Smoker takes an unusually long time to preheat compared to when new.

Safety first: Unplug and cool before cleaning or inspection.

• Clean interior: Remove grease and soot from walls, racks, and the element area to improve heat transfer.
• Check gasket: Replace a worn door gasket to reduce heat loss.
• Test element: Measure element resistance and compare to specifications; replace if significantly higher than normal.
• Verify power supply: Avoid using long, undersized extension cords that can cause voltage drop.