Smoker heats but cannot reach set temperature; stalls well below target (e.g., stuck around 150°F when set to 225°F).

Safety first: Use caution around hot surfaces; unplug before internal checks.

• Check ambient conditions: In very cold or windy environments, shield the smoker from wind and avoid using it in near-freezing temperatures without insulation.
• Inspect door gasket: Look for gaps, cracks, or hardened sections of the door seal. Replace the gasket if smoke or heat visibly escapes around the door.
• Verify line voltage: Use a multimeter to confirm the outlet provides full rated voltage. Avoid long, thin extension cords that cause voltage drop.
• Test heating element: Measure resistance and compare to spec; a significantly higher resistance than normal can indicate a weak element.
• Check temperature sensor: Compare the smoker's reading to a known-good oven thermometer. If the smoker reads higher than actual, it will underheat; replace the sensor if needed.