how do i clean the grease management on this thing? the trough just seems to fill up and drip everywhere.

Diagnosis

The Daniel Boone Prime Plus uses a gravity-fed grease management system consisting of a heat diffuser, a collection trough, and a drainage channel leading to a removable bucket. When you see grease "dripping everywhere," it is almost always due to a blockage in the narrow drainage port or the accumulation of carbonized "sludge" in the front channel. This happens because animal fats—especially from pork and beef—solidify at temperatures below 110°F, creating a waterproof dam that forces subsequent grease to overflow the sides of the trough rather than flowing into the bucket. Furthermore, if the grill is not perfectly level, the grease will pool in the corners of the trough instead of migrating toward the drain hole. You can confirm this by looking for a "lake" of grease at the rear of the trough while the front remains dry, or by noticing a thick, black crust forming around the perimeter of the drainage port, which indicates the flow is restricted and backing up into the main cooking area.

How to Fix It

To fully restore the grease flow and stop the leaks, follow this deep-cleaning sequence:

1. Allow the grill to cool completely to avoid burns and to prevent warping the metal components. Remove the cooking grates and the heavy-duty heat diffuser plate.
2. Slide the grease collection tray (the angled trough) completely out of the chassis. Use a plastic or metal putty knife to scrape the solidified grease and carbon buildup from the tray. Do not use abrasive steel wool, as this can strip the protective coating and lead to premature rusting.
3. Locate the drainage hole at the end of the trough. Use a pipe cleaner or a small zip-tie to physically poke through the hole to ensure no debris is plugging the transition to the bucket.
4. Clean the front grease channel (the area where the trough sits) by spraying it with a degreaser and wiping it down with heavy-duty paper towels. If there is a thick crust, pour 16oz of boiling water mixed with a squeeze of dish soap directly into the channel to melt the residue.
5. Empty the grease bucket and scrub the interior with hot soapy water. Ensure the rim of the bucket is clean so it forms a tight seal with the drainage port.
6. Reinstall the tray and ensure it is seated flush. Before firing up the grill, place a fresh grease-absorbent liner in the bucket to catch any remaining drips.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Leveling: Use a bubble level on the main frame of the grill. If the grill is leaning forward or to the side, the grease will never reach the drain. Adjust the locking casters or place shims under the legs until the grill is perfectly level; this is the most common cause of "mystery leaks."
• Clear the Diffuser Holes: Inspect the heat diffuser plate for clogged grease holes. If the holes in the diffuser are plugged with carbon, the grease pools on top of the plate and overflows the sides of the trough. Use a drill bit or a nail to clear each individual drainage hole in the diffuser.
• Inspect the Bucket Seal: Check the gap between the trough's exit port and the bucket. If the bucket is slightly misaligned or the port is bent, grease will drip onto the lower shelf instead of into the container. Gently bend the drainage tab back into alignment using pliers if necessary.
• Degrease the Exterior Chassis: If grease is dripping from the outside of the grill, it has likely migrated under the main body. Use a dedicated grill degreaser on the exterior panels and wipe them down to prevent the grease from baking onto the paint during the next cook.

Heads Up

• Avoid Foil Liners: Never line the grease trough with aluminum foil. This blocks the drainage holes entirely and creates a massive fire hazard as grease pools and ignites.
• Post-Cook Flush: After a heavy brisket or pork shoulder cook, run the grill at 300°F for 15 minutes with no food on it. This thins the grease and helps it flow completely into the bucket before it solidifies.
• Bucket Frequency: Empty your grease bucket every 3-5 cooks. A full bucket creates back-pressure and can cause grease to overflow back into the trough.
• Material Care: Only use food-grade degreasers. Harsh industrial chemicals can damage the finish of the Prime Plus and may contaminate your food.