Brinkmann Electric Smoker Not Hot Enough [9 Easy Solutions]

The reasons why your Brinkmann electric smoker’s heating system isn’t working properly are discussed here. We’ll troubleshoot all the issues and come up with solutions for you.

Note: You can also read how to fix the Offset smoker not getting hot enough problem.

1. Lack Of Holes In The Fire Pan

If your fire pan doesn’t have enough holes, then it is one of the causes why your smoker is not getting hot enough. The lava rocks won’t get enough air to burn hotter due to the lack of holes.

Solution:

It would help if you drilled your smoker to make some holes in the fire pan. You should make more than five extra holes around the pan which is 1.5/2” bit. The drilling process is very much easy.

First, you need to mark the point around your firepan where you want to drill. Secondly, select the proper screw for your drill machine.

And lastly, grip the handle properly and press the drill’s trigger. Making some extra holes will give more air to the rocks for being hot for the smoker.

2. Dampened Lava Rocks

You should use fresh lava rocks for your electric smoker. Old and damp lava rocks may delay the heating process. Plus, if grease builds up on the lava rocks, it can affect the flavor of your smoked food.

When you are using the lava rocks that have been lying around in the garage, then getting a hot fire won’t be possible.

Solution:

To get rid of this problem, it would be wise to buy a fresh bag of lava rocks. Refill your electric smoker with new lava rocks instead of old ones. Fresh lava rocks heat appropriately and make your smoker perfectly hot.

3. Insufficient Lava Rocks In The Base Pan

Brinkmann electric smoker has a 1500-watt UL-listed heating element that warms its lava rocks when the unit is turned on.

Also maintains the temperature of 220 degrees inside the smoker which is ideal for smoking. . But you won’t get the desired temperature due to insufficient lava rocks in the base pan of the smoker.

Solution:

Though Brinkmann electric smoker has a thin metal and has several leaks, it needs a lot of lava rocks to produce heat. All rocks can’t burn equally because of the quality.

A Brinkmann smoker can maintain a 250° F to 275° F range if you fill your smoker with ¾ full of fresh lava rocks.

But you also need to consider some other things such as the insulation of the smoker, and the weather when trying to measure the number of lava rocks needed for your smoker.

4. Obstructed Airflow Due To Ashes from Brunt Lava Rocks & Grease

If you smoke for a long time, there might be an accumulation of ashes and grease.

And such a buildup of ashes from burnt lava rocks and grease can intervene in the airflow & might suffocate the flames.

As a result, the temperature of the smoker starts to decrease.

Solution:

Ensure your base pan with lava rocks is on a lower grate or is raised about an inch from the bottom.

This technique will help to allow the ashes and grease to fall through the bottom. Well, it is worth buying fresh quality rocks because it burns hotter.

And most importantly, before starting your cooking, don’t forget to dry or clean the lava rocks properly if you use the old ones.

To dry them, just let them burn on high heat for at least 10 minutes in the smoker. You can also clean the lava rocks if needed.

You need to mix water and bleach into a spray bottle in equal amounts and spray the lava rocks abundantly.

5. Cold Metal Of The Smoker

This is actually challenging to smoke in the cold climate. In a cold environment, the metal in the cooking chamber will freeze.

In this type of situation, it takes some time to have the targeted temperature.

Solution:

The best option is to buy an insulated blanket. It is usually made of silicon or an aluminum-covered fabric.

Firstly, you need to ensure that no active rock and fuel are burning inside when installing an insulated blanket.

Secondly, use tape to measure the inside and outside of the smoker and cut your blanket according to that. Finally, fit the blanket against the wall of the smoker.

Make sure that the blanket covers the whole area. It will prevent your smoker from freezing and keep your cooking chamber warm.

And it will allow you to cook at a normal temperature. Although, extra lava rocks will be needed when you smoke in cold weather. You can preheat the smoker before you are ready to cook.

6. Cracks & Leaks In The Smoker

You need to examine if there are any cracks and leaks in different parts of the smoker.

