Excessive smoke leaks from door, sides, or around the top of the smoker cabinet.

Safety: Surfaces and escaping smoke can be hot; wear gloves when checking the door during operation.

Steps:

• Inspect the door gasket for cracks, flat spots, or missing sections. Replace the gasket if it does not make uniform contact with the door.
• Check door hinges and latch for looseness. Tighten mounting screws and adjust the latch to pull the door snugly against the gasket.
• Close the door on a strip of paper at several points around the perimeter. If the paper pulls out easily, adjust hinges or replace the gasket.
• Inspect the cabinet frame for warping or bent flanges. Gently straighten minor bends with pliers.

Note: A small amount of smoke leakage is normal, but heavy leakage reduces temperature stability and smoke efficiency.