Why Is My Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Not Getting Hot Enough (2024)

You’ve seasoned your chunk of meat and prepared it for a nice, long session in your Masterbuilt electric smoker. After waiting a couple of hours, it seems that your smoker’s temperature isn’t getting any higher.

Now, there are various reasons why the smoking appliance isn’t functioning as expected. It could be anything from a faulty temperature controller to a much-needed spade terminal and heating element replacement.

Stick around to learn more about troubleshooting your Masterbuilt electric smoker, the reasons why it’s not getting hot enough, and how you can fix it.

Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Not Getting Hot Enough: Have You Tried This First?

Before deeming your Masterbuilt electric smoker non-functional, you’ll want to go through these steps.

Is It On?

Check to see if your Masterbuilt smoker’s extension cord is plugged in. It may be obvious, but it’s also popularly overlooked, especially on hot summer days when the electric smoker already feels warm.

Did It Preheat?

Similar to using an oven, you’ll want to preheat your Masterbult electric smoker to allow it to reach the desired temperature before placing your food in.

It’ll keep your food from sticking to the grates and stabilize the temperature to keep all sides of your food cooked evenly.

Did You Try Opening the Vents?

A Masterbuilt smoker’s heating pad usually alternates temperatures based on its environment to keep the smoke in check. Consequently, if the internal temperature becomes too warm at some point, the heating pad will significantly reduce its temperature.

In this case, you’ll want to keep the vents open. Be sure to supervise so you can close the vents once the smoke builds up to your desired amount.

Is the Temperature Controller Clean?

Take a look at your Masterbuilt smoker’s temperature controller. You might find it covered in a film of dust or moisture.

This will mess with your temperature reading. You can easily clean the controller with a rag to clear any obstructing layers. Next, test it again. If it’s not working, you might have to replace the temperature controller altogether.

Reasons Why Your Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Isn’t Getting Hot Enough

You might’ve completed all the troubleshooting steps, but your Masterbuilt smoker is still stubbornly not getting hot enough. Here are some reasons to consider, along with their fixes.

1. Heating Element Issues

The heating element in your smoker is responsible for converting electrical energy to heat. As the electric current goes through the element, it encounters resistance, emitting the needed heat energy.

This part in your Masterbuilt smoker might be faulty, causing a short circuit. Open the device and observe the heating element. Ensure that it’s not melted or burned.

You can also tell that a heating element could be the culprit if you notice any burn signs around the wires, box, or connectors.

Fix

Heating elements are a tough part to fix. You’ll likely need to replace it. When ordering one, ensure that you’ve got the correct sizing and voltage requirements.

2. Excess Moisture From Water Pan

Masterbuilt smokers typically come with a designated water pan. Your smoker needs to reach temperatures ranging between 210℉ and 250℉.

If that’s not the case with your Masterbuilt device, then the excess water in your pan might be hindering its heating potential.

Fix

Fortunately, all you have to do is run the Masterbuilt smoker dry without the water. It’ll give you a better chance of reaching the appliance’s maximum temperature.

3. Spade Terminal Problems

Spade terminals are what disconnect or connect single wires joined by a stud or screw to create an electrical connection. These connectors might’ve burnt, leaving your electric smoker non-functional.

You can ensure that this is the issue by opening your appliance’s terminal and examining the electrical connectors’ condition.

Fix

The main fix for a burnt spade terminal is to replace it. You’ll have to remove the faulty terminal. Next, use a crimping tool to clear the cable and attach the new spade terminal.

4. Loose Chip Tray

A loose or dirty chip tray from the burner element will likely affect your Masterbuilt’s heating capacity. It won’t permit the heat to sufficiently burn the wood chips, making the device not hot enough.

Fix

To fix the issue, you’ll first want to take out the chip tray and clean it. Then, reattach it tightly. The tray should be adequately near the burner element to work properly.

5. Limited Oxygen

If your Masterbuilt smoker isn’t getting enough oxygen, it won’t heat up as much as you need to get the desired temperature. Your vents may not be open wide enough to supply that much-needed oxygen intake.

Fix

You can introduce more oxygen to your electric smoker’s chamber by slightly opening the vents. The Masterbuilt will receive sufficient airflow, promoting better heat circulation.

FAQs

How hot should my Masterbuilt electric smoker get?

Masterbuilt electric smokers can power temperatures ranging between 100℉ and 275℉.

How do I increase the smoke in my Masterbuilt electric smoker?

Once your wood chips are burnt, and you notice the smoke falter, add more wood chips. Place them in the wood tray and keep the door slightly open to allow some of the excess heat to dissipate.

How long does it take an electric smoker to reach 225℉?

Your Masterbuilt electric smoker can take around 30 to 45 minutes to heat up to the desired temperature.

Final Thoughts

Why is your Masterbuilt electric smoker not getting hot enough? In short, you’ll need to examine multiple parts to find out. Those include your heating element, water pan, spade terminal, extension cord, chip tray, and temperature controller.

You may have checked every element in your electric smoker, and everything is seemingly functional, but the device is still not getting hot enough.

In this instance, we highly recommend contacting Masterbuilt’s support team for professional assistance.