Old Smokey electric smoker body becomes excessively hot on the outside, more than usual.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Keep children and pets away from a hot smoker. Use gloves when touching or moving it during or after use.
Steps to reduce exterior temperature:
- 1. Compare to normal: Some exterior heating is normal for metal smokers. Determine if the temperature is significantly higher than past use.
- 2. Inspect internal shields: After cooling and unplugging, remove grates and pans to inspect any internal heat shields. Ensure they are in place and not warped away from their intended position.
- 3. Check for missing parts: Confirm that all Old Smokey internal components (chip pan, drip pan, shields) are installed as designed. Missing parts can change heat distribution.
- 4. Avoid reflective surfaces: Do not place the smoker close to walls or reflective surfaces that can bounce heat back onto the body.
- 5. Replace damaged shields or insulation: If internal shields are cracked or missing, replace them with OEM parts. If insulation is present and visibly deteriorated, consult Old Smokey or a technician for replacement options.
Note: Always maintain safe clearances around the smoker as specified by Old Smokey to prevent heat damage to nearby objects.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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