Cajun injector smoker troubleshooting

Last Updated on: 3rd November 2023, 05:59 pm

Cajun electric smokers are one of the beginner-friendly smokers that are a go-to choice for newbies.

In addition to being easy to use, they are also a good choice if you are tight on a budget.

If we take into account their cost along with their effectiveness, they are worth the price.

Cajun injector electric smokers usually run without any issues, but if you are new to smoking or using Cajun smokers for the first time, then you can face multiple issues.

These issues can be either due to your inexperience or a smoker’s malfunction.

Like all other electric instruments, Cajun smokers are also really sensitive to damage or flaws in several parts.

A little flaw in any of the smoker parts, like the temperature probe or heating element, can lead to malfunctioning.

A summary: To troubleshoot most of the issues of cajun smoker, you need to make sure:

• it’s connected to the power supply
• it is dried completely
• you are using good-quality thermometers
• use good quality pellets
• plan bbq effectively
• insulate your smoker

There is not much information on the internet about troubleshooting Cajun electric smokers.

Moreover, the information is scattered in pieces, which makes it difficult to find.

If you are facing errors with your smoker, then it can be a panic.

I can relate to you because I have been there.

But to help beginner pitmasters with this, I have used my own experience and researched for hours to create this master guide to troubleshoot the common issues of a Cajun electric smoker.

Let’s get started without any delay.

The Cajun Injector electric smoker won’t turn on

It can be extremely frustrating if your electric smoker does not start or stops working after a few uses.

There are several reasons for this issue, and the most common of them is not plugging in the power supply correctly.

This usually happens if you have placed your electric smoker in doorways.

So the power supply can be pulled off the outlet unintentionally when someone is passing by.

Moreover, if you have forgotten to turn on the power button, then the smoker will not start.

Another factor that can lead to your smoker not working is the dead electricity outlet.

It can either be due to a tripped breaker or the unavailability of electricity in an outlet.

The breaker can be tripped if you are using a wet electric smoker.

Solution

There are several solutions if your Cajun electric smoker has stopped working.

But to troubleshoot this error, first, you should determine what the cause of the error is.

After you have examined the cause, you can now fix it accordingly.

First of all, you should make sure that your power cord is plugged in correctly into the smoker.

After that, make sure to recheck the power of the button. If it’s turned off, turn it back on to begin using your smoker.

You must now ensure that the power outlet has an electrical supply.

Lastly, you should consider checking your smoker for wetness. If it is wet, then pull it off the power socket and dry it completely.
After it has been dried, you can plug the cord back in and start your smoker.

Smoker showing error “EE” on display

Cajun electric smokers can start showing an “EE” on their display without any explanation, and it can be frustrating to get around it.

It can appear out of nowhere and can stick to the display no matter what you do.

Anyone using a Cajun electric smoker would have faced this error at least once.

There are several reasons for this malfunction, but the most common cause is the faulty meat probe.

The built-in thermometer can malfunction due to a faulty connection.

The error is usually caused by a low-quality probe, and it can appear no matter how well you maintain it.

To compensate for the low cost, it is well known that most smokers use inaccurate and faulty thermometers.

Solution

To remove the “EE” error from the smoker and get your smoker working again, you will have to fix the thermometer probe.

It can be a bit tricky, so you can hire a professional to do it for you if you are not interested in fine-tuning.

Or you can follow this step-by-step guide to fix it yourself.

1. First of all, you should consider pulling the cord out of the power supply to make sure the smoker is disconnected from the electricity.
   
2. After you have turned off the electric supply, make sure to remove all the removable parts like cooking racks, water pans, etc.
   
3. Now that all the parts have been removed, we are all set. Now turn your smoker upside-down to fix it.
   If you are comfortable accessing the bottom side of the smoker without turning it over, then you can skip this step.
   
4. Locate the little door on the bottom of the smoker. It will give you access to the backend panel of your smoker.
   It is usually sealed and riveted to avoid any water getting into the circuit.
   
