If you are a proud owner of a masterbuilt smoker, you may occasionally face issues with it not turning on. This can be frustrating, especially if you were gearing up for a delicious smoked meal. In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons why your masterbuilt smoker will not turn on and what you can do to fix it.
From temperature control issues to loose connections, outdated cords to physical damage, we will cover common issues and solutions to help get your smoker up and running again. So, if you are facing this problem, keep reading to troubleshoot your smoker and get back to the smoking process.
Why My Masterbuilt Smoker Will Not Turn On
If your Masterbuilt smoker is not turning on, there could be various reasons for it. Before attempting to troubleshoot the issue, however, be sure to turn off the smoker and unplug it from the power source.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your Masterbuilt smoker may not turn on and provide possible solutions for getting it up and running again.
1. Power Cord
If your Masterbuilt smoker won’t turn on, one potential issue could be related to the power cord. The power cord is the cable that connects your smoker to an electrical outlet in order to receive power. If the cord becomes damaged in any way, this could lead to issues with the smoker turning on. Therefore, it’s important to inspect the power cord for any visible damage such as cracks or frayed wires. If you spot anything that looks concerning, you may need to replace the power cord altogether.
Another important step to troubleshooting power cord issues is to check the household fuse. If the household fuse has blown out, this could also prevent your smoker from turning on. Therefore, make sure to check the household fuse and replace it if necessary.
If the power cord does not show any visible damage, and the household fuse is not the issue, it’s worth trying to plug the Masterbuilt smoker into a different outlet. Sometimes, outlets can become damaged or faulty, which could prevent your smoker from turning on. By simply trying a different outlet, you should be able to determine if the original outlet was the issue.
If you’ve tried all of these steps and your Masterbuilt smoker still won’t turn on, it’s best to contact Masterbuilt customer service for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting tips or help you identify any possible defects with your smoker.
2. Extension Cord
When troubleshooting a Masterbuilt smoker that won’t turn on, it’s important to check the extension cord. To start, visually inspect the cord for frayed ends, cuts, or other damages that may interfere with its ability to deliver power to the smoker. If any damage is found, it’s best to replace the extension cord to ensure the smoker turns on successfully.
It’s also important to note that the extension cord should not be used extensively, as this can result in wear and tear over time. Introducing the use of a surge protector can help with regulating voltage and prevent damage to the extension cord. This is especially useful if the extension cord is regularly used with other electrical appliances.
Additionally, it’s important to regulate the current flow of the extension cord to prevent excess current from flowing through both the cord and the smoker, which can cause damage. By ensuring that the extension cord is in good condition and used properly, you can address one of the most common issues when it comes to Masterbuilt smokers not turning on successfully.
3. Heating Element
If you’re experiencing issues with your Masterbuilt smoker not turning on, it could be due to problems with the heating element. One of the first steps to take is to visually inspect the heating element for any damage or issues with its connections.
If you notice any corrosion or loose connections on the heating element, it’s crucial to replace those connectors with new ones that match the specifications of your heating element. Make sure to use a rotary tool to clean off any debris or corrosion before replacing the connectors between the male and female 14-16 AWG connectors.
In some cases, the heating element may require replacement altogether. It’s important to choose a high-quality replacement heating element and to regularly clean off any grease residue or debris that may accumulate on it. Corrosion and breaks in the heating element can also be prevented with regular cleaning.
By taking care of the connections and replacing the heating element if necessary, you can ensure that your Masterbuilt smoker operates smoothly and efficiently.
4. Loose Connections or Disconnected Wires
One possible reason why a Masterbuilt smoker may fail to turn on is due to loose connections or disconnected wires. These issues can arise over time as a result of wear and tear, or they may be caused by physical damage that the smoker has sustained.
To troubleshoot this problem, it’s essential to check different areas of the smoker for any loose connections or disconnected wires. The heating element, control panel, and power cord are all key areas that may be affected. However, it’s important to turn off the smoker before attempting to inspect these components to prevent any risk of electrical shock.
