Last updated on October 18th, 2025 at 01:28 pm
Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time? When you first turn on your new oven, you might notice a plastic smell. This can be a bit scary, but it happens to many people.
The smell comes from the burning of plastics or coatings used when the oven was made. It’s not usually something to worry about. Many have faced this issue with their new oven.
Knowing why your oven smells like plastic can ease your worries. We’ll look into why this happens and tell you it’s normal for new ovens.
Contents
- 1 Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?
- 2 Common Causes of Plastic Smell in New Ovens
- 3 Is the Plastic Smell from a New Oven Dangerous?
- 4 How to Get Rid of Plastic Smell in a New Oven
- 5 When to Contact the Manufacturer or a Professional
- 6 Conclusion: Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 Why does my oven smell like plastic when I first turn it on?
- 7.2 Is the plastic smell from a new oven dangerous?
- 7.3 How can I get rid of the plastic smell in my new oven?
- 7.4 What should I do if the plastic smell persists or is accompanied by smoke?
- 7.5 Can the type of oven I have affect the plastic smell?
- 7.6 How can I minimize the plastic smell when using my oven for the first time?
Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?
It’s common for new ovens to smell like plastic when they’re first used. This smell comes from the burning off of protective coatings and residues from making the oven.
When you first use your oven, the heating elements get very hot. This heat causes the coatings to burn off. This leads to the unpleasant burning plastic smell. But don’t worry, it’s a normal process and doesn’t mean your oven is unsafe.
The table below shows common sources of the plastic smell in new ovens and what to do about them.
| Source of Smell | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Protective Coatings | Coatings on oven components | Run a cleaning cycle or ventilate the area |
| Manufacturing Residues | Residues from the manufacturing process | Wipe down surfaces and run the oven at a high temperature |
Knowing why your oven smells like plastic can ease your worries. By taking the right steps, you can reduce the smell and enjoy cooking in your oven.
Common Causes of Plastic Smell in New Ovens
New ovens sometimes smell like plastic when first used. This can make people worry about their safety and how well they work. Several things in the oven’s making can cause this smell.
The materials used in making the oven are key to the smell. Many new ovens have parts or coatings that release smells when heated. These smells are often like plastic.
The manufacturing process also matters a lot. Ovens are made with many chemicals and materials. When these are heated for the first time, they can smell like plastic. [Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?]
- Protective coatings or films used during shipping
- Plastic or polymer components within the oven
- Insulation materials that release VOCs when heated
Knowing why ovens smell like plastic can ease worries. Even though it’s not nice, it’s usually not dangerous. The smell usually goes away after a few times using the oven.
To cut down on the smell, follow the oven’s first-use guide. This guide often tells you to heat the oven high to get rid of any leftover smells. Also, make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated while doing this.
Is the Plastic Smell from a New Oven Dangerous?
New ovens often smell like plastic when first used, raising health concerns. The smell can be strong and scary. But, in most cases, it’s not a big worry.
The smell comes from the oven’s heating parts and components curing after it’s made. This “burning-in” process is normal and happens in the first few uses. It’s important to follow the maker’s first-use instructions to avoid strong fumes.
So, is the plastic smell dangerous? Let’s look at a few important points:
- The smell is from the oven’s materials breaking down, which is usually not harmful.
- Opening windows to ventilate your kitchen can lessen the smell’s strength.
- Following the maker’s first-use tips can help reduce exposure.
If you’re worried about oven safety or the smell lasts too long, check the user manual. Or, contact the maker. They can tell you if the smell is normal for your oven and how to remove the plastic smell faster.
In short, the plastic smell from a new oven might be annoying, but it’s usually safe. Good ventilation and following the maker’s advice are key to avoiding risks from the smell.
How to Get Rid of Plastic Smell in a New Oven
Getting rid of plastic smell in your oven is easy with a few steps. It depends on your oven type: electric, gas, or convection. Knowing your oven’s specifics is key to the right method.
