Why Is My Oven Smoking? 6 Common Problems and Solutions

1. Factory Coating

Using a brand-new oven for the first time may lead to unexpected smoke and an unusual smell. This often happens if some packaging materials weren’t completely taken off, or due to leftover residues from production, such as adhesives used during assembly.

How to Fix It

If your new oven gives off a scent similar to burning plastic, let it cool down completely before checking inside for any bits of packaging that may have been missed, and remove them. If you notice more of a greasy or chemical-like odor, it’s likely from factory coatings, adhesives, or new components heating up for the first time. To avoid these smells affecting your meals, use the oven a few times while empty, turn on fans, and open windows to help clear the air.

2. It’s Dirty

If it’s been a while since your oven got a thorough cleaning, built-up grease and leftover food particles are likely to blame for the smoke you’re seeing.

How to Fix It

Giving your oven a thorough cleaning every few months helps stop old food and grease from causing smoke during use. You can run the self-clean cycle if your oven has one (always follow the manual), or use a commercial oven cleaner. For a more hands-on approach, a homemade mix of baking soda and vinegar applied with a damp cloth can also do the trick.

3. Residual Cleaning Solution

Using a commercial oven cleaner might seem like the obvious choice, but these products can sometimes leave behind soapy traces. When the oven heats up, that leftover residue can burn and create smoke.

How to Fix It

Take a look at your oven’s manual to make sure you’re using recommended cleaning products. Once the oven has cooled, go over the interior with a damp cloth to get rid of any leftover cleaner and prevent it from burning the next time you cook.

4. Food Dripping

Even with regular cleaning, it’s common for grease or bits of food to spill over while cooking. When these drips hit the bottom of the oven, they can burn and produce smoke.

How to Fix It

To avoid spills from reaching the oven floor, it helps to prepare in advance. Placing a baking tray, oven liner, or foil beneath your dish can catch any overflow. Just be sure to review your oven’s manual beforehand, since not all materials are safe or effective in every model.

5. Burnt Food

Simple mistakes like missing the timer or placing food improperly in the oven can lead to burning and smoke. Thankfully, these errors are usually easy to correct.

How to Fix It

Be careful not to put your dishes or pans too near the heating element, since it generates the most heat. To prevent burning, follow the guidelines and consider shielding delicate parts of your food with foil.

6. Broken Heating Element

Occasionally, smoke coming from the oven signals a malfunctioning heating element. Over time, especially in older ovens, this component can deteriorate and fail to heat correctly during cooking. If the heating element is faulty, you might notice a buzzing noise as it struggles to work. Food may not cook evenly, and you could see visible damage like burns or warping inside the oven. In gas ovens, excessive pressure in the heating element can also lead to smoke.

How to Fix It

Fixing a faulty heating element isn’t something to tackle on your own. It’s best to reach out to a professional SD Appliance Repair service to get it repaired. Typically, the cost for this kind of oven repair ranges from around $170 to $350.

Signs of a Smoking Oven

If you’re wondering whether your oven is the source of smoke or strange smells in your home, there are a few clear signs to watch for that can help you identify the problem quickly.

• Look inside the oven for any burnt spots or blackened food and grease residue.
• Listen for a buzzing noise, especially if it’s paired with a burning smell—this could mean your oven is malfunctioning.
• Notice any unusual burning odors while the oven is running, as this often points to smoke inside.
• Pay attention if your smoke alarm frequently goes off when you use or open the oven door.

When to Call a Pro

Some common issues, such as thoroughly cleaning your oven, cooking for the right duration, wiping away cleaning products, and preventing spills, can be handled on your own. However, if these steps don’t resolve the problem, and you suspect a mechanical fault like a broken heating element, it’s best to call a professional SD Appliance Repair technician to examine your oven and identify the underlying issue.

How to Prevent an Oven from Smoking

Stopping your oven from producing smoke before it starts can help you avoid hassle and costly repairs. Here are some practical ways to keep your oven smoke-free:

• Keep your oven clean and well-maintained on a regular schedule.
• Use the cleaning methods recommended in your oven’s manual.
• Always stay nearby when the oven is running.
• Avoid cooking food for too long or at too high a temperature.
• Place a tray underneath your dishes to catch drips and spills.
• Consider replacing ovens that are old or malfunctioning.
• When using a new oven, make sure to ventilate your kitchen well during the first few uses.