5. Now take a flathead screwdriver and pry the little door and rivets with it.
   Rivets will pop out after a while. Remove them to access the circuit board of the smoker.
   
6. Now that you have removed the seal, you will be able to access the circuit board of the smoker.
   You might get overwhelmed by seeing a mesh of wires, but don’t worry, we are going to make it simple for you.
   
7. There are two temperature probe wires on the circuit board, one red and one black. You should locate these carefully.
   There will be a few other wires, but make sure to select the set that has a red wire in it.
   
8. After identifying the temperature probe wires, pull out both of the connectors by hand or with nose pliers.
   These connectors are usually glued to keep them in place. So it will require a bit of effort to pull them off.
   
9. Now lay the smoker on its side or put it in its original state. Plug in the electric supply and press the power button.
   Now your smoker will again be working like a charm.

You should keep in mind that by pulling off the connectors, the meat probes will not work anymore, although the smoker thermometer will.

So if you want to use the temperature probes or the error has not gone away yet, then consider replacing the meat probes completely.

Masterbuilt universal Meat Probe Replacement

cajun injector electric smoker temperature problems

cajun injector smokers can face various temperature problems due to different issues, but they can be divided into two main categories, either overheating or not heating up at all.

Electric smoker overheating

Cajun electric smokers usually don’t show this error, but if you are using it for the first time, then you might face this error.

There are several reasons for this error, but the most common one is the faulty heating element.

If the heating element of the smoker is faulty, then the element will keep running even though the smoker has reached the set temperature.

You might even see that the display is working fine, and the lights will turn off when the set temperature is reached, but the element will keep running.

Moreover, electric smokers usually don’t heat up directly to the set temperature.

Rather, they can heat up to a bit higher temperature and then drop back to the set temperature.

After a while, they finally adjust themselves to the set temperature. If you are using this smoker for the first time, then you might confuse it with overheating

Solution

The solution to this error is based on the cause of the malfunction.

You should first examine your smoker closely and determine the reason for its malfunctioning.

After that, you can apply the solution accordingly.

If the error is due to the malfunctioning element, then replacing it is the only option. You can hire a professional to do it for you.

It might cost you a few bucks, but it will be worth the cost in the long run.

If the temperature fluctuates a bit and is not way off the set temperature, then you should wait for a few minutes.

It’s normal for electric smokers to heat up higher than the set temperature before maintaining the set temperature.

You should also check your smoker thermometer with another thermometer to make sure the display is showing the actual temperature.

If the temperature is accurate, then you should consider modifying your smoker with an accurate thermometer.

Cajun electric smoker will not heat up

Another error that you might face when using a Cajun electric smoker is if the smoker is not heating up to the desired temperature.

It is a complicated issue and can be frustrating if you are smoking for Thanksgiving.

There are a few things to keep in mind when your Cajun electric smoker is not heating up.

First of all, electric smokers are usually used for low and slow cooking, so you should not expect to heat them for grilling temperatures.

Moreover, the smoker might take a few minutes to reach the desired temperature.

There are several reasons for your smoker not heating up.

The most common are discussed below.

Weather conditions

The most common reason for smokers not heating is the low external temperature.

If the weather temperature is low, then the smoker will take longer to reach the desired temperature and sometimes it might not even reach the desired temperature.

It usually occurs in smokers who are not insulated.

If a Cajun electric smoker is not insulated, then the weather conditions will have a huge impact on the internal temperature.

Even if your smoker is insulated, it might not reach a higher temperature if it’s freezing outside.

The gap in the door

The reason for the smoker not heating is the gap in the smoker’s door.

If there is a gap in the smoker door, then the heat might leak out of the smoker and it will not heat up to higher temperatures.

The gap can occur as a result of poor construction or physical harm to the smoker.

Opening the door too often

Another reason for low smoker temperatures is opening the door too often.