Electric Ovens
First, ensure good ventilation in your kitchen. Turn your electric oven to its highest setting (450-500°F) and run it for an hour. This “burn-off” method gets rid of the plastic smell.
After burning off, let the oven cool. Then, clean it with water and vinegar. This removes any leftover smell-causing residue.
Gas Ovens
Gas ovens need a different approach. Check your manual for how to remove manufacturing residues. Usually, heat it to 350°F for a couple of hours to dissipate the smell.
Also, wash racks or shelves in soapy water before putting them back. This cleans any plastic packaging residue. [Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?]
Convection Ovens
Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air. They benefit from a “burn-off” like electric ovens. But, always check your manual for specific initial use guidelines.
Running the convection oven at its max setting for 20-30 minutes can remove the plastic smell. Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated.
For all oven types, cleaning after heating is crucial. Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to remove any remaining odors.
| Oven Type | Recommended Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 450-500°F | 1 hour |
| Gas | 350°F | 2 hours |
| Convection | Max Setting | 20-30 minutes |
By following these steps, you can remove the plastic smell from your new oven. This ensures a fresh start for your cooking. [Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?]
When to Contact the Manufacturer or a Professional
Knowing when to call the manufacturer or a pro about your oven’s plastic smell is key for safety. If the smell doesn’t go away after trying to fix it, it’s time to get help.
A strong or lasting plastic smell might mean a bigger problem. If smoke appears or your oven acts up, call the manufacturer or a pro right away. Safety first, and ignoring these signs could cause bigger issues.
- If the plastic smell doesn’t go away after several uses and cleaning.
- If you see damage or wear on the oven’s parts.
- If the oven smokes or doesn’t work right.
When you call the manufacturer or a pro, have your oven details ready. Include the model number and a clear description of the problem. This info helps them help you better.
Your safety is most important. If you’re not sure about the problem or how to fix it, it’s safer to get professional advice. [Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?]
Conclusion: Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?
Figuring out why your new oven smells like plastic can ease your worries. It’s normal for a new oven to have a plastic smell when you first use it. This happens because the oven’s parts and materials heat up.
To get rid of the smell, you can take a few steps. Cleaning your oven regularly and making sure it has good air flow can help. This way, you can enjoy cooking in your oven without the plastic smell bothering you.
If the smell doesn’t go away or you’re still unsure, check the oven’s manual. Or, you can reach out to a professional for help. Knowing how to handle the smell means you can cook safely and enjoy your meals.
See Also: Can You Put a Rubber Cupcake Pan in the Oven?
FAQ
Why does my oven smell like plastic when I first turn it on?
The smell of plastic is often from protective plastics or coatings burning off. This is normal and should go away after a few uses. [Why Does My Oven Smell Like Plastic the First Time?]
Is the plastic smell from a new oven dangerous?
The smell is usually not dangerous, but it’s smart to be careful. Open windows and don’t cook at high heat until the smell fades.
How can I get rid of the plastic smell in my new oven?
To get rid of the smell, make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated. Then, heat your oven to high for a few hours. Cleaning the oven surfaces and racks can also help. The steps might differ based on your oven type.
What should I do if the plastic smell persists or is accompanied by smoke?
If the smell doesn’t go away or you see smoke, reach out to the maker or a pro. They can figure out what’s wrong or guide you next.
Can the type of oven I have affect the plastic smell?
Yes, the smell can vary based on your oven type. Different materials and making methods can cause different smells. For instance, electric ovens might smell differently than gas or convection ones.
How can I minimize the plastic smell when using my oven for the first time?
To lessen the smell, ensure good air flow and follow the maker’s first-use tips. Try heating your oven lightly before cooking to burn off any coatings.
Hi, I’m Leland Benson from Los Angeles. I studied marketing and worked 5 years at LG, selling ovens. From my job, I learned what things are safe to put in ovens. Now, I share simple advice to help you cook safely.