Good ideas...thanks. Right now I am soaking it in Pro Easy Off spray, letting it sit and then a SS wire brush. It's coming off slowly.
Will try the ideas above next time. Love the recirc with PBW and hot water idea through the plate chiller and pump too!
First brew on the Spike Solo+ went pretty well. Learned a lot and should improve over the next few.
Any recommendations for cleaning the heating element? There was some build up that seemed to get crusted on.