Why does my oven smell after changing element?

Author: Christelle Breitenberg  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

A small amount of smoke or odor can be normal, especially the first time a new range or oven is used. It is caused by the heating of new parts, insulating materials, a protective coating of oil that is used in the manufacturing process, and/or the tape used in shipping. It should dissipate after the first few uses.

Is it normal for a new oven element to smell?

A nasty smell is normal with new heating elements. It should burn off in a few minutes.

Is it normal for a new heating element to smell?

Over time, dust settles on heating elements, vents, and other furnace components. When the system starts, accumulated dust burns off, emitting a distinct odor. This phenomenon often occurs at the start of the heating season after prolonged system inactivity. The burning smell gradually diminishes as the dust burns off.

How long does it take to burn off a new oven smell?

Every new oven I've had has had in the instructions to ``burn it in'' at max heat for at least an hour to remove chemical residue from manufacturing, and keeping the room well ventilated while doing so. Also at least 10-15 minutes with the broiler on max, and 10 minutes with the convection fan going.

Why is there a weird smell coming from my electric oven?

Worn-out Components: Over time, internal components like heating elements, wiring, or insulation can deteriorate. A frayed wire or damaged insulation may cause electrical arcing, leading to a burning smell.

Rub your Stove with Vaseline and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS 🤫

How do I get rid of chemical smell in my oven?

How to Get Rid of the Smell of Oven Cleaner
  1. Bake an Orange. Citrus fruits have a strong natural scent that is fresh and pleasant-smelling, and it can do wonders in your oven. ...
  2. Bake Lemons. ...
  3. Use Vanilla Extract. ...
  4. Baking Soda Paste. ...
  5. Vinegar Steam Sauna. ...
  6. Air It Out.

Can I use my oven if it smells like burning plastic?

It's important to pinpoint the source of the plastic smell before using your oven again. If the smell is coming from burning wires or components, you should not use the oven until it has been repaired to avoid further damage or creating a fire hazard.

Do you have to burn off chemicals in new oven?

To avoid a situation where a freshly prepared meal in your new kitchen appliance smells like burnt plastic, we recommend you do, as most experts refer to it, a “burn-in” before cooking in the oven for the first time. This process will make sure to burn off any residue of coating oil and eliminate the unpleasant smell.

How do I stop my oven from smelling like burnt?

Keep the interior and accessories of the oven clean

When a bad odour emits from the oven, food residue or plastic may have melted and stuck to the interior. Use the steam clean function and then wipe with dry cloth.

Why is there a weird smell coming from my heating unit?

Unusual scents, such as metallic or chemical odors, could signal potential electrical problems or a malfunctioning furnace component, such as a cracked heat exchanger, which can leak harmful carbon monoxide.

How do I know if I need a new heating element?

The easiest way to check this is to turn the heating element on and inspect the temperature of the air coming out of your heating system. If the air is insufficiently heated, very close to, or at room temperature, there is probably something wrong with the heating element.

What does electrical burning smell like?

While there are many causes, electrical fires can smell like “burning plastic” or “burning rubber” as the plastic insulation surrounding copper wires inside the walls starts to heat and melt, releasing strong unpleasant chemical odors. If the electrical fire progresses, you may begin to smell wood burning as well.

Will a new heating element smell?

The burning plastic smell when you turn on your heater for the first time could be due to dust or debris on the heating elements. It's common after a period of inactivity. The smell should dissipate after a short time.

How long does it take for burnt plastic smell to go away?

After cleaning and neutralizing the odor, it's essential to give the area enough time to air out. Keep windows and doors open to push that burning plastic smell outside, if possible, and allow fresh air to circulate for a few hours or even overnight. This will help ensure that any remaining odor dissipates completely.

Is it normal to smell gas after installing a new stove?

Discovering your new oven smells like gas may catch you off guard, but rest assured that it's sometimes normal for a new oven to give off some odors. While you break in your oven, protective coatings and new parts often release unpleasant smells that usually dissipate after the first few uses.

Why does my new oven element burning smell?

New ovens may have a pungent smell on first use. This is not a fault with the oven and is usual because factory residues may need to be cooked off the elements or hot plates. Before you use your oven for the first time you will need to 'burn off' the 'newness' smell.

Is it safe to cook in a new oven that smells?

Odor and smoke when you turn on an oven for the first time is normal and not harmful. The best way to eliminate the smell is to run an empty cycle. It is recommended that you do not cook any food before this cycle as the smell and, potentially, the taste can stick with your food.

Why is the burning smell not going away in my new oven?

The new oven smell may dissipate after the first few uses. If the odor continues after performing your first empty burn-in cycle, repeat the process once or twice more. When you no longer smell oil or burning, allow the oven to cool and then wipe down the inside with a washcloth.

What to do after replacing an oven element?

Testing the Replacement Element
  1. Restore power to the oven and put the racks back in. ...
  2. Test the new baking coil by setting it to "bake." Turn on the oven and set it to “bake” or “convection,” depending on which element you've replaced, and give it a few minutes to warm up. ...
  3. Watch for smoking.

How to get chemical smell out of oven?

You can use any citrus for this, or a combination, such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits. If you don't have any citrus fruits, you can also pour 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar into an oven-safe bowl and put it in the oven for 20 minutes at the lowest temperature setting to get rid of the oven cleaner smell.

Is it safe to change an oven element yourself?

Most oven heating elements last quite a few years, but just like any other appliance part, eventually they wear out or can break if something falls onto them. No need to panic. Thankfully, replacing your oven's element is a simple repair to make, as you only need a screwdriver.

Why does my oven smell weird?

Ovens can stink sometimes, but depending on the smell, there are some cures for them. This issue is most common with the new ovens. The insulation around the oven cavity is getting exposed to extreme heat for the first time, that is why there is a chemical smell. To fix this problem, you have to “burn in” your oven.

Why do I suddenly smell burnt plastic?

A burning plastic smell in house situation can occur from a number of sources. Faulty wiring or an overheated appliance can have an odor that smells like burning plastic. If it's coming from your HVAC system, it could be from an overheated blower motor -- possibly due to heavy dust buildup or a clogged air filter.

How long does it take to burn off a new oven?

Turn on the fan in the ventilation hood and, if possible, open a few nearby windows. Set the oven to high heat, between 400 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit (204 to 288 degrees Celsius). Let the oven run at this temperature for between 30 minutes and an hour.

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