Smoker heats but will not reach set temperature or struggles to get above ~150°F.

Safety: Use caution around hot surfaces when testing temperatures.

Steps:

• Verify the smoker is plugged directly into a dedicated outlet without a long extension cord. Voltage drop can severely reduce heating.
• Check the door gasket all around the opening. Look for gaps, tears, or hardened sections. Replace the gasket if it does not seal evenly.
• Use an oven thermometer placed on the middle rack to compare actual temperature to the setpoint. If the smoker never reaches set temperature, suspect the element or thermostat.
• Inspect the heating element for dark spots or bulges that indicate partial failure. Replace the element if in doubt.
• If the element is good, the thermostat or electronic temperature control may be misreading and should be replaced.

Tip: Avoid opening the door frequently during preheat; each opening can drop the temperature significantly.