As exciting as a new electric range can be, no one anticipates strange smells when using it for the first time. Why does my new electric stove smell bad? Often, the protective coating in the oven’s interior smells during its first use. Determine what’s behind new electric range smells and how to get rid of the odor.
Pinpointing the Source of New Electric Range Smells
Though they may be unpleasant, new electric range smells are often part of the normal initial operation or have a simple solution. We’ll discuss how most odors originate and how to prevent them from lingering.
New Oven Smell
When a new range smells bad during its first use it’s often due to an oily coating on the oven’s interior. This coating is meant to protect the oven’s interior walls during shipping but can emit a burning smell when first exposed to heat. To avoid or reduce this odor, wipe down the oven’s interior with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water before its first use. Regular cleanings of the oven’s interior and the range’s glass top should be part of all electric range maintenance for optimal function.
In other cases, a new electric range smells when the oven’s insulation is exposed to high heat for the first time. The insulation typically consists of fiberglass and is installed around the perimeter of the oven’s cavity. Most manufacturers state that this chemical or burning odor is normal and should dissipate within the oven’s first few use
Plastic Left Inside Oven
When your new electric range smells like burning plastic during its first use it’s likely that plastic packing material was left inside. Like the oily coating on some oven interiors, these materials are meant to protect oven components or secure them during shipping and installation. Before turning your oven on for the first time, thoroughly inspect its interior and exterior and remove all visible packing materials.
Follow these tips to remove protective oven packaging before its first use :
- Take off plastic film : You’re most likely to find this on the range’s knobs and glass top and the oven’s door, control panel or interior walls.
- Remove plastic packing or wraps inside the oven : Often, oven grates will be wrapped or bagged in plastic. The heating elements may also be bagged or wrapped.
- Check for plastic zip ties: If the oven grates aren’t wrapped, they’re typically secured with zip ties. To remove the ties, snip them with scissors, making sure to remove any cut pieces from the base of the oven.
How to Burn-In New Electric Range
Should you run a new oven before use? Yes, running your oven on high heat before using it for cooking can be a helpful way to reduce or prevent odor. Typically referred to as “burning-in” the oven, this process quickly removes the odor that results from interior coatings or new insulation.
Follow these steps to burn-in your oven and reduce new electric range smells :
- Remove all packing materials from the oven.
- Wipe down the oven’s racks and interior with warm, soapy water and a clean cloth.
- Set the oven’s temperature to 450-500℉.
- Once the set temperature is reached, keep the oven on for 30-60 minutes.
- Repeat, as needed, until odor fades.
- When the oven has cooled, wipe down the interior once more with warm, soapy water.
If your electric range smells even after taking these precautions, it may be time for a professional assessment. Contact Fix Appliance Repair for any and all range repair services.
