Masterbuilt Smoker Keeps Shutting Off? (4 Fixes)

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Matt Richard
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Does your Masterbuilt smoker keep turning off while you’re trying to cook food?

While annoying, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your device is broken. There are some easy steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue.

Key Takeaway

If your Masterbuilt smoker keeps shutting off, begin by ruling out electrical issues with your outlet or fuse box. Next, inspect the smoker and ensure the internal temperature sensor and controller parts don’t have loose wires and are free of grime and debris.

Keep reading to get more in-depth insight and advice on fixing this problem so you can get your smoker back up and running immediately.

#1: Confirm the Outlet Isn’t Causing the Issue

Sometimes, your smoker isn’t the problem, and the culprit is a faulty outlet or the power supply from your home.

Before checking your smoker, check to ensure that your outlet is working correctly. 

You can do this by trying to plug other electronics into the same outlet to test whether they work and are receiving the right amount of power.

Next, inspect your smoker’s power cord to ensure there’s no damage.

If everything seems okay, you know that the issue is with your smoker, but if not, you have faulty outlets on your hands.

#2: Examine Your Controller to Ensure It’s Intact and Free of Debris

A damaged controller can cause your Masterbuilt electric smoker to turn off as often as every five minutes or prevent it from turning on entirely.

This can be caused by numerous reasons, including something as simple as a loose wire.

Open your smoker to access the control panel, and check the controller to see if there are any loose wires.

If there is, the fix can be as easy as tightening the wire. While you’re there, it’s also a good idea to blow away any dirt and debris on the controller using an air compressor.

#3: Check the Probe to Ensure It’s Not Dirty or Defective

A faulty probe prompts your smoker to incorrectly detect the cooking temperature, causing it to shut down occasionally.

Pro Tip

If it’s a sweltering day outside, the thermometer can be fooled into thinking the smoker has reached the desired internal temperature. Open the vents if you suspect this is the case.

However, if you believe a faulty or damaged cooking temperature probe is causing the problem, you can remove it for inspection.

Start by pulling the controller out of the chamber and locate the temperature sensor probe.

Next, examine the probe to identify the issue. Then, you can clean it to remove any dirt and debris if it’s excessively dirty.

Put your unit back together to see if it works. If you still have issues with your smoker after this, you may need to replace the probe entirely.

#4: Inspect and Replace the Fuse if Needed

Your Masterbuilt smoker may shut off (or not turn on) if a fuse is blown. There are multiple reasons for a blown fuse, including:

  • Plugging your smoker into a tripped circuit breaker
  • Overconsumption of power
  • The age of your smoker and the fuse
  • Overuse

Note

If your smoker keeps shutting off due to a blown fuse and you’re losing heat, there’s no workaround, as the fuse needs to be replaced.

Replacing the fuse is a relatively easy task that anyone can do. Here’s how:

  1. For safety purposes, ensure the smoker is unplugged from the outlet.
  2. Locate the fuse box on your smoker. It’s usually near the control panel.
  3. Open the fuse box and identify the blown fuse. You can tell it’s blown if it’s blackened or has a melted appearance.
  4. Remove the blown fuse and replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
  5. Close the fuse box and turn on your smoker. It should now be working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a couple of questions about your Masterbuilt smoker shutting off when you don’t want it to? Let’s see if I can answer those below!

Does a Masterbuilt Smoker Shut Off Automatically?

Your electric Masterbuilt smoker will shut off after reaching the specified time you entered on the controller.

How Long Does It Take for a Masterbuilt Smoker to Cool Down?

Generally, it takes 25 to 45 minutes for your Masterbuilt smoker to cool down. Accordingly, always ensure it’s completely cooled down before putting on the cover.

Final Thoughts

If your Masterbuilt smoker keeps turning off, following the troubleshooting steps above should resolve the issue so you can get back to cooking delicious meals.

However, if you’ve tried all these things and haven’t succeeded, it’s time to call Masterbuilt customer service.

They have a 1-year warranty on their products, so they might be able to replace the smoker or a specific part if necessary.

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Hey, I'm Matt Hollingshead, a BBQ enthusiast, beer connoisseur, and the founder of Grill Mentor. When I'm not trying new recipes with my Traeger or sampling a craft beer, I'm publishing articles for this site.

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