Smoker heats but cannot reach or maintain the set temperature; it stalls well below the target even in mild weather.

Safety first: Unplug and cool the smoker before internal inspection.

Checks:

• Door seal: Inspect the door gasket for gaps, tears, or compression set. Close the door on a strip of paper; if it pulls out easily, the seal is weak. Replace the gasket if needed.
• Vent settings: Ensure the exhaust vent is not fully open in cold or windy conditions. Partially close it to retain more heat while maintaining smoke flow.
• Element test: Measure the resistance of the heating element and compare to the specification. A significantly higher resistance than spec can reduce wattage output.
• Sensor calibration: Compare the smoker's displayed temperature to a reliable oven thermometer placed near the center of the rack. If the display reads much higher than actual, the RTD sensor is likely faulty.

Repair: Replace a weak heating element assembly or inaccurate RTD temperature sensor probe. Replace the door gasket if it is not sealing properly.