Smoker heats but cannot reach or maintain set temperature; it stalls well below the target even after long preheat.

Safety first: Turn off and unplug the smoker before inspecting seals or internal components.

Steps to improve temperature performance:

• Check door alignment and gasket: Close the door and look for visible gaps. Inspect the gasket for flattening, tears, or missing sections. Replace the gasket if it does not seal evenly.
• Inspect cabinet for damage: Look for dents or holes in the smoker body that could allow heat to escape. Seal small gaps with high-temperature silicone where appropriate.
• Test heating element: Measure resistance and compare to specifications. A significantly higher resistance than normal can indicate a weakened element that should be replaced.
• Verify sensor accuracy: Place an oven thermometer inside and compare to the display. If the display reads higher than actual, the sensor is misreporting and should be replaced.
• Environmental factors: Avoid using the smoker in very cold or windy conditions without some wind protection, as this can greatly reduce achievable temperature.