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Got the Baking Blues? Figure Out Why Your Oven Smells Like It’s Burning

Got the Baking Blues? Figure Out Why Your Oven Smells Like It’s Burning

There’s nothing worse than the aroma of burnt food lingering in the air long after you’ve finished cooking. If you’re experiencing a burning smell coming from your oven, you’re not alone. This common problem can be caused by various factors, many of which can be resolved without professional appliance repair!

Learn how to identify the source of your oven’s burning smell, how to clean the oven, and when to know it’s time for a new range.

Why Does My Oven Smell Like It’s Burning?

It’s important to note that safety should always be your top priority. If you suspect an electrical problem is the source of your burning smell, such as faulty wiring or a malfunctioning heating element, it’s best to turn off and unplug your oven. Then, call for professional repair assistance.

However, if you feel comfortable troubleshooting the issue on your own, here are our top three tips to help you sniff out the source of your oven’s burning smell.

1. Leftover food is burning inside your oven.

Burning smell in your oven? The likeliest culprit is food that has dripped onto the grates or the bottom of your range.

Food debris or grease that has accumulated inside your oven can linger even after several uses. If you can’t seem to locate the burnt food, check the upper heating coils inside your oven where food may have splattered up and stuck.

Once you’ve found the culprit, it’s time to put in a little elbow grease. Clean your oven by carefully wiping the heating elements with a damp rag, or use a cleaning solution designed specifically for ranges. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may damage the oven’s interior, and never clean while the oven is on.

2. Electrical issues may be causing a burning smell.

Electrical issues like wires shorting out or overheating can often smell like something’s burning. However, you may also notice a strong chemical smell. If this is the case, it could be an issue with the oven’s insulation or wiring.

In this case, it’s best to turn the oven off immediately and call a professional for appliance repair. Attempting to fix electrical issues on your own could be dangerous and result in further damage or voiding your oven’s warranty.

3. You could have a malfunctioning oven control panel.

A lot of wiring and technology can go into your oven’s control panel, whether it has a digital interface or a few simple control knobs. In some cases, the burning smell may be caused by a malfunctioning oven control panel.

If the control panel is malfunctioning or shorting out, it may cause the oven to overheat and burn your food, which in turn could be the cause of that burning odor you keep smelling. You may also notice the stovetop is working, but the oven is not, as they may be controlled by separate control panels.

If you suspect your control panel is malfunctioning, set the oven to a specific temperature and let it preheat. Use a kitchen thermometer to test the oven’s internal temperature to confirm whether it’s within range of the temperature you set.

A digital probe thermometer may be the most accurate. Place the probe in the oven, run the wire out the door, and close the door firmly. Check the gauge once your oven has preheated to see if it matches your preheated temperature. Alternatively, use a quick-read thermometer that you can place in the oven after it’s preheated. But keep in mind that opening the door can cause the temperature to fluctuate.

If the temperature in your oven is blowing way past the temperature you set it to cook at, you may need to replace the oven control panel or consider upgrading to a new oven.

Upgrade Your Cooking Game With a New Oven from Rent-A-Center

Your oven is clean and preheats to the right temperature, but you still smell a mysterious burning odor! Stop struggling with outdated appliances, and upgrade your kitchen oven with help from Rent-A-Center.

Rent-A-Center offers a wide selection of ovens and ranges from today’s top brands. Plus, our flexible payment options and free delivery can help you find the perfect oven for your needs without breaking the bank and without using credit. Shop online for ranges from Rent-A-Center, or visit your local store for an associate’s help in finding the right new oven for your home!

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