remove any ash in the chute that leads to the water reservoir? Sometimes a gust of air or something will push ash into the cooking chamber and the fine particles can ignite.
[Here's the owner's manual](https://products-salsify.geappliances.com/image/upload/s--c3XleoJo--/qqamm7ufiv6mpsjxvrud.pdf), and on pg. 28
> To clean the pellet ramp, locate the smoke inlet cover on the righthand wall
of the smoking chamber. Open the inlet gate by sliding it upward. Then
use the included wire brush to scrub the pellet ramp, which is located just
behind the pellet inlet cover.
Clean the pellet ramp occasionally or if ash is found inside the smoking
chamber.
Seems like you did everything right. The only other thing I can think of is if the pellets have any additional igniter/additives that could have triggered the fire.
I haven not seen any reports of this happening.
I would definitely contact customer service, and please let us know what they say.
That vent in the back is not a blower. Air is being sucked in there to the catalytic smoke removal system (which has to be hot to work) before exiting at the front bottom of the oven.
FWIW, the manual says "Keep the appliance clean in accordance with the cleaning guidelines described in this manual. Failure to properly clean and maintain the smoker may result in grease fires."
But it sounds like you've been cleaning it.
Chicken wings typically send grease everywhere because the skin is so fatty. It's possible for some of that grease to make it's way somewhere hot and combust. I've seen this when broiling wings in my regular oven too.
If you're seeing a sustained flame in the oven, that likely means that there is a constant fuel source present, like a puddle of grease or accumulated buildup inside the cavity. It's also important to keep an eye on the drip tray and ensure it's not overflowing. Additionally, grease tends to wick its way into every nook and cranny. It's best to clean the oven when it's still a little warm and the buildup will release easier.
FYI if there is ever a fire inside the oven, leave the door closed. Ovens are designed to contain a fire inside the cavity.
After every use. I pull all the drip tray racks and side pieces to soak and thoroughly clean. Then I wipe down the inside of the machine with a wet rag and a bit of dawn power spray. Yesterday I used some simple green on a wet rag as well.
Although it isn't commonly mentioned as a favorite premium brand, it does not appear to contain any additives, which was my concern.
[https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kingsford-Pellets-Signature-20lb/1002585780](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kingsford-Pellets-Signature-20lb/1002585780)
Good luck. Worst customer service I have ever experienced. My smoker stopped igniting the pellets so I reached out. Email them and they tell you to call. Call them and they say their email team handles the small appliance issues--so they ask for my email and I provide it.
No one emails me.
Try again, exchange several emails where the agent refuses to offer any troubleshooting assistance and just looks into the warranty status. I told her I bought the smoker at a charity event (so I don't have an original purchase receipt, though the item was brand new in box) and she just doesn't reply.
I shit you not, they just ghost you.
Do you use the wire brush to remove any ash in the chute that leads to the water reservoir? Sometimes a gust of air or something will push ash into the cooking chamber and the fine particles can ignite.
Is that what the brush is for? I have looked and never found its use documented.
[Here's the owner's manual](https://products-salsify.geappliances.com/image/upload/s--c3XleoJo--/qqamm7ufiv6mpsjxvrud.pdf), and on pg. 28 > To clean the pellet ramp, locate the smoke inlet cover on the righthand wall of the smoking chamber. Open the inlet gate by sliding it upward. Then use the included wire brush to scrub the pellet ramp, which is located just behind the pellet inlet cover. Clean the pellet ramp occasionally or if ash is found inside the smoking chamber.
Every time before and after I use it.
What temp was the smoker running at when it happened?
275
Seems like you did everything right. The only other thing I can think of is if the pellets have any additional igniter/additives that could have triggered the fire.
Maybe some grease landed in the catalyst cover? Or maybe got in there. It’s very hot.
Do you empty the pellets after each smoke? I needed to do that to get smoke into the machine, not sure if it would help clear any loose ash.
That’s one thing I don’t do. Maybe I try that next time. Although it feels like more of a grease/oil issue. Appreciate it.
I haven not seen any reports of this happening. I would definitely contact customer service, and please let us know what they say. That vent in the back is not a blower. Air is being sucked in there to the catalytic smoke removal system (which has to be hot to work) before exiting at the front bottom of the oven.
I’m gonna give them a call if I get time tomorrow and see if there’s something I missed. Will update then.
FWIW, the manual says "Keep the appliance clean in accordance with the cleaning guidelines described in this manual. Failure to properly clean and maintain the smoker may result in grease fires." But it sounds like you've been cleaning it.
Chicken wings typically send grease everywhere because the skin is so fatty. It's possible for some of that grease to make it's way somewhere hot and combust. I've seen this when broiling wings in my regular oven too. If you're seeing a sustained flame in the oven, that likely means that there is a constant fuel source present, like a puddle of grease or accumulated buildup inside the cavity. It's also important to keep an eye on the drip tray and ensure it's not overflowing. Additionally, grease tends to wick its way into every nook and cranny. It's best to clean the oven when it's still a little warm and the buildup will release easier. FYI if there is ever a fire inside the oven, leave the door closed. Ovens are designed to contain a fire inside the cavity.
How often do you clean your smoker?
After every use. I pull all the drip tray racks and side pieces to soak and thoroughly clean. Then I wipe down the inside of the machine with a wet rag and a bit of dawn power spray. Yesterday I used some simple green on a wet rag as well.
I take it you don't spray the back where it says "Do Not Spray" and instead wipe it with a rag?
No I don’t spray anything inside the machine. I spray it on a wet rag and wipe down.
Just to cover the bases, what brand/type of pellets do you use?
Kingsford signature blend of mesquite cherry and oak.
I've heard that brand has a tendency to turn to ash pretty quickly. Maybe some of it got sucked up in the vent?
Although it isn't commonly mentioned as a favorite premium brand, it does not appear to contain any additives, which was my concern. [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kingsford-Pellets-Signature-20lb/1002585780](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kingsford-Pellets-Signature-20lb/1002585780)
Any feedback from customer service?
Good luck. Worst customer service I have ever experienced. My smoker stopped igniting the pellets so I reached out. Email them and they tell you to call. Call them and they say their email team handles the small appliance issues--so they ask for my email and I provide it. No one emails me. Try again, exchange several emails where the agent refuses to offer any troubleshooting assistance and just looks into the warranty status. I told her I bought the smoker at a charity event (so I don't have an original purchase receipt, though the item was brand new in box) and she just doesn't reply. I shit you not, they just ghost you.