Why Your Oven Smells When You First Turn It On

If you’ve just switched on your oven and noticed a strange smell, don’t panic — it’s usually completely normal. Whether it’s a burning smell, a slight chemical odour, or even a hint of smoke, there are several common reasons why this happens, especially with new ovens or those that haven’t been used in a while.

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Common Reasons Your Oven Smells

1. Manufacturing Residue Burning Off

Brand new ovens often have a protective coating or residue left from the manufacturing process. When you first heat the oven, this coating burns off, producing a noticeable smell.

• Usually smells slightly chemical or like hot plastic
• May produce a small amount of smoke
• Typically disappears after the first few uses

2. Dust or Packaging Residue

If your oven hasn’t been used for a while, dust or leftover packaging materials can cause a burning smell when heated.

• More common in newly installed or long-unused ovens
• Smell usually fades quickly once burnt away

3. Food Residue or Spills

Old food debris, grease, or spills inside the oven can burn when reheated, producing unpleasant odours.

• Often smells like burnt food
• May create visible smoke
• Can worsen over time if not cleaned

4. Grease Build-Up

Over time, grease can accumulate on oven walls, trays, and heating elements. When heated, this grease burns and produces a strong smell.

• Common in frequently used ovens
• Can cause recurring smells if not cleaned

5. Electrical or Component Issues

In rarer cases, a burning smell could indicate an electrical problem, such as overheating components or damaged wiring.

• Sharp or acrid burning smell
• Persistent and does not fade
• May be accompanied by unusual noises

How to Get Rid of Oven Smells

Run a Burn-In Cycle

For new ovens, running an empty heating cycle helps burn off any factory residue.

Clean the Interior

Wipe down the oven interior, shelves, and door with a suitable cleaner to remove grease and food particles.

Check for Obstructions

Remove any leftover packaging, labels, cardboard inserts, or other items that should not be inside the cavity.

Ventilate Your Kitchen

Open windows or use an extractor hood to help clear any temporary smells more quickly.

You can browse the full CATA single ovens range for current models and features.

When Should You Be Concerned?

• The smell does not go away after several uses
• It smells strongly of burning plastic, rubber, or wiring
• You notice sparks, heavy smoke, or unusual sounds
• The oven stops working properly

In these cases, stop using the appliance and get it checked before using it again.

Final Thoughts

A smelly oven when first turned on is often caused by manufacturing residue, packaging traces, or old food deposits burning away. That first-use smell is usually temporary, but if it seems electrical or does not fade, it should be taken seriously.

For more appliance help and advice, visit the CATA Guides & Advice hub.