Why Your Oven Has a Burning Smell and How To Fix It

Your oven can omit a burning smell if you’ve overcooked food in it. But if your oven has a consistent burnt smell even when the food inside isn’t burning, this could point to more serious issues with the oven components or electrical wiring. 

Here are some common causes of a burning smell coming from the oven and a step by step troubleshooting guide to help you identify the cause of the smell quicker, so you can fix it and get it back to normal operation. 

Why Does My Oven Have a Burning Smell? The Common Causes 

Before you start fixing the problem, you first need to figure out the source of the burning smell. Here are some of the most common causes of a strong burnt smell: 

• It’s a new oven: New ovens can often emit a burning odor in the first few uses due to the materials or oils used during construction. This should disappear over time and with proper ventilation.
• Food particles or grease accumulation: If you use your oven a lot without cleaning it periodically, large food particles and grease can accumulate in the oven cavity or oven racks. When exposed to more heat, they can harden and burn. 
• Faulty electrical wiring and components: Loose wiring, poor electrical connections, or faulty heating elements can all emit a burning smell. 
• Melted plastic or packaging: You may have left some plastic or packaging on your dishes or oven trays that will burn. Double check this before using the oven every time. 
• Overheating: Oven vents that are blocked and haven’t been cleaned or broken thermostats can cause overheating, which can cause a burnt smell.  

How To Fix a Burning Smell From Your Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide 

When examining the different parts of an oven, it’s important to do it carefully to not break anything or worsen the issue. You may also need equipment like an oven-safe cleaning solution, soft cloth, screwdrivers, a flashlight, and protective gloves. 

1. Unplug The Oven From The Power Source 

Whenever you’re dealing with an oven, it’s important to switch it off before you examine the components to prevent burns and electrical hazards. Find the plug and connection point, which is usually found behind the oven near the floor and turn off the circuit breaker. Allow the oven to cool completely before touching the interior and get your gloves and flashlight ready to examine in the subsequent steps. 

2. Check For Food Debris and Build Up 

One of the most common culprits of a burning odor coming from the oven is built up food debris or grease that coats the oven racks and parts of the oven cavity, especially the corners or hard to reach places. If you’re using your oven regularly, consider doing a deep clean every 2-3 months. After every use, wipe down surfaces and racks when food spills to avoid it hardening and getting harder to remove with subsequent use. An oven-safe cleaner and damp cloth are good to have on hand. 

3. Check For Foreign Objects 

Foreign objects, materials, and packaging can all burn and emit foul odours when trapped in an oven. Do a thorough check of all your oven pans and trays that you use and check that plastic wraps and styrofoam have been removed properly. Check behind heating elements, the lower vents, broiler area, and through the whole oven cavity for foreign objects or synthetic materials were burned. 

4. Check The Electrical Components

Extreme temperatures, constant overheating, or random electrical faults can all cause the electrical components in your oven to burn. In addition, natural wear and tear can also affect wiring and electrical connections so if your oven is older than 10-15 years, it could be due to this. Check the areas around the wiring and heating elements for visible damage and look for signs of scorching, warping, or discolouration. 

5. Check The Heating Functionality 

For an oven to work optimally, enough airflow and heating must occur. Faults with the oven thermometer or blocked door vents can affect the heating and airflow of your oven, trapping in warm air and causing overheating. Check that all the air vents aren’t blocked by grease and food residue, and you can also use a multimeter to test your oven’s temperature sensor. 

When Should I Call AtoZ? 

If you’ve tried several troubleshooting fixes and your oven still has a strong, persistent burning smell, you may want to call a professional to check your oven and find the exact cause. Other safety hazards to look out for include:

• Smoke and sparks: If you notice visible smoke and sparks coming from your oven, this could indicate a high risk of electrical hazards and even fire. 
• Smell of burning electrical components or plastic: A sharp and distinctive smell of plastic or electrical wiring could indicate wiring failure which needs to be examined by an electrician. 
• Strange noises: Loud popping, squealing, or cracking can indicate faulty components or severe malfunctioning. 

Any of the above signs should be taken seriously. Turn off the oven from the power source and stop using it immediately. 

Final Thoughts

When your oven has a burning smell, this is often a warning sign that things aren’t working as they should. Whether you smell burning during preheating or while baking, a strong odor can indicate issues with both oven performance and safety. There are several DIY fixes to help you identify and fix the smell, but if the problem persists, consider contacting a professional.