Smoker overheats well beyond the set temperature; food burns even at low settings.

Safety first: Immediately unplug the smoker if it overheats. Do not leave it unattended until the fault is corrected.

Troubleshooting steps:

• Check sensor placement: Verify the temperature sensor probe is firmly mounted in its bracket and not touching the heating element or wall directly. Misplacement can cause false low readings.
• Inspect sensor wiring: Look for damaged insulation or loose connections that could cause erratic readings. Replace the sensor if in doubt.
• Compare with independent thermometer: Place a separate oven thermometer inside to confirm the actual temperature versus the display. If the display is much lower, replace the sensor.
• Control board test: If the sensor is good but the element stays on continuously, the control board’s relay or triac may be welded closed. Replace the digital control box.
• Do not bypass safety devices: Never bypass the high‑limit thermostat or thermal fuse to “fix” overheating. Replace faulty components with correct Bradley parts.