If your electric smoker isn’t working properly, it could be a number of problems. There are so many details to take into consideration when operating an electric smoker. Some of the issues you might run into include: dirty or clogged grease traps, inadequate ventilation, and faulty control boards. Today we’re going to talk about troubleshooting an electric smoker that isn’t working properly.
What to check when troubleshooting an electric smoker
When troubleshooting an electric smoker, start with an examination of the controls and wiring. When taking the temperature probe out of the meat, see if it’s still clean. If your probe is dirty, it will not be transmitting a clear reading. Next, check the wiring and the connectors on the control board. Make sure the connectors are tight and not corroded.
Also, make sure all wires are properly connected. Next, check the grease trap. Remove the lid and check the trap for any obstructions. Inspect the trap for any leaks and look for signs of damage. If you see any damage, replace the trap.
Grease Trap Inspection
Your grease trap is a container that catches the juices from the meat after it has cooked and cooled down. This is very important because this is where the flavors from the meat are collected and concentrated. If there is an issue with the grease trap, your foods will taste dull, and there will be an off odor coming from your smoker.
First, make sure the grease trap is installed properly. If it isn’t installed properly, you’ll either have a build up of grease in the meat and container or a build up of juice in the meat container.
Next, clean out the grease trap. The easiest way to clean out the trap is to use a turkey baster (a plastic container with a nozzle on the end), or you can use a small, sturdy container with a lid. Remove as much grease and debris as you can and then clean out the trap with a solution of water and vinegar.
Ventilation Check
A good electric smoker will have an air intake on the lid and an air exit at the bottom. Every time you open the lid or the front door, it will pull in fresh air. If there is a buildup of heat in the smoker, this will cause problems with the temperature inside.
In order to fix this, you need to open the door every once in a while to allow fresh air to flow through the smoker. Next, check the ventilation on the controller. Every electric smoker should have a dial or switch that allows you to control the amount of air coming in or going out.
Control Board Check
Now that you’ve gone through the ventilation, it’s time to take a look at the control board. There are a few components that make up the controller. First, make sure the power is plugged in and on. Next, make sure the power cord isn’t damaged or corroded.
If the cord is damaged, it will cause a short and will be a safety hazard. Next, check the fuses. Every electric smoker should have a fuse box on the control board. There should be fuses for the power, the fan, and the controller. If the controller is not working, the fuse will blow before the controller malfunctions.
Summing up
Electronic smokers are a great way to cook delicious foods for your family or friends, but they do require some troubleshooting to make sure that they’re working properly. This article will show you what to check when troubleshooting an electric smoker that isn’t working properly.
To troubleshoot an electric smoker, start by inspecting the controls and wiring to make sure there aren’t any issues. Next, check the ventilation and the grease trap to make sure that the food isn’t being too hot or too low on air. Finally, take a look at the control board to make sure that it isn’t damaged and that the power is on.
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