can't say I've ever had the problem. Now I have a new smoker so I might mix it up. But I've done 2 batches of snack sticks, 4 steak dinners, chicken thighs,trout, pastrami and have bbb in now on the same smoker, no issues yet. I clean racks, water pan, drip pan and wipe off the glass(mainly so I can see). Gonna use my older one for whole chickens/turkey cause of space. Lots of smokers out there but I recommend the dome style brinkman electric. You can't really adjust the temp but it's cheap and does everything. Smoked alot of meat in 0 degree temps, just cover it with a wool blanket.
Of course suggestion is based on price, if there is none then sky is the limit. Either way, it's nice to have a couple for various reasons.