Smoker heats but cannot reach set temperature (stalls 30–50°F below setpoint)

Safety first: Use heat‑resistant gloves when checking around a hot smoker.

• Check door seal: Inspect the Char‑Broil door gasket for cracks, gaps, or areas where it is compressed flat. Close the door on a strip of paper; if it pulls out easily, the seal is weak. Replace the gasket if needed.
• Reduce heat loss: Avoid using the smoker in strong wind. Position it in a sheltered area and keep the door closed as much as possible during cooking.
• Verify element performance: With the smoker preheating, carefully feel for strong radiant heat near the element (without touching it). If only a small section of the element gets hot, it may be partially failed and should be replaced.
• Check temperature accuracy: Place a reliable oven thermometer inside the smoker and compare to the display. If the display is significantly off, the cabinet sensor may be out of calibration and should be replaced.