Has anyone had trouble with the mat making a weird smell and causing smoke alarms to go off? The first time I used it to cook pork tenderloin (at 425 degrees) I had to remove it b/c of a weird smell and my smoke alarm going off again and again. Does...
501119
Once it is used a couple of times the smoke thing stops. The pan is still fabulous and I use it for all kinds of things from a trivet to a glass drying rack
1206880
Thanks everyone for you comments. I have a carbon monoxide detector right out from my stove. We have also installed a fan over top of the unit. I guess it can't burn the fumes fast enough like gordyh was talking. If it gets worse will have a teck check it out. Again I would like to thank you all. Didn't think I would get a reply.
529652
Hi Melisa. I've owned and used mine for almost 10 months, using it weekly. I've never felt a "hot spot" on mine anywhere. It cooks fantastically almost anything that we've tried. A pork roast is my favorite. Put it in; turn on low; add a small bottle of liquid smoke and 4 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce; put on the lid; and 12 hours later, you have the absolute best pulled pork. It is fabulous for BBQ sandwiches or in salads. We really enjoy our Calphalon slow cooker. Hope this helps you with your decision. Blessings. Kindest regards.
890449
This is a great unit, however, I used it indoors the first time, and my apartment smelt like outdoor cooking for 2 months after! Now I use it on my BBQ outside. To use I place the wood chip in the bottom, then wrap the drip tray in foil(easier to clean up), place the tray that holds your meat, then your meat(seasonings, rubs, sauces), then the cover. Keep the temp. around 250C and let it cook for however long you need too.It is a great little unit, I would have no problem buying another one if I was staying in my apartment. Mone has never peeled on the outside as the other commenters has, but just about everything will turn dark after repeated use. 5 out of 5 for this unit, just don't use it indoors! This is a great unit, however, I used it indoors the first time, and my apartment smelt like outdoor cooking for 2 months after! Now I use it on my BBQ outside. To use I place the wood chip in the bottom, then wrap the drip tray in foil(easier to clean up), place the tray that holds your meat, then your meat(seasonings, rubs, sauces), then the cover. Keep the temp. around 250C and let it cook for however long you need too.It is a great little unit, I would have no problem buying another one if I was staying in my apartment. Mone has never peeled on the outside as the... » Read More This is a great unit, however, I used it indoors the first time, and my apartment smelt like outdoor cooking for 2 months after! Now I use it on my BBQ outside. To use I place the wood chip in the bottom, then wrap the drip tray in foil(easier to clean up), place the tray that holds your meat, then your meat(seasonings, rubs, sauces), then the cover. Keep the temp. around 250C and let it cook for however long you need too.It is a great little unit, I would have no problem buying another one if I was staying in my apartment. Mone has never peeled on the outside as the other commenters has, but just about everything will turn dark after repeated use. 5 out of 5 for this unit, just don't use it indoors! « Show Less
795912
I have not had that problem. I guess I might try spraying it with Pam or other cooking spray. Good Luck!
1621387
The problem to be avoided is melting the sensor cord, which is teflon-coated. If any part of your smoker is more than, say, 500 degrees, and the cord touches it, your sensor is smoked. (No part of a conventional oven ever gets much hotter than the temp setting, except of course for the burners/heating coils.)
1655147
When it first comes out of the packaging it does smell bad. Like plastic but after a few days the smell is gone. We store ours in the living and it doesn't bother us. I should add that everything in my house is scent free and strong smells do cause migraines. I never had a problem with the mat.
2072079
If you're using the temperature gauge sent with the product, it probably isn't working correctly. They have a history of being faulty. I use a meat thermometer. To check if it's just the temperature gauge, pop it out of the unit and stick it in your oven. Set your oven to 200 degrees and wait about ten minutes. If the gauge reads 200 degrees, it's working and there may be something wrong with your heating element. HOWEVER, if it doesn't read correctly, you can reset it yourself (the little spring sometimes gets jarred during the shipping process). To reset it, you need to be VERY careful. While it is still hot, you need to move the dial to 200 degrees. Then put it back in your smoker. If you're using the temperature gauge sent with the product, it probably isn't working correctly. They have a history of being faulty. I use a meat thermometer. To check if it's just the temperature gauge, pop it out of the unit and stick it in your oven. Set your oven to 200 degrees and wait about ten minutes. If the gauge reads 200 degrees, it's working and there may be something wrong with your heating element. HOWEVER, if it doesn't read correctly, you can reset it yourself (the little spring sometimes gets jarred during the shipping process). To reset it, you... » Read More If you're using the temperature gauge sent with the product, it probably isn't working correctly. They have a history of being faulty. I use a meat thermometer. To check if it's just the temperature gauge, pop it out of the unit and stick it in your oven. Set your oven to 200 degrees and wait about ten minutes. If the gauge reads 200 degrees, it's working and there may be something wrong with your heating element. HOWEVER, if it doesn't read correctly, you can reset it yourself (the little spring sometimes gets jarred during the shipping process). To reset it, you need to be VERY careful. While it is still hot, you need to move the dial to 200 degrees. Then put it back in your smoker. « Show Less
1280477
I had no trouble with smoking and strong smells. Did you take the plastic prongs off of the plug???? I used it Xmas eve, I have two of them, one for keeping a pasta dish warm and the other to saute seafood and had no unexpected results. I think they are great.
2137291
It sounds like a defective cooker. Apparently the temperature sensor inside the unit does not know what is going on.I would try contacting the manufacturer.
141352
I've not had this problem with mine and I've had it for awhile now. I've found it to be a good, high quality item. That said, I don't cook anything higher than medium heat.
2191523
Thank you for contacting Active Forever. I just talked to the manufacturer and they told me that the new units can give off a slight smell because you are introducing heat to the ceramic core. The smell should go away in about a week and it is not harmful in any way. If we can be of any other assistance, please feel free to contact us.
1985707
During break in it will smoke quite a bit. Almost a "steam like" smoke. After several uses it should be fine. I've also learned to cook with a lower temp setting since it cooks considerably faster than a standard grill.
309954
I have had mine for years and it works fine. The only thing I don't like is the odor that comes from the coating when heated. Would love to find one with ceramic coating to eliminate this issue. Dont know how safe it is when I can smell the chemicals when it's being heated.
675529
I've had this for about 20 days now and made around 500 cigarettes with it. I haven't come across this problem on a consistent basis yet, but I do know the tightness has to do with how much tobacco is packed. Also have you check the inside? The rubber mat on the bottom comes off easy and you might have tobacco jamming something up. Is it tight to pull when no tobacco is in it? If you pull off the mat and clean, be careful of sharp edges.
1519408
Not sure why they have that on there. I've used it at 500 with no problems other than some smoking from the seasoning. My guess is because of the smoking that can occur past that temp. But I've seen no damage or issues to mine from going over.
247751
I only used mine once. I don't recall a lot of smoke but I did place the unit beneath my stove vent and turned the fan on as I recall. The fan is loud and I recall leaving it on so there must have been some smoke/steam.