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

Safety first: Unplug the smoker before any disassembly.

• Check door seal: Inspect the door gasket for gaps, tears, or hardened sections. Replace the door gasket if it does not seal evenly.
• Vent position: Ensure the exhaust vent is not fully open during preheat. Partially close it to help the smoker reach temperature, then adjust as needed.
• Element performance: Observe whether the element cycles on and off frequently before reaching setpoint. Test its resistance and compare to spec; a high resistance may indicate a weak element.
• Temperature sensor accuracy: Place an oven thermometer inside the smoker and compare to the display. If the display reads much higher than actual, the cabinet temperature sensor probe may be faulty and should be replaced.
• High-limit behavior: If the smoker shuts off heat prematurely, the high-limit thermostat may be opening too soon. Replace the high-limit thermostat if suspected.