When handling electrical appliances like a Masterbuilt smoker, it’s crucial to be careful and take appropriate safety measures to avoid any accidents. By taking the time to inspect these components for any loose connections or disconnected wires, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue, getting your smoker back up and running in no time.
5. Control Panel Settings
To check and adjust the settings of the control panel on your Masterbuilt smoker, it’s important to first turn off the smoker to avoid any risk of electrical shock. Once the smoker is turned off, inspect the control panel for any physical damage that may be causing issues with the buttons. If there is physical damage, it’s necessary to replace the control panel to fix the problem.
Assuming the control panel is in working order, you can use the buttons to set the cooking temperature and adjust the smoking time. The owner’s manual is a valuable resource that contains more information on how to use the control panel and make the necessary adjustments for your desired results.
6. Wood Chips Issue
When using an electric smoker, the choice of wood chips plays a critical role in producing the desired flavor and aroma of the food. The wood chips issue can create issues if not handled properly. One common mistake is using the wrong type or quantity of wood chips.
To avoid such issues, it is important to select the right kind of wood chips for the meat you’re cooking. For instance, hickory, pecan, maple, cherry, apple, or alder are recommended for pork dishes. On the other hand, hickory alone should be used for hams. The correct pairing of wood chips with meat can enhance the flavors and aromas of the dish.
In addition to selecting the right type of wood, it’s important to maintain the wood chip loader. The loader should not be overloaded, and care should be taken to avoid too few or too many wood chips. Overloading the wood chip holder will lead to heat control issues due to an inconsistent flow of smoke.
7. Temperature Issue
If you are experiencing temperature issues with your Masterbuilt smoker, troubleshooting the problem can help you identify the cause and resolve it effectively.
Firstly, check to see if the smoker’s temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is, the smoker will not turn on, so ensure it is always above this temperature to avoid any issues.
Secondly, it’s crucial to preheat the smoker for 30-45 minutes before loading your food to ensure accurate temperature readings. This will also help the smoker heat up evenly.
Temperature readings on the control panel may fluctuate between 10-15 degrees, so it’s essential to leave space between the sides of the smoker and the items on the racks to maintain proper heat circulation. Overloading the smoker with too much food or covering the racks with aluminum foil can obstruct the heating element, causing uneven cooking and temperature control issues.
By following these troubleshooting steps and ensuring that you don’t overload the smoker or obstruct the heating element, you can enjoy perfectly cooked meat every time.
8. Meat Probe
The meat probe is a crucial tool for ensuring that your food is cooked to the desired temperature in your Masterbuilt smoker. Before placing the meat in the smoker, insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch any bones or fat, as these can affect the accuracy of your temperature readings.
If you encounter any issues with the smoker not turning on, it’s worth checking the temperature of the probe with a handheld hair dryer or warmed-up shop vac, ensuring it is at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. A cooler probe could cause the smoker to not turn on, so warming it up beforehand can help to avoid this issue.
If you notice that the temperature readings are inaccurate, it’s best to calibrate the meat probe. To do this, insert the probe into boiling water for a few minutes and compare the reading to the actual temperature of the water. If they differ, use the calibration settings to adjust the temperature accordingly.
By properly inserting and troubleshooting the meat probe, you can ensure that your food is cooked to perfection every time in your Masterbuilt smoker.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there could be several reasons why your Masterbuilt smoker is not turning on, including loose connections, issues with the power or control panel, and outdated cords or thermostats.
To troubleshoot the problem, check for physical damage or electrical issues, ensure that the smoker is properly cleaned and maintained, and check the temperature readings with a calibrated probe to ensure accuracy.
Additionally, consider using high-quality wood chips or chunks and monitoring the smoker temperature closely during the cooking process to achieve even and flavorful results.
With these tips and strategies, you can address common issues and enjoy the smoking process with your Masterbuilt smoker.
