Very little or no smoke production even though the smoker is heating.

Safety first: Wear gloves when adjusting the chip tray in a hot smoker.

• Verify chip type: Use wood chips, not pellets, in Pit Boss electric smoker chip trays unless the manual specifically allows pellets.
• Check chip tray position: Ensure the wood chip tray is fully inserted and seated above the heating element as designed.
• Preheat with chips: Add a small amount of chips once the smoker is preheated to operating temperature to encourage immediate smoldering.
• Inspect element contact: With the smoker cool and unplugged, confirm that the element passes under or near the chip tray. If the tray is bent away, gently reshape or replace it.