Smoker produces very little smoke even though the element is heating.

Safety first: Use heat‑resistant gloves when handling hot components.

• Check chip tray placement: Ensure the Cuisinart wood chip tray is fully inserted and seated so it sits directly above the heating element.
• Use proper chips: Use dry, food‑grade wood chips of appropriate size. Avoid soaking chips excessively.
• Preheat properly: Allow the smoker to reach the target temperature before judging smoke output.
• Clean tray: Remove ash and creosote buildup from the chip tray and support rails so it sits flat.