It is the most common mistake that beginners make while smoking.

Smoking is a kind of delayed gratification process that requires patience.

If you keep checking your meat every few minutes, then the heat will leak out and the smoker will not reach the desired temperature, no matter if it’s insulated.

Opening doors can also result in temperature fluctuations, which can affect the quality of food.

Faulty thermostat

A thermostat is a key part of the Cajun electric smoker, which helps keep the smoker’s temperature within the specified range.

When the temperature of the smoker increases above the specified range, the thermostat automatically turns off the smoker.

If your smoker has a faulty thermostat, then it will turn off the smoker before it reaches the desired temperature due to an inaccurate reading.

If the smoker keeps shutting off, then it will not heat up to the desired temperature.

Malfunctioning element

The heating element is a part of the Cajun electric smoker and is present at the bottom of the smoker.

It is responsible for the production of heat in a caJun smoker.

After a while, it can start to rust and malfunction.

Due to this, the smoker fails to heat up.

The water pan in the smoker

The final reason for the low temperature in a Cajun electric smoker is the placement of the water pan in the smoker.

A water pan is usually placed in a smoker to avoid drying out food during the prolonged smoking process and to avoid sudden overshooting of temperature.

But sometimes, placing a water pan can result in a low temperature in a smoker.

The reason is that when the temperature of the smoker reaches the boiling temperature of water, the water evaporates and the temperature is lowered.

So it will require more time and fuel to heat the smoker.

Solution

Now that we have discussed the common causes of low temperature in a smoker, let’s discuss some troubleshooting tips to overcome these issues.

You should first identify what’s wrong with your smoker and then solve the issue accordingly.

Plan bbq effectively

The most effective solution for heating the smoker is to plan the smoke effectively.

Smoking is a prolonged process, and it can take several hours to days to complete.

You have to make sure that the weather conditions are favorable during this time.

You can use the weather forecast to help you decide on which day you should smoke your meat.

If the weather is cold or snowy, then you should probably skip that day.

It’s better to plan your smoking on a sunny day rather than panicking later.

Replace element

As mentioned above, the element is the most important part of the heating in a Cajun electric smoker.

If none of the other solutions are working, then it could be your last option.

It is usually not a problem for new smokers, but after 3-4 years of use, it can begin to malfunction.

1. To replace your element, you will have to remove its screws first.
2. After that, you should pull it out and check its appearance.
3. If it’s rusty and has small pits throughout its build, then there is a higher probability that it’s not working correctly.

You can buy a new element for a few bucks if your smoker is out of warranty, but it will be worth it.

Check the thermostat

A thermostat can also be the cause of a low temperature in a smoker.

It is usually the result of poor cleaning and maintenance.

If that’s the reason, then cleaning the build of your smoker can help.

Here is the step-by-step guide to cleaning your smoker’s thermostat.

1. First of all, you should make sure that the smoker is not connected to the electric supply.
2. After that, remove the cooking racks and other removable parts.
3. Now that you have removed the cooking racks, prepare a solution of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water or simply soapy water.
4. After preparing the solution, wash the internal side of the smoker with paper towels.
5. Make sure to clean the thermostat probes present on the internal side of the smoker.
6. Allow it to dry before using it

While cleaning, you should rub the area around the thermostat probes to remove any grease buildup or rust.

It will allow the thermostat to measure the temperature accurately.

If your thermostat still seems to not work accurately, then replacing it is the only solution.

Seal and insulate the smoker

Sometimes, there might be a gap in the door or build of the smoker, which can result in heat loss.

You can use different sealing materials to avoid such heat loss.

But before selecting a sealing chemical, you should make sure that it’s food grade because it can come into contact with your meat.

The second way to avoid heat loss is to insulate your smoker.

A good quality smoker will usually be insulated, but if you are smoking in cold weather, you can improve your insulation to heat your smoker.

There are several different ways to insulate your smoker, which include an insulation blanket, a smoker canopy, tuning plates, etc.

