Water pan (if used) boils dry quickly or warps during normal cooks.

Safety: Use gloves when handling the water pan; hot water and steam can cause burns.

Steps:

• Verify the water pan is the correct type and is installed in the designated location, not directly on the element.
• Do not overheat the smoker with an empty or nearly empty pan; refill as needed during long cooks.
• Replace warped or damaged pans with a Smokin Tex‑approved replacement.

Note: Running the smoker without water is acceptable on many models, but follow your specific manual.