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Wear and tear on firebox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 9:40 am
by tri3forme
I've have an Old Country Pecos offset smoker for about 4(?) years now and the outside of my firebox is literally peeling off in sheets. For $400, I can't really complain about the overall quality of the smoker as I can probably get 2 more years of use out of this thing before I have to buy a replacement. I'm already thinking about my next purchase and want to buy a smoker that'll last me almost a lifetime. Is there such a thing?And does anyone know why my current smoker's firebox is peeling off in sheets on the outside ? Does this mean my smoker is made of pressed steel?

Re: Wear and tear on firebox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 10:38 am
by Chasdev
Pictures would help but I suspect you did not keep the exterior oiled down and covered up between cooks..
Mine, just like yours but newer, started to rust up the exterior at about a in and then I made it a habit to spray down the whole cooker with pam, which halted the rust.

Re: Wear and tear on firebox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 10:48 am
by tri3forme
I have not coated the outside with oil other than during the initial seasoning when I first got it but I'm pretty diligent with the clearing of the ashes and keeping it covered when not in use.

Re: Wear and tear on firebox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 10:57 am
by rexster314
Burning out of a firebox happens all the time. Fire/heat and the natural tendency of steel to rust is a combination that you might slow down, but won't stop. I have a 18"x6' smoker with offset firebox that I had made for me in 1988. If I remember correctly I'm on my 3rd firebox. Cut off the old one, weld on a new one. When this one goes out, I'll do the same.

Re: Wear and tear on firebox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 11:15 am
by txsmkmstr
tri3forme wrote:I have not coated the outside with oil other than during the initial seasoning when I first got it but I'm pretty diligent with the clearing of the ashes and keeping it covered when not in use.

Depending on the type of cover that could be a contributing cause. Cloth will breath but rainproof covers won't and actually trap moisture - especially with morning temps around the dew point.

Ditch the cover, use some peanut oil on the exterior of the box while warm and it will season like a cast iron skillet.

Re: Wear and tear on firebox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 12:10 pm
by tri3forme
rexster314 wrote:Burning out of a firebox happens all the time. Fire/heat and the natural tendency of steel to rust is a combination that you might slow down, but won't stop. I have a 18"x6' smoker with offset firebox that I had made for me in 1988. If I remember correctly I'm on my 3rd firebox. Cut off the old one, weld on a new one. When this one goes out, I'll do the same.

I wish I knew how to weld!

Re: Wear and tear on firebox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 12:12 pm
by tri3forme
[/quote]
Ditch the cover, use some peanut oil on the exterior of the box while warm and it will season like a cast iron skillet.[/quote]

I may have to go to Sam's and buy a case of PAM.

Re: Wear and tear on firebox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 1:21 pm
by Chasdev
One large can goes a long way...but be prepaired for the firebox to smoke while it burns off the excess when you start the next fire..