Open the door only when necessary

It might be obvious, but we still need to emphasize to beginners that opening the door too often doesn’t speed up the process, rather it can result in heat loss.

You should only open the door when it’s necessary and you don’t have any other way of checking your meat.

You can check your meat for most of the smokers by just seeing through the glass window without opening the door.

Moreover, you can also use a thermometer to check the doneness of meat without opening the door.

Cajun electric smoker not producing smoke

If your smoker is not producing smoke despite using wood chips or pellets in it , then the most common reason for this malfunction is the decreased airflow inside the smoker.

Oxygen is required for combustion, so if airflow is decreased, wood can stop smoking.

The second reason for this malfunction is the low temperature in the smoker.

Usually, if you have set the temperature below 200°F, you will not see any smoke coming out of the smoker.

Moreover, if the wood chips are placed away from the heating element, they might not produce smoke.

Lastly, if the smoker is producing blue smoke, it might be invisible.

Thick white smoke can be seen easily, but during smoking, we have to produce thin blue smoke to just add flavor to the meat.

Solution

If your smoker is not producing smoke due to decreased airflow, then consider opening the vents to increase it.
Usually, both the top and bottom vents should be opened a little bit to allow airflow throughout the smoker.

If the reason is the low temperature, then you should increase the temperature a little bit, but make sure to keep it within the range required for the meat.
You are smoking the meat at the right temperature.

You should consider placing the wood chips tray as near to the heating element as possible but still keep it at a safe distance to avoid flare-ups.
you also need to make sure to use good quality pellets

Lastly, if you are getting blue smoke, then that is an “aha” moment. There is nothing to worry about.
Your food will get a smoky flavor because that’s the ideal smoke for enhancing the flavor of meat.

cajun injector electric smoker tripping breaker

Another issue that some Cajun electric smoker users usually face is that whenever they try to turn on the smoker, the breaker for the power supply gets tripped.

But if you are tweaking the power supply to solve this issue, then you are digging in the wrong place.

The most common reason for breaker tripping is using the electric smoker while it’s wet.

Like all other electric instruments, cujan smokers also result in the tripping of breakers if they are used without drying.

Additionally, the breaker can also get tripped due to a short circuit.

Solution

Here is a step-by-step guide to solving this issue.

1. First of all, you should make sure to disconnect the smoker from the electric supply. You should pull off the power supply from the outlet.
   
2. After that, remove all the removable parts from the smoker, e.g., cooking racks, water pan, etc.
   Place these parts in an open area to allow drying.
   
3. Open the smoker door wide open and keep it like this for some time.
   
4. After the smoker has been dried completely, put it back in place and try turning it on now.

If the problem persists, then it might be due to a short circuit.

So it’s better to call an electrician to fix it for you.

cajun injector electric smoker replacement parts

Cajun injector smokers usually come with good-quality parts, but they can start to malfunction over time.

It can be frustrating to find cajun injector smoker parts for your smoker online because they are not available.

The reason for this situation is that Cajun injectors have shifted their business more towards creating rubs and marinades for BBQ.

Due to this, they have stopped producing replacement parts for their smokers.

It can seem overwhelming and frustrating because you can feel stuck if you have already bought a Cajun smoker. But don’t worry.

Several brands produce universal replacement parts that can be used by any smoker including Cajun smokers.

Here is the list of most common parts that you can use as a replacement in your Cajun smoker depending on its size

Masterbuilt universal Meat Probe Replacement

Universal Heating Element Replacement

Replacement Digital Control Panel

Traeger Grills Hickory pellets for smokers

Conclusion

Cujan smokers are beginner-friendly smokers who usually run without any issues.

But sometimes they might start to malfunction.

By fixing them yourself, you learn something new while fixing the smoker at the same time.

We hope you enjoyed reading this guide.

If you are interested in learning more, then don’t forget to check our guide on Masterbuilt propane smoker troubleshooting