It will act as an influencer to bring in the outside air inside the smoker. This will make it difficult for the smoker to reach the desired temperature.

Solution:

If your smoker has any cracks or leaks, then you need to repair it or buy a new one. The best method is to use aluminum foil. This is a quick-fix solution.

Once you identify the cracks and leaks, fill them up with aluminum foil. This is a short-term solution. You can fix it permanently at any welding shop. It will help your smoker be hot enough.

7. Defective Temperature Gauge

The built-in thermometers that are installed on the smoker are sometimes inaccurate. You need to check it before you rely on that gauge.

A wireless thermometer can help you to check whether it is properly working or not. You need to set the desired temperature in your smoker and follow up with another wireless thermometer. If two thermometers give you the same results, you can rely on that.

Solution:

You may use a dual-probe thermometer to avoid this problem. Having a wireless thermometer that has two probes can measure both the cook chamber as well as meat at the same time.

Connect one probe in the cook chamber and the other probes to the meat. You can get the results from both parts at the same time.

An accurate thermometer anticipates and reminds you of what’s going on with the fire and the meat.

8. Gap At The Bottom Of Smoker Cap

At the bottom of the smoker cap, there is about a 1/2″ gap around the cap. As a result, heat reduces, and the smoker is not hot enough.

Solution:

Seal the bottom of the smoker cap airtightly with a gasket rope. When you seal the cap, more smoke and heat production to smoke food.

So, you need to make the smoker lid airtight but breathable. It would be wise to make holes on the top of the smoker cap that helps the smoker to outlet the excessive smoke and heat.

Also, add a movable lid on the holes so that you can open and close the lid accordingly.

Well, to do the job, put on hand gloves, rub the glue at the out edge of the lid of the smoker, and paste the gasket rope with gloved hands. Plus, use a paper clip to attach the ends of the gasket rope.

9. Excessive Amount Of Meat In The Smoker

Brinkmann electric smokers are perfect for smoking meat, and they work correctly when the pieces of meat are smaller.

The problems occurred when we put excessive meat in the smoker. A Brinkmann electric smoker can smoke 50 pounds of meat at a time.

If you put more than that amount, it won’t smoke properly and reduce the temperature of the smoker.

Solution:

When you smoke, make sure that your pieces of meat and chickens are appropriately cut. It shouldn’t be cut into larger pieces.

To get the desired temperature, you can’t put an excessive amount of meat in the smoker.

FAQ:

What temperature does a Brinkmann Electric smoker cook at?

Brinkmann Electric smoker maintains 220 degrees ideal temperature inside of the unit when it smokes something. The Brinkmann electric unit had a 1500-watt UL-listed heating element to warm its lava rocks.

How do I check the temperature of an electric smoker?

You can check the temperature of an electric smoker with a wireless thermometer that has two or more probes. It can measure both the cook chamber as well as meat at the same time.

Should the vent be open on an electric smoker?

The best option is to open the vents of your electric smoker while you are smoking your meat. This will reduce the production of creosote on your meat.

How do I keep a smoker warm?

You can keep your smoker worm by adding extra rock and fuel. Or, you can open the dampers of your smoker so that more air can flow and close if the temperature gets too high.

Preheating an Electric Smoker-Good or Bad?

A Brinkman electric smoker usually takes 40-55 minutes to reach the ideal temperature. After preheating your smoker, the water has started to stream. A preheated smoker can instantly start to smoke your food. This process can save your time and smoke your food without delay.

Conclusion

It is disappointing when you are trying to smoke, but your smoker can’t reach the desired temperature. There can be several issues behind these problems.

In this article, we thoroughly discussed the problems of why the Brinkman electric smoker is not hot enough and its solutions as well. Hopefully, our guide could fix your Brinkman smoker not heating up issue.

However, you can let us know in the comment box if you have any more struggles with your Brinkman electric smoker. It would be our pleasure to help you.

Brinkmann Electric Smoker Not Hot Enough [9 Easy Solutions]

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