Gasket: What Is It And What Does It Do On A Smoker?

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  June 5, 2022

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A gasket is a seal that goes between two different surfaces to prevent leakage. It’s a very important part of your smoker to ensure that smoke and heat remain inside the smoker and don’t escape.

In this article, I’ll cover the different types of gaskets and their uses in a smoker.

What is a gasket

What’s the Deal With Smoker Gaskets?

What is a Smoker Gasket?

So, you’re thinking about getting into smoking, huh? Well, you’re gonna need to know about smoker gaskets.

A gasket is basically a fancy way of saying a mechanical seal. It’s like a bridge between two surfaces that need to be connected, like the lid and the rest of the smoking chamber. In other words, it’s like the glue that holds the whole thing together.

Why Do I Need a Smoker Gasket?

Well, if you want to get the most out of your smoking experience, you’re gonna need a gasket. Without one, you’re gonna have a hard time keeping the smoke inside the chamber. Plus, it’s gonna be harder to get that perfect smoky flavor.

How Do I Choose the Right Smoker Gasket?

When it comes to choosing the right gasket, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure the gasket fits the size of your smoker.
  • Check to see if the gasket is made of a heat-resistant material.
  • Look for a gasket that’s easy to install and replace.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find the perfect gasket for your smoking needs.

Everything You Need to Know About Smoker Insulation

Features & Specifications

  • 15-foot length can be trimmed to fit your smoker
  • Fiber-wool material can handle the heat
  • Model Number
  • Parts and Manuals
  • Assembled Width
  • Assembled Height

Insulate Your Smoker and Keep the Heat In

If you’re looking for a way to keep your smoker running at its best, you’ve come to the right place. Our 15-foot length of fiber-wool material is designed to withstand the high temperatures of your smoker and can be trimmed to fit your exact needs. Plus, you can find the model number and parts and manuals you need to get the job done right. And don’t forget to measure the assembled width and height before you start.

How to Install a Smoker Gasket on Your Grill

Gather Your Supplies

Before you can get started, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:

  • A smoker gasket – I recommend LavaLock
  • Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
  • Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
  • A boxcutter or pocket knife

Cleaning the Edge of the Lid

It’s important to make sure you clean the surface of the lid before you install the gasket. Otherwise, the gasket won’t stick properly.

Start by using a putty knife to remove any large debris from the edge of the lid. Then use a few Mr. Clean Magic Erasers with Isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the edge until it’s back to its original porcelain enamel.

To give the adhesive of the gasket something to stick to, lightly scratch the outer edge of the lid with a medium-grit sandpaper.

Applying the Gasket

Now you’re ready to apply the gasket! Start by placing the middle of the gasket in the middle of the bevel and make sure the adhesive is sticking to the surface.

Once you make your way back around to the start of the gasket, use your pocket knife to cut the gasket so the start and the end are flush against each other. Don’t overlap the gasket – this will cause a leak when you close the lid.

Final Thoughts

Installing a smoker gasket is pretty simple – just make sure you clean the surface before you start!

You don’t need to wait for the gasket to “burn-in” either – it’s ready to use right after you install it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a gasket is an essential part of any smoker, as it helps keep the smoke in and the wind and cooler air out. To ensure your gasket is installed properly, make sure to clean the surface of the lid and use a medium grit sandpaper to lightly scratch the outer edge of the lid. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you’ll be SMOKIN’ in no time! Just remember, when it comes to gaskets, it’s all about the PREP WORK. So don’t be a “KNIFE SKIPPER” and get to it!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.