Well, you asked for it. Here, Smoky answers the most commonly asked questions. He is direct, honest and offers an insight into the time proven techniques to preparing great barbecue that is unavailable elsewhere. If you are unable to locate the exact answer you are seeking, feel free to contact him directly and ask!
He returns all questions . . . . . . .

Topic: Why clean lava rocks?
From: Neil,
Subject: Re: Lava Rocks

What are the different ways to clean lava rock ? Which do you prefer and why ? Thanks

Dear NoName,

A. 1. Drop them in a volcano.
    2. Run them through a car wash.
    3. Soak them in kerosene and set them on fire.

B. None of the above.

C. Why clean lava rocks?

Hi!,

Why clean lava rocks ? My sister owns a restaurant in Bangkok. Much of her menu is Thai food that is cooked over charcoal. She recently moved the location of the restaurant and now has to cook indoors. She uses a large gas barbecue with lava rock. It is expensive to buy lava rock in Thailand. The Thais use charcoal which is very inexpensive. Because of the expense and be cause the barbecue is in constant use, she would like to know the correct way to clean the lava rock. Your prompt reply was greatly appreciated. Thank you. If you have any suggestions re: cleaning , or a substitute for lava rock etc. let me know. If you are ever in Bangkok stop into "Sarajanes" and tell her she owes you a drink.

Once again, thank you

Neil

Hi Neal,

Actually, lava rock only serves as a heat sink to absorb and give off heat rather than let it go up the chimney. If she can find a rather hefty piece of steel or cast iron that approximates the size of her gas grill (NOT A BARBECUE - see Glossary) she can replace her lava rocks with that.

If she just wants to clean the rocks, cover them with heavy aluminum foil and turn the heat to max. It will burn out all the oil.

I'm certain that her food flavor has suffered from converting to gas. If she has an exhaust, can she not still use charcoal?

Thanks for the drink offer. Will stop in on my next trip.

Fun,
Smoky