Yoder Smokers Community Forum

I am getting some black gunk buildup on the heat diffuser plate. What is the best way to clean it?

I think I read somewhere not to put tinfoil on it—is there any reason not to? It seems like it would make it a lot easier to clean.

With use, and not foiling, the heat diffuser will become seasoned, like a cast iron pan. Cleaning is then a simple scrape with a wide putty knife. This also keeps the rust away.

Yep.

I've seen several folks mention they use a plastic scraper. Any reason a metal griddle scraper wouldn't work?

Metal scraper for diffuser, plastic for inside etc so you don't scratch paint. I use a solid hard metal scraper on the diffuser and go to town.