The smell of burning plastic from the oven during cooking, whether it’s a brand-new appliance or one that has been used many times, can be alarming. And this concern is justified, since the smell may not only come from harmless factors related to new equipment, but often also indicates serious malfunctions that require a specialist. In this article, we will outline the main causes of a burning plastic smell and how to solve these problems. Learn more about our range stove and oven repair services:
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Reasons Why the Oven Smells Like Burning Plastic
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The Oven Is New
If you bought a new oven and are using it for the first time, don’t be surprised if there is a strong chance of a burning plastic smell. During operation, factory lubricants, glue, protective coatings, as well as packaging residues start to burn off. High heat can also affect plastic or rubber parts, such as seals and wire insulation. All of these factors can create an unpleasant odor.
Solution
- To get rid of the smell, you need to “burn in” the oven.
- Turn on the empty oven, set it to a high temperature (around 400–430°F or 200-220°С), and let it run for 40–50 minutes.
- Keep the area ventilated during this process. Open the windows and turn on the exhaust fan.
- After 1–2 cycles, the smell should disappear.
Pro Tip:
Before using your oven for the first time, carefully check for any remaining packaging materials, stickers, bits of paper, or plastic fasteners. Even a tiny piece can cause a strong smell when heated.
Defective Cooling Fan
The cooling fan protects the internal parts from overheating. It is installed in all modern ovens. If the fan does not work properly, overheating occurs. This can cause plastic components and other parts to melt. During this process, you may smell something similar to burning plastic.
Solution
- Check the fan for dust and grease buildup; sometimes cleaning is enough.
- If there is no dirt, the problem is in the fan mechanism itself, and most likely it needs to be replaced.
- Since the fan is a critical part of the cooling system, it’s better to leave the repair to professionals who can choose the right original replacement part, install it correctly, and test the oven after replacement.
Pro Tip:
Did you notice the fan vibrating, making too much noise, or not working at all? Don’t delay calling a technician. These are already signs of a malfunction, and the burning plastic smell may indicate that a more serious breakdown is developing.
Burnt Food Residues
Another common reason for a smell similar to melting plastic is leftover grease, food, sugar, or other ingredients (like cheese or sweet sauces) stuck to the oven walls or heating elements. When the oven runs at high temperatures, these residues start to burn and release a sharp odor, which can easily be mistaken for burning plastic.
Solution
- First, clean the oven thoroughly.
- Use mild cleaning products or homemade mixtures such as baking soda + vinegar. These will help remove dirt without harsh chemicals.
- Don’t forget to clean the bottom, racks, and door in addition to the walls.
- After cleaning, turn on the empty oven at high heat for 10–15 minutes. This will help remove any remaining smell.
Chemical Cleaner Using
Very often, store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that produce a strong smell when heated, which can resemble melting plastic. The problem happens when the cleaner isn’t wiped off properly after cleaning and the oven is later turned on at a high temperature.
Solution
- Wipe the oven several times with a clean, damp cloth to remove leftover chemicals.
- Heat the empty oven for 15–20 minutes at a high temperature to burn off any remaining cleaner.
- If the smell persists, switch to more eco-friendly cleaning products.
Pro Tip:
Try to use natural cleaners like lemon, vinegar, or baking soda. They clean effectively and don’t release toxic fumes when heated. This is especially important if you have children or allergy-sensitive people in your home.
Electrical Issues
Electrical malfunctions are probably the most dangerous cause of a burning plastic smell. A short circuit, damaged wiring, or overheating contacts can cause plastic insulation to melt. These situations can even lead to fire, not to mention oven damage.
Solution
- Visually inspect the oven board for damage or burn marks
- Check the power and circuits with a multimeter, if you have one
- For serious breakdowns — we recommend replacing the board completely
Pro Tip:
Working with the control board requires experience and special equipment, so it’s better to trust the repair to professionals.
Repair Cost
| Cooling fan repairing or replacing | $180-$320 |
| Oven cleaning | $210-$310 |
The cost of repairing an oven depends on its brand, the particular model, and the complexity of diagnosing and fixing the problem. If you’re experiencing issues with your stove or oven, our appliance repair Tampa team is ready to help with fast and reliable service.
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If your oven gives off a burning plastic smell, our expert technicians can quickly find the source and fix it safely. We specialize in diagnosing unusual odors, whether they come from wiring, components, or other issues, and making sure your appliance works properly again. Call us or fill out our online form to schedule your repair today.
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6 Comments
Can I use the self-clean function to remove the burnt plastic smell from my oven?
Hi Jessica! You can use the self-clean function, but it’s not the best option for removing a burnt plastic smell. The self-clean cycle heats the oven to extremely high temperatures, which can make the odor even stronger and release more fumes if any plastic residue is still inside. A safer approach is to first manually remove any visible plastic or residue, then ventilate the oven by running it empty at a high temperature (around 400–430°F) for 30–40 minutes with windows open or the exhaust fan on. If the smell persists, it’s best to have a technician inspect the oven to rule out electrical or component issues.
Can a faulty oven heating element cause a plastic smell?
Hi Robert! Yes, the element can overheat or work unevenly, causing plastic parts to melt or food residues to burn. This results in a strong odor similar to burning plastic.
I haven’t used my oven for 6 months due to being away. What should I do before turning it on for the first time to avoid unwanted odors and surprises?
Hi Olivia! Before using the oven after a long period of inactivity, it’s recommended to thoroughly inspect it and perform a basic cleaning. Remove all dust, cobwebs, and any signs of moisture. Then, turn on the empty oven to a high temperature (around 400–430°F / 200–220°C) for 30–50 minutes with the exhaust fan on or windows open for ventilation. This will burn off any lingering odors and prevent unpleasant smells from melted plastic or chemical residues. After that, the oven will be safe to use for cooking.
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