Heavy white smoke and sooty buildup on food; fire appears lazy and orange.

Safety first: Operate the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area only. Avoid breathing heavy smoke.

Steps to correct incomplete combustion:

• Clean firepot and ash: Remove ash and debris from the firepot to restore proper airflow around the burn area.
• Inspect fan and intake: Clean the combustion fan blades and ensure intake vents are not blocked by grease, foil, or debris.
• Use dry pellets: Replace current pellets with fresh, dry pellets. Wet pellets smolder and produce excessive white smoke.
• Check controller settings: If your model allows, avoid running at extremely low setpoints for long periods, which can cause smoldering. Use manufacturer-recommended smoke settings.
• Monitor flame: After cleaning, observe the flame through the firepot holes. A healthy flame should be bright and active, not lazy and dark orange.

Note: Persistent sooty smoke after these steps may indicate a weak fan or controller issue that needs further diagnosis.