The GrillingDad Answer: Grills smoke excessively because of grease buildup, poor ventilation, and low-quality fuel. If you clean your grill regularly, and always use high-quality fuel, you should be able to reduce the amount of smoke coming from your grill.
When you are smoking meats, you want lots of smoke coming out of your grill. But when you are making burgers for friends and family, too much smoke may be counterintuitive. So why is your grill smoking so much and what can you do about it?
Read on to learn why your grill smokes so much and how you can solve it.
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Common Causes of Excessive Smoke from a Grill
There are several causes of excessive smoke coming from your grill, most of which we have listed below.
Grease Buildup
One of the most common causes of excessive smoke is grease buildup. When fatty foods are cooked on the grill, the grease drips onto the grates and can accumulate over time. This excess grease can cause flare-ups and produce toxic smoke.
To reduce smoking caused by grease buildup, clean your grill regularly. Use a grill brush to scrape off any excess grease and food residue on the grill grates. You can also use a soap and water solution to clean the grates thoroughly.
- Uses steam to clean your grill
- No harmful metal bristles
- Will actually get your grill grates clean
- Works on any type of grill grates
- Heat resistant
- Can wash the head in the dishwasher
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation can also cause excessive smoke. Without proper airflow, the grill can overheat and produce white smoke. Make sure that the side vents and lid are open to allow for proper airflow. If your grill is producing too much smoke, try opening the lid to release some of the smoke.
Sometimes poor ventilation is caused by poor grill cleaning. Besides just scrubbing the grates, from time to time you will want to scrub the entire interior of your grill, including the vents.
Low-Quality Fuel
Using low-quality fuel can also cause excessive smoke. Pellets, charcoal, and propane can all produce smoke if they are of poor quality or if the fuel-to-oxygen ratio is off. Make sure to use high-quality fuel and check that your fuel connection hoses, and gas regulator are functioning properly.
If you are struggling to pick out the right fuels, check out our articles the Best Wood Pellets and Charcoal Briquettes vs Lump Charcoal (Which is Better?).
Broken Grill
Of course, there is a chance that part of your grill is broken, and this is causing excessive smoke. Parts like the fan, ignition rod, and burners can all produce smoke when they are damaged.
How to Troubleshoot Excessive Smoke
Excessive smoke coming from your grill can be a sign of a problem. Here are some steps we can take to troubleshoot the issue:
1. Clean Your Grill
One of the most common reasons for excessive smoke is a dirty grill. Grease and food debris can build up, causing smoke to billow out of the grill. To clean your grill, follow these steps:
- Turn off the grill and wait for it to cool down.
- Remove the grill grates, drip tray, and heat baffle.
- Wipe down the interior of the grill with a damp cloth.
- Soak the grill grates in warm, soapy water for an hour.
- Scrub the grates with a grill brush or scraper to remove any remaining debris.
- Rinse the grates with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
- Reassemble the grill and ignite it to burn off any remaining residue.
2. Checking Internal Components
Another possible cause of excessive smoke is a malfunctioning induction fan. To check the induction fan, follow these steps:
- Turn off the grill and wait for it to cool down.
- Remove the grill grates, drip tray, and heat baffle.
- Locate the induction fan and check to see if it is spinning.
- If the fan is not spinning, it may be broken and need to be replaced.
- Contact customer service for further support.
3. Using High-Quality Fuel
You might be unaware that the fuel you are using is of low quality. While you are performing the above troubleshooting tips, we recommend also swapping out your fuel for something different. The excessive smoke you are using might just be the brand of fuel you are using. You never know until you give it a shot!
4. Call a Professional
Once you have tried all of the above, if your grill is still smoking excessively, we recommend calling a professional or the company which may your grill. They will be more knowledgeable regarding the certain problems associated with your brand of grill as well as how much smoke should be normal.
They can direct you if it is still safe to use the grill or if you may need a replacement.
Remember, with many grills, repairs can be more expensive than a replacement. So, if your grill is older than 5 years, and the warranty is expired, it might be better to choose a new grill and lay your old one out to